The Retail Council of Canada was founded in 1963. It is a Canadian not-for-profit association representing more than 45,000 stores of all retail formats, including independent merchants, regional and national mass and specialty chains, and online merchants. It strives to be the voice of the retail industry "to advance, promote and protect the interests of our members through effective advocacy, communications and education."
Chair - Anna Martini, President, Groupe Dynamite Inc. (Canada)
Vice-Chair - Grant Froese, Chief Operating Officer, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Treasurer - Peter Higgins, President & Chocolate Scientist, Purdys Chocolatier
President & CEO, Diane J. Brisebois
Alain Baird - President & CEO, The Stitch It Group Inc.
Wendy Bennison - President, Kit and Ace
Jim Caldwell- Executive Vice-President, Big Box Retail Lowe's Canada
Grant Froese- Chief Operating Officer, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Bob Hakeem- Chief Operations Officer, Walmart Canada
Peter Higgins- President & Chocolate Scientist, Purdys Chocolatier
Bob Ianson- Co-Owner, Heirloom Linens
Raj Kapahi- Chief Operating Officer, Wicker Emporium Ltd.
Anna Martini- President, Group Dynamite Inc.
Linda Maslechko - President & CEO. Triple Flip Inc.
Steve Matyas- President, Staples Canada, Inc.
Sylvain Toutant - President & CEO, Davids Tea Inc.
Ron Wilson- President & Chief Operating Officer, Best Buy Canada Ltd.
Steve Winter- President, Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation
The Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award recognizes a retail leader that has led his/her company to outstanding business success and innovation and that has consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The recipient is seen as a role model because of his/her exceptional leadership within the corporation, in the retail industry in Canada and in the community at large, through personal and/or corporate philanthropic activities. While years of service within the company are not a prerequisite, the individual's term as chief executive officer must commensurate with the company's outstanding success. The individual must be widely respected throughout the industry for his/her achievements and the corporation he/she represents must be seen as a leader in the business community.
2013-Stephen Wetmore, Canadian Tire Corporation
2012-Brian Hill, Aritzia
2011-Heather Reisman, Indigo Books & Music
2010-Steve Matyas, Staples Canada
2009-Louise Wendling, Costco Wholesale Canada Limited
2008-Laurence Lewin, La Senza Corporation
2007-Mario Pilozzi, Wal-Mart Canada
2006-Edward Kennedy, The North West Company
2005-Annette Verschuren, Home Depot Canada
2004-Wayne Sales, Canadian Tire Corporation
2003-Wynne Powell, London Drugs
2002-David Margolis, Winners Merchants Inc.
2001-John Forzani, The Forzani Group Ltd.
2000-Dave Ferguson, Wal-Mart Canada
1999-Paul S. Walters, Sears Canada Inc.
1998-Stephen Bachand, Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd.
1997-Richard Currie, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
1996-David Bloom, Shoppers Drug Mart
1995-Allister Graham, Oshawa Group
1994-Donald Beaumont, Kmart Canada
1993-George Ross Eaton, The T. Eaton Company
1992-David Sobey, Sobeys Inc.
1991-Harvey Webber, The Smart Shop
1990-Dick Sharpe, Sears Canada Inc.
1989-Tom Bata, Bata Retail
1988-Walter Hachborn, Home Hardware
1987-Ray Wolfe, Oshawa Group
1986-Murray Koffler, Shoppers Drug Mart
1985-Abe Calp, Calps New Brunswick
1984-Ed Mirvish, Honest Ed's
1983 (Shared)-Jack Barrow, Sears Canada Inc.
1983 (Shared)-Tom Bolton, Dominion Stores
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a senior executive with a minimum of 25 consecutive years of retail service who has demonstrated outstanding business success and community service throughout his/her career.
2013-(Not Awarded)
2012-Bill McEwan, Sobeys Inc.
2011-(Not Awarded)
2010-Gordon Reid, Giant Tiger Stores Ltd.
2009-Réjean Dionne, Le Groupe Aldo Inc.
2008-Dr. William H. Comrie, The Brick Warehouse Corporation
2007-Walter J. Hachborn, Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
2006-Herschel Segal, Le Château Inc.
2005-Richard Currie, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
2004-(Not Awarded)
2003-Thomas J. and Sonja I. Bata, Bata Shoe Organization
2002-(Not Awarded)
2001-Harry Rosen, Harry Rosen Inc.
2000-Aldo Bensadoun, The Aldo Group
1999-Ed Mirvish, Honest Ed's
Canadian Retail Hall of Fame
Corporate & Social Responsibility
E-Commerce
Energy & Environmental Sustainability
Health, Safety & Wellness
In-Store
Merchandising
Loss Prevention
Marketing & Communications
Store Design
Talent Development
Technology
