VANCOUVER, B.C. October 27, 2025— Co-Chairs of the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame, Shelina Esmail and Robin Dhir, alongside JA British Columbia (JABC), are proud to announce the 2026 Laureate Inductees into the BLBC Hall of Fame. The 2026 Laureate Inductees are:  

  • Dr. Julia Levy, O.C., PhD (1934–2024), Former CEO, QLT; UBC Professor Emeritus 
  • Bob Gaglardi, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Northland Properties  
  • Jake Kerr, C.M., O.B.C., LL.D., Chair, Mosaic Forest Management  

Each year, Laureates are formally welcomed into the BLBC Hall of Fame at the Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies. This year’s event will take place on June 8, 2026, and is proudly presented by Fasken and RBC. For the fifth year, it will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, home of the BLBC Hall of Fame.    

Co-Chair Shelina Esmail stated, “This year’s inductees have each helped shape British Columbia through their leadership, innovation, and dedication to community. Their contributions continue to strengthen our province and inspire future generations.” Co-Chair Robin Dhir added, “We are honoured to recognize leaders whose influence extends far beyond their industries. Their achievements and values serve as a powerful example for young people across B.C.” 

Laureate nominations are open to the public, ensuring that B.C.’s diverse business community is fully represented. The nomination process, overseen by Laureate Selection Sponsor PFM Executive Search, considers candidates with outstanding business achievements and enduring contributions to the province and country. A diverse group of past Hall of Fame Inductees and business leaders, including John Anderson, Dr. Allen Eaves, Debra Doucette, Nancy Stibbard, Anthony Von Mandl, Peter Gustavson, and Tamara Vrooman, helped guide the selection process. 

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the BLBC Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremonies will welcome more than 900 guests and feature a reception, dinner, Laureate tribute videos, special guest speakers, and presentations by JABC students. All net proceeds from the BLBC Hall of Fame Gala will support the efforts of JABC in delivering work readiness, financial health and entrepreneurship programs to youth in urban, rural and Indigenous communities across the province.    Learn more about the 2026 Hall of Fame Gala

About the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame    

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame (BLBC) was created by JABC in 2005 to honour the lifetime achievements of outstanding B.C. business leaders whose efforts have shaped our province and country. Nominations are open to the public to ensure B.C.’s diverse business community is represented, and the broadest group of nominees is put forward. Laureates have demonstrated vision, leadership, integrity and legacy throughout their lifetime, and the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the positive legacy they leave behind for future generations of business leaders.  For more information visit  businesslaureatesbc.jabc.ca  

About JA British Columbia     

JA British Columbia (JABC) is a not-for-profit impact organization that delivers free hands-on, immersive education in work readiness, financial health, and entrepreneurship. Reaching thousands of young people each year through partnerships with educators, volunteers, and donors, JABC is one of the few organizations with the experience and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.   

Commemorating 70 years, JABC has served B.C. youth, including Indigenous communities, people of colour, and at-risk populations. JABC’s real-world training helps young people develop the skills to build successful careers, prepare for the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, and learn to thrive financially. Through JA, young people are equipped with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.   

JABC is a proud member of JA Canada and JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest and most impactful NGOs. Learn more at jabc.org   

Contacts  

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact:  Delreen Motiwalla, Vice President, Development at D.Motiwalla@nulljabc.org 

For media inquiries, please contact:  news@nulljabc.org