Toronto Blue Jays receive prestigious award from Empire Club of Canada
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays have been named recipients of the Empire Club of Canada’s 2025 Nation Builder Award, recognizing the organization’s profound influence on Canadian culture, community, and national pride.
Announcing the honor, the Empire Club of Canada cited the Toronto Blue Jays’ enduring role as a unifying force across the country.
For nearly 50 years, the team has stood at the forefront of Canadian baseball, with its recent World Series run bringing fans together from coast to coast to coast.
“For five decades, the Toronto Blue Jays have represented the pinnacle of Canadian baseball,” said Saurabh Popat, Board Chair of the Empire Club of Canada. “Their journey has connected communities nationwide and reflects the strength and diversity of our country. Their story goes beyond the game—it’s about teamwork, collective leadership, perseverance, shared values, and the unforgettable moments that unite Canadians.”
Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Blue Jays, accepted the award on behalf of the organization, calling it a meaningful recognition of the team’s national role.
“It’s an honour to receive this award on behalf of the Toronto Blue Jays,” said Shapiro. “Our entire organization is proud to represent Canada. Seeing the country rally behind Canada’s team in 2025 has been incredibly inspiring and motivates us to continue building momentum as we pursue bringing World Series championships back to Canada.”
The Toronto Blue Jays have been a national institution for 50 years
Founded in 1977, the Blue Jays have grown into a cornerstone of Canadian sport. In 2000, Rogers Communications acquired the team, ensuring it would remain firmly rooted in Canada.
Since then, Rogers has invested $8 billion in the franchise, supporting a best-in-class fan experience, expanding community initiatives, and strengthening the team’s connection with Canadians nationwide.
“As the proud owner of Canada’s team, it’s been remarkable to witness the power of sport to unite an entire country,” said Edward Rogers, Chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Executive Chair of Rogers.
Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, echoed that sentiment. “Owning the Blue Jays is about more than baseball—it’s about investing in a national institution that brings Canadians together.”
Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, echoed that sentiment. “Owning the Blue Jays is about more than baseball—it’s about investing in a national institution that brings Canadians together.”
The Nation Builder Award is presented annually by the Empire Club of Canada to a leader, organization, or group whose contributions have had a lasting and meaningful impact on the nation.
Past recipients include Prem Watsa, Wes Hall, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Chief Perry Bellegarde, Canada’s frontline health workers, and Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors.
Founded in 1903, the Empire Club of Canada is the country’s most recognized speakers’ forum, offering an independent platform for leaders in business, politics, and civil society to engage in thoughtful dialogue on issues of national and global importance.
Over its history, the Club has hosted more than 3,500 events, featuring speakers such as Winston Churchill, Indira Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, and Bill Gates, all in service of its mission to connect people to ideas and help shape Canada’s future.
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