JA Canada™ honours the memory and legacy of an inspiring advocate for youth education, entrepreneurship and economic development – Thomas J. Bata.

Mr. Bata along with Mrs. Sonja Bata are renowned for their involvement and support of Junior Achievement in Canada and abroad. A consummate business man, philanthropist and mentor, Thomas was recognized for his life achievements as an Inductee into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 1991. Most recently, he was given Companion honours with the Order of the Business Hall of Fame.

Mr. Bata is survived by his beloved wife Sonja, son Thomas George who is the present CEO and Chairman of the Bata Shoe Organization, with wife Sarah; daughters, Christine with husband Peter Schmidt, Monica with husband Regis Pignal and Rosemarie; and grandchildren, Thomas Archer, Charlotte, Peter, Alexandra with husband Galen Weston, Victor, Charles, Stanley, Francesca and Madeleine; and extended family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a permanent memorial fund in his name – the Thomas Bata JA Memorial Fund. Please contact Claudia Bishop at Junior Achievement of Canada, 1 Eva Road, Suite 218, Toronto, Ontario M9C 4Z5, 416-622-4602 ext. 225.