Martha Billes
Born in 1940 in Toronto, Ontario, Martha Billes has built a legacy defined by perseverance, purpose, and a fearless approach to breaking barriers. As the only daughter of A.J. Billes, co-founder of Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), Martha inherited a connection to one of Canada’s most iconic companies—but nothing about her path was preordained. With grit and conviction, she forged her own way through the boardroom and beyond, changing not just the course of a company, but the lives of countless Canadians.
After graduating from the University of Toronto Macdonald Institute (now part of the University of Guelph) in 1963, Martha applied her education with precision and practicality. Early career roles with Lever Brothers and the Ontario Research Foundation, followed by a period of teaching in Toronto and Ottawa, laid the groundwork for what would become a formidable leadership journey.
In 1980, she joined the Canadian Tire Board of Directors—an unprecedented move at a time when women were nearly absent from corporate leadership. Over the next several years, Martha navigated family dynamics and corporate politics with relentless determination. By 1997, she had become the company’s controlling shareholder, reshaping the future of CTC with bold strategy and unwavering resolve.
Martha brought that same intensity to her commitment to sport and community. A lifelong believer in the power of play to build confidence and connection, she co-founded Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities in 2005. Her vision: eliminate financial barriers so all children—regardless of income or background—could access the life-changing benefits of sport.
In 2015, always thinking forward, Martha convened top Canadian voices in women’s sport. Their insights led to Jumpstart’s Girls in Sport initiative—ensuring half of the charity’s community investments benefit girls and young women. Martha’s vision extended to CTC, where she influenced the introduction of the Women’s Sport Initiative (WSI), a commitment to direct at least 50% of sports sponsorship dollars to women’s professional sports. The WSI has since established foundational partnerships with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and Northern Super League (NSL).
Martha also championed accessible sport. In 2017, together with Canadian Tire Dealers across Canada, she championed the creation of Jumpstart’s Inclusive Playgrounds. Inclusive Playgrounds are one important facet of Jumpstart’s overall Inclusive Play Program, which focuses on building universally accessible recreation spaces in Canadian communities, investing in grassroots Para sport, and providing inclusive training for coaches and youth leaders.
In 2017, Martha was named the ninth Chancellor of the University of Guelph, becoming the first alumna to hold the position. In 2020, Martha was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her trailblazing contributions to Canadian business and philanthropy. In 2025, Martha was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, receiving Canada’s highest Sporting Honour, The Order of Sport, for her extensive work advancing sport in Canada.
Martha Billes’ story is one of tenacity and transformation. Whether revolutionizing a national retailer or opening the door to sport for the next generation, she has never wavered in her belief that meaningful change requires bold action. Her legacy continues to grow—not just in business, but in the communities she’s empowered along the way.
