Count on Me
Subtitle TBD
By Peter J. Bissonnette
What do you do when your parents don’t believe in you? You prove them wrong, of course.
This is the captivating life story of Peter J. Bissonnette, a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings to become the president of Shaw Communications Inc. Follow Peter’s journey of personal growth and career success, set against the backdrop of Canada's ever-changing media landscape.
Experience a remarkable life filled with personal triumphs and tragedies, successes and setbacks, laughter and love. This is more than a typical business memoir — it’s a story of resilience and the power of the human spirit.
Discover how Peter's values and faith shaped his leadership style and his commitment to community and family. His unwavering belief in the power of hard work, integrity, and collaboration will inspire you to achieve your own goals, both personally and professionally.
This story is full of colourful characters, from industry giants to everyday people who crossed paths with Peter, all of them leaving an indelible mark on his life. Count on Me offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of the telecommunications industry, as well as the personal relationships that fuelled Peter’s success.
Enjoy Peter’s unique sense of humour and his ability to find joy and meaning in even the most challenging situations. His anecdotes and reflections will stay with you long after you finish reading this book.
I didn’t know, as a small child locked in a dark closet, that I’d become a leader one day. But I found my strengths, I found my purpose, I chased my dreams. I learned that it was possible to count on me. None of us is perfect. I have forgiven my mother. I wouldn’t be the person I am if it weren’t for her.
— PETER J. BISSONNETTE, Count on Me
About Peter
Peter began his thirty-five years with Shaw Communications Inc. in 1989, as vice president operations. He progressed to the role of president in 2001, a position he held until his retirement in 2015. He remained on the board until Shaw's sale to Rogers in 2023.
As a child, Peter was an army brat moving from place to place. He attended a Catholic boarding school in England and for a time considered pursuing a life in the clergy. Instead he joined the Navy and later the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he discovered his aptitude for electronics and radar technology.
Always seeking new opportunities and growth, Peter left a poorly paid role at Northern Radio in Ottawa with just $50 in his wallet, and headed to Vancouver on a Greyhound bus. There he found work with BC Tel, where he worked for twelve years, climbing the ranks, gaining a reputation for operational excellence, and attracting the attention of big telecom leaders like the Mcdonalds, Ted Rogers and ultimately, JR Shaw.
Peter is an avid musician, with his own recording studio and an impressive collection of guitars. He is also a talented photographer, a subject he majored in at college.
Today, Peter spends his time between Calgary, Kelowna and Rancho Mirage, with his wife, Tracy and their much loved wieners, Winnie and Frankie.
Time may be an illusion, but we are all caught in its mirage. As we move eternally forward in this magnetic linear fashion, we can reflect and identify the true recipe for happiness. Hindsight is an opportunity to share which ingredients have proved to work—those that added flavour to life.
— PETER J. BISSONNETTE, Count on Me
"It motivates Peter to see others succeed. But boy, he’s smart. Like holy shit, how he dealt with the unions or dealing with certain people or certain situations… We had a lot of things (at Shaw) come up dealing with programming and our customers and he was always on it. He wouldn’t wait a second. It made me make sure I don’t leave things—that I get on top of it."
BRAD SHAW
DIRECTOR, ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL
“Peter was—and still is—thoughtful, wicked smart, and a man of the people. Everybody in the company loved Peter. I relied on Peter for advice and guidance. Peter embodied Shaw’s values and was, in many ways, our moral compass. A team player, a great colleague, and my friend. He’s smart, thoughtful, and remains fiercely loyal to the Shaw family and the company.”
MICHAEL D'AVELLA
DIRECTOR, CANWEST
In the Media
Coming mid-2025 in ebook, paperback, and audiobook
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