“You’ll never amount to anything.”
As a child, Peter J. Bissonnette heard these words—and made it his mission to prove them wrong.
In Count on Me: My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as Former President of Shaw Communications, Peter shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Canada’s most respected business leaders.
From an English boarding school to military service, from seminary life to the fashion world of Vancouver, Peter’s path was anything but conventional. But it was in the high-stakes world of telecommunications where his relentless determination, sharp instincts, and unwavering faith propelled him to the top.
With candor and insight, Peter reflects on the leadership lessons that defined his career, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped his personal and professional life. From navigating complex boardroom deals to working alongside industry titans like JR Shaw and Ted Rogers, he offers a rare, insider’s look at the evolution of Canadian telecommunications.
But Count on Me is more than a corporate success story. It’s a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of perseverance. In this compelling memoir, Peter reminds us that our beginnings do not define our destiny—and that with faith, grit, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.
Peter Bissonnette began his thirty-five years with Shaw Communications Inc. in 1989, as vice president operations. He became presidentin 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 low-paying job at Northern Radio in Ottawa with just fifty dollars in his wallet, and headed to Vancouver on a Greyhound bus. In Vancouver 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 and later pursued, photographing models and weddings. Today, Peter spends his time between Calgary, Kelowna, and Rancho Mirage with his wife Tracy and their much-loved wieners, Winnie and Frankie.
Originally from the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, Lucy Lynskey has a bachelor's degree in screenwriting from Solent University.She has worked in Calgary, Alberta, as a commercial writer/director/producer for both Shaw Communications Inc. and Corus Entertainment, at Global Calgary.She has been an English language teacher, a sales coordinator, and a project manager for high-profile events in Quebec City. In England, she worked as a feature-film writer, freelance journalist, legal secretary, and a Sailor Jerry-promoting bartender.Lucy lives in Maple Bay on Vancouver Island with her husband and two children.
