Count on Me: My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as Former President of Shaw Communications

“You’ll never amount to anything.”

As a child, Peter J. Bissonnette heard those 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 recounts his extraordinary 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 Vancouver’s fashion industry, Peter’s path was anything but conventional. Yet it was in the fast-moving world of telecommunications where his relentless determination, sharp instincts, and unwavering faith propelled him to the top.

With candor and insight, Peter shares the leadership lessons that defined his career, the challenges he overcame, and the pivotal moments that shaped both his personal and professional life. From navigating complex boardroom negotiations to working alongside industry titans like JR Shaw and Ted Rogers, he offers a rare insider’s perspective on the evolution of Canadian telecommunications.

But Count on Me is more than the story of a successful career. It is a powerful testament to resilience, personal growth, and the enduring value of perseverance. Peter’s story is a reminder that our beginnings do not determine our future—and that with faith, grit, and a willingness to keep learning, extraordinary things are possible.

Peter Bissonnette began his thirty-five years with Shaw Communications Inc. in 1989, as vice president operations. He became 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 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.