Toronto – January 14, 2026 …. Brian Bradley, Chair of Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), Ron Welke, President and CEO, and the CFIG Board of Directors are pleased to announce the following life member designations:
Independent Grocer: Doug Lovsin, Freson Bros., Stoney Plain, Alta.
Industry Builder: Jamie Nelson of Pattison Food Group in Langley, B.C.
Life Partners: Linda & Brooke Kynoch, Safety Mart Foods, Chase, B.C., and Scotch Creek Market, Scotch Creek, B.C.
At Grocery Innovations Canada in Toronto last October, CFIG awarded Life Member status to these four long-time supporters from Western Canada.
At the young age of 22, Doug was running his first store, in Hanna, Alberta, a town of about 3,000 people. Asked about managing a small store in a small town, Doug says, “There’s nothing better. Everybody knows you, you’re part of everything, from the Christmas parade, to a hockey tournament to a rodeo.”
Jamie Nelson’s journey from part-time clerk in Mission, B.C., to President of the Pattison Food Group is a story of vision, perseverance, and people-first leadership. Jamie got his start at the local Mission Overwaitea Foods store. At just 17 years old, he discovered a simple truth – it’s all about the customer. That commitment to service still drives him today.
For Linda and Brooke Kynoch, the most rewarding part of their work as grocers has always been the people, say the couple— it truly is a people business. “We hope to leave a legacy as a business that truly supported its community. We want to be remembered as grocers who cared — about people, about relationships, and about doing the right thing,” says Linda.
All four life members will be celebrated at the gala dinner on April 21, at Grocery & Specialty Food West, the largest grocery exhibition and conference in Western Canada. To get your tickets register at www.GSFShow.com
© 2024 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
