Go to main content

ARLENE DICKINSON AND JIM TRELIVING HELP STRUGGLING COMPANIES GET BACK ON TRACK IN THE BIG DECISION THE BIG DECISION Premieres Monday, March 12 at 9 p.m. on CBC Television

In the wake of a destructive recession, companies across the country have been faced with big challenges. A high dollar, a volatile economy and a severe credit crunch have left business owners struggling to keep their companies and their futures afloat. Now, entrepreneurial icons Jim Treliving and Arlene Dickinson want to help. Beginning Monday, March 12 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT), Jim and Arlene will roll up their sleeves, and put their expertise to work in the new CBC Television series, THE BIG DECISION.

Each one-hour episode of THE BIG DECISION profiles two Canadian businesses desperately in need of expert advice and a cash injection. If the companies can rise to the challenge of changing their ways, they could be given a life-changing investment from one of the two most revered business leaders in the country. With the banks calling in their loans and financiers tightening their wallets, Jim and Arlene are their last hope. Each week, either Jim or Arlene will lend their expertise to the businesses, and must decide whether they’ll invest in one, neither or both of the companies vying for their cash.

Franchise giant Jim Treliving is one of Canada’s most respected businessmen. Best-known as the chairman and owner of Boston Pizza, Jim’s billion dollar empire also includes investments in real estate, sports and Canadian oil change retailer Mr. Lube. Arlene Dickinson is one of Canada’s most-renowned marketing communications entrepreneurs. As the CEO and owner of Venture Communications,  she continues to be one of the country’s most powerful business leaders.

No hand-outs. No charity.The stakes are high. This is THE BIG DECISION.

Please visit cbc.ca/thebigdecision or follow us on Twitter: @thebigdecision.

 

About CBC/Radio-Canada
  CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English,  French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada is celebrating 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For more information, please contact:
  Renee Weekes, Veritas Communications
  weekes@veritascanada.com
  416-640-4155 / 416-894-7209

Discover

October 27th at 15:49

CBC Announces New Ad-Free CBC Kids Streaming Channel, Now Available on CBC Gem and CBC Kids YouTube

CBC today announced the launch of a new 24/7 commercial-free CBC Kids streaming channel, available now to stream on CBC Gem and the CBC Kids YouTube channel. 
October 27th at 9:00

New to CBC Gem in November 2025

CBC’s fall premieres continue with THE ASSEMBLY (Nov. 6, also on CBC TV), featuring authentic conversations between autistic interviewers and Canadian celebrities, and Season 2 of POV documentary series FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS (Nov. 28 on CBC Gem)
October 23rd at 11:59

Nothing Is Off the Table in CBC’s New Unscripted Series The Assembly, Premiering November 6 on CBC and CBC Gem

CBC today announced the six celebrities who will be in the hot seat in the new unscripted series THE ASSEMBLY.
October 20th at 11:41

CBC Expands FAST Portfolio with New Schitt’s Creek Channel, Now Streaming on CBC Gem in Canada

CBC today announced the expansion of its free ad-supported streaming portfolio with the launch of a new Schitt’s Creek channel, featuring all six seasons of the multiple Emmy Award-winning CBC original comedy series plus one-hour finale special Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell. 
September 24th at 12:43

New to CBC Gem in October 2025

CBC’s fall premieres continue with new factual series LOCALS WELCOME (Oct. 5) hosted by food writer Suresh Doss, and new seasons of HEARTLAND (Oct. 5), THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (Oct. 5), MURDOCH MYSTERIES (Oct. 6), FAMILY FEUD CANADA (Oct. 6), and THE FIFTH ESTATE (Oct. 10)