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

2 days ago

New to CBC Gem in June

In June, new titles join the Indigenous Stories Collection, including documentary Channel Original Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, from Shane Belcourt and Tanya Talaga, and roundtable series Rematriate the Lens; and the Watch With Pride Collection, including CBC Arts' interview series Here & Queer. 
May 13th at 6:55

The Tragically Hip to release live album and CBC to air The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration Concert in full

Relive the night Canada stood still for the live broadcast of The Tragically Hip’s 2016 Man Machine Poem Kingston show, re-broadcasting and streaming commercial-free on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. local time on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio and CBC Music’s YouTube page.
May 4th at 11:05

Son of a Critch Gets Ready to Graduate as Cameras Roll on the Final Season of the Coming-of-Age Comedy

As production begins on Season 5 of Son of a Critch (12x30), co-creator, executive producer and star Mark Critch announced today that the upcoming season will be the series’ last.
April 23rd at 11:29

CBC and BBC Northern Ireland Greenlight New Romantic Comedy Series Committed, Starring Dustin Milligan and Diona Doherty

CBC and BBC Northern Ireland today announced the greenlight of new original comedy series Committed (10x30), starring Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek, Hot Frosty) and Diona Doherty (Derry Girls, Blue Lights).
April 21st at 10:40

New to CBC Gem in May 2026

Highlights of programs new to CBC Gem this May include the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Andrew Phung on May 31; the Asian Heritage Month Collection featuring documentary series Our Ocean Table (May 1) with journalist Hannah Sung and marine biologist and filmmaker Sonya Lee; and new CBC Kids original series Tralala (May 19), following the musical adventures of a seven-year-old frog and her dad.