Music News

Justin Time founder and president Jim West appointed to Order of Canada

By Adam Feibel 2022/07/25

Jim West

Jim West, founder and president of the Montreal-based record label Justin Time Records, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

West was one of 85 new appointments for the month of June. He was recognized “for his contributions to the Canadian recording industry and for supporting and championing our country’s talent.”

West began his career in the 1970s working as a road manager for Mahogany Rush. He founded Justin Time Records in 1983 after hearing pianist Oliver Jones performing at a Montreal jazz club.

Over the last 39 years, Justin Time has become home not only to Jones but several other Canadian jazz legends including Ranee Lee, Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson, Rob McConnell and David Clayton-Thomas, along with hundreds of other recordings.

Throughout his career, West has been a keen promoter of jazz in Canada as well as a champion of Canadian arts and culture more broadly.

The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours. To date, more than 7,600 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order of Canada.

“The Order of Canada celebrates the lives, endeavours and successes of people from coast to coast to coast and from all walks of life,” Governor General Mary Simon said in a statement. “Those being appointed today come from a variety of sectors, have achieved national and international success, and have shown ingenuity, innovation and generosity. What’s more, they have made a difference in their communities and for Canada with their outstanding dedication and commitment. Congratulations to the new Order of Canada appointees, as well as those celebrating a promotion within the Order.”

West and the other new appointees will be presented with their insignia at future investiture ceremonies.