Yuri Leith Fulmer

Yuri Leith Fulmer
Fulmer in 2024
Born (1974-05-05) May 5, 1974
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
CitizenshipCanadian, Australian
OccupationsEntrepreneur & philanthropist
Political partyBC Conservatives

Yuri Leith Fulmer, OBC (born May 5, 1974) is an Australian-born Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the chair of Fulmer & Company, global chair of United Way Worldwide, and chancellor of Capilano University. Fulmer is a member of the Order of British Columbia (2011)[1] and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).[2]

Early life

Fulmer was born in Perth, Western Australia, to a Canadian father and an Australian mother, holding dual citizenship. He moved to Vancouver in 1992.[3]

Career

Fulmer began his career in the food and hospitality industry in 1997 by acquiring his first A&W Canada restaurant. He later expanded his holdings across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan through Western Restaurants Franchises Inc. In 2005, he acquired Mr. Mikes Steakhouse and Bar, revitalizing and expanding the chain before its eventual sale to Yellow Point Equity Partners in 2010.[4]

In 2010, Fulmer founded Fulmer & Company, focusing on investments across technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods. The company has invested in over 30 businesses, including BBSPro Services Inc.

Philanthropy

Fulmer established the Fulmer Foundation in 2019 to support community-focused initiatives. The foundation has partnered with organizations such as the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. He has also served in leadership roles within United Way of Canada and was appointed global chair of United Way Worldwide in 2024.

Fulmer was installed as chancellor of Capilano University in 2020 and was renewed for a second term in 2023.[5] He has supported Indigenous art initiatives through the BC Achievement Foundation and volunteers with community events such as the Honda Celebration of Light in Vancouver.

Political aspirations

In 2024, Fulmer ran as the Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in the provincial election.[6] He was defeated by Green Party candidate Jeremy Valeriote.[7]

Fulmer has been speculated as a potential candidate in the 2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election.[8][9]

Accolades

  • Canada's Top Forty Under 40, 2008[10]
  • British Columbia Community Achievement Award, 2010[11]
  • Order of British Columbia[1]
  • Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012 for his contribution to Canadian communities[2]
  • The Joseph and Rosalie Community Vision Award, 2014[12]
  • Business in Vancouver Living Legends, 2021[13]
  • 2011 Recipient: Yuri Fulmer – North Vancouver: Order of BC[14]
  • Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist, 2010 - Ernst & Young[15]
  • Chancellor of Capilano University[16]
  • BC500 The Most Influential Business Leaders, Business in Vancouver, 2023[17]

Electoral history

2024 British Columbia general election: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Green Jeremy Valeriote 10,438 38.08 +0.78 $209,825
Conservative Yuri Fulmer 9,762 35.61 New $86,706
New Democratic Jen Ford 7,212 26.31 +1.15 $31,452
Total valid votes 27,412
Total rejected ballots
Turnout
Registered voters
Green notional hold Swing +0.4
Source: Elections BC[18][19][20]

References

  1. ^ a b "2011 Recipient: Yuri Fulmer – North Vancouver : Order of BC". Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  2. ^ a b General, Office of the Secretary to the Governor. "Yuri Fulmer". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  3. ^ Parry, Malcolm (2014-05-28). "Trade Talk: Fulmer chair never stops looking | Vancouver Sun". Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  4. ^ Parry, Malcolm (May 27, 2014). "Trade Talk: Fulmer chair never stops looking". Vancouver Sun.
  5. ^ "Chancellor: Capilano University's fourth chancellor: Yuri Fulmer, OBC". Capilano University. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  6. ^ Seyd, Jane (July 23, 2024). "Yuri Fulmer nominated for Conservatives in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky". North Shore News. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  7. ^ Culbert, Lori (October 19, 2024). "B.C. Election Results: North Van votes NDP, while West Van goes Green and blue". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  8. ^ Canseco, Mario (2025-11-13). "British Columbians Assess Options for BC Conservatives". Research Co. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  9. ^ Canseco, Mario (November 13, 2025). "Mario Canseco: BC Conservatives stuck searching for a leader who can win, poll shows". North Shore News. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  10. ^ "Canada's Top 40 Under 40 - Honourees 2007". www.canadastop40under40.com. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  11. ^ "British Columbia Achievement Foundation". www.bcachievement.com. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  12. ^ "Yuri Fulmer honoured at 2014 United Way Pathfinders Dinner". United Way. 2014-10-29. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  13. ^ Fern, Adriano; es. "Living Legends". BIV BC 500. Retrieved 2022-04-25.
  14. ^ "2011 Order of British Columbia". BC Gov. October 4, 2011.
  15. ^ "Ernst & Young celebrates Pacific finalists for Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010". newswire.ca.
  16. ^ "Chancellor - Capilano University". www.capilanou.ca. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  17. ^ "The Most Influential Business Leaders, Business in Vancouver, 2023". Business In Vancouver. 3 November 2023.
  18. ^ "- Event Night Reporting". Elections BC. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  19. ^ https://globalnews.ca/news/10779144/bc-election-2024-results-west-vancouver-sea-to-sky/
  20. ^ Barrett, Brandon (31 January 2025). "Here's what the Sea to Sky's B.C. election candidates spent in their campaign bids". North Shore News. Retrieved 31 January 2025.