When Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) permanently closed its doors last year, it not only marked the end of a significant retail entity but also left a question hanging in the air: which company can now claim the title of Canada's oldest business? This week, the defunct retailer would have celebrated its 356th birthday, dating back to its royal charter established on May 2, 1670. The unique role HBC played in Canadian history has contributed to a rich archive that chronicles its journey over the centuries, yet identifying the successor for the title of the oldest company in Canada is far from straightforward.

There are very few businesses from the 17th century that have managed to endure. Many of the contenders for this title, established well after HBC, come with convoluted histories marked by mergers, closures, and revivals. Historian Dimitry Anastakis from the University of Toronto, along with researcher Joanne Archibald, has been investigating this topic, emphasizing that the definitions and criteria for being considered "oldest" are quite ambiguous.

The complexities arise in various scenarios, such as whether a company that closed and later reopened should still be eligible, or if a merger allows the new entity to claim the founding year of its predecessor. Moreover, if a company operates in Canada but is owned by a U.S. parent firm, the question of its eligibility becomes contentious.

A promising starting point for contenders is the North West Company (NWC), which was once HBC's biggest rival. Though currently not in the fur trade business, NWC has roots tracing back to 1779 in Montreal and operates various stores today. Despite its historical significance, NWC's eligibility is complicated by its merger with HBC in 1821 and its subsequent re-establishment in the 1990s. Some may argue that if it reemerged after a merger, it should not claim the title of being the oldest company.

Michael Dove, a public history director at the University of Western Ontario, points out that the Halifax Gazette, established in 1752, is another contender. However, it may be disqualified as it no longer functions in its original capacity, now existing as the Royal Gazette under government control.

Various breweries, like Molson Coors, with origins dating back to 1786, also arise in the discussion. Despite its popularity and international recognition, it merged with a U.S. company in 2005, complicating its Canadian identity. Similarly, the Split Crow bar in Halifax has claimed to be Nova Scotia's original tavern, but its current manifestation opened in 1979.

In contrast, HBC's history is exceptionally well-documented, supported by a vast archive that details its extensive trading operations and influence over Canadian territories, Indigenous relations, and the development of department stores. This comprehensive record includes over 1,500 linear meters of textual records housed in the Archives of Manitoba. These details tell the story of a company that once controlled 40% of modern Canada.

The company's founding charter plays a significant role in cementing its claim as Canada's oldest company. This 1670 royal charter was a crucial document that legitimized the firm's operations. After years of ownership, HBC sold the charter for $18 million last year to manage its debts, with plans for its display shared across various public institutions.

The investigation into the oldest company is further complicated by the lack of similar well-preserved records among other businesses. Many businesses, even those that could stake a claim, often struggle to maintain adequate archives, resulting in incomplete histories and untraceable legacies.

When approached for clarity, the federal government department overseeing Canadian businesses deferred to the Library and Archives of Canada. Their research identified a mixture of potential oldest contenders, including fisheries and breweries, with the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph emerging as one of the oldest established newspapers in Canada. Founded on June 21, 1764, as the Quebec Gazette by William Brown and Thomas Gilmore, the paper underwent numerous transformations, ceasing publication multiple times before its current incarnation as a community paper.

The title of the oldest company is not merely an accolade; it symbolizes resilience and endurance through changing times—an element that enhances credibility among consumers. However, the tale of Hudson's Bay Company serves as a poignant reminder that even the most storied histories are not immune to the challenges of modern business landscapes, as evidenced by the struggles faced by the newspaper industry in adapting to a digital world. As the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph continues its journey, it remains uncertain what the future holds for any contenders of this prestigious title.