When Jennifer Bishop first stepped onto a tennis court, she never imagined her passion for the sport would guide her to becoming a lifelong leader in Canada’s sports community. This year, Bishop joins the Canada Games Hall of Honour, in celebration of her accomplishments off the court, in the Distinguished Alumni category. This award recognizes her achievements in the field of law, advocacy for gender equality in sport, and community development.

Born in Newfoundland and Labrador, Bishop competed in the Saint John 1985 and Saskatoon 1989 Canada Games as a part of the Newfoundland and Labrador tennis team. For her, the experience was a pivotal moment in her journey as a player. 

“The Canada Games are a highlight of my tennis journey and a cornerstone of Canadian sport,” Bishop said. “It is a humbling experience to be part of such a prestigious group of athletes.”

She added that being inducted into the Hall of Honour at the St. John’s 2025 Canada Games is especially meaningful.

“Receiving this accolade in my home province makes it even that much more special,” Bishop said. “While tennis is an individual sport, this honour really is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and support of many people from the sport community in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

In a professional capacity, Bishop has accumulated an impressive resume. She is a Senior Business Law Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP, Global Chair of the International Bar Association’s Women’s Leadership Group, and previously Co-Chaired a United Nations Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. 

Bishop was formerly named a Top 40 under 40 Rising Star by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. Her passion for community advocacy is exemplified by an award for outstanding volunteer commitment to under-served legal communities at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. She continues to speak frequently on matters related to corporate law and governance, leadership and gender equity.

Within sport, Bishop is also a leader and changemaker. She is on Tennis Canada’s Board of Directors, having previously served as Chair of the Board from 2018-2021. During her time as Chair and in her continued position on the board she has encouraged Safe Sport throughout the organization and in grassroots development programs. Her other roles include time as Chair of the Tennis Development Committee, member of the Finance and Audit Committee, and being advisor to the Tennis Hall of Fame Committee and Chair of the Nominating Committee.

As the only woman to be appointed to the International Tennis Federation’s 2022 Davis Cup Committee and the first Canadian appointed to the Billie Jean King Cup Committee, Bishop has continued to be an advocate for women’s equality in sport. In her time as chair of the Board of the Doug Philpott Inner City Children’s Tennis Foundation, she advocated for gender equity in coaching and administrative programs which helped to develop scholarship opportunities for girls seeking various levels of coaching designations.

As an athlete, Bishop went on to achieve many accomplishments in tennis, including: Canadian Junior champion, nine time Atlantic junior champion, four time NCAA Division 1 Conference Champion, and four time academic and athletic award honoree. In 1989 she also received the National Achievement Award for Amateur Sport in Canada. 

Bishop currently holds a career-high world ranking for women over 40 in tennis, with a  seventh in singles, third in doubles and eleventh in mixed doubles. For her achievement and contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Tennis Hall of Fame in 2022 as an athlete and community builder. 

Bishop remarked that earning this recognition from the Canada Games is also a reflection of the strength of Newfoundland and Labrador’s sports community.

“I consider my induction into the Canada Games Hall of Honour a moment of great pride,” she said “This recognition fuels my commitment to continue striving for excellence in Canadian sport, inspiring the next generation, and giving back to the tennis community that has given me so much.”