Mayo is excited to welcome Jamie Forster as the new General Manager of Mayo Foods. Coming from St. John, New Brunswick, Jamie grew up in a small town just outside the city, but he’s no stranger to the North. From 2014 to 2016, Jamie worked in Fort Simpson, NWT, where he found joy in being part of the community, supporting Elders initiatives, and an annual round of golf under the midnight sun. His northern experience didn’t stop there. In 2018, Jamie began managing Arctic Co-op stores between Gjoa Haven and Pangnirtung, NU, where he marveled at the breathtaking scenery, comparing it to “something out of Game of Thrones”.
With 22 years of grocery experience, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge to Mayo Foods. For him, grocery stores aren’t just about selling food—they're the heart of the community. “Without a grocery store, people don’t get food,” he shares. “It's humbling to see how a store supports schools, firefighters, and even mining operations. It’s about more than just groceries; it’s about nutrition, trying new things, and expanding one’s world.”
Jamie’s passion for helping communities extends beyond food. Having spent time as a nurse, he brings an empathetic approach to his work, particularly in supporting mental health and addiction initiatives. “I’ve always loved being part of a community like this,” he says, noting his commitment to uplifting Indigenous culture, both back home in New Brunswick and now in Mayo.
In addition to his professional expertise, Jamie has a deep love for the outdoors. His fishing rod is a constant passenger in his vehicle, and his passion for fishing began at the age of five, thanks to his dad’s love for the outdoors. Whether it's fishing for brook trout or reminiscing about teaching his kids to appreciate living off the land, Jamie’s connection to nature is strong. He even recalls his first hunting experience in Fort Simpson, where he shot a black bear and donated the hide to the arts and culture centre and the meat to the local Elders circle.
Since arriving in the Yukon, Jamie’s bond with the region has only deepened. During his drive to Mayo, a minor mishap involving a broken fly rod and a lost wallet didn’t faze him. In fact, the kindness of strangers returning his wallet reaffirmed his belief that "Lady Yukon will protect you." For Jamie, the call of the Yukon had been strong for a long time, and now he’s thrilled to finally be here.
Looking ahead, Jamie is excited about the potential for growth at Mayo Foods. He’s eager to introduce new items and flavours to Mayo’s Food product offerings. “You don’t know until you try,” he says, confident that these additions will benefit the store and the community.
As Jamie settles into his new role and new home, he’s already thinking of ways to give back. Whether it's through his passion for cooking—he’s known for making a mean steak and even spaghetti from scratch—or his dedication to supporting Mayo’s growth, Jamie Forster is sure to become a valued member of our community.
Welcome to Mayo, Jamie! We’re excited to see the positive impact you’ll have in our community.
A collection of Jamie's photos from his time across Northern communities.
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