Keywords Economic History

Unlike most contemporary trading concerns, the HBC evolved as a joint-stock company with a centralized bureaucracy. At the annual General Court (Annual General Meeting in today's terms), shareholders elected a governor and committee to organize fur auctions, order trade goods, hire men and arrange for shipping. They appointed a governor to act on their behalf in the bay area. Each post was commanded by a chief factor (trader) and his council of officers. The London governor and committee set all the basic policies implemented in Rupert's Land, basing their decisions on annual reports, post journals and account books supplied by the officials on the bay.

Travelling by Canoe
Two of the Hudson's Bay Company's officers travelling in a birchbark canoe manned by voyageurs. Peter Rindisbacher, circa 1823, watercolour (courtesy NGC).

Fort Selkirk
Fort Selkirk in the Yukon was established as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post in 1848 (courtesy Aerocamera Services Inc).

Rupert, Prince
Portrait of Prince Rupert by Sir Peter Lely (courtesy Hudson's Bay Co).

Hudson's Bay Company Ships
Prince of Wales and Eddystone bartering with the Inuit off the Upper Savage Islands, Hudson Strait, NWT. Watercolour by Robert Hood (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/C-40364).

Naval and Land Battles
Until 1763 the HBC struggled with the French for control of the fur trade of southern Rupert's Land. In the early years a series of naval and land battles took place on Hudson and James bays. In 1713, by the Treaty of UTRECHT, France acknowledged England's claim to Hudson Bay. For the next 60 years the HBC erected posts only at the mouths of major rivers flowing into the bay, with the single exception of Henley House, a small outpost erected in 1743 on the Albany River, 200 km from the coast. After the Treaty of PARIS 1763 the company's French rivals were replaced by a much more formidable opposition, the Montréal-based overland trade network taken over by the British.

By 1774 HBC trade had been undercut enough that the governor and the committee embarked on an aggressive policy of inland expansion beginning with the building of CUMBERLAND HOUSE on the lower Saskatchewan River. Intensive competition with the NORTH WEST COMPANY spilled beyond Rupert's Land into the Mackenzie drainage basin and the Pacific slope, combining economic conflict with occasional physical violence (see SEVEN OAKS INCIDENT). In 1821 a merger of the two parties was arranged, and the British Parliament confirmed and extended the company's monopoly privileges to include the North-West Territories.

Bringing together different business traditions required changes in the administrative structure of the new company. BRITISH NORTH AMERICA was divided into trading departments, which were then subdivided into districts. District managers met annually in departmental council meetings presided over by the governor in North America, a post held by Sir George SIMPSON, 1826-1860. These councils passed regulations governing local trade, determined the deployment of men and posts and established the logistical requirements of the various districts. The officers had a vested interest in these concerns since they shared in the profits of the trade according to the terms set out in deed polls in 1821, 1834 and 1871. Council members theoretically had an equal voice and vote, but Simpson had considerable power, and the London governor and committee could overrule council decisions.

After 1821 a group of independent free traders among the Métis population at the RED RIVER COLONY opposed the company's monopoly rights, which had been renewed by Parliament for another 20 years in 1838. The issue culminated in the famous SAYER TRIAL of 1849, in which Pierre-Guillaume Sayer was tried and convicted of trading with the Indians in violation of the company's legal privileges. Fearing a Métis riot, however, the court did not pass sentence. The decision effectively opened the trade of southern Rupert's Land to many small-scale competitors.

Prince of Wales Fort
In 1717 James Knight built a permanent post about 11 km from the mouth of the Churchill River. It was called Churchill Factory until 1719, when the name was changed to Prince of Wales's Fort. By Samuel Hearne, circa 1799 (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/C-41292).

York Factory
In 1853 during its heyday as the main depot of the Hudson's Bay Company, York Factory, 1853 (coloured lithograph by W. Trask, courtesy National Archives of Canada/C-16826).

Simpson, Sir George
An able administrator and indefatigable traveller, Simpson was imperious when it suited his purposes (courtesy Notman Photographic Archives/McCord Museum).

Relinquishing Colonial Responsibilities
Although the company's primary concern remained the fur trade, it became increasingly involved in providing government for settlers in the Red River Valley and on Vancouver Island. Between 1812 and 1834 the governors of ASSINIBOIA were agents of the SELKIRK estate, although they were overshadowed by the HBC. In 1834 the company resumed jurisdiction and, until transfer to Canada, provided the Selkirk colony's government. In 1849 Britain granted to the HBC the colony of Vancouver Island, which was to be developed as an agricultural settlement. In 1851 Chief Factor James DOUGLAS was appointed governor. In 1858, during the Fraser Gold Rush, the mainland colony of British Columbia, including most of present BC, was created out of NEW CALEDONIA. Douglas was required by the British government to resign his HBC commission before becoming governor of BC. In this way the company began to relinquish its colonial responsibilities.

York Boats
York boats were used by the Hudson's Bay Company to transport furs in the Northwest. The sails could be used in open water (courtesy Hudson's Bay Co Archives).

In 1970, the 300th year of HBC's existence, Queen Elizabeth granted a new charter to the company revoking most of the provisions of the original charter and formally transferring the company from the United Kingdom to Canada, where a new headquarters was established in Winnipeg, Manitoba .

Natural-Resource Development
Involvement in natural-resource development stemmed naturally out of the HBC's fur-trade and real-estate activities. In 1926 it co-founded Hudson's Bay Oil and Gas (HBOG), and in 1973 acquired 35% of Siebens Oil and Gas. In 1979 it disposed of the latter and in 1980 bought controlling interest in Roxy Petroleum. In 1982 the HBOG investment was sold to Dome Petroleum.

Made Beaver Coin
Hudson's Bay Company brass made beaver from the Eastmain district (photo by James Zagon/courtesy Currency Museum, Bank of Canada).

HBC itself was the subject of a takeover battle in the late 1970s when Canadian billionaire Kenneth THOMSON and GEORGE WESTON LIMITED fought for control, with Thomson eventually coming out ahead and acquiring a 75% stake in a $400 million transaction. In 1997 the Thomson family sold the last of its remaining shares, but in the intervening years they had transformed HBC to a leaner, more focused operation by selling off the company's interests in the oil and gas business, financial services and a distillery, among others, for approximately $550 million.

The company, moving its headquarters to Toronto in 1987, also was active in acquisitions, purchasing the bankrupt Woodwards department store chain in 1993 and K-Mart Canada's stores in 1997 and bringing them into the Zellers fold.

Operations
The Hudson's Bay Company's operations include The Bay (an estimated 34.7% of its 2003 $7.4 billion revenues), Zellers (59.7%), financial services (4.5%), and other operations. Reported figures for The Bay also include the Home Outfitters chain of stores. In total, HBC reported a total of almost 70 000 employees working in 562 stores for the 2003 fiscal year, a figure that includes 106 Fields stores the company operates in western Canada. Its merchandise passes through one of 11 distribution centres located across the country. The company also reported $4.1 billion in total assets.

The 99 Bay stores are the traditional and best-known face of HBC. They aim to offer a full range of goods and services typically associated with department stores and feature proprietary brands. This part of the company's operations also operates 45 Home Outfitter stores, which target the increasingly popular bed and bath segment.

HBC's chain of Zellers stores operate in the mass merchandise category and aim to provide convenient access to everyday items. It also offers exclusive brands and about one-fifth of its 312 stores are former K-Mart Canada stores.

The Financial Services segment serves primarily as the credit arm of HBC counting some 3.1 million Bay and Zellers credit card holders as its clients. During the 2003 fiscal year, clients carried an average balance of $466 dollars on their account.

In 2003, HBC had an estimated 35% market share among all mass merchandisers/department stores in Canada, ranking fourth among all retailers in what is a highly fragmented industry. The retail sector's traditional ways of selling over the counter are being eroded more and more by the on-line offerings of retailers, accounting for some $15 billion in sales in 2003 alone. To this end, companies like HBC have begun to offer on-line purchasing as well. Online sales are projected to stabilize at a share of 10% of all department store sales for the sector.

Over the years, the company has been the subject of takeover rumours, which have largely gone unsubstantiated. As the Canadian market continues to evolve and faces more competition from large, mostly US-based retailers, these rumours will persist but, for the time being, will likely be balanced by HBC's more than 330-year strong tradition of being at service to the Canadian public.

Community Work
As Canada's oldest company, the HBC is part of the country's business and social fabric and, as such, is involved in the community in a number of ways.

Lower Fort Garry
The Big House, which included a residence for the Chief Factor, apartments and a large dining hall (courtesy Hudson's Bay Co).

The HBC "History Foundation" is active in the sharing of the company's long and rich history with the Canadian public and provides financial support to the HBC Archives collection, the HBC Artifact collection, and Canada's National History Society. In addition, it provides support to history projects across Canada.

Author ARTHUR J. RAY Rev: SASHA YUSUFALI

Suggested Reading
E.E. Rich, The History of the Hudson's Bay Company 1670-1870 (3 vols, 1960) and The Fur Trade and the Northwest to 1857(1967); Douglas Mackay, The Honourable Company(1966); Peter C. Newman, The Company of Adventurers(1985), Caesars of the Wilderness (1987).

Links to Other Sites
Lord & Taylor owner buys Hudson's Bay Co.
A 2008 news story about the purchase of the Hudson's Bay Co. by US company NRDC Equity Partners. From the Financial Post.

Hudson's Bay Company
The corporate website for the Hudson's Bay Company, Canada’s largest department store retailer. Includes a link to the Hudson’s Bay Company History Foundation.

In Pursuit of Adventure: The Fur Trade in Canada and the North West Company
An extensive website featuring digitized archival material related to the fur trade and its role in the early exploration, settlement, and economic development of Canada. From the McGill University Digital Collections Program.

Currency Museum
What do playing cards, teeth, and sea shells have in common? Find out at this fascinating online exhibit about the history of money. Features an extensive image database of notes, documents, coins, and tokens from Canada and around the world. Also provides an interactive timeline and other learning resources for students and their teachers. From the Bank of Canada.

Exploration, the Fur Trade and Hudson's Bay Company
This nicely illustrated website chronicles the turbulent early years of Canada’s fledgling fur trade. Features stories about European explorers, Aboriginal communities, the North West Company, and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Also includes online maps, teacher materials, and links to primary sources in the Early Canadiana Online database.

Médard Chouart Des Groseilliers
This site documents the role of Médard Chouart Des Groseilliers in establishing the fur trade in Canada. From the Virtual Museum of New France.

An Explorer's Journal
This CBC website focuses on the exploits of Matonabbee, Chipewyan leader, and Samuel Hearne, explorer and fur trader.

Samuel Hearne and Matonabbee
Follow Samuel Hearne and Matonabbee’s trek to the Arctic Ocean at this Library and Archives Canada website.

Hudson's Bay Company Archives
A comprehensive information source about the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the fur trade in Canada. A Manitoba Government website.

Peter Skene Ogden
A biography of Peter Skene Ogden. From the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.

Sir George Simpson
Search the "Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online" for a profile of Sir George Simpson, former governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Fort Langley National Historic Site
This website focuses on the history of Fort Langley, early British settlements on the west coast, and Hudson’s Bay Company activities in the region. From Parks Canada.

Carlton Trail - First Western Highway
Check out the colourful history of the Carlton Trail, the first highway west of Winnipeg. A Manitoba Historical Society website.

Retail Council of Canada
The website for the Retail Council of Canada, a national association promoting the interests of Canadian retailers.

TMX Group
The online home of TMX Group, which owns and operates the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange. For real-time and historical market data, sector profiles, and financial information about listed companies, click on listed company directory on left side of page or enter stock symbol in the search box.

Retail Trade
This Industry Canada website offers an overview of business activity in Canada’s retail sector. Features online reports and useful advice for retailers.

Métis
A brief overview of the turbulent history of the Métis community in Western Canada. Part of “The Kids’ Site of Canadian Settlement” from Library and Archives Canada.

The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture
This site features a wealth of primary sources about Métis history and culture. Includes oral history interviews, photographs, and various archival documents. Also offers informative learning activities that will immerse students and teachers in Métis traditional life and customs.

Samuel Hearne
A profile of Samuel Hearne from the “Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.”

System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval
Search the SEDAR online database for disclosure documents of Canadian public companies and mutual funds. From the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Hudson's Bay Company ends its fur trade
Hudson's Bay Company was created in 1670 to trade animal pelts for goods at remote outposts across North America. This 1991 CBC news story focuses on the company’s decision to discontinue selling furs in its retail stores.

Angulalik Kitikmeot Fur Trader
Learn about Inuit fur traders, the Hudson's Bay Company, and more at this multimedia website from the Kitikmeot Heritage Society.

The Muskox Patrol: High Arctic Sovereignty Revisited
A 2003 article about the role of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the Canadian government’s quest to secure international recognition of its claims to sovereignty over the High Arctic islands. Includes photos of the ship “Beothic,” the Dundas Harbour RCMP Detachment, and more. From the Arctic Institute of North America. A pdf file.

Fort Selkirk Tour
Scroll down the page for an illustrated history of Fort Selkirk, a home to both Selkirk First Nation people and Euro-American settlers. A Government of Yukon website.

A Look Back in Time - The Archaeology of Fort Selkirk
An informative guide to the ancient and traditional history of the Fort Selkirk area, one of the Yukon’s most important historic sites. A Government of Yukon website.

Frozen Ocean
A superb online exhibit about the search for the Northwest Passage. Historic maps and images from books show how the Inuit assisted foreign led expeditions into the Canadian Arctic and how European explorers gradually accepted Inuit techniques of travel and survival. Contemporary maps show the lasting achievement of the expeditions: the mapping of the Canadian Arctic. From the Toronto Public Library.

Fort St James National Historic Site
This Parks Canada website chronicles the history of the 19th century Hudson’s Bay Company post located on Stuart Lake in British Columbia. Also discusses the relationship between local Carrier communities and European fur traders.

Hudson's Bay at Fort Victoria
This British Columbia Heritage website chronicles the early years of Fort Victoria, the Hudson’s Bay Company outpost on Vancouver Island. Features an in-depth tour of the fort, original documents and historic photographs from B.C. Archives, stories about pioneering families, and much more.

Glossary: Hudson’s Bay Company
A bilingual glossary of key terms found the Hudson’s Bay Company records. From the website for the Hudson's Bay Company Archives. A PDF file.

Glossary: Fur Trade
A glossary of terms commonly used in reference to the history of Canada's fur trade. From the website for Alberta's Heritage Community Foundation.

Glossary: Fur Trade
This site offers definitions of terms commonly used in the fur trade during the 19th century. From the website for Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

George Keith
A biography of fur trader George Keith. From the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.

Memory of the World
About UNESCO's program that focuses on the preservation and dissemination of valuable archive holdings and library collections worldwide.