In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Justin Lam, Executive Vice President of the Business Operations Group at Canon Canada, discusses how Canon is helping Canadian SMBs navigate the evolving business landscape. With a career spanning over 20 years, Justin shares how Canon’s expanded offerings, including innovative IT solutions and flexible leasing programs, are empowering businesses to streamline operations and adapt to the digital-first economy.
He highlights the company’s deep commitment to supporting local businesses with secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions, underscoring Canon’s shift from being just a hardware provider to a comprehensive business solutions partner. Justin Lam is the Executive Vice President of the Business Operations Group at Canon Canada Inc., where he plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic initiatives across sales, marketing, and service operations.
With over two decades of experience at Canon Canada, Lam has been instrumental in expanding the company’s offerings and reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Justin also offers valuable advice on how SMBs can leverage these innovations to drive long-term success and resilience.
Canon is globally recognized for its imaging and printing products, but the company has evolved far beyond this reputation. How is Canon Canada uniquely positioned to serve Canadian businesses today, and what are some of the most impactful solutions you offer that go beyond traditional hardware?
Canon Canada is committed to addressing the evolving needs of Canadian businesses. One way we’re doing this is by expanding our portfolio of services. Innovative workflow solutions like Payment Automation and Managed IT Services help companies digitally transform their business, whether that’s streamlining operations, enhancing data security, or reducing manual workloads.
What sets Canon Canada apart is our deep understanding of the Canadian market. For more than 50 years, we’ve combined Canon’s world-class technology with localized service and support. We have a reputation for reliability and innovation. Our solutions integrate seamlessly with existing office workflows, allowing businesses to stay focused on growth, not infrastructure or paperwork. Canon isn’t just a printer and camera company; we’re a trusted business partner ready to help Canadian companies adapt, automate, and thrive in today’s digital-first economy.
With the launch of initiatives like the Canon Complete Program for Managed IT Services and the new Flex Lease Program for small businesses, how is Canon addressing the current challenges faced by Canadian SMBs, especially in terms of productivity, security, and operational efficiency?
Many Canadian businesses are hesitant to invest heavily in IT infrastructure as their company grows and adapts. Small and medium-sized businesses need reliable, flexible solutions that offer enterprise-level performance without the financial risk or operational burden of building a large in-house IT team.
Almost every Canadian business must manage confidential customer information. Keeping clients’ records – as well as your company’s data – secure is a high priority. Canon Complete addresses this challenge with a cost-effective, all-in-one managed IT solution designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. It includes 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud backups, help desk support, and proactive maintenance. Businesses get the protection and performance they need without overcommitting their budget or internal resources.
We discovered that some small businesses in need of a reliable copier are often reluctant to commit to a long-term lease, especially in uncertain or rapidly changing times. To address this unease, Canon introduced the Flex Lease Program, a more flexible option built specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
Businesses enjoy access to trusted Canon copier technology at a lower monthly cost, with only a 12-month minimum commitment. After the first year, they have the flexibility to opt out, without penalties. We wanted a program that allowed businesses to adapt as their needs evolve.
Canon Canada recently launched a new data centre for UniFLOW and announced a partnership with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). How do these developments enhance your ability to support local businesses, and what benefits can SMBs expect from these programs?
Canon Canada’s launch of a new uniFLOW Online data centre means all print and scan data now remains securely within Canada’s borders and is compliant with federal and provincial privacy regulations. uniFLOW offers end-to-end encryption, zero-trust architecture, and 24/7 uptime.
Through our partnership with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), independent and small-to-mid-sized businesses gain access to preferred pricing across Canon’s Corporate Partner Program, free business health checks, and dedicated Canadian support through Canon’s local service teams. CFIB has more than 100,000 members, and we are excited to help them uncover solutions that serve their needs today and may even help them grow in the future.
Canon Canada wants to elevate its role from equipment provider to strategic partner. We are invested in your success. We are committed to providing businesses with secure, efficient, budget-conscious solutions backed by local support.
Canon is known as a hardware company, but it is also a software solutions and managed IT service provider. What are some of the challenges you face in shifting this perception, and how are you working to demonstrate the real value Canon can deliver to business customers in Canada?
Canon has long been known for its expertise in imaging and document management, and that foundation has evolved into robust software and IT solutions. Our commitment to helping businesses work smarter has always gone beyond hardware—it’s about enabling end-to-end workflows that are secure, efficient, and scalable.
Today, we’re delivering on that promise through proven solutions like uniFLOW Online, Payment Automation, and Canon Complete Managed IT. These offerings are already helping customers streamline operations, reduce IT strain, and improve security. Through personalized consultations, real-world demos, and performance-backed case studies, we’re showing how Canon continues to deliver practical, integrated solutions for the digital-first business landscape.
Drawing on your two decades of leadership at Canon Canada, what final advice would you offer to small and medium-sized Canadian businesses as they navigate digital transformation and seek long-term resilience in today’s evolving marketplace?
After more than 20 years at Canon Canada, one constant has stood out: the businesses that thrive are those that adapt early, not react late. For small and medium-sized businesses navigating digital transformation, my advice is to view technology not as a cost, but as an investment in future resilience.
Digital transformation isn’t just about upgrading hardware or adopting new software—it’s about rethinking how your business operates, serves customers, and stays secure. Start small but start now. Automate repetitive tasks, secure your data, and consider managed IT services that let you scale without overstretching your internal teams.
Second, lean on trusted partners. You don’t have to do this alone. Partnering with companies that understand your needs—especially those who offer local support and deep knowledge of the Canadian market—can make a meaningful difference in your transformation journey.
Lastly, focus on the customer experience. As markets evolve, the most resilient businesses are those that continue to deliver value efficiently and securely, regardless of external pressures.
Canon Canada is proud to support Canadian SMBs with the tools, expertise, and guidance they need to evolve confidently. Your resilience starts with the right strategy—and the right partners to help get you to where you want to be.
To learn more about Canon’s workflow solutions, visit canon.ca/business.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
