Canada, known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse culture, is also home to some of the wealthiest individuals on the planet. These billionaires have built empires in industries ranging from media and technology to retail and cryptocurrency. Their influence extends far beyond the borders of the country, shaping industries on a global scale.
This ultimate top 10 list provides a closer look at Canada’s richest individuals in 2024, highlighting their net worth, the industries they dominate, and the journeys that led them to amass incredible fortunes.
1. David Thomson & Family
Net Worth: $54.7 Billion
Industry: Media and Publishing
David Thomson, the 3rd Baron Thomson of Fleet, is at the helm of the Thomson family empire, which primarily includes Thomson Reuters, a leader in media, information, and financial services. Founded by David’s grandfather, Roy Thomson, the company has grown from a small publishing house in Ontario to a multinational corporation with significant market influence.
Thomson Reuters: A Global Media Giant
Thomson Reuters provides professionals with trusted intelligence and is widely recognized for its role in delivering critical news and data to businesses worldwide. Its platforms serve industries such as law, tax, and finance, making it indispensable to millions globally.
A Diversified Portfolio
In addition to Thomson Reuters, the family owns a substantial stake in Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE), one of the largest telecommunications companies in the country. Their investments also extend to real estate, including luxury properties across Canada and the UK.
Philanthropic Efforts
David Thomson and his family are also noted philanthropists. Through the Thomson Foundation, they support journalism initiatives, education programs, and social welfare projects. Their commitment to giving back reflects their desire to positively impact the world.
2. Changpeng Zhao (CZ)
Net Worth: $30.5 Billion
Industry: Cryptocurrency
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is the founder and CEO of Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by trading volume. Although born in Jiangsu, China, CZ immigrated to Canada with his family during his teenage years and obtained Canadian citizenship. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the crypto industry is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Rise of Binance
Founded in 2017, Binance quickly rose to prominence under CZ’s leadership. The platform offers cryptocurrency trading, blockchain technology solutions, and financial services. Binance’s user-friendly interface, low fees, and extensive range of cryptocurrencies have made it a favorite among crypto enthusiasts worldwide.
CZ’s Vision for Cryptocurrency
CZ is a strong advocate for the decentralization of finance. He envisions a world where blockchain technology enables transparent, borderless financial systems. His efforts have significantly contributed to the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies.
Challenges and Global Presence
Despite Binance’s success, CZ has faced regulatory challenges in several countries, including Canada. However, his resilience and strategic moves, such as expanding Binance’s operations globally and investing in blockchain startups, have solidified his position as a crypto pioneer.
3. Jim Pattison
Net Worth: $11.1 Billion
Industry: Conglomerate
Jim Pattison is a self-made billionaire and the founder of the Jim Pattison Group, a diversified conglomerate operating in over 85 countries. Known as “Canada’s Warren Buffett,” Pattison’s portfolio spans industries such as food, media, advertising, entertainment, and real estate.
From Car Dealerships to a Billion-Dollar Empire
Pattison’s journey began in the 1960s when he took out a loan to open a car dealership. His hard work and business acumen led to rapid expansion into other industries. Today, the Jim Pattison Group generates billions in revenue annually.
Key Companies in the Group
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Pattison acquired this iconic brand, which includes museums, books, and TV shows.
- Save-On-Foods: A prominent grocery chain in Western Canada.
- Pattison Outdoor Advertising: A leading out-of-home advertising company in Canada.
A Lifetime of Achievements
Pattison’s entrepreneurial spirit has earned him numerous awards, including the Order of Canada. Despite his immense wealth, he is known for his modest lifestyle and hands-on approach to business operations.
Philanthropy
Pattison is also a generous philanthropist. Through the Jim Pattison Foundation, he has donated millions to healthcare, education, and social causes. Notably, his contributions to hospitals and medical research have had a profound impact on Canadian communities.
4. David Cheriton
Net Worth: $9.3 Billion
Industry: Technology
David Cheriton, often referred to as the “Professor Billionaire,” is a computer science academic, venture capitalist, and one of the earliest investors in Google. His astute investments and deep understanding of technology have positioned him among Canada’s richest individuals.
A Humble Start in Academia
Cheriton, originally from Vancouver, pursued a career in academia, becoming a professor at Stanford University. His work in computer networking laid the foundation for technologies that drive the internet today. While teaching, he met Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founders, and saw the potential in their innovative search engine.
Early Investment in Google
In 1998, Cheriton invested $100,000 in Google, a decision that would yield billions as the company became a global technology leader. Beyond Google, he has also backed successful ventures such as VMware, Arista Networks, and Palo Alto Networks.
Focus on Innovation
Cheriton is known for his emphasis on practical, scalable technology. He co-founded Arista Networks, a leader in high-performance networking solutions, which serves major companies and data centers worldwide.
Philanthropy and Modesty
Despite his wealth, Cheriton leads a relatively modest lifestyle. He is committed to giving back, funding scholarships and research initiatives to support education and technological advancement.
5. Anthony von Mandl
Net Worth: $8.2 Billion
Industry: Beverages
Anthony von Mandl, a trailblazer in the beverage industry, is the mastermind behind White Claw Hard Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. These products have revolutionized the alcohol market, particularly among younger consumers.
Building an Empire from Scratch
Von Mandl began his career by importing fine wines to Canada. In the 1980s, he shifted focus to creating unique alcoholic beverages. His first major success was Mike’s Hard Lemonade, which combined innovation with a deep understanding of consumer preferences.
The White Claw Phenomenon
White Claw’s introduction in 2016 disrupted the alcoholic beverage market. Its low-calorie, gluten-free formula resonated with health-conscious drinkers, propelling it to global success. The brand became synonymous with the hard seltzer boom, dominating sales in North America and beyond.
Expanding into Fine Wines
In addition to beverages, von Mandl owns Mission Hill Family Estate, a renowned winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. His dedication to quality has elevated Canadian wines to international acclaim.
Sustainability and Giving Back
Von Mandl is a strong advocate for environmental sustainability. He has invested in eco-friendly packaging and renewable energy for his production facilities. Through various philanthropic initiatives, he supports healthcare, education, and conservation efforts.
6. Joseph Tsai
Net Worth: $7.9 Billion
Industry: E-commerce
Joseph Tsai is best known as the co-founder and executive vice-chairman of Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce giant that transformed the retail landscape worldwide. Born in Taiwan and educated in the United States, Tsai has strong ties to Canada, where he holds citizenship.
The Alibaba Story
Tsai joined Alibaba in 1999 as one of its first employees and played a crucial role in securing early funding for the company. His legal expertise and strategic vision helped Alibaba grow into one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally, offering services from online shopping to cloud computing.
Expanding His Empire
Beyond Alibaba, Tsai has diversified his investments. He is the majority owner of the Brooklyn Nets, a professional basketball team in the NBA, and the New York Liberty, a WNBA team. Tsai’s passion for sports reflects his commitment to promoting athleticism and community engagement.
Philanthropic Ventures
Tsai and his wife, Clara Wu Tsai, are prominent philanthropists. Their Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation focuses on initiatives related to education, economic mobility, and human rights. They have donated millions to causes such as pandemic relief and racial equality.
Connecting East and West
As a Canadian citizen with business ties in Asia and North America, Tsai serves as a bridge between the two regions. His contributions to global commerce and his efforts to foster understanding and collaboration make him a key figure on the international stage.
7. Alain Bouchard
Net Worth: $6.7 Billion
Industry: Retail
Alain Bouchard, a retail magnate, is the founder and executive chairman of Alimentation Couche-Tard, a global leader in convenience stores and gas stations. His journey from a small retail business to overseeing a multi-billion-dollar empire is a testament to his business acumen and persistence.
Building a Retail Giant
Bouchard founded Alimentation Couche-Tard in 1980 with a single store in Quebec. Under his leadership, the company expanded aggressively through acquisitions and organic growth. Today, Couche-Tard operates over 14,000 stores worldwide under various banners, including Circle K.
A Vision for Convenience
Bouchard’s philosophy revolves around meeting the evolving needs of consumers. His focus on operational efficiency, innovative marketing, and customer service has made Couche-Tard a dominant force in the retail sector.
Awards and Recognition
Bouchard has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the business world, including being named Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year. His strategies have inspired countless entrepreneurs.
Philanthropy
Bouchard is a dedicated philanthropist. Through the Bouchard Foundation, he supports education, healthcare, and community development initiatives in Canada. His contributions reflect his commitment to giving back to society.
8. Emanuele (Lino) Saputo & Family
Net Worth: $6.4 Billion
Industry: Dairy
The Saputo family, led by Lino Saputo, built Saputo Inc. into one of the largest dairy companies globally. From its humble beginnings in a Montreal garage to becoming a multinational corporation, Saputo’s story is one of resilience and vision.
From Small Beginnings to Global Success
Saputo Inc. was founded in 1954 as a small cheese business. Lino Saputo expanded the company into a dairy powerhouse, producing cheese, milk, and other products sold in over 50 countries. The brand is synonymous with quality and innovation.
A Strong Global Presence
Saputo Inc. has made strategic acquisitions over the years, including Dairy Crest in the UK and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter in Australia. These moves have cemented its status as a leader in the global dairy market.
Commitment to Sustainability
Under Lino’s leadership, Saputo Inc. has implemented sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Their initiatives aim to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production.
Philanthropy
The Saputo family has a long history of supporting charitable causes. Their donations to hospitals, schools, and community programs have had a significant impact on Canadian society.
9. Garrett Camp
Net Worth: $5.6 Billion
Industry: Technology
Garrett Camp, a tech innovator and entrepreneur, is best known as the co-founder of Uber, the ride-hailing app that transformed transportation worldwide. His contributions to the tech industry extend beyond Uber, showcasing his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Uber: A Transportation Revolution
Camp co-founded Uber in 2009, envisioning a platform where anyone could book a ride with a tap on their smartphone. Uber quickly grew into a global phenomenon, operating in hundreds of cities and offering services like food delivery (Uber Eats) and freight transportation.
Expa: A Startup Studio
After Uber’s success, Camp launched Expa, a startup studio that helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses. Expa has supported ventures like Reserve, a dining app, and Haus, a home-sharing platform.
Focus on Innovation
Camp is committed to developing technology that simplifies everyday life. His work emphasizes user-friendly designs and scalable solutions, making him one of the most influential figures in tech.
Philanthropy and Environmental Advocacy
Through his foundation, Camp supports initiatives in education, climate change, and public health. He is particularly focused on developing sustainable urban solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
10. Ryan Reynolds
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Industry: Entertainment and Business Ventures
Ryan Reynolds, a globally renowned actor, has leveraged his star power to build a diverse business portfolio. From Hollywood hits to high-profile acquisitions, Reynolds exemplifies the modern entertainer-entrepreneur.
Acting Career and Hollywood Stardom
Reynolds is best known for his roles in blockbuster films like Deadpool, which became one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies of all time. His charisma and comedic timing have made him a household name in entertainment.
Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile
In addition to acting, Reynolds co-owned Aviation Gin, a premium spirits brand that gained international fame. In 2020, he sold it to Diageo for $610 million, retaining a stake in the company. He also became a major shareholder in Mint Mobile, a budget-friendly wireless carrier, further diversifying his income streams.
Sports Ventures
Reynolds co-owns Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club, along with fellow actor Rob McElhenney. Their efforts to revitalize the club have been chronicled in the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, gaining widespread acclaim.
Philanthropy and Personal Initiatives
Reynolds and his wife, actress Blake Lively, are active philanthropists. They have donated millions to causes such as food insecurity, healthcare, and education. Reynolds also advocates for mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.
