Go to main content

THE NATIONAL REVEALS CANADA'S NEW RICH AND POWERFUL--AND IT'S NOT WHO YOU THINK

Two-part series airs Sunday, March 6 and 13

There was “old money,” and later, the “nouveau riche”—descriptors for the upper crust, blessed with the kind of wealth and power that gives them a lifestyle most of us can only dream about. Many were born rich; others built their own success in established “blue chip” sectors of the economy.

These days, things are different. There are still rich and powerful Canadians—many of them with more money, power and influence than ever before—but who they are, and how they got there, bear little resemblance to their high society predecessors.

In a special two-part series on THE NATIONAL, Sunday, March 6 and 13, Wendy Mesley reveals the inside story on Canada’s new rich and powerful—the big money, powerful jobs and wave-making decisions that have the world watching Canada’s new power elite. Who are they? How did they make their money? And just what are they doing with it?

Part One - Sunday, March 6
Canada’s New Rich and Powerful - Canadians abroad
As the world’s economy slowly grips for stability, many companies are turning to Canadians to lead them into success. In a series of reports, THE NATIONAL introduces you to Canadians from small towns and cities making a big impression in international posts. From the heads of multi-national companies, to the Canadian who is now one of the U.K.‘s most highly paid civil servants, see how the Canadian way is spreading around the world through these very successful citizens.

Part Two - Sunday, March 13
Canada’s New Rich and Powerful - Canadians at home
Canada is seeing a boom in luxury: $20 million mansions; pricey cars and luxury retail. So who’s buying this stuff? And where are they getting all their money? It’s not who you may think. Mesley takes us inside the lives of Canada’s billionaire club: how they make their money, and the surprising ways they are using it to wield power.
THE NATIONAL airs on Sundays at 10 p.m. (10:30 NT) on CBC-TV; 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBC News Network.

Related content

news

Discover

October 27th at 15:49

CBC Announces New Ad-Free CBC Kids Streaming Channel, Now Available on CBC Gem and CBC Kids YouTube

CBC today announced the launch of a new 24/7 commercial-free CBC Kids streaming channel, available now to stream on CBC Gem and the CBC Kids YouTube channel. 
October 27th at 9:00

New to CBC Gem in November 2025

CBC’s fall premieres continue with THE ASSEMBLY (Nov. 6, also on CBC TV), featuring authentic conversations between autistic interviewers and Canadian celebrities, and Season 2 of POV documentary series FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS (Nov. 28 on CBC Gem)
October 23rd at 11:59

Nothing Is Off the Table in CBC’s New Unscripted Series The Assembly, Premiering November 6 on CBC and CBC Gem

CBC today announced the six celebrities who will be in the hot seat in the new unscripted series THE ASSEMBLY.
October 20th at 11:41

CBC Expands FAST Portfolio with New Schitt’s Creek Channel, Now Streaming on CBC Gem in Canada

CBC today announced the expansion of its free ad-supported streaming portfolio with the launch of a new Schitt’s Creek channel, featuring all six seasons of the multiple Emmy Award-winning CBC original comedy series plus one-hour finale special Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell. 
September 24th at 12:43

New to CBC Gem in October 2025

CBC’s fall premieres continue with new factual series LOCALS WELCOME (Oct. 5) hosted by food writer Suresh Doss, and new seasons of HEARTLAND (Oct. 5), THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (Oct. 5), MURDOCH MYSTERIES (Oct. 6), FAMILY FEUD CANADA (Oct. 6), and THE FIFTH ESTATE (Oct. 10)