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

1 day ago

CBC Launches Q with Tom Power FAST Channel, Showcasing Original Star-Studded Interviews

The new FAST channel, featuring Q with Tom Power’s one-of-a-kind library of more than 450 interviews with global stars and cultural icons, provides 24/7 access to Canada’s premier award-winning arts and entertainment show.
June 23rd at 13:20

New to CBC Gem in July 2026

Titles joining CBC Gem in July include the exclusive Canadian premieres of season 2 of UK comedy series Amandaland and new tween series The Next Step: Cheer, plus sci-fi drama The Expanse, award-winning documentary Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, and feature film The Menu starring Ralph Fiennes.
June 10th at 14:00

CBC marks National Indigenous Peoples Day & National Indigenous History Month

As part of CBC’s ongoing commitment to reflect Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast, the public broadcaster is recognizing National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day with programming that showcases First Nations, Inuit, and Métis perspectives and experiences. 
May 26th at 5:50

CBC Unveils New Slate Showcasing Canadian Storytelling and Stars including Samantha Bee, Sarah Podemski and P.K. Subban

From hockey and hospitals to the Wild West and the world of international diplomacy and espionage, CBC’s new original Canadian greenlights include drama series Junior inspired by P.K. Subban's junior hockey experience and comedy The Ambassador starring Samantha Bee.
May 22nd at 12:00

New to CBC Gem in June

In June, new titles join the Indigenous Stories Collection, including documentary Channel Original Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, from Shane Belcourt and Tanya Talaga, and roundtable series Rematriate the Lens; and the Watch With Pride Collection, including CBC Arts' interview series Here & Queer.