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

NHL Superstar P.K. Subban to Executive Produce and Star in New Animated Series Screech Owls

New 26 x 11-minute animated action-adventure series Screech Owls from Shaftesbury, Sphere Animation, the NHL and Boat Rocker Studios is executive produced by NHL All-Star P.K. Subban and set to launch Fall 2027 in English on CBC. 
September 29th at 12:47

CBC Preview Screeners: Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, Doula: A True Crime & The Great Canadian Baking Show

Preview screeners of CBC's October series, for preview and review purposes only. 
September 25th at 9:55

New to CBC Gem in October 2026

The English-Language Canadian Premiere of acclaimed series adaptation Lord of the Flies, the return of CBC hit dramas Heartland and Murdoch Mysteries for their 20th seasons, international series starring J. K. Simmons and Sophie Turner, and more. 
September 15th at 14:07

Angine de Poitrine, Jeremy Dutcher Added to Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony at Massey Hall on September 22

The Polaris Music Prize, presented by CBC, have announced that Angine de Poitrine and Jeremy Dutcher have been added to the 2026 Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony, powered by FACTOR, taking place September 22, 2026 at Toronto’s Massey Hall.
September 2nd at 11:00

Neil Peart: No One's Disciple Official Film Trailer

CBC today unveiled the trailer for original feature documentary and 2026 Toronto International Film Festival official selection Neil Peart: No One's Disciple. The trailer offers a first look at the film’s intimate exploration of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, featuring rare archival footage, personal reflections, and extraordinary live performances from some of the world’s most acclaimed drummers. STREAM THE TRAILER NOW Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Du...