Canada's Aristocracy

An aristocracy of sorts, a business elite that is now considered old established money. Thriving in the in the (former) city of Westmount and Toronto's Rosedale neighbourhood, these families rule, or ruled Canada. Here are but a few of the leading families in Canadian business and high society.

The Thomson Family (Toronto, ON) Ron Thomson was born in 1894 and bought his first newspaper in 1934. He later acquired many other newspapers. He moves to Scotland in the 50s and in 1964 is given a heriditary title becoming Lord Thomson of Fleet. He now owns many newspapers in Canada including the Globe and Mail, and in Scotland and Scotish Television. In 1965, Thomson newspaper Ltd is formed in Canada. In the 1970s, Thomson begins to search for oil and gas in the North Sea. In 1976, Ron Thomson dies, passing on business to his son, Kenneth Thomson (now the Richest Man in Canada). As chairman, in the eighties he acquires many financial and legal publishing companies and Thomson Newspapers merges with International Thompson Co. to Form Thompson Corporation. In 2002, Kenneth's son, David is appointed Chairman of Thompson Corp, and it starts to disassociate with newsprint.

The Irving Family (St John, NB) Kenneth Colin (KC) Irving, the Irving patriarch, was born in 1899. He studied at Dalhousie and Acadia and served in the Royal Flying Corps. After the war, at age 25, he opened his first gas station. After a fight with Imperial Oil, K.C. forms Irving Oil Ltd. getting his gas from an American company. During the 1920s, 30s and 40s the company devellops into a giant. He buys Timber companies and Paper and pulp mills in the United States, New Brunswick and Quebec. Much of New Brunswcik ressources get into Irving hands, mines mills and factories as well as newspapers. In the 70s, when Irving Oil is in the hands of the Ir ving sons: Jim, Jack and Arthur, they are investigated for news monopoly. The Irving family remains influencial owning much of New Brunswick as well as a large share of the forests of Maine and Vermont. They are one of Canada's richest families.

The Mannix Family (Calgary, AB) The Mannix Family made its money through Frederick Stephen Mannix's ventures with the western railroad, coal mining and construction businesses. The fortune was passed on to his son Frederick Charles Mannix. His own sons, Frederick and Ronald made their fortunes separatly, Fred in real estate and energy/coal investments, while Ron has a devellopment company. Fred's son, Frederick (keeping with aristo traditions--I guess that makes Him Frederick Mannix IV) in true nobleman fashion plays Polo for team Canada.

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