Canada's Richest Billionaires Are A Family From Toronto & Here's How They Made Their Money

One of the world's wealthiest billionaires is from Toronto, and the family's net worth is jaw-dropping.

Forbes' 2023 World's Billionaire List revealed that the richest people in Canada are fellow Torontonians and are the owners of The Woodbridge Company.

According to Forbes, David Thomson and his family secured the 22nd spot out of thousands worldwide. Additionally, their current real-time net worth is $57.7 billion, making them the wealthiest people in the country.

David Thomson.Thomson Reuters

"David Thomson and his family control a media and publishing empire founded by his grandfather Roy Thomson," Forbes states.

The Woodbridge Company, which was owned by Roy Thomson and the first Baron Thomson of Fleet, is now run by David and Peter Thomson. Moreover, as previously reported, Sherry Brydson, the daughter of Roy, is the company's largest shareholder.

According to Canadian Business, "The clan's fortune originated with a single radio station in North Bay, Ontario, started by Roy Thomson as a way to boost demand for the radios he was selling."

Nevertheless, the family has over 320 million shares in Thomson Reuters, where David Thomson is the company's chairman.

They also hold a stake in Bell Canada and own Toronto's Globe and Mail.

Other fun facts about the richest man in Canada, as stated by Forbes, is that they have such a "diverse art portfolio," reportedly including Pablo Picasso pieces. Thomson is also part owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets, and the company has a minority stake in the Montreal Canadiens.

Forbes' billionaire list includes other Canadians, such as Changpeng Zhao, Jim Pattison, and David Cheriton.

However, the second richest person in Canada, Changpeng Zhao, has a net worth of $10.5 billion and ranks as the 167th richest person in the world. So, the jump between the two is quite significant.

What would you do with all this money if you were this rich?