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The publication of our December cover story, a list of the 40 wealthiest Canadians, generated huge reader interest. Canadians, it turns out, are curious about the billionaires in our midst. No publication in this country had compiled such a list since our sister magazine, Canadian Business, last did one in 2017. Since then, several fresh faces have appeared, such as crypto king Changpeng Zhao, tech CEO Ryan Cohen and alcohol baron Anthony von Mandl. 

The public likes to see who holds the most money, learn which industries are wealth generators and scrutinize which billionaires are self-made and which ones came into massive family money. Some readers, however, expressed their disdain for the entire enterprise. Why should Maclean’s measure the wealth of the richest people in the country when ordinary citizens are struggling to pay their bills? The appearance of two grocery giants—Galen Weston and the Sobey family—especially annoyed readers who have watched the price of eggs and milk skyrocket over the last few years.

But of course that’s exactly the point: regardless of what you think about late-stage capitalism and its particular expression here in Canada, our system allows for a small group of select people to acquire massive amounts of wealth. Who are they? Take a look at the list.

—Sarah Fulford, editor-in-chief

FROM THE DECEMBER ISSUE

In early September, school boards across the country informed parents that kids would no longer be allowed to use their smartphones in class. A few months later, not much has changed. Kids still sneak their phones onto their desks, hide them behind books and look down at them in their laps. How did the lofty smartphone ban fall apart? From our December issue, read Luc Rinaldi’s story, “Schools vs. Screens.” It’s a vivid portrait of the state of education in Canada and the challenge of trying to go tech-free.

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FIRST PERSON

When Maïté Snauwaert’s estranged mother died suddenly in 2023, she felt lost. The separation was cruel and unexpected, and she had no idea how to process it. Soon after, she learned of a unique grief retreat in California; it’s part of a growing end-of-life industry that intends to transform how society deals with death. In her essay for Maclean’s, she writes about how her experience there changed her own outlook on death and grieving—and what it showed her about how an aging society like Canada can prepare for an oncoming wave of mortality.

CULTURE PICK

Nearly a decade in the making, this exhibit at the McCord Stewart Museum in Montreal features more than 40 restored outfits from the lavish world of 19th-century costume balls. Guests didn’t just dress up—they dressed like historical figures. Highlights include a pink gown inspired by Mademoiselle de Beaujolais and a blue ensemble worn by Canadian philanthropist John W. McConnell in the style of British politician Sir William Pitt.

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