In a stunning display of financial prowess, British Columbia’s own Jim Pattison has been officially recognized as the fifth wealthiest Canadian and ranks impressively among the richest individuals globally, according to Forbes’ 2025 annual world billionaire list unveiled this week.

The annual report reveals a staggering combined wealth of $16.1 trillion among the world's billionaires, showcasing a remarkable increase of nearly $2 trillion compared to 2024. The United States continues to dominate the list with 902 billionaires, followed by China with 516, and India boasting 205. Canada proudly secures its position in sixth place, home to 76 billionaires on this prestigious list.

Canada's Top Five Wealthiest Billionaires

1. **Jim Pattison** - **Net Worth: $11.4 Billion** At 96 years of age, Pattison’s wealth surged from $9.3 billion last year to $11.4 billion this year. His extensive portfolio spans diverse sectors including forestry, food and beverage, media, packaging, entertainment, and the automotive industry. His journey began with the purchase of a GM dealership in 1961, laying the groundwork for his empire. Notably, Pattison has significant control over Canfor, one of Canada’s largest forestry companies, and is esteemed as the 213th richest billionaire globally. Remarkably, Pattison still graces his office daily, demonstrating an undying commitment to his enterprises.

2. **Joseph Tsai** - **Net Worth: $12.1 Billion** In fourth place, Joseph Tsai, co-founder of the tech giant Alibaba Group and owner of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, boasts a net worth of $12.1 billion. The 61-year-old holds dual citizenship in Canada and Taiwan, leveraging his entrepreneurial acumen to amass wealth.

3. **David Cheriton** - **Net Worth: $14.3 Billion** Known as the “Professor Billionaire,” David Cheriton ranks third with a net worth of $14.3 billion. At 74, this Stanford University professor emerged as an early investor in Google, greatly augmenting his wealth beyond his academic earnings.

4. **Sherry Brydson** - **Net Worth: $16.7 Billion** Canada’s second wealthiest is Sherry Brydson, with a net worth of $16.7 billion. At 78, Brydson is one of the heirs to the media and publishing legacy of her grandfather, Roy Thomson.

5. **Changpeng Zhao (CZ)** - **Net Worth: $62.9 Billion** Topping Canada’s billionaire rankings is Changpeng Zhao, a cryptocurrency mogul and founder of Binance. With a net worth of $62.9 billion, Zhao stands as the 24th wealthiest person globally. His rise in the world of digital currency has been meteoric, further solidifying Canada's position in the global economy.

The Billionaire Landscape

Since Forbes began tracking billionaires in 1987, the number has grown exponentially from 140 individuals to 3,028 by 2025. This surge reflects a growing trend of wealth concentration among investors, tech visionaries, media tycoons, and heirs.

Among the wealthiest of them all is **Elon Musk**, whose net worth skyrocketed from $195 billion in 2024 to an astonishing $342 billion in 2025, earning him the title of the richest person in the world. Musk, the powerhouse behind ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, continues to redefine the landscape of wealth and innovation.

Conclusion

As the billionaire landscape continues to evolve, Jim Pattison’s steadfast commitment to his ventures and continued growth in net worth exemplifies the dynamic nature of wealth creation in Canada and beyond. With such remarkable individuals shaping the economy, the future promises both challenges and opportunities in the world of finance.