Yet somehow Paul Bronfman, the irrepressible optimist, has not let multiple sclerosis slow him down. After a nine-year absence, the Montreal-based private investment firm Claridge, the investment vehicle of the Charles Bronfman family, is returning to Israel this time as a technology investor. I see him as a mentor to help us grow the film industry in northern Ontario, Anselmo says. She gave birth to two little future demons, Sara and Clare Bronfman. Stephen attended Trudeaus wedding, and the Trudeaus have been Bronfmans guest at the familys farmhouse near Mont Tremblant, Quebec. The public rooms perform their best imitation of an Italian country estate, with a mix of stone and hardwood floors, plus a cooks kitchen with a rustic wooden island and what appears to be a La Cornue range. Bronfman, who is alsochairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios, which opened in 2007 in Torontos port, the continents biggest purpose-built film studio, was born into a storied Canadian business family. Bronfman, who sits on four industry boards, says Vancouvers film industry is far ahead of Toronto. The ongoing pandemic may have thrown a mansion-sized wrench into the U.S. real estate market, but summers here and there are still billionaires with ample cash reserves for a lavish vacation home. Claridge exited the Israeli scene in 2006, when it sold control of the conglomerate Koor Industries to the IDB group, then controlled by Nochi Dankner. Whether hes speaking to a parliamentary committee about the vitality of our domestic product, or to the Premier about the importance of our tax credits, he doesnt pull punches, says Jim Mirkopoulos, whose family owns Cinespace Studios in Toronto and Chicago. We hired the right people, Bronfman says of his new venture. On campus, theres a Samuel Bronfman building, and annual fellowship awards presented by Stephen Bronfman and his wife Claudine. Each year, he leads partygoers in an AC/DC song. Canadian family is teaming up with fund manager to take stake in innovative companies. It allocates about $5-million annually to select projects related to the environment, culture, entrepreneurship, Jewish identity, Israel advocacy, with a focus on Quebec and Montreal. From a business perspective, again, I have not been able to affect the large part of the business community like Seagram had, but what I have been able to learn, and I've been lucky enough to be involved in many different business industries (in television, live music touring, food business, and other businesses). He hopes the deal gets done, so that he can attend opening day with his 88-year-old father. The following afternoon at the Governor Generals residence, he became a Member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and later that evening was elevated to Companion of the Order of Canada, that countrys highest civilian honor. In recent years, as Bronfman has tried to bring baseball back to Montreal, he's spoken longingly about growing up with the Expos meeting players, reading box scores, the move to cavernous Olympic Stadium. Get the latest scoop directly in your inbox. Gerald Butts, Trudeaus other lifelong friend was also a founder for Canada 2020, which is registered as a non-profit. He is the Co-Founder of Birthright Israel, a highly regarded program created as a gift from one generation to the next, providing an educational travel experience to Israel for young Jewish adults. Gen J (originally Generation J) was launched last April with a one-time $1-million grant from the federation coming out of its assets, and not the annual campaign. Her father, Hyam, was, for many years, a leader of the United Joint Israel Appeal of Great Britain. Humility could be an asset as the two sides sort out how to share a baseball team. I have my family, my life, my friends here and I am a traditional guy! Stephen, 45, is the scion of one of the most prominent Jewish families in Canada and is the only one of his generation still living in Montreal, where he heads the private investment firm Claridge Inc. Claudine is, as she says, Jewish by choice, and is eager to share her enthusiasm for the Jewish traditions and values she has adopted, especially with people who are born Jewish but do not necessarily realize how enriching such a heritage is. In this week's episode, hear how Brantley launched his art career with used canvases from a local art institute, turned tragedy into triumph with his first major art show, and created an entire world that's led to major motion picture studios knocking on his door. Bronfman has had some setbacks. Mr. Bronfman has spent much of his life as an active businessman. Their Montreal home sold for more than $3.3 million. The same Leo Kolber that moved all the Elite wealth to Cayman Ilsand offshore accounts. 1 all the time, coddled and catered to like some members of the business elite. I guess it would be nice if other families, who were more new to wealth, would share that obligation. Claridge had been investing in Israel since the 1980s and had a good run buying and selling stakes in Teva Pharmaceuticals and Osem. Good afternoon Stephen. Hes also looking forward to once again partying at Toronto International Film Festival, which began on Sept. 8. The sale states that she will become a non-resident of Canada. He was gutted when his beloved Expos left for Washington, D.C. after the 2004 season. Stephen Bronfman and Justin Trudeau are childhood friends. Bronfman's firm teamed up with renowned concert promoter Michael Cohl to produce tours for the likes of Madonna and the Rolling Stones, and musicals including the award winning Spamalot. Money poured in. 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In fact, while Bronfman is philosophical about MS, he is downright bitter when he speaks of Montreal. Chrystia Freeland. Gov. Stephen Bronfman, 55, rarely speaks publicly about his family's early history and has largely steered clear of the recent controversies. The Kolber Trust was set up in the Cayman Islands in 1991 by Leo Kolber, a long-time business associate of the Bronfman family and major fundraiser for the Liberal Party. In 1999 the company, renamed Netstar, was sold to Canadian broadcaster CTV which gained 90% profit. If your name is Bronfman, its very difficult not to do well, says competitor Peter Lukas, founder and owner of Showline Studios in Toronto, presently home to the TV show Big Brother. . So there is a sense that you were taught that there is an obligation that with great opportunity comes responsibility. In 2017, he was caught up in the Paradise Papers scandal. Stephen Bronfman A Chairman of Claridge Inc. at Claridge Stephen is the Executive Chairman of Claridge, a private investment firm. Follow @GrahamBrink. The Paradise Papers revealed that, as Justin Trudeau campaigned to become Canadas prime minister on a platform of economic and tax fairness, his chief fundraiser Bronfman quietly helped move millions of dollars offshore, using his familys private investment company Claridge. He'd seen his father come home from work everyday in a suit and tie and didn't think it was for him. The grandchildren of wealthy patriarchs often give or fritter away the family money, Moore said. David Anselmo, a former actor, has opened Northern Ontario Film Studios in a former hockey rink he leases from the City of Sudbury; White two years ago partnered withAnselmo to open a film equipment house there. All Rights Reserved. Oded Tal, an attorney who worked as a senior manager at Claridge for eight years, will manage the Israeli operations for the new venture. The same Leo Kolber that moved all the Elite wealth to Cayman Ilsand offshore accounts. KM - This has been Karl Moore talking Management for the Globe and Mail today with Stephen Bronfman from Montreal. Larry Parrish blasted 30 home runs for the exciting 1979 Expos, and pitcher Steve Rogers won 19 games with a 2.40 earned run average in 1982, good enough to garner the second most votes for the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher each year. In the 2010 article "The Heiresses and the Cult", Vanity Fair detailed how Sara and Clare Bronfman had given up to $150 million to NXIVM, a group their father referred to as a cult. Nico Williams, an MFA sculpture candidate at Concordia, and Leila Zelli, a masters candidate in visual and media arts at Universit de Qubec Montral (UQAM), are the 2021 recipients of the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Fellowship in Contemporary Art.. In 2003, she and her husband, Charles, were named honorary citizens of Jerusalem, the first North American Jews and the first couple to receive this historic honor. A bunch of gangsters ran the studio and equipment business in Montreal. "He's a business success in his own right," he said. Mr. Bronfman exuded confidence at the Liberal summer caucus over what he had to do to fill Liberal coffers.. The politics and business news you need to stay up to date, delivered daily in a must-read newsletter. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Pinewood is the single worst investment I have made in Comweb (Bronfmans holding company) in 28 years, he says. Outdoor amenities are plentiful and include a full-size sports court, grassy lawns, a putting green, mature olive and magnolia trees, formal gardens, and a stone fountain built into the courtyard entrance. With all if this scandal surrounding Justin Trudeau, his popularity in rapid decline, Stephen Bronfman has his eye set on another candidate for the 2019 Canadian Election. They will be investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the technology and innovation sectors. Im very happy. In 2014, Canada 2020 hosted Hillary Clinton in Ottawa, and a personal meeting with Justin Trudeau was being arranged. The early passion for the game still burns today, he says. A $3.5 billion mistake. For years we had an office in Montreal. In May of 2000, she was awarded Doctorate of Philosophy, Honoris Causa, from Tel Aviv University. He had some early successes and ascended to the top job in 1997. He doesn't seek the spotlight, but it doesn't scare him either, said Karl Moore, a radio host and associate professor at Montreal's McGill University, who has known Bronfman for about 15 years. Haaretz.com, the online English edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, gives you breaking news, analyses and opinions about Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. In 2010 Igtet founded the Independent Libya Foundation (ILF), an organization supporting the fledgling rebel movement. Built in 2001, the Tuscan-style villa spans about 6,600 square feet of living space on a 1.2-acre blufftop lot thats notably long and narrow. Will His AI Plans Be Any Different? Stephen has remained in his ancestral city of Montreal, the last male Bronfman to do so, with his wife, Claudine Blondin, a former Molson marketing In In the mid-aughts, the house was acquired by Jeff Lubell and Kym Gold, the then-married owners of True Religion jeans. Mr. Bronfman holds honorary degrees from universities located in Canada, the U.S. and Israel. Over the years, the team added more talent slugger Andre Dawson, catcher Gary Carter and speedster Tim Raines, who all ended up in the Hall of Fame. White, meanwhile, struggles with burnout, not of its thousands of light bulbs, but of staff, given the hectic pace. . With her husband, Bronfman Hauptman founded Andell Holdings, a private family office that has diversified holdings, including ownership stakes in apartment complexes and media companies. Those rules came in after Bronfman held big fundraisers at the. When it comes to creeks, Sams the man. Through her leadership at ACBP and numerous other philanthropic endeavors, she was a shaping force in initiatives aimed at strengthening Jewish identity worldwide, with a focus on Jewish youth, the arts and education. Terrible. Of course, Trudeau publicly denies that his office ever discussed the SNC Lavalin case with Stephen Bronfman, although SNC Lavalin happened to make. Its about continuity and creativity, which are vital to the Montreal Jewish community. Headquartered in Montreal, the company became the largest producer and distributor of distilled spirits in the world. WebCharles Bronfman, son of Seagrams founder Sam, w. Wife Barbara & 2-1/2 yr. Old son Stephen at home nr. Veteran film industry mogul Paul Bronfman hasn't let multiple sclerosis slow him down as he's taken on rock music, a Vancouver film studio, and now the movie equipment business. Today I am talking to Stephen Bronfman, who is a CEO of Claridge Investments Inc. and from a very well-known family here in Canada. For 22 years he was the Chairman and principal owner of the Montreal Expos, the first Major League Baseball club to exist outside of the United States, which was subsequently sold in 1991. I need Montreal! Get our stories by email. How do you focus? 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Following a 50-year career with The Seagram Company Limited, he retired in 2001 as Co-Chairman. The latest revelations, first published last week, came as the issue continued to dominate question time in Canadian Parliament, and as Trudeau gave a speech calling on top earners and business leaders to take responsibility for rising income disparity in Canada. He says Ontario must promise not to make any surprise adjustments to its tax credit rate, and loan money to new film studios. I was born and raised there. Several years ago, Bronfman and his wife, Claudine Blondin, decided to bring it back into the family. After all, how could that possibly be, considering long time family friend and confident Leo Kolber had been investing in off-shore accounts for the Bronfmans and their elite friends for decades. "I had the best time because I believe in (this project)," he said on talk radio afterward. You know, I found everything happens in due course, right? La vie est trop courte (life is too short) to put up with the bullshit in Montreal, he says. WebEllen Bronfman Hauptman is Co-Chairman of Andell Holdings, a private investment firm and family office that she controls with her husband, Andrew Hauptman. Last year, it was TNT. In his office last Wednesday, an assistant cues up this years song, For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).. Stephen is the Executive Workers were still shoveling snow and bolting in the seats as fans arrived, according to television news reports. And back in 2017, the Bronfman-Hauptman family downsized their L.A. living circumstances, in a manner of speaking, by purchasing a $16 million Brentwood Park estate that remains their main residence. While schools, synagogues and other organizations are an integral part of this dialogue, Gold hopes Gen J will attract the grassroots, people who are not normally engaged in the community structures. "Montreal is a city with four million people, but the Bronfmans don't get lost in the noise," Moore said. Bronfman stated she will remain in his employ. In 1990, Stephen studied geology at Concordia University in Montreal. In 1999, he was appointed the first Chairman of United Jewish Communities, now the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The family owes its initial fame to Samuel Bronfman (18891971), who made a fortune in the alcoholic distilled beverage business during American prohibition through founding the Seagram Company, and who later became president of the Canadian Jewish Congress (193962). After the game, Stephen's father "had to struggle through a back-slapping crowd to reach his car," the Montreal Gazette reported. Well break down the latest business and consumer news and insights you need to know every Wednesday. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In the early 1900s, much of the revenue at the family's hotels in Emerson, Manitoba and later in Winnipeg flowed from selling liquor. The sale states that she will become a non-resident of Canada. He even enjoyed getting peppered with questions from reporters at a Wednesday news conference. It's why he's so excited about the Rays deal. Lightning trade Vladislav Namestnikov to San Jose, Rays have familiar names in lineup today to face Orioles, Rays host Twins for spring baseball under Tropicana Field roof, Amazon partners with Rite Aid for package pickup nationwide. Bronfman denied any wrongdoing, and the controversy appears to have blown over. Trudeau then told reporters he was satisfied with Bronfmans response and that all rules were followed. SB - Well, we have always been very community minded and not just with the Jewish community. I suppose the geology degree came in handy for future dealings.". Looks like the Honeymoon is over! , in Westmount Montreal, renovating to make it a greener home. Separated three years ago from his wife, Bronfman lives in a condo in Torontos trendy Yorkville district. The program, intended to give solace to the grieving families, ran through the spring of 2003 and served 12,000 families. Claridge has been involved with some well-known brands including Cirque du Soleil, Dick Clark Productions, gluten-free food maker Glutino and SunOpta, the organic food company. Bronfman stated she will remain in his employ. In 1999 the company, renamed Netstar, was sold to Canadian broadcaster CTV which, The Foundation contributes to major capital campaigns, such as those for the McGill University Health Centre, the Centre hospitalier de lUniversit de Montral super-hospitals, as well as Centraide. Lebouthillier: CRA is undertaking almost 1000 audits, and are working on tax system for all Canadians #hw, CBC Politics (@CBCPolitics) November 23, 2017. , best friend of George HW Bush, was being roasted at an event in his honor by long time family friend Leo Kolber. The family could make their product legally in Canada and then sell it to bootleggers trying to quench American's thirst for liquor during the prohibition era. Newly discovered documents from corporate registries, the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States and the Paradise Papers database show that Bronfman was a key member/shareholder of Claridge Israel LLC a Delaware company that was owed more than $8 million by the Kolber Trust. [6] [7] [8] [9] The couple divorced in 1954. One of them was a fellow named Rabinovich who was a very wealthy business man in Kiev and he had just discovered, not only that he had made a pile of money, but also just discovered he was Jewish and he was very proud of that. Of course, Bronfmans in attendence. Now comes the hard work of crunching the numbers to see if the idea makes financial sense, and convincing the city, the province of Quebec and the residents that it's worth the risk. Bronfman, 59, has battled MS for more than 20 years, and no longer has the use of his arms and legs. And again, we have been so tied to the city through my dad, through my grandfather Sam and what he did with Seagram, and my dad bringing the Expo's to town and I, unfortunately, watching them leave town subsequently with great pain; it's not that we didn't try. In 2014, Canada 2020. , and a personal meeting with Justin Trudeau was being arranged. Mrs. Bronfman was on the Board of Directors of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc., New York; The Jewish Museum, New York. New rules could make them more aggressive. Andrea Bronfman devoted much of her energies to fostering their interest in Jewish identity, community and meaning, both in North America and in Israel. In 1924, Samuel founded the Distillers Corporation in Montreal. It is not simply a new fund to which those with innovative projects are invited to apply, but more importantly, an open-ended process intended to encourage a community-wide discussion on how to make being a Jewish Montrealer meaningful to those under 30. We are asking young people to recreate the Jewish community in their image, Gold said. With her husband, Bronfman Hauptman founded Andell Holdings, a private family office that has diversified holdings, including ownership stakes in apartment Eventually he finds critical acclaim and collaborates with some of the biggest brands in the world. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. For decades, the Bronfmans came to prominence within Canada as key fundraisers for the Liberal Party of Canada and filled cabinets with their, Gerald Butts, Trudeaus other lifelong friend was also a founder for Canada 2020, which is registered as a non-profit. Canadian Liberal Party fundraiser Stephen Bronfmans connection to companies that were owed millions by an offshore trust lasted into the mid-2000s, despite his claim it ended years earlier. Attendance averaged just under 15,000 a game, middle of the pack among the 12 National League teams. He relies on personal assistants to feed him, dress him, blow his nose, drive him and fly him around in his private jet. We shut it down in 03. However, new documents uncovered by journalists at the CBC show Bronfmans link to the trust appears to have lasted until 2005. For the Bronfmans and Gold, the accent is on inclusiveness and a recognition of how diverse the community is today. In 2017, Stephen Bronfman in the Paradise Papers indicated Liberal fundraiser Stephen Bronfman was linked to offshore Cayman Islands trusts. He speaks excitedly of his new girlfriend, workout routine, recent Atlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2, new hobby skydiving and, oh yeah, his companys great good fortune in supplying equipment to Canadas fast-growing film and television industry. In April, Clare Bronfman pleaded guilty for her role in a bizarre sex-trafficking conspiracy involving NXIVM. Stephen Bronfman was a young boy when the Expos first arrived in Montreal. The Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Foundation operates under Claridge. Trudeau said the government had committed nearly 1 billion Canadian dollars ($787 million) to fighting tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance, the Canadian Press reported. What do you see as the legacy that you are trying to sustain as part of the Bronfman family? Stephen, a trust fund kid raised in Montreal, attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Web[4] On 17 May 1949, in Montreal, she married Jean Lambert, a French-German [5] economic consultant and the only son of Adolphe Lambert of Elmhurst, Queens, New York. Charles Bronfmans income source is Why Rays Drew Rasmussen will slow down this spring. The criteria for projects that will be considered for funding is, therefore, broad. Too much money was spent on it. He also praises the new woman in his life. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Chris Cortazzo of Compass held the listing; Jonathan Nash and Stephen Resnick of Hilton & Hyland repped Bronfman and Hauptman. Stephen joined his father Charles private equity firm, Stephen Bronfmans first deal made through Claridge was Canadian Broadcasting Assets, Canadian brewer Labatt, which included sports networks. Its budget is drawn up each year often in partnership with government or non-profit organizations. Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. At least it's not going into his own bank or his mattress or what have you. SB - Focus is tough! We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Bronfman has described himself as an optimist. Stephen Bronfman personally gave a $5 million US interest-free loan to the Trust in 1997, which was repaid in five months. Hes in remarkably good spirits, Lukas adds. It seems at first a cruel irony that one of the linchpins of Canadas motion picture industry is a man who can hardly move at all. Bronfman family scion and liquor heiress Ellen Bronfman Hauptman is one of those; she and her husband, former Chicago Fire soccer club owner Andrew Hauptman, recently paid $21.5 million for a sprawling estate in prime Malibu. It's funny, one time I did a trip through the Eastern Block and I was in Kiev in the Ukraine, and we sat with a diverse group of business people. A fan favorite, he's still referred to in Montreal as "Le Grand Orange" for the color of his hair. The couple want other Jewish youths to feel the same way, and thats why they have become co-chairs of Gen J, a long-term project initiated by Federation CJA intended to instil in everyone from toddlers to adults in their 20s a sense of belonging to the Jewish community. And Whites Toronto, we have never been this busy.. Stephen Bronfmans Foundation has also partnered with Canada C3 Antartica. Stephen has experience in mobilizing teenagers to take an active role in environmental issues through C-Vert, a project of the Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation started a few years ago. MONTREAL Stephen Bronfman and his wife Claudine are determined that their three young children will grow up proud to be Jewish and comfortable making There was an error, please provide a valid email address. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP), Rays top prospect Taj Bradley on mound to face Yankees, Rays face Braves with Shane McClanahan on the mound today. Gen J has also consulted North American experts on Jewish continuity on how best to approach the challenge. WebClaridge is a private investment firm headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. He married Claudine Blondin Bronfman. Letsgetstarted. KM - The Bronfman name is very well known across Canada. Its budget is drawn up each year often in partnership with government or non-profit organizations. Mr. Bronfman currently sits on the boards of trustees of Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York), the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (Montreal), and Historica Canada (Toronto). Bronfman has said that he wasn't interested in business as a young man. Most of the Bronfman family have left Montreal. Beautiful city, beautiful women, great restaurants, and ashit-ass place to make movies. Personal life In 1979, Bronfman married his first wife, Sherry Brewer, an African-American actress, in New Orleans. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Stephen Bronfman was the, The Foundation is a flow-through, meaning that it has no assets. Still, Paul Bronfman carved his own path, first in rock music, then in a Vancouver film studio, and now in the movie equipment business. In her capacity as National Co-Chair of the Canadian Friends of Beth Hatefutsoth, Andy Bronfman created and directed a national cultural project, A Coat of Many Colours: Two Centuries of Jewish Life in Canada, a major traveling exhibition with a companion book and film. Subscribe to our free Business by the Bay newsletter. Bronfman's father did not approve of the marriage. Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. My shares from 2007 today are worth 30 cents on the dollar. As Chairman of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Mr. Bronfman oversees a family of charitable foundations in Israel, Canada and the United States.

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