Edward and Peter Bronfman achieved enormous success in the business world and were deeply committed to philanthropy.
Upon selling their stake in Seagram in the late 1950s, they used their capital to found Edper Investments, eventually becoming Brascan. Together, the Bronfman brothers built it into one of Canada’s lowest-key, but most powerful, conglomerates in a variety of sectors including banking, real estate, breweries, insurance and professional sports. By the early 80s, their portfolio of interests was estimated to be worth as much as $80 billion.
In addition to a vast real estate portfolio, they held major positions in blue chip companies like Labatt Breweries, London Life, Royal LePage, Bramalea, MacMillan Bloedel and, of course, the storied Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club (from 1971 to 1978).With owners Edward and Peter, Sam Pollock as the wizard-like GM, plus Scotty Bowman behind the bench, the Habs won multiple Stanley Cups and built a dynasty that showcased such legendary players as Yvan Cournoyer, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, Serge Savard, Bob Gainey and Larry Robinson. If you were a hockey fan growing up in the 70s, you expected the Habs to win the Cup year after year, which they did more than any other NHL franchise.
Edward and Peter were also deeply committed to philanthropy and showed great support for the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, The United Way, Combined Jewish Appeal, plus countless hospitals and universities. They both received the Order of Canada for their outstanding contributions to social causes.
Today, Edward’s son Brian helms the Brian Bronfman Family Foundation in Montreal, dedicated to supporting creative initiatives that have a concrete impact on the lives of individuals and their communities. The Foundation supports a host of endeavors including Centre de resources sur la non-violence, Institut Pacifique, ENSEMBLE for the respect of diversity, Zone de paix, TMCA Peace Medal Awards, Aime comme Montreal and many others.
