Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
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Canada W. Brett Wilson is a Canadian investment banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, recognized for his appearances on CBC Television's Dragons' Den and his active involvement in various industries.
W. Brett Wilson was a seasoned panelist for three seasons (3, 4, & 5) on the popular Canadian reality TV show, where he assessed and invested in new business ventures.
W. Brett Wilson holds an honorary doctoral degree from Royal Roads University, emphasizing his contributions and recognized achievements.
His alma mater, the University of Saskatchewan, has also bestowed upon W. Brett Wilson an honorary doctoral degree.
Wilson manages his extensive holdings across various industries, including energy, agriculture, real estate, sports, and entertainment, through his primary holding company.
W. Brett Wilson serves as the Chairman of Canoe Financial, a privately owned investment management firm that primarily focuses on Canadian resources.
Wilson co-founded this Canadian stock brokerage firm in 1993, which specializes in providing investment-banking services to global participants in the energy sector. He retired as Chairman in 2008.
W. Brett Wilson has ownership interest in the Nashville Predators, a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League.
Wilson has written regularly on entrepreneurship for _Oilweek_ magazine.
Wilson has contributed regularly to _Alberta Venture_ magazine, publishing articles on entrepreneurship and chronicling his philanthropic perspectives.
Wilson is a regular contributor to the _National Post_, writing on entrepreneurship.
In 2012, Penguin Books published Wilson's book, "Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes."
Wilson supported Kids' Cancer Care by shaving his head as part of a fundraising initiative.
Wilson climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to support Alzheimer's research.
For many years, Wilson has made annual trips with Youth with a Mission to Mexico to build homes for impoverished communities.
Wilson has hosted specific events to support the David Foster Foundation.
Wilson's specific events have also supported Right to Play.
Little Warriors is among the organizations that have received support through events hosted by W. Brett Wilson.
W. Brett Wilson has hosted events to support Boomer's Legacy.
Wilson has supported 777 Run for Sight through events he hosted.
Dare to Care is another organization that has benefited from W. Brett Wilson's hosted events.
Wilson has hosted events to support the Veterans' Food Bank.
Wilson has funded this center to support research into various aspects of domestic abuse.
He supports the sport of volleyball through the Rally Pointe volleyball centre in Calgary, Alberta.
Wilson began his career working for Imperial Oil in the oilfields of Western Canada for three years.
After his MBA, Wilson worked as an investment banker with this firm.
W. Brett Wilson was born on July 1, 1957, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. He pursued his education, earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Post-graduation, Wilson commenced his career by working for Imperial Oil in the oilfields of Western Canada, a position he held for three years. He furthered his academic and professional development by obtaining an MBA in entrepreneurship from the University of Calgary in 1985. Following his MBA, he transitioned into investment banking, joining McLeod Young Weir, which later became Scotia Capital.
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive, Wilson co-founded Wilson Mackie & Co., an investment banking advisory firm, in 1991. Two years later, in 1993, he co-founded FirstEnergy Capital Corp. in Calgary, Alberta, alongside Rick Grafton, Jim Davidson, and N. Murray Edwards. FirstEnergy Capital Corp. established itself as a Canadian stock brokerage firm specializing in providing investment-banking services to international participants in the energy sector. Wilson’s involvement with FirstEnergy continued until his retirement as Chairman in 2008. His business acumen and investment activities extend across various sectors including energy, agriculture, real estate, sports, and entertainment, primarily managed through his holding company, Prairie Merchant Corporation.
Beyond his business ventures, W. Brett Wilson became a prominent public figure through his role as a panelist on CBC Television’s “Dragons’ Den” for three seasons. He is also the Chairman of Canoe Financial, an investment management firm with a focus on Canadian resources. Wilson has also engaged in media appearances, including his own entrepreneurship-themed series, “Risky Business,” and has authored the book “Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes.” He holds honorary doctoral degrees from Royal Roads University and the University of Saskatchewan, reflecting his contributions to business and philanthropy. His philanthropic efforts highlight his belief in corporate social responsibility as an opportunity rather than an obligation.
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