Jonathan B.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto East Regional Fair

Ed Mirvish

Ed Mirvish is a project about the life of Ed Mirvish and the impact that he had on Toronto and the rest of Ontario and Canada. It also looks at the legacy that he left and why Canadians should still care about him today.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Probably the most interesting thing I learned while working on this project was about Ed's restaurants. Since they all shut down by the time I was born (2000), I had no idea that he ever owned several restaurants until I started researching. Not only that, but it surprised me that his restaurants were so successful, since it was not his expertise.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I have learned that anybody can make an impact on other peoples' lives. For example, Ed, who was born into an extremely poor family, managed to found a business empire and revolutionize the theatre industry and provide jobs for thousands of people. As long as you persevere and think positive, you can fulfill your life's dreams.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Ed's childhood was not very similar to mine. Ed was born into a family with virtually no money, and as such, when his father died, he had to drop out of high school and get a job. Fortunately for me, I have been blessed with the ability to go to school, and still have enough financial support for my family. Also, if Ed was living in our times as a child, he would have less trouble with money because he would now have agencies to support him, and would probably receive welfare.