The Desmarais family is by far the most influential Canadian dynasty of the last half-century. But if you don’t live in Quebec, chances are you haven’t even heard of them. Paul Desmarais had Prime Ministers and Premiers in his pocket and billions of dollars at his disposal. He wasn’t just a Laurentian elite; he was the Laurentian emperor.  Featured in this episode: Robin Philpot (Derrière l'État Desmarais: Power) To learn more: Derrière l'État Desmarais: Power by Robin Philpot Rising to Power: Paul Desmarais and Power Corporation by Dave Greber “Chrétien and Bouchard, sitting in a (very expensive) tree” by Martin Patriquin in Macleans’ This show was brought to you by our patrons. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.  This episode is sponsored by Freshbooks, Leesa and Wealthbar. Additional music: I dunno by grapes (c) copyright 2008 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Ft: J Lang, Morusque reNovation by airtone (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.  “Lee Rosevere” by A List of Ways to Die, adapted.