Jimmy Pattison optimistic about Donald Trump
B.C. business magnate, investor and philanthropist Jim Pattison is confident U.S. president-elect Donald Trump will be able to use his business acumen to run the country.
"I think Donald Trump will probably be better than most people expected, would be my guess," said Pattison, who is chairman and CEO of the Jim Pattison Group.
"I think the anticipation that things were all going to be not-so-good, I think will be — I'm optimistic that they'll be a bit better."
Pattison was asked if running a business empire, in his opinion, makes a person qualified to run a country.
"No, it doesn't, but there's a lot of different ways to run businesses," said Pattison.
"It depends on how tough he is on free trade with Canada, but overall, I'm hopeful."
The 88-year-old billionaire said he has met Trump in the past but doesn't personally know him.
Pattison is one of the richest people in Canada and owns the country's second largest private company.
