In 2013, Alberta Venture profiled Edmonton’s Dr. Charles A. Allard as one of the five greatest Alberta entrepreneurs, arguably one of the greatest in Canadian history.
Dr. Allard was a man of many talents: a surgeon, broadcaster, property developer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. A member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, he had very diversified business interests, including Canadian Western Bank, Seaboard Life, ITV (now Global Edmonton), Crosstown Motor City, and the Edmonton Oilers. Dr. Allard left an indelible mark on his community and continues to do so with a legacy of caring. In 1985, he established the Chair in Business honorary teaching award at the School of Business.
Dr. Allard’s vision was an award that would not only recognize a distinguished business and community leader, but would give students and faculty an opportunity to meet one-on-one with an inspiring role model. The Chair in Business program continues to be supported through the Allard Foundation.
The Story of Dr. Charles Allard
Dr. Charles Alexander Allard (1919-1991), a man who demonstrated tremendous vision throughout his professional career as both a doctor and businessman. He carried his vision through diverse experiences, including radio and television broadcasting and as well as one of the original owners of the Edmonton Oilers, then the Alberta Oilers of the World Hockey Association. As a philanthropist, innovator, and entrepreneur, Allard made major contributions to the medical and business fields – and to our community as a whole.
Allard graduated from the University of Alberta as a Medical Doctor and post-graduate studies in Montreal and Boston. Allard practiced medicine specializing in surgery at the Edmonton General Hospital.
Allard created Allarco Developments, a public conglomerate, which included Northwest Trust, Crosstown Motor City and International Jet Air. He founded the Northwest International Bank and co-founded The Canadian Western Bank.
In 1965, Allard became involved in broadcasting, establishing the first independent television station in western Canada, CITV. His company, Allarcom Limited, drew worldwide attention to Alberta, through the Celebrity Concert series and SCTV comedy television series.
Founder of CANCOM, Canadian Satellite Communications, Dr. Allard finalized the sale of his broadcast conglomerate including television stations CITV and CKRD, Allarcom Pay Television (Superchannel) and 50% of The Family Channel to WIC, in March 1991.
Allard was also a diplomat of The American Board of Surgery throughout his professional career, and a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and a lifelong supporter of Junior Achievement. The Allard Foundation still provides generous support for charities and arts organizations in the community.