What do Galen Weston Jr. and George Clooney Have in Common?

What do Galen Weston Jr. and George Clooney Have in Common?
Canadian poll finds them to be the most gentlemanly, successful men in Canada, and the world; survey also says Canadians are more gentlemanly than Americans

TORONTO, March 31 /CNW/ - Galen Weston Jr. and George Clooney are the epitome of modern gentlemen, according to Canadians surveyed in a recent poll. Of those surveyed, 35 percent thought Galen Weston Jr., executive chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited, was Canada's most gentlemanly, while actor and activist George Clooney was found to be the world's best modern-day example of a true gentleman, with 51 percent of votes.

The informal survey, conducted in Canada for the world-renowned Chivas Regal Scotch whisky, found that it's in good taste to be a modern gentleman. Canadians polled believed that true gentlemen enjoy more success and fulfillment from their careers (67 percent), their family life (89 percent) and their friendships (90 percent), than do other men. A resounding 91 percent of survey respondents also felt that true gentlemen are more attractive to the opposite sex.

Interestingly, 93 per cent of Canadian men polled consider themselves to be gentlemen. They also felt Canadian men are the most gentlemanly in the world and American men are the least gentlemanly, when ranked against European nations such as Great Britain, France and Italy.

When asked to rank some of the world's most famous men as modern day gentlemen, Canadians put Clooney ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama, who received 30 percent of the vote, and Bono, U2 front-man and lauded humanitarian, who was favoured by 10 percent of Canadian respondents. Real estate magnate and reality TV star Donald Trump did not fare so well, earning less than 2 percent of the vote.

Weston Jr. polled ahead of other well-known, successful Canadian men, including Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, who received 23 percent of the vote, crooner Michael Bublé (21 percent) and actor Ryan Reynolds (19 percent).

So what do Canadians see in the likes of Clooney and Weston Jr.? Most survey respondents found integrity to be the quality that is most indicative of a true gentleman (54 percent). Honour ranked second at 17 percent, while loyalty and generosity tied for third position at 12 percent.

And what does true success mean to Canadians? Most respondents (45 per cent) favoured "living a long life with a happy and healthy family," while 26 percent chose "making a difference and contributing to the betterment of society." Just 14 percent selected "achieving career goals" and 11 percent chose "enjoying financial wealth and influence," as a measure of true success.

The online survey was commissioned as part of a Chivas Regal symposium with special guests Dr. Richard Heinzl, Founder of Doctors Without Borders Canada, and Matthew Corrin, president and CEO of Freshii. Heinzl and Corrin are known for being true gentlemen in both their personal and professional lives. The event highlighted the concept of what it means to be a modern gentleman and seek a higher level of fulfillment over and above material wealth.

About Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.2-million 9L cases annually in more than 200 countries (more than a bottle sold every second). Chivas Regal has achieved a strong global performance — number 1 in Europe and Asia, with dynamic growth in Eastern Europe, South America and most emerging markets. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity, and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About Corby
Corby Distilleries Limited is a leading Canadian manufacturer and marketer of spirits and imported wines. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including Wiser's Canadian whiskies, Lamb's rum, Polar Ice vodka and McGuinness liqueurs. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard, Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT vodka, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Ballantine's Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Beefeater gin, Malibu rum, Kahlúa liqueur, G.H. Mumm champagne, and Jacob's Creek and Wyndham Estate wines.