That's in sharp contrast to the positions of the two families in 2003, when the Richardsons posted a net worth of $1.15 billion, just a handful of loonies ahead of the Aspers' $1.13 billion.

"They continue to move forward and they continue to make money," she said Monday. "They're successful business people and they're very smart. There is a general upswing in terms of wealth in Canada for the higher end and they're part of that group."

She said the fortunes of the Aspers could easily vault upwards if the market rewards them for solid financial performance of their television and newspaper properties. "They're still doing well, $833 million is nothing to sneeze at. The market just hasn't responded as well to their moves as it did a year ago," she said.