Seaside President Irving Schwartz bio

Cape Breton entrepreneur and philanthropist, Irving Schwartz, O.C., is the President and Founder of Seaside Wireless Communications Inc.

Described as the quintessential entrepreneur, Schwartz's business instincts and willingness to take risks have resulted in an impressive record of personal and corporate success. Schwartz has led more than 30 companies during his career. He is also known for his honesty and concern for the well-being of others. Schwartz's proudest achievements stem from his family life and his extensive humanitarian and community service.

He is currently chairing a multi-million dollar campaign in support of cancer and neonatal care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Perhaps one of his most passionate causes in recent years has been his involvement in the international movement to ban landmines. He is Chairman and founder of the Canadian International Demining Corps (CIDC), a Nova Scotia based not-for-profit organization that has provided a wide range of mine-action services in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. CIDC is now recognized as a Canadian leader in this important humanitarian field.

Among his many awards and honours, Irving Schwartz was named to the Order of Canada in 1998 and was promoted to Officer of the Order of Canada on Dec. 10, 2004 and he was given the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from Dalhousie University in 2008.

Mr. Schwartz's community involvement includes the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department, the Children's Aid Society, the Nova Scotia Division of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Lion's Club, Nova Scotia Capital Corporation, the Nova Scotia Business Development Corporation and the Sydport International Free Trade Zone. He was Chairman of the University College of Cape Breton, co-founder of Junior Achievement in Cape Breton, Director of the National Theatre School of Canada, an advisory board member of the Dalhousie School of Business, and Chairman of the Cape Breton Chapter of the Hebrew University, past board member of the National Capital Commission, and the Nova Scotia Community College.