Great Concordian: Tony Loffreda, Canadian Senator

The path the Honourable Tony Loffreda, BComm 85, took from Concordia to the upper echelons of the banking industry, and eventually the Senate of Canada, is deeply rooted in his Italian family’s immigrant experience.

Raised in the Ahuntsic neighbourhood of Montreal, Loffreda’s pragmatic upbringing included candid talk around the kitchen table about the importance of tenacity, resilience and hard work.

Appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2019, Loffreda views his current role as pivotal in upholding accountability and advocating for effective policies. He emphasizes that the Senate has a crucial function in amending laws and ensuring transparent governance.

“Service in the Senate is not about personal gain,” he says. “It’s about making a difference and holding the government accountable for the benefit of all Canadians.”

A certified public accountant, Loffreda worked in the financial industry for more than 35 years. Previous roles as a vice-chairman and executive at Royal Bank of Canada provided a foundation of experience that now serves him well in Ottawa.

The former member of Concordia’s Board of Governors has long been dedicated to philanthropy, chairing fundraising activities across Quebec for causes such as the Montreal Jewish General Hospital, McGill University Goodman Research Centre and the Montreal Cancer Institute, among many others.

Loffreda is a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Merit, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

This past April, he was honoured with the Order of the Star of Italy.

“My dad, who’s 88, was able to attend the ceremony,” recalls the Great Concordian. “He had tears in his eyes. It was a tremendous moment for our family.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Tony Loffreda: The vibrant community of scholars and the enriching academic environment really made an impact on me. I loved those collaborative moments where we could nurture innovative projects together. The support for exploration and critical thinking profoundly influenced how I approach problem-solving.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

TL: Concordia’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning was huge for me. It opened my mind to new perspectives. Getting involved in extracurricular activities, like taking leadership roles in student organizations, helped me sharpen my communication and teamwork skills. The mentorship I received from professors and professionals in the field gave me invaluable guidance and networking opportunities.

Another invaluable contributor has been my wife, who has been by my side throughout my entire career. It’s critical to have a supportive partner by your side, and I’m grateful and thankful to have had that over the decades.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

TL: Be ambitious! Ambition is a positive thing. Don’t hesitate to seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Look for internships or research projects that align with your passions early on to gain practical experience.

Another important piece of advice is to build a solid network of mentors and peers who share and support your goals and who can offer crucial insights. Find a balance between your academic pursuits and personal well-being. And lastly, never forget: You can accomplish anything if you don’t want the credit for it.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

TL: It’s incredibly humbling and a true testament to the transformative power of education. Because my experience as a Concordia student was transformative. What a privilege to be part of a community that fosters and values diversity, innovation and excellence.

Without question, this acknowledgment motivates me to keep making positive contributions to society and to inspire future generations of Concordia students.