Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper Join More Than 300 Guests to Honour Dr. Steve Gupta at Toronto Launch of His Memoir From Floor to Fortune

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2026 /CNW/ — On Tuesday, October 6, more than 300 guests representing business, education, philanthropy, government, community and beyond gathered in Toronto to celebrate Dr. Steve Gupta, Founder and Chairman of The Gupta Group, Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and Order of Ontario recipient, at the launch of his memoir, From Floor to Fortune.

The evening was a celebration of Dr. Gupta’s extraordinary Canadian journey – from arriving in Canada from India more than five decades ago with just $108 in his pocket and sleeping on the floor of an empty Toronto apartment with his wife, Rashmi, to building one of the country’s leading hospitality and real estate empires.

The breadth of those who came together to honour Dr. Gupta reflected the impact he has made across Canada and the deep regard in which he is held. Among those in attendance were The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation; The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario; His Excellency Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada; and His Excellency Tewodros Girma, Ambassador of Ethiopia.

The evening featured a special conversation between Dr. Gupta and renowned Canadian journalist Steve Paikin, who contributed the introduction and two chapters to the memoir, followed by remarks from several of the evening’s distinguished guests. Premier Ford, former Prime Minister Harper and High Commissioner Patnaik each reflected on Dr. Gupta’s contributions to Canada, his entrepreneurial achievements and his commitment to family, community and giving back. Dr. Gupta received a standing ovation in recognition of his remarkable journey, accomplishments, and enduring contributions to the communities he has called home.

Today, The Gupta Group has 21 hotels in its portfolio, 5 million sq. ft. of residential and commercial properties under development across Canada, and employs more than 3,000 people. Through business, philanthropy and community investment, Dr. Gupta has helped create jobs, support communities and contribute to the continued growth of Toronto and Canada.

At its heart, From Floor to Fortune is a story about perseverance, family, love, loss, giving back and the people who shape a life. It is also a powerful example of the Canadian dream – a reminder of what can be possible in Canada for someone who arrives with little more than determination, hard work, and hope.

Published by Sutherland House, From Floor to Fortune is available for presale now through Amazon, Indigo and participating independent booksellers, with the book officially hitting shelves on October 20, 2026. All proceeds from book sales will be donated to The Gupta Family Foundation.

For more information, visit fromfloortofortune.com and follow @fromfloortofortune.

SOURCE The Gupta Group