The Canada's Top 40 Under 40 awards are returning after a four-year hiatus. Caldwell Partners International Inc. announced the 2026 winners,who will be recognized in Toronto.
A four-year hiatus ends for Canada's top young talent
The relaunch of the Canada's Top 40 Under 40 awards follows a four-year break that coincided with significant shifts in the Canadian economy. According to the report, the program aims to highlight individuals who are driving innovation and community impact during a pivotal period for the country. Michelle Jursa, the senior director of national programs at Caldwell Partners International Inc., noted that the honorees "share a commitment to building something larger than themselves."
Since its inception in 1995, the program has recognized more than 840 Canadians, and this 2026 relaunch seeks to re-establish that legacy of identifying the individuals who will become tomorrow's country leaders. The program is designed to align with Canada's core strengths, including its diverse communities and competitive global industries.
From $140 billion portfolios to Black economic empowerment
The 2026 class features diverse leadership across several high-stakes industries , including financial services, technology, energy, non-profits, logistics, fashion, and education. for instance, Natalie, the Chief Operating Officer for Brookfield Energy, manages a massive $140-billion portfolio focused on renewable energy and transition assets. Her leadership has notably driven AI adoption and stricter health and safety standards across the portfolio.
Similarly, Dahabo, the CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative, is being recognized for her work in dismantling systemic barriers to economic opportunity for Black Canadians. The list also highlights Mark, the CEO of GoBolt, whose logistics firm has scaled into a major North American supply chain network, earning spots on Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 rankings.
An 18-member board of industry giants selects the winners
To ensure the prestige of the awards, an independent advisory board consisting of 18 industry leaders conducted the selection process. as reported by the source, this board includes representatives from major organizations such as Air Canada, Deloitte,the Bank of Nova Scotia, and Postmedia Network Canada Corp. This heavy-hitting panel, which also includes members from Tourmaline Oil Corp., EllisDon, and Ewing Morris & Co., is tasked with identifying the most impactful young leaders in the country.
The selection process relies on the expertise of these industry veterans to identify individuals who stand out in their respective fields. The formal awards night is scheduled to take place in Toronto on October 21.
Which of the 40 honorees remain unnamed?
While the announcement highlights several standout individuals, several details regarding the full 2026 roster remain unverified. The report names only three specific honorees—Natalie, Dahabo, and Mark—leaving the identities of the remaining 37 recipients unknown to the public for now. Additionally, while Michelle Jursa of Caldwell Partners noted that the winners address issues like affordable housing, infrastructure, and energy, the specific data or impact metrics used by the 18-member advisory board to rank these leaers against one another have not been disclosed.
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