The 2026 Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 honourees are demonstrating the talent, ambition and leadership that will help shape the country’s future.
In a recent Financial Post article, Jeff Freeborough, managing partner of Caldwell’s Toronto office, reflects on this year’s exceptional group of leaders and the important role they play in advancing innovation, building stronger communities and creating opportunities for others.
Recognizing Canada’s exceptional talent
Since its inception in 1995, Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 has recognized more than 800 outstanding Canadians whose achievements have made a lasting impact in Canada and around the world.
“Each of this year’s honourees is a connector and collaborator. They are focused on the long term with a clear goal of creating opportunities that will benefit not just themselves but their teams, their organizations, their industries and Canada as a whole,” says Freeborough.
The program provides a national platform to recognize the contributions of these leaders and inspire future generations.
“As Canadians, we’re not great at tooting our own horn. We need to be better. Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 awards program is a platform giving exposure to these rising stars and creating role models for younger generations,” says Freeborough.
“Canada’s Top 40 are among the country’s brightest minds and leaders. They are already accomplished but what is even more exciting is the amazing things they have yet to achieve.”
Leadership with purpose and impact
The 2026 honourees represent a broad range of industries and professions. They are advancing research, leading organizations, building businesses and strengthening communities. Their achievements reflect an ability to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful results.
“There are lots of great ideas out there. These are the people who identify opportunities, put a plan together and mobilize people and resources to achieve results,” says Freeborough.
Their commitment extends beyond their professional accomplishments. Community involvement is a defining part of the Top 40 program, recognizing leaders who use their experience and influence to support others.
“Early in their careers, Top 40 recipients are finding ways to give back. They are leveraging their positions in the community and in their organizations to benefit others,” says Freeborough. “They are putting the same energy into helping others that they are into their own professional and personal goals.”
Stronger together: Building connections for Canada’s future
As founding partner of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Caldwell is proud to support a program that celebrates exceptional achievement while bringing together leaders from across the country.
“This is a pivotal point not only in our recipients’ careers but also for the country. Thanks to the steadfast support of leading Canadian organizations Tourmaline Oil, Deloitte, Air Canada, Financial Post, Ewing Morris and Inline Reference Check, Canada’s Top 40 awards program is able to provide a platform to showcase these folks who are doing great things, presenting them as role models to younger generations who are looking for inspiration, for successful leaders they can identify with — who are looking for the art of the possible,” says Freeborough.
The program also creates opportunities for honourees to build relationships across industries and disciplines, opening doors to new ideas and future collaboration.
“Canada’s Top 40 are the folks making the connections that will help the country dream bigger so that ambition catches up to potential. They will play a big role in achieving the goals the prime minister has set out: enhancing our intellectual capital, partnering with other countries and helping develop our industries while also helping their communities thrive. The world is taking notice.”
“The real magic is when you see the professor doing innovative research meeting with entrepreneurs who in turn are meeting with investors and bankers. You see these light-bulb moments where we really do become stronger together,” says Freeborough.
Read the full article: Stronger Together: Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and the Art of the Possible — Financial Post
