EY Canada has announced the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 regional finalists, recognizing more than 130 entrepreneurs shaping Canada’s business landscape through innovation, leadership and community impact. Finalists from the program’s four regions were selected by an independent panel of judges based on entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, purpose, growth and impact.
Daniel Baer
“Across Canada, entrepreneurs are playing a critical role in shaping the country’s next chapter — not only driving growth and innovation but building the foundations of a stronger economy,” says Daniel Baer, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada Program Director. “We’re proud to recognize this year’s finalists and the ambition, leadership and resilience they bring to Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
View the full list of regional finalists here:
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Pacific finalists
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Prairies finalists
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Ontario finalists
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Eastern finalists
These leaders are transforming ideas into resilient organizations and creating meaningful impact in their communities. Their work is helping drive economic momentum and shape Canada’s future with confidence.
The program reflects EY’s broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and aligns with initiatives such as the Entrepreneurs Access Network and global EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women network, helping foster a more inclusive, equitable and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With the 2026 finalists now announced, the program will move into the next stage of judging.
What’s next?
An independent panel of judges will select regional category award winners and one overall winner from each region, with winners to be announced in October. Those regional winners will then advance to the national program in November to compete for the title of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026. The Canadian winner will go on to compete in Monaco for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in 2027.
More information
Visit ey.com/ca/eoy to learn more about the program and follow #EOYCanada on social media for the latest updates.
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across Canada who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the program, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of program participants to help you build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth.
The 2026 Pacific independent judging panel comprises Peter Cowan, CEO, Innovate BC; Stephen Lee, CEO, Musqueam Capital Corp.; Greg Louie, Governor, London Drugs; Michael Menzies, CEO, The Universal Group; Gillian Winckler, Chair of the Board, Pan American Silver; and Aisha Yang, Co-Founder and CEO, Herbaland Naturals Inc.
The 2026 Prairies independent judging panel comprises Kai Fahrion, Co-Founder and CEO, Zeno Renewables; Debbie Gust, President and Owner, WOW! Factor Desserts Ltd.; Denis Jones, President, CEO and Chairperson, Deveraux Group of Companies; Jennifer Magnus, CEO, MAGNA Engineering; Tina Naqvi-Rota, CEO, Cameron Development Corporation; Michelle Toner, CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs; and Aleem Virani, Co-Founder and CEO, KV Capital.
The 2026 Ontario independent judging panel comprises Len Anderson, CEO, Renaissance Repair and Supply; Kathy Cheng, President, Redwood Classics Apparel; Karen Greve Young, CEO, Futurpreneur; Judith Ma, Director, Private Equity, OMERS; Nicolas Mulroney, Co-Founder, Chairman, CEO and President, Bond Bakery Brands Limited; and Adrian Rocca, Founder and CEO, Fitzrovia.
The 2026 Eastern independent judging panel comprises Pelra Azondekon, Managing Director, asterX | Québecor; Mélissa Lambert, President and CEO, Lambert Design; Henri-Charles Machalani, Founder Mistplay; Catherine Morneau, Co-President, Groupe Morneau; Eric Naaman, CEO, Damotech; Chiko Nanji, Founder and Chairman, Metro Supply Chain Group; and Orlane Panet, Co-Founder and CEO, MicroHabitat Urban Farming.
This year’s National program sponsors are Air Canada, TSX Inc., The Globe and Mail and The Printing House.
The regional program sponsors are:
Pacific – BC Business, Cozen O’Connor and DLA Piper
Prairies – DLA Piper and Vaco
Ontario – DLA Piper and Vaco
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
About Us
Canada’s Entrepreneur is the number one community media platform in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, our podcast team has interviewed over 800 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast. With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders.
The commitment to a grass roots approach has built a loyal audience on all our social channels and YouTube – 500,000+ lifetime YouTube views, 250,000 + audio downloads, 50,000 + average monthly social impressions, 15,000 + engaged social followers and 120,000 newsletter subscribers. Canada’s Entrepreneur is proud to provide a local, national and international presence for Canadian entrepreneurs to build their brand and tell their story
