Defence Power 50 List
The Icebreaker is excited to announce the opening of nominations for Canada’s inaugural Defence Power 50 List.
The Defence Power 50 will recognize the most influential leaders and up-and-comers in the defence community who are critical to making the changes Canada needs.
Influence isn’t just rank or position. It’s about shifting outcomes: policy, procurement, technology adoption, alliance posture, or public narrative.
Those who make the list will demonstrate evidence of impact: What did this person tangibly change? Whom did they mobilize? What system did they disrupt or build?
The selection of this inaugural 2025 list is co-chaired by Erin O'Toole, Glenn Cowan, Philippe Lagassé, Sheldon McCormick, and Eliot Pence.
Key Dates
Week of June 23: Nominations open
Week of August 4: Nomination deadline
Week of August 11: Selection co-chairs consider nominated candidates
Final week of August: Power 50 determined and winners notified
First week of September: Public announcement of Canada’s inaugural Defence Power 50 List
Nomination Categories
Operators & Commanders: Active or recently retired leaders who have shaped doctrine, procurement, or public understanding - must show recent, ongoing impact.
Defence Primes & Industry Titans: CEOs/executives driving foundational investment, supply chain resilience, or major tech adoption.
Innovators & Emerging Tech Leaders: Founders, CTOs, or researchers in AI, cyber, dual-use, or space tech with products adopted by the CAF or allies.
Thought Leaders, Academics, Policy Shapers & Strategists: Those who have driven doctrinal, cultural, or domain-expanding change.
Network Builders & Connectors: Individuals brokering major government-industry-academia deals, or who have unlocked procurement or coalition breakthroughs.
Regional Power Brokers: Leaders who have leveraged shipbuilding, aerospace, or Arctic capabilities for national gain - not just holding titles, but delivering projects.
International Influencers: Canadians with tangible sway in NATO, NORAD, Five Eyes, or global norms - measured by role, negotiation outcomes, or coalition-building.
Future Shapers: Under 40 or leading transformative projects with visible momentum - must be demonstrably on a trajectory to reshape the sector.