Criteria & Rules
Eligibility Guidelines
The nominee:
- must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- must be 39 years of age or younger for the entire calendar year for which they are considered
- must work in a leadership role in any size organization from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors
- is ineligible if a professional or amateur athlete, musician, artist, or elected government official
The Advisory Board will be looking for concrete and objective evidence, of the nominee’s achievements in each of four selection criteria:
- Vision & Innovation
- Leadership
- Impact & Influence
- Social Responsibility
The ideal candidate will be active and engaged in work and community, a creative problem-solver, disciplined in performance, and generous in spirit — a real contributor to the fabric of our nation.
Important Dates
please note that while government restrictions continue, dates are subject to change
- May 21, 2021: Deadline to submit a name in nomination
- June 4, 2021: Nominee Submissions must be completed online
- September 30, 2021: Advisory Board meets to select the Top 40
- November 2021: Honouree Announcement in National Post and on BNN Bloomberg
- November 2021/January 2022: National Celebrations
NOTE: If the nominee is selected to receive the award, they will be expected to attend all events in person
Selection Process
- Anyone can nominate an individual residing in Canada for consideration.
- Nominees are required to complete an online submission.
- All material is held in strict confidence and results will be reviewed by Caldwell, PwC and the Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Advisory Board.
- Caldwell will ask shortlisted candidates to authorize a third party (Inline Reference Check) to complete criminal, credit, education, media, and citizenship/residency status checks.
- CVs of shortlisted nominees will be shared with Inline Reference Check to facilitate background checks. Further materials may be requested by Inline Reference Check.
- Shortlisted nominees will be notified by the end of September.
- All nominees who participate will be notified by the end of October.