From CEOs to content creators and athletes alike, this year’s View the VIBE POWER 60 List also includes Top Medical Doctors, Media Moguls, Actors, Philanthropists, TV personalities, Restaurateurs and more. All with one common denominator…inspirational tenacity and forces to be reckoned with, from across the country, we all know and love, Canada.
Shortlisting these powerhouse Canadians, was no easy feat…luckily, Canada has MANY who inspire us and are truly trailblazing and using their voice. So to balance things out, once again, instead of ranking them, in true View the VIBE form…we decided to list them alphabetically–because they’re all number ones. But to help us paint a picture and showcase some local Toronto talent, our editors also hand-picked 3 Inspiring People to Watch for our cover feature editorial, pictured here.
But that’s not all, check back weekly over the next 3 weeks, for special edition alternative cover drops every Monday. First up, Nakissa “Keesa” Koomalsingh on Monday April 8th, followed by Jasmeet “Jus Reign” Raina on April 15th and Meredith Shaw on April 22nd. So we can furthe shine a light on their incredibly powerful stories, and give you a look into each of their individual editorial fashion shoots too. #VIBEPower60
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Who made View the VIBE’s 2024 Power 60 List of Inspiring Canadians?
Here they are listed in no specific order of priority, sorted alphabetically.
Full Power 60 List Show
Abel Tesfaye “The Weeknd”
Singer, songwriter, actor, producer and writer.
Alex Filiatrault
CEO, CANFAR
Dr. Alika Lafontaine
Named Top Healthcare Innovator by Maclean’s Magazine.
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Chef Alvin Leung
Restauranteur (R&D in Toronto), TV personality and Michelin-star (Bo Innovation and Bo London) chef.
Ann Pornel
Actress (most recently on a couple episodes of CBC’s Run the Burbs), Comedian and Host (most notably known for her role as host of The Great Canadian Baking Show, CW’s Recipe for Disaster). Currently splashed across the city as the face of CBC Gem’s latest ad campaign.
Arlene Dickinson
Best-selling author, speaker, nationally recognized as one of the top business leaders in Canada, venture capitalist, TV personality on CBC’s Dragon’s Den and is a prominent voice for women’s empowerment.
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Aubrey “Drake” Graham
Rapper, singer, actor and businessperson, dubbed “The 6ix God,” and self-proclaimed “champagne papi.” Undoubtedly one of the influential Canadian figures of today.
Braden Kadlun Johnston
Indigenous Inuk content creator, a voice for the community, while sharing his story about being an ex addict, being outspoken and openly sharing his challenges and struggles, with countless viral videos about how his Inuk culture brought him and his mom back together–and their healing process. Amassing a TikTok, Instagram and YouTube following of over 200K per platform (over 700,000 combined).
Brianna Hennessy
2022 silver and bronze IC World Champion, and Ottawa paddler top medal contender for the Paris 2024 games. Sharing her story about how she was diagnosed a tetraplegic as a result of a speeding cab accident in 2014 on Toronto’s King St. West (nearly 10-years-ago). And how sport is the answer for her. Driving her to push herself to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo games, in less than 2-years after she took up the sport of Para canoe.
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Brock “Brooke Lynne Hytes” Edward Hayhoe
Also known in drag as the “Queen of the North,” and TV personality (as a main judge on Canada’s Drag Race, since the beginning). But let’s not forget, she was also the first Canadian to compete in the Drag Race series (USA season 11, where she came runner up in the finale), and is the first Drag Race contestant to become a full-time resident judge in the franchise.
Charles Khabouth
CEO, INK Entertainment (behind establishments like Clio, Margo, Ultra, Amal, Akira Back, Rebel and more) also known as a the King of Nightlife. A restauranteur for over 40 years, and continues to leads the Toronto nightlife and restaurant scene–while successfully expanding in Miami, Florida with concepts like Sofia, Byblos and more said to come.
Connor McDavid
Captain of the Edmonton Oilers, and voted the most valuable player in the NHL in 2023.
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Elliot Page
Actor, producer and LGBTQ2+ rights activist (most recently, bravely criticizing Canada’s rollback of LGBTQ rights and calling out the province of Alberta, while presenting a humanitarian award in Halifax last month).
Frankie Solarik
Restauranteur (Barchef, Bar Prequel & Co. Apothecary and the most recent addition, Bar Compton Ave.), best-selling author, and most recently added TV personality to his titles for his role as a Judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters (said to be back for a season 2 by late 2024/early 2025).
Galen G. Weston
Former president of Loblaws, executive chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited, and CEO and chairman of George Weston Limited, and most obviously a member of the prominent Weston family. Known to be controlling shareholders of conglomerates like Associated British Foods (itself behind hundreds of brands, including Twinings tea and clothing store chain Primark) and own food-based department store Fortnum & Mason, and the most recent addition of T&T Supermarket, among many other retailers both overseas and here at home like Holt Renfrew.
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Hanif Harji
CEO of Scale Hospitality Group, one of the largest hospitality groups in the city–behind establishments like the Toronto Beach Club, The Fortunate Fox, Lapinou, Miller Tavern, The Wheat Sheaf Tavern, Bar Chica, Antonio Park (AP Restaurants) at the , Miss Likklemores, Pink Sky, The Story’s Building, Patria, GG’s, FIGO, Byblos, Le Select Bistro, Black Pearl and Maxime’s.
Jamie Pandit
Content creator, self dubbed “Trans Aunty,” regular guest fashion expert on Cityline and trans activist. Sharing her story, while educating others on beauty and fashion through her content “with a dose of humour and sass,” as she puts it, while sharing her experiences as a trans woman.
Janet Zuccarini
Businessperson, restauranteur (founder of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, with several restaurants across Toronto and 2 LA concepts–Felix and now Stella) and a TV personality (as a resident judge on Top Chef Canada).
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Jasmeet “Jus Reign” Raina People to watch
Comedian, OG YouTube content creator (@JusReign), actor and TV personality (most recently launching his new show Late Bloomer now on Crave). Stay tuned for his cover feature on April 15th.
Joey Gollish
Founder and designer behind the brand Mr. Saturday (also referred to as Joey Saturday), most recently appointed as the Creative director in residence for the iconically Canadian brand, Roots. Mr. Saturday collabs have been popping up everywhere (even in Miami), from his collab with Coors Light last December, to his most recent collab with Roots and fellow Power 60 listed Canadian, The Weeknd–that popped up at the flagship Holt Renfrew location in Bloor-Yorkville.
Jully Black
Singer, songwriter and actress (recently appearing on CBC’s Run the Burbs), who’s been making waves since changing the words to the national anthem that she sang at the NBA All-Star games. A force to be reckoned with and someone we’ve had our close eye on for quite some time.
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Justin Bieber
Singer, songwriter and businessperson.
Kayla Grey
Sports commentator, executive producer and host of The Shift and sideline Raptors reporter on TSN. An advocate for women’s empowerment and truly being a trailblazer in the sports media industry.
Kevin O’Leary
Businessperson and TV personality (formerly on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and currently on Shark Tank US).
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Kia Nurse
Plays for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Team Canada and is a basketball analyst on TSN.
Lamar Johnson
Actor, director and dancer.
Larry Tanenbaum
Businessperson and chairman of the MLSE empire. Need we say more?
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Leenda Dong
Comedian, content creator and producer.
Lesley Hampton
Businessperson and fashion designer for her namesake brand, Lesley Hampton. Often referred to as “Kim Kardashian Approved.” And also dubbed the #1 Canadian designer to keep your eye on by Vogue magazine. And as if that isn’t enough that she’s got Wintour’s approval, she also made the Forbes Top 30 under 30 Toronto list in 2023.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Actress, well known for her leading role as high school student Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix teen comedy series, Never Have I Ever and Pixar’s Turning Red (directed by Canadian director, Domee Shi–notably the first Pixar feature film solely directed by a woman). Who also recently launched a collaboration with a local Ramen spot in Toronto, on the East end of the city.
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Manjit Minhas
Businessperson and TV personality (on CBC’s Dragon’s Den).
Chef Mark McEwan
Chef and restauranteur behind namesake The McEwan Group, and TV personality (as a resident judge on Top Chef Canada).
Masai Ujiri
President of the Toronto Raptors and founder of Giants of Africa Foundation.
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Chef Masaki Saito
Restauranteur and chef of his namesake 2 Michelin-Star restaurant in Yorkville, known to be frequented by Drake for private dinners.
Chef Matty Matheson
Restauranteur, chef, actor and TV personality. Most recently known for his role in the award-winning TV series, The Bear.
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Meredith Shaw People to watch
TV and Radio personality. The co-host of Breakfast Television alongside co-host Sid Seixeiro, and recently taking on a weekend radio show on Sundays at noon, The Feel Good Brunch! A voice for both women’s empowerment and body positivity (and weight shaming discussion) recently starred on the front page of the Toronto Star. Stay tuned for her cover feature on April 22nd.
Michael Kimel
Co-founder, and Chairman of Harlo Entertainment. Which has investments in brands like Ace Hill, Nobu Hotel & Residences Toronto, Food Dudes, Chase Hospitality Group, Pandora, Parc Ave, Ultra, Toronto Ultra team, Sunny’s, Valerie, Tequila Tromba, Swan Miami, Overactive Media, Spinco and many more.
Michael Rousseau
President and CEO of Air Canada. Need we say more?
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Moses Znaimer
He’s truly a Canadian media pioneer and the co-founder of CityTV, MuchMusic, CP24, Bravo!, Space, FashionTelevision, and a dozen or more popular television channels and stations. Moses now combines media, content, and advocacy to champion the needs and interests of Canada’s 16.8 million people aged 45+, aka “Zoomers,” as the Founder of ZoomerMedia and President of CARP, Canada’s largest Advocacy Association for Canadians As We Age. Who’s rapidly expanded the business and successfully acquired media brands like BlogTO, DailyHive and most recently Curiocity Group. Needless to say, he’s a Canadian media tycoon.
Nakissa “Keesa K” Koomalsingh People to Watch
The founder of HoopQueens, which provides athletic & personal development opportunities for women in sports, most specifically basketball. Stay tuned for her cover feature on April 8th.
Nelly Furtado
Singer and songwriter who’s making waves, again. She’s done it once and she’s doing it again on an international scale. A true powerhouse of talent–and looks great doing it too.
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Nick Di Donato
President and CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group (behind Michelin-star restaurant Don Alfonso, DaNico, Blue Blood/CasaLoma, and most recently Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi house). Di Donato also sits on countless Toronto boards and has a passion for supporting the local community.
Chef Patrick Kriss
Businessperson, restauranteur and Michelin-star chef behind Alo Food Group.
Peter Freed
Founder and CEO, Freed Developments, the real estate and hospitality group behind brands like Deerhurst Resort, Muskoka Bay Resort, and Blue Mountain Village. Recently announced their upcoming game-changing project, a 63-storey, 800 million dollar luxury hotel and condo project: Freed Hotel and Residences. Known to bring some iconic talent to the city for the first time, like Takashi Murakami for the launch party of this iconic project.
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Peter Montopoli
Long-serving Canada Soccer general secretary Peter Montopoli has been appointed as the chief operating officer of Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as of last December.
Ryan Dubs
Founder of Dew of the Gods and Toy Factor, and self-professed “brand kind and creative director to the stars.” Dubs started off as a web and graphic designer for the Kardashians, later developing all of the online branding for Kylie Cosmetics, becoming Kylie Jenner’s second-in-command when her brand launched in 2015. Leading Dubs to be called “the man behind the Kylie Cosmetics brand,” even making a guest appearance on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Aside from all that he also manages to create content for his various TikTok and Instagram profiles documenting his life, the behind-the-scenes of running his businesses and also most recently, the process of building his dream home.
Ryan Gosling
Actor and producer most recently announcing his deal with Amazon MGM studios immediately after the debut of his new production company.
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Ryan Reynolds
Actor, producer and serial businessperson, known for his creative genius marketing strategies and publicity stunts.
Sandra Oh
Actress and producer.
Sasha Exeter
Content creator, and voice for women and black empowered, single parent life and a fashion enthusiast. With several successful product collaborations/collections with brands like Joe Fresh, it seems she may have the golden touch. Because anything with her seal of approval seems to just sell out in minutes.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
He Plays point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunders, most recently also seen collaborating with brands like Canada Goose for a KidSuper collaboration and most recently, Mercedes-Benz for their AMG-Uncovered series.
Sid Seixeiro
TV (as co-host of Breakfast Television) and radio personality. Known for being outspoken and passionate about what he believes in and not falling for the “crap” politicians tend to want to “feed” us.
Simu Liu
Actor (most notably known for his roles in Shang-Chi and Barbie), singer (recently launching an album after taking the stage as the presenter and performer at the 2023 Junos) and businessperson. Truly making waves all over! Championing his Asian heritage and uplifting the community. While also looking for ways to support businesses he can get behind, like his recent work with the Bellevue-based dumpling brand, MiLa, as their “chief content officer.”
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Sylvia Mantella
Chief marketing officer, Mantella corporation, avid fashion enthusiast (known for supporting Canadian designers) and philanthropist–with a soft spot for animals.
Tara Woodbury
Head of Netflix Canada. Leading the expansion of Netflix in Canada. #HollywoodNorth
Tracey Moore
TV personality (as the host of Cityline) with a long-standing presence on daytime TV. A voice for the black community and women’s empowerment, and a true force to be reckoned with.
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Tyrone Edwards
Businessperson (known for his stakes in several restaurants in the city, from Ruby Soho to Miss Likklemore’s) and TV personality for his prominent role as Anchor of Bell Media’s eTalk entertainment news program. But it runs much deeper than that. Tyrone runs in the right circles and is a pillar of the entertainment industry. Often seen partaking in super exclusive parties and events, running interviews from the leading red carpets, and even known to be seen hanging out with the likes of Drake, Lebron James, Rich Paul and more. Definitely a Toronto icon and voice for the black community. His influence undoubtedly runs deep!
Vinay Virmani
Actor, Director, Writer & Producer; Partner & Chief Content Officer, Uninterrupted Canada; & Investor (commonly known for his close ties to Drake and Lebron James, and recently investing in his tequila brand, Lobos 1707). Often seen court-side supporting the Raptors.
Wes Hall
Businessperson, venture capitalist and TV personality (as Canada’s first Black Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den). Self-professed, “King of Bay St.” A trailblazer for Black-Canadian entrepreneurs.
Winnie Harlow
Supermodel extraordinaire and businessperson, as the founder of Cay Skin. Also, know to speak up about embracing Vitiligo and against beauty ideals.
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Credits
Words and list by View the VIBE editorial team. Photography and retouching by: Nick Merzetti; Creative and Fashion Direction, and Co-Produced by: Steven Branco; Styled and Co-produced by: Sharad Mohan; Makeup by: Angela Lee; Hair by: Duyen Huynh; Gaffer: Alejandro Silva Cortez; BTS/PA: Mursal Rahman and Samir Mourani. Shot in studio at: Pie in the Sky Studios, Studio 1; Vintage vehicle: 1979, Chevrolet, Caprice Classic/courtesy of: Jason Miller @sitonfashion. Men’s wardrobe curated from: Harry Rosen.
Special thank you to our valued presenting sponsor: CITIZEN Watches
Originally published on April 3, 2024.
