January 21, 2016 (Ottawa, ON) – Following the “2015 Year of Sport in Canada” the CAAWS Most Influential Women List recipients are demonstrating their influence from coast to coast and from provincial to international levels in all roles of sport and physical activity. These women have made a significant impact in their areas of expertise and are role models for future generations.

“After an exciting Year of Sport in Canada, we have seen some very positive shifts with women taking on more leadership roles that influence sport at the highest level, and female athletes showing their influence on and off the field, said Karin Lofstrom, Executive Director CAAWS. “We are excited as well to expand our CAAWS Most Influential Women List to showcase our new Wall of Influence which will recognize women who have had an ongoing influence in sport in Canada and have been on our list 5 or more times.”

The CAAWS Most Influential Women List of 2015 is as follows (in alphabetical order):

• Stacey Allaster, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Toronto, ON
• Dr. Julia Allyne, Chief Medical Officer, TO2015, Toronto, ON
• Brenda Andress, Commissioners of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, Newmarket, ON
• Rachel Bedingfield, Co-Chair, WomenActive-NS, Gaspereau, NS
• Martha Billes, Chairman Emeritus, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity, Calgary, AB
• Chandra Crawford, President and Founder, Fast and Female, Canmore, AB
• Guylaine Demers, Chief Organizer, Conversation 2015 Women and Sport, Quebec City, QC
• Waneek Horn-Miller, Pan American Games Chef de Mission, Kahnawake, QC
• Kaillie Humphries, Olympian, Athlete Ambassador, Calgary, AB
• Sue Hylland, President and CEO, Canada Games Council, Ottawa, ON
• Lorraine Lafrenière, CEO, Coaching Association of Canada, Ottawa, ON
• Rachel Lewis, COO, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver BC
• Dr. Margo Mountjoy, Vice President, UANA, Guelph, ON
• Kelly Murumets, President and CEO of Tennis Canada, Toronto, ON
• Michele O’Keefe, President and CEO of Canada Basketball, Toronto, ON
• Karen O’Neill, CEO of Canadian Paralympic Committee, Ottawa, ON
• Christine Sinclair, Captain, Canadian Women’s Soccer, Burnaby, BC
• Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee, Vancouver, BC
• Hayley Wickenheiser, Member, IOC Athletes’ Commission, Shaunavon, SK
• Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, Richmond Hill, ON

In addition to the Most Influential Women List, CAAWS also highlights emerging leaders in Canada, as the Ones to Watch. These game-changers are making a difference in sport and physical activity, and we are eager to see the great things that will continue to come from these strong individuals.

• Kadeisha Buchanan (Toronto, ON), Member of Canadian National Soccer team, 2015 BMO Canadian Female Player of the Year
• Sasha Gollish, (Toronto, ON) 2015 Academic All-Canada, Bronze Medallist at Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games in 1500m
• Brooke Henderson, (Smiths Falls, ON) #18 in the world, LGPA card at age 17
• Kia Nurse, (Hamilton, ON) Member of Canadian National Basketball Team, Gold Medallist at Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games and 2015 FIBA Americas
• Aurélie Rivard, (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC) Para-swimmer of the Year (Swimming Canada), 7x Medallist at Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games

Congratulations to the new 2015 CAAWS Wall of Influence inductees!

Profiles and photos found here.

• Charmaine Crooks
• Anne Merklinger
• Melody Davidson
• Chantal Petitclerc
• Clara Hughes
• Carla Qualtrough
• Nancy Lee
• Beckie Scott

The CAAWS Most Influential Women List is voted on by a CAAWS selection panel, compiled by both public nominations and contributions from knowledgeable sport and physical activity leaders. The panel reviews the submissions and bases its decision on accomplishments and scope of activities in the 2015 calendar year. This is the 14th edition of the list. Previous lists can be found here.