Join the new world

Banach is once again a staple of the Canadian Media, Augustus Baldwin has risen from his crypt to baffle and entertain... surely this can mean only one thing...

No, it is not Armageddon (although some may want to argue otherwise), it is time for a new instalment of the Freeholder Press' Top 10 Most Influential Canadians! Our last publication during the Holidays saw an eclectic cross-section of citizens making what was the best received top 10 to date. They were:

10. Banach
9. No Idea
8. Derek Harland
7. Taiwan Panda
6. Nosyt
5. Tyler F Durden
4. Ramizeth
3. Citizen B
2. Scorpius
1. Jacobi



This edition saw the most drastic changes in the rankings and it should illustrate to the readers just how much perception can change from month to month. Like the authors of this list have done in the past, it is important to notify the reader that there is a bias associated with any list, that knowledge is not perfect and that great importance is being place on public perception. The economic crisis and advent of Lana and V2 means that economic titans like Taiwan Panda loses his seat and Petz misses the cut once more. The military and politicians are well represented and the media once more makes a statement.

10. Jacobi
At first Jacobi was going to be named to the list as honourable mention for his exemplary dedication to Canada and his service to the nation. Then Graingate happened and we were all reminded that he holds quite a bit of influence still and his voice remains that of a respected statesman. Ultimately he lost Graingate and stepped down from his position in Government but his ranking was secure on this list.

9. Tyler F Durden
The longest serving party president is no more. There were rumours of presidential aspirations that never materialized but that was more about his restraint than any lack of opportunity. When the burden of party leadership was removed, Tyler took off in the media. He became a virtual one stop shop for commentary on anything and everything. Sometimes we detected hints of bitterness, often he was cutting but always original and true to himself. Rumours have it that he is now fully dedicated to the business of professional militias in service to Eden.

8. Bruck
Speaking of professional militias... the Commandant and founder of the Crimson Order (formerly Bruck's Canucks) signs in at number eight. Bruck is one of the most polarizing figures in the country with some citizens regularly attempting to dismiss him as a has-been political force. The truth is that he has the power of over 100 active, dedicated citizens to call upon if needed not to mention those in his political party or his international friends. 100 voices can and have influenced elections and therefore the path Canada sets itself upon.

7. Ramizeth
If you accept that the military ultimately leads the way in everything else (war makes the world go round), then no list could be complete without the Canadian's Armed Forces general. Ramizeth has shown himself to be adept at entering the political arena at precisely the right time to make the needs of the CAF known and influence public debate in a manner more suited to the armed forces requirements. Also, and perhaps most importantly for unity, he has been a major voice in favour of private militias. His willingness to talk and listen to private groups needs can only benefit Canada long term.

6. Fox Blutch
If you do not know why Fox Blutch deserves to be on this list, then you have not been paying attention. Under his leadership the Union National went from the sidelines to prime time. Not yet convinced? He had to deal with such hot/controversial subjects as helba's citizenship and Samuel de Champlain's trial (which until recently had only been in the court of public opinion). Today the Union National is a strong, active voice in Canada and Fox Blutch himself is part of government as Minister of Immigration.

5. nea milosu/Fram
Fram, as he is more commonly known, has had quite an interesting past couple of months. Often found in government involved in various ministries, he decided it was time to try and lead. His bid for the President's seat was an interesting one and it showed this veteran politician at his best. The electorate decided otherwise and Fram's bid was defeated but he then parlayed his increased profile into the party presidency of the DAL. Anyone who leads the top political party in Canada has influence, when that person is also a smart and experienced man like Fram, even more so.

4. jbdivinus
Jbdivinus' successful run for the presidency was a moment of great importance to the nation. It signalled the end of the Jacobi era and ushered in new voices, new priorities and new motivations in government. Jbdivinus would serve only one term but he also got himself elected assistant supreme commander of Eden. While Canada is nowhere near the top in world rankings when it comes to population, it meant that a Canadian voice would hold a position of power and influence on the international stage. De facto number three in Eden. When the World ignites in war, there is a good chance one of our own while have held the match.

3. Acacia Mason
A reporter is not meant to lead public debate but rather frame the questions surrounding it. Acacia Mason is beyond a doubt the most accomplished media baron in Canada today. Through his podcasts he has become the "voice" of the nation and brings refreshing takes on what can often pass as a bland intellectual landscape. It was very tempting to put Acacia Mason even higher on the list because although he does not lead debate, his influence is undeniable in matters of policy and analysis. Often you just need to ask the right questions at the right time and this reporter has excelled at that game.

2. Chucky Norris
The natural tendency of the public is to look for whatever it is our leaders are doing wrong. For Chucky Norris so far the answer has been... not much. It could have been disastrous with Graingate, the potential was there for Titaniumgate. Canada's isolation geographically from the war hotspots has also been a problem economically but in each case President Norris has proven a decisive and capable administrator. His second place ranking is also due in large part with the credit he received for the development of the war in the UK (minus the end game which was non-existent). Also his bilingual presidential addresses are a novel and welcome addition to our media culture.

1. Addy Lawrence
Who is your daddy? Well for the purposes of the Top 10 Most Influential Canadians, Addy is your daddy. Catch phrases aside (please), Addy Lawrence has been a work horse on both the political and economical scenes in Canada. For months now the economy has been shepherded by him, the tax system has his fingerprints all over it. No motion with a dollar value attached escapes his notice and often Congress defer to him in such matters. Now president of the CPF he has the reigns of one of the most talent laden political parties in Canada. There are huge shoes to fill but Addy Lawrence is the hardest working citizens in Canada.

This has been the most difficult list to put together. Some other citizens that were considered were Nosyt, Adasko and jfstpierre to name but a few. Of the top 10, many changed rankings throughout the process and for various reasons the top 4 were almost interchangeable. Ultimately, like with previous lists there will be strong objections but the debates are often as entertaining as the publishing.

Thank you for your support and feedback.

Top 10 Most Influential Canadians, Holiday Edition!
Top 10 Most Influential Canadians, 3rd Edition
Top 10 Most Influential Canadians, 2nd Edition
Top 10 Most Influential Canadians, 1st Edition