Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade Honour Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane as 2025 Newsmakers of the Year
Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade Honour Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane as 2025 Newsmakers of the Year
The Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal are proud to announce Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane, co-founders of Jackpine Dynamic Branding, as the 2025 Newsmakers of the Year.
In January, Mooney and Cochrane sparked a national conversation with the launch of their patriotic apparel brand “Canada Is Not For Sale.” The initiative was a direct response to political rhetoric suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Their bold branding - featuring slogans like “Strong and Free” and “Le Canada n’est pas à vendre” - quickly gained traction, gaining expansive reach when one of their hats appeared on Saturday Night Live and was later worn by Ontario Premier Doug Ford during a national press event.
The campaign went viral, generating $20,000 in sales within 90 minutes and attracting international media attention. Since then, the duo has scaled their operations, invested in Canadian manufacturing, and partnered with institutions like OCAD University. Their commitment to Canadian-made products and social impact includes a $10,000 donation to Wounded Warriors Canada.
Their work has not only elevated Canadian pride but also demonstrated the power of branding and entrepreneurship in shaping public discourse. From from viral social media content, to global interviews, Mooney and Cochrane have become unexpected ambassadors for Canadian identity.
When speaking to OBOT about the award, Liam said: "What a journey this year has been. At a moment when our national sovereignty was threatened, Canadians came together to stand up for our country. That defiant patriotism resonated across the nation and around the world. I’m honoured to accept this award, but even prouder of all the people who stood united to say: Canada is Not for Sale."
Join us in celebrating Liam, Emma, and other outstanding business leaders at the Best Ottawa Business Awards on November 28, 2025, at the Westin Ottawa - an evening of inspiration, networking, and recognition for the people and companies that make Ottawa a vibrant business community