Wolfe, I wouldn't include. I don't see the war going much different without him.
Carleton, I know little about, can you explain what put him above his predecessors, who were key in supporting the French population rather than pushing Anglicization (namely to counter the stirring Americans rather than for any support of the French people).
No question about Sir John A. But I want to repeat again the credit deserved to George-Etienne Cartier, his (eventually) Quebec lieutenant.
Borden I would put mainly for his actions with conscription, not great for Canada, but hugely influential in pushing the division of English and French.
Around him, I would rate King as far more important, and Laurier at least a challenge.
King presided over much of Canada's push for independence, pushing the Halibut Treaty and making a fool of Lloyd George on Chanak. In addition to his role in WWII and presiding over significant advances towards a welfare state. Heck, he governed for 15% of our country's existence. No PM has been as important and as influential as King.
Which brings up his Grandfather and Panineau and later on Riel. Mackenzie is probably secondary to Papineau, but him and Riel should be considered for a spot.
And the man who brought responsible government to the Canadas (as a result of the Rebellions of 1837), the Earl of Elgin, who despite enormous opposition from English Canadians many of the political elite, followed the wishes of the legislature over his own preference. Even though he was in no way required to. Essentially establishing responsible government in the Canadas (and elected officials took precidence over those who were appointed).