2026 HR Excellence Awards Recap

On April 16, 2026, the HR community in Manitoba gathered to celebrate a night of success at the 2026 HR Excellence Awards. 

Radio personality Chrissy Troy hosted the festivities, which included 12 recipients in nine different categories. Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Deputy Minister Public Service Commissioner Dana Rudy brought greetings on behalf of the city and province respectively. 

After that CPHR Manitoba board chair Alison Crozier and Awards Gala Nominations Committee member Jen Sklar talked about all of the great work that the nominees have done, how the nominations came together, and the state of the HR industry in Manitoba. 

Professional Excellence Awards

After the opening portion, we handed out the Professional Excellence Awards, which recognized individuals at various levels of their careers who have applied their expertise and knowledge to the objectives of their organization and the people they support. 

Spark Award: Recognizing HR professionals in the first 10 years of their career 

• Winner: Mario Petit, CN Rail

Momentum Award: Recognizing CPHRs who have established their expertise and leadership

• Winner: Natalie Bell, Natalie Bell Consulting

Leadership Award: Recognizing executive-level practitioners for their strategic influence on their organization

• Winner: Olena Derkach, Trailblazers Life Choices Inc. 

HR Executive Award: Recognizing HR leaders in upper management levels that drive change within their organizations

• Winner: Jenna Book, Red River Mutual Insurance

Visionary Award: Recognizing Executive who endorse, support or champion the HR function within their organization

• Honourees: Jennifer Bell (Neovation Corporation), Michael Penman (Payworks), and Rick White (Canadian Canola Growers Association)

Learn more about this year's Professional Excellence nominees. 

Business Excellence Awards

After that, we moved on to the Business Awards, which recognize organizations leading the way in creating, developing, and implementing HR initiatives that resulted in significant and measurable benefits to the organization. 

Ascent Award: For investing in leadership and talent development

• Winner: Payworks

Thrive Award: For making work more meaningful and engaging

• Winner: Kroeker Farms
  

Unity Award: For advancing diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility at work

• Winner: Rebelleyus Consultations RH

Innovation Award: For promoting health, safety, and wellness

• Winner: DriveHRIS

HR Team Award: For people leading business as a team

• Winner: Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA)

Learn more about this year's Business Excellence nominees. 

FCPHR Presentation

CPHR Manitoba CEO Ron Gauthier was also proud to present CPHR Manitoba member Robyn Normandale with the Fellow-CPHR (FCPHR) designation. The FCPHR Designation is a prestigious award that recognizes CPHRs who have made exemplary contributions to the profession and recognizes leadership, outstanding achievement, and exceptional contribution to the profession. 

You can read more about Robyn's achievement here.

Looking Ahead

CPHR Manitoba wants to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made the event possible: sponsors, volunteers, and the attendees. We encourage CPHR Manitoba members, HR practitioners, and the business community to keep the momentum going by considering nominations for the 2027 awards.