The Ascent Award
For investing in leadership and talent development.
| Manitoba Public Insurance Manitoba Public Insurance is a non-profit Crown corporation that delivers Basic automobile insurance coverage, along with a range of registration and licensing services, to Manitoba drivers. In 2022, MPI’s executive team announced the creation of an enterprise change management function that would support leaders and mature their corporate approach to change. The foundational premise was that everyone has a role in adapting to change, and people need support to understand their roles and to become effective in them. MPI has been highly successful at maturing the enterprise change function. This maturity is evident in the training provided to all job levels and corners of the organization since they started the initiative. Their learners have consistently reported significant improvements in both knowledge and confidence from this training. |  | RDT Soccer Academy RDT Soccer Academy is Winnipeg’s leading grassroots soccer program, providing innovative coaching and development opportunities for youth aged 4-12. With over 35 staff coaches and more than 200 parent volunteer coaches, RDT is dedicated to fostering a positive and engaging soccer experience for players and their families.
In 2022, RDT Soccer Academy launched the Shadow and Grow Program, an innovative mentorship-based initiative designed to enhance coaching quality. The program pairs new coaches with experienced mentors, allowing them to observe live coaching sessions, take notes, and engage in reflective feedback discussions. This “train-the-trainer” model equips new coaches with practical skills, confidence, and strategies to excel in their roles while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
The Shadow and Grow Program has significantly improved coaching competency, with 90% of new coaches reporting increased confidence and effectiveness. Parent satisfaction with coaching quality has risen, and player retention has increased year over year. Operationally, the program has decreased new coach turnover. Additionally, the initiative has strengthened team culture by encouraging open communication, mentorship among staff, and greater team cohesion.
This transformative program underscores RDT Soccer Academy’s commitment to delivering high-quality coaching while creating a supportive environment for both coaches and players, ensuring the academy’s continued growth and positive community impact. |
The Impact Award
For making work more meaningful and engaging.
 | Manitoba Blue Cross Manitoba Blue Cross is a homegrown, Manitoba-based health benefits provider with coverage that is among the best in the industry. With the added advantage of a national network, they provide the utmost care for their members. Manitoba Blue Cross remains steadfast in its vision for the future. Guided by values rooted in compassion, innovation, and inclusivity, they are pursuing growth through product evolution, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and expanding their reach to meet the needs of more Manitobans. While honoring their legacy as a trusted benefits provider, they continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring lasting success for the communities they serve.
Their initiative Enhance Corporate Culture aimed to modernize the operational mindset at Manitoba Blue Cross, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), employee development, employee wellness, and community engagement. This initiative instills a sense of pride among their employees, not only for their long-standing financial contributions to the community over the past 50 years, but also as an integral part of our company values. Their employees are motivated to excel in their roles while contributing to the communities they serve. |  | Skip
Skip, a leading Canadian technology company, connects customers with local businesses through a seamless platform, driving innovation and supporting local economies. With a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and employee engagement, Skip stands out for its robust Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), a globally recognized initiative that fosters a culture of belonging and community. The creation of these ERGs was prompted by employee feedback, highlighting the need for spaces where underrepresented groups could connect and influence workplace culture.
Seven ERGs were formed, each with a focus on different aspects of inclusivity, including 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC, women in tech, neurodiversity, and mental health. These groups organize events, workshops, and advocacy campaigns to drive engagement and support employees' sense of belonging. The initiative’s success is reflected in Skip's commitment to inclusive practices, with measurable improvements in well-being scores, employee morale, and retention rates. ERGs have become integral to Skip’s mission of creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, belong, and contribute meaningfully to the company’s growth and success. |  | Vidir Solutions Inc. Vidir Solutions is an automated material handling solutions manufacturer based in the heart of Manitoba’s Interlake. Following strategic goals from Vidir’s Board of Directors and Executive Team, Vidir’s HR Team set a goal to create values-driven decision making, where organizational values act as a guiding framework that helps leaders and employees make decisions that are consistent with the company’s identity and mission. Creating clear values and clear actions around those values ensures that these decisions align with the company’s long-term vision and ethical standards, creating coherency and consistency for both internal and external clients. Another goal of this project was to lower attrition rates which had been rising in recent years. Since implementing a values framework and incorporating it into all aspects of the business starting in the beginning of 2024, Vidir has seen a 6% drop in attrition rates and clarity from both internal and external clients on what Vidir stands for. |
The Unity Award For advancing diversity, inclusivity and accessibility at work.
 | MacDon Industries Ltd. Celebrating 75 years of innovation, MacDon is a global leader in agricultural equipment manufacturing, known for its family-oriented culture and commitment to respect, diversity, and equity. With a workforce representing many cultures, MacDon’s HR team drives inclusivity as a strategic priority. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, MacDon launched the Duo-Onboarding Program to support Ukrainian newcomers seeking stability in Manitoba. This initiative provides onboarding sessions in both English and Ukrainian, with translated safety manuals, training presentations, and English language training tailored to manufacturing terminology. By addressing language barriers and cultural transitions, the program ensures clarity, safety, and a welcoming environment for new employees. The program has significantly impacted MacDon’s workforce and organizational culture by embedding diversity into its operations. Participants expressed feeling valued and supported, highlighting the program's success in fostering inclusion and belonging. This initiative reinforces MacDon’s reputation as a global leader that prioritizes employee well-being and exemplifies its role as a community-focused employer in Manitoba.
|  | Perimeter Aviation LP For over 60 years, Perimeter Aviation has served Indigenous communities with unwavering dedication, ensuring their efforts go far beyond transportation. Recognizing the deep connection between cultural understanding and exceptional service, they launched a tailored Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Training Program in 2023 as part of their commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity. Led by Sara Echakar, this program was thoughtfully designed through extensive research and collaboration with Indigenous leaders and experts. The training provides employees with an in-depth understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and the lasting impacts of historical injustices. It also equips teams with tools for effective, respectful communication and actionable allyship. Reviewed and endorsed by respected figures like Dr. Carry Miller and Elders Roy Mason and Ken Wood, the program ensures a balanced and authentic perspective. This initiative has profoundly impacted their organization and the communities they serve.
|  | StandardAero StandardAero is a global company specializing in extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and custom solutions for business aviation, commercial aviation, military, and industrial power customers. StandardAero was looking at opportunities to hire more women into technical positions and fill its immediate recruitment needs as it continues to experience accelerated growth within the aerospace industry. In partnership with Manitoba Aerospace, the government of Manitoba, and Manitoba Institute for Trades & Technology and StandardAero, helped hire and train two dedicated Women in Aerospace training programs. Over 21 weeks, students developed their skills through a mixture of classroom instruction, work-integrated learning, mentorships, and workplace practicums, gaining foundational knowledge in gas turbine repair and overhaul. Successful trainees were hired at StandardAero into aerospace mechanic and inspection careers. Training more women to enter the trades, the program strengthens local economies, community development and infrastructure growth. Women who succeed in the trades become role models for younger generations, encouraging girls to pursue careers in fields they might not have otherwise considered. |
The Vitality Award
For promoting health, safety and wellness.
 | Power Driven Electric Ltd. Power Driven Electric (PDE) has been a trusted leader in electrical services since 2013, offering innovative and reliable solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
Recognizing the inherent risks in the electrical industry, PDE launched a comprehensive Health and Safety Program in October 2023. This initiative introduced a formalized safety structure, replacing informal practices and aligning safety with organizational goals. Key components included the development of policies and procedures, customized role-specific training, and the implementation of a digital safety management platform that streamlines documentation and reporting. The program emphasizes employee engagement through weekly toolbox talks, monthly safety reviews, and active feedback mechanisms, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
The Health and Safety Program has significantly advanced PDE’s performance and culture. Achieving COR certification in September 2024 validated the company’s commitment to safety excellence. By ensuring 100% recording of incidents and 50% of near misses, the program established a robust database for ongoing analysis and improvement. Enhanced employee participation has minimized workplace incidents, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened client trust.
Beyond the workplace, the program benefits the broader community by mitigating risks associated with faulty electrical work, protecting homes, businesses, and public spaces. PDE’s commitment to safety not only safeguards its employees but also reinforces its role as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to protecting its community and stakeholders. |
The HR Team Award For people leading business as a team.
 | DealerPILOT HR The DealerPILOT HR team is a group of dedicated professionals who consistently align HR strategies with business goals. By integrating innovation, compliance, and employee feedback, the team drives continuous improvement in employee satisfaction and operational success.
Their efforts, such as the mental health strategy and governance framework, have delivered measurable results, including improved engagement, reduced turnover, and enhanced compliance. The HR team’s ability to adapt and lead with data-driven decisions has been instrumental in positioning DealerPILOT as a leader in HR excellence. This dedication to data-driven decisions has also placed members of our team on the world stage to provide input into international HR standards including HR Reporting, Metrics, and Data Handling through participation in the ISO Standards development process, demonstrating leadership in the process- the size of the organization notwithstanding. This has also opened the door to a greater understanding of HR data for the rest of the organization. | | | Vidir Solutions Inc.
Vidir Solutions is an automated material handling solutions manufacturer based in the heart of Manitoba’s Interlake that employs 260 people.
Vidir’s mission is “To Make The World’s Products Safely Accessible” and their machines can be found in every industry and in over 45 countries around the globe. The HR Team at Vidir Solutions has striven to drive business excellence and support employees across the organization. Over the past 5 years, the HR team has implemented a strategic workforce management system, a new HRIS, a leadership development program, and a robust performance management system. Each of these initiatives has helped to develop the workforce to meet the business need, supported our employees as they navigate their career, and helped to decrease overall attrition rate over the last 4 years. |
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