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2026 Business Excellence Awards

These awards recognize Manitoba businesses that have harnessed the power of HR to advance their business goals. Organizations that have successfully demonstrated leadership in HR programs or services by creating, developing and implementing related initiatives that have resulted in significant and measurable impact to their organization are eligible.

Application Process

Applying for an HR Excellence Award is a two step process. See each individual award category below for more application information. 


PART ONE 

Click here to complete part one of the application. Nominations can be made for yourself or on behalf of someone else confidentially. It should take less than ten minutes to complete your application!

The Awards Committee will review all Part One applications. CPHR Manitoba staff will follow up with approved applicants to provide the Part Two online application. 

Part One deadline: October 31, 2025

 

PART TWO - Updated this year!

Part Two is a deeper dive into the initiative. Unlike Part One, the individual being nominated must be involved in the process of completing the application.

NEW - We have improved the second part of the nomination process, moving it to an online application form to make it more accessible and user friendly.

The Awards Committee will evaluate all complete Part Two applications against scoring criteria to determine finalists and the recipient for each category. Submissions will be considered a finalist if the minimum scoring threshold is met along with being the top 5 applications within the category.

Part Two deadline: December 12, 2025

 

Awards Information Sessions

We host information sessions throughout the Fall to help answer your questions and guide you through the application process. To join us for one of our upcoming sessions, click here. 

 

 

Business Excellence Award Categories


Minimum Eligibility Criteria: 

The initiative was:

  • Implemented within the past five years and has been in operation for at least one year

  • Developed and carried out in Manitoba  (national initiatives may qualify provided the HR team member in Manitoba was actively involved in planning and execution of the initiative)

 The Ascent Award

        

For investing in leadership and talent development.

Including:

  • Establishing a leadership culture

  • Offering progressive professional development

  • Addressing skills gaps

  • Undertaking career path and succession planning

Award Category Sponsor: 

 

 Application Information

The Thrive Award

For making work more meaningful and engaging.

Including:

  • Culture (inclusive, creating a respectful workplace, people focused, invested in workplace safety, psychological health and safety)

  • Flexibility (Work/Life Balance - Prioritizing mental health & wellness)

  • Corporate social responsibility

  • Employee volunteer programs

  • Recruitment and retention

  • Employer branding

 

Award Category Sponsor:


Application Information

The Unity Award

For advancing diversity, inclusivity and accessibility at work.

Including:

  • Establishing a culture of inclusion

  • Advancing truth and reconciliation

  • Removing barriers to access

  • Actualizing the full value of diversity

Award Category Sponsor: 

Application Information

The Innovation Award

For driving transformation through bold ideas and cutting-edge solutions.
Including:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in HR

  •  HR technology adoption and integration

  • Measurable operational impact

  • Process improvement and optimization

  • Strategic development and future-focused planning


 

Award Category Sponsor: 


Application Information

 

The HR Team Award

  • For people leading business as a team.
    Including:

  • Building connection and well-being by working together with trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to inclusive, people-centered practices.

  • Driving talent forward through collaborative problem-solving, cross-functional teamwork, and a unified approach to supporting growth and development.

  • Transforming organizations by navigating change together, combining diverse strengths, and aligning around a shared vision for innovation and progress.


Award Category Sponsor: 

Minimum Eligibility Criteria: 

  • team is two or more staff

  • the majority of the HR Team is here in Manitoba

 Application Information

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Finalists

Finalists will be announced once all Part Two submissions have been reviewed.

All Finalists will participate in the creation of nominee videos, be invited to attend the Gala with friends, family and co-workers. Winners will be announced live at the 2026 HR Excellence Awards. 

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Past Nominees 

Reading through the nominations of past nominees may assist you in completing your application by giving you ideas of what others have been recognized for. 

View the 2025 Finalists

For more information, please contact:

devon@cphrmb.ca


 
People Leading Business.TM
CPHR Manitoba is located on Treaty 1 territory, the home and traditional lands of the Annishinabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Our clean drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation in Treaty 3 territory.

Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Manitoba
(CPHR Manitoba)

1810-275 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

204.943.2836

hello@cphrmb.ca