The Professional Excellence Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond in the way they demonstrate leadership that advances people, workplaces and the HR profession.
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 10 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, 2026
PART TWO
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.
The second part of the nomination process is through an online application. Questions will be in short answer format.
The Awards Committee will evaluate all complete Part Two applications against scoring criteria to determine finalists and the recipient for each category. A maximum of three finalists will be recognized in each category. Only submissions that meet the minimum scoring threshold will be eligible, and finalists will be selected from the highest-scoring eligible submissions.
Part Two deadline: December 14, 2026
Why You Should Submit a Nomination
Nominating yourself, a colleague, or an organization gives you the chance to:
- Celebrate and promote your team’s achievements and recognize the people behind successful initiatives.
- Demonstrate HR leadership, strengthen professional and brand reputations, and inspire future HR Leaders
- Showcase measurable business impact and celebrate career achievements
- Honour mentors and colleagues through nomination
- Benchmark your work against leading organizations
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.
Professional Excellence Award Categories
The Spark Award Recognizes HR Professionals with up to five years of HR experience who have sparked change in their organization, taking ownership and responsibility in ways that belie their years. Application Information | | Award Category Sponsor: 
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The nominee has/is:
Up to five years of HR experience New energy Action beyond their years Taking ownership and responsibility Sparking change
| | Minimum Eligibility Criteria: CPHR Manitoba member in good standing at the time of the award presentation. Have been employed in the Human Resource profession for five years or less Physically employed by an organization based in Manitoba Previous Spark Award recipients are not eligible to apply
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The Momentum Award Recognizes HR Professionals with over five years of HR experience who have established their expertise and leadership, become a trusted resource to their colleagues and are moving long term priorities forward. This person is not in a formal leadership role. Application Information | | Award Category Sponsor: 
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The nominee has/is:
Over five years of HR experience A trusted resource to managers and directors Established expertise Advancing long term programs Influencing policy Taking leadership stances
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| Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
CPHR Manitoba member in good standing at the time of the award presentation Have been employed in the Human Resource profession for more than five years Physically employed by an organization based in Manitoba Previous HR Professional of the Year or Momentum Award recipients are not eligible to apply
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The Leadership Award Recognizes HR Professionals who have established their expertise in a formal leadership role. They are a mentor to their team and they have become a trusted resource to directors. They are leading the advancement of long-term priorities. Application Information | | Award Category Sponsor: 
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The nominee has/is: | | Minimum Eligibility Criteria: CPHR Manitoba member in good standing at the time of the award presentation OR an HR Executive who holds a professional designation in another profession Physically employed by an organization based in Manitoba
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The HR Executive Award Recognizes executive level HR Professionals who are a trusted resource to organizational leaders, advancing corporate objectives, setting policy and supporting sound governance. Application Information | | Award Category Sponsor: 
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The nominee has/is: Executive level HR experience A trusted resource to governance, leaders Advancing corporate objectives Setting policy
| | Minimum Eligibility Criteria: CPHR Manitoba member in good standing at the time of the award presentation OR an HR Executive who holds a professional designation in another profession Physically employed by an organization based in Manitoba Previous Human Resources Executive of the Year Award recipients or Leadership Award recipients from 2020-2025 are not eligible to apply
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The Visionary Award Recognizes an individual or executive team who endorses, supports or champions the HR function within their organization. This award is intended for those who does not work in the field of HR. Application Information | | Award Category Sponsor: 
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The nominee or team is: Demonstrating a commitment to employees Involving Human Resources leaders in key decisions and strategic planning Leading with integrity Championing a respectful and inclusive workplace Demonstrating vision and addressing future challenges
| | Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Physically employed by an organization based in Manitoba Holds an Executive-level position outside of Human Resources Previous Human Resources Patron of the Year or Visionary Award recipients are not eligible to apply for a second award in this category.
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The Legacy Award This is a lifetime achievement award. It recognizes HR Professionals who have personified community and corporate leadership, advanced the HR profession, and inspired others toward success through their lived example. This award is intended for those in the last five years of their career or those who are retired. Application Information | | Award Category Sponsor:
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The nominee has/is:
| | Minimum Eligibility Criteria: CPHR Manitoba member in good standing at the time of the award presentation Nominee is in the last five years of their career as of December 31, 2021 or is retired Physically employed by an organization based in Manitoba Previous Legacy Award recipients are not eligible to apply
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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 2027 HR Excellence Awards.
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 2026 Finalists
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FCPHR
The Fellow CPHR (FCPHR) award is a prestigious honorary award that recognizes members who have made exemplary contributions to the profession. The FCPHR recognizes leadership, outstanding achievement and exceptional contribution to the profession.
Applications for the FCPHR are coordinate through CPHR Canada. CPHR Manitoba will notify members when the window opens, typically around October 15. Successful recipients will be recognized at a future HR Excellence Awards.
For more information on nominating someone as an FCPHR, click here
For more information, please contact:
devon@cphrmb.ca
