2026 Professional Excellence Awards

CPHR Manitoba advances the human resource profession. That's why the CPHR Manitoba Professional Excellence Awards recognize individuals who apply their expertise to the objectives of their organization and the people they support.

 

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, 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

 

 

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: 

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

 

 

 

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.

Application Information

 

 

 

Award Category Sponsor: 

 

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



 

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 

 

 

 

 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: 


The nominee has/is:

  • In a formal HR leadership position

  • A trusted resource to directors

  • Established expertise

  • Leading the advancement of long term programs

  • Influencing 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

 

 

 

 

 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: 

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

 

 

 

 

 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: 


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.


 

 

 

 The Legacy Award

Recognizes HR Professionals who have personified community and corporate leadership, advanced the HR profession, and inspired others toward success through their lived example.

Application Information

 

Award Category Sponsor: 

The nominee has/is:

  • Lifetime achievement

  • Community involvement and corporate leadership

  • Advancing the HR profession

  • Inspiring


 

 

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 




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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FCPHR

The Fellow CPHR award is a prestigious honourary 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 Fellow CPHR are accepted on a continuing basis. Successful recipients whose application has been received prior to December 15, 2023 will be recognized at the 2024 HR Excellence Awards. 

For more information on nominating someone as an FCPHR, click here


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.