Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Awards of Excellence, the most prestigious national awards recognizing leadership, innovation, and impact across Canada's public college and institute system.
Presented during the 2026 CICan Connections Conference, this year's awards highlight individuals, teams, initiatives, and institutions whose achievements exemplify the sector's vital role in building strong colleges, strong communities, and a strong Canada - the guiding vision of CICan's newly launched Roadmap to 2030.
"Across Canada, public college, institute, CEGEP, polytechnic, and Indigenous Institute of Education excellence drives solutions to some of the country's most urgent national priorities, from workforce development and productivity, to reconciliation, and community resilience," said Pari Johnston, President and CEO of CICan. "This year's award recipients embody the ambition and impact of our sector. Their leadership and achievements demonstrate how excellence at the local level strengthens Canada as a whole."
"These awards shine a light on the remarkable people and programs that power our system," said Pierre Zundel, Chair of the CICan Board of Directors and President and CEO of the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB). "Their work reflects the deep commitment our institutions have to their communities, and it shows how the strengths of local leadership translate into national impact. As we launch our sector's Roadmap to 2030, these leaders exemplify the collaboration, innovation, and purpose that will move our country forward."
Beyond recognizing individual achievement, the Awards of Excellence also celebrate the entire pan-Canadian network of colleges and institutes, built on shared purpose and community-driven innovation. The Awards reinforce the sector's identity as a coordinated national force - a cornerstone of Canada's future workforce, productivity, and community resilience.
To view the 2026 CICan Awards of Excellence Recipients, click here.
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