We are proud to announce the launch of our new Member Recognition Program, replacing our once recognized awards program. Inspired by the brilliance of the Aurora Borealis—a symbol of energy, beauty, and limitless potential that dances across the northern skies of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Our Northern Lights-themed Member Recognition Program will recognize HR professionals as the guiding lights within their organizations—illuminating pathways to success through innovation, leadership, and collaboration.
With a refreshed visual identity and a renewed focus on excellence, we invite you to be part of the movement towards recognition by nominating yourself or a colleague for one of our three new award categories. Winners will be celebrated along with our esteemed members of our HR community at our 2026 Member Recognition Gala
Key Dates
- Nominations Open: October 31 – December 30, 2025
- Judication & Selection: January 5 – 29, 2026
- Notifications: February 5 – 6, 2026
Spotlight Categories
Spotlight - Individual HR Excellence Award
This award recognizes outstanding HR professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to the field. Aligned with CPHR Alberta's strategic priorities and core competencies, recipients inspire others through mentorship, collaboration, and impactful leadership.
They are a champion of innovation, embracing emerging trends, technologies, and creative approaches that advance organizational success. Their commitment to growth, resilience, and continuous learning makes them a passionate advocate and role model within the HR community.
All nominees who meet the criteria, as evaluated by our awards selection committee, will be honoured as 2026 HR Excellence Recipients and receive an individual spotlight at the 2026 Member Recognition Gala.
Spotlight - Team HR Excellence Award
This award celebrates HR teams that demonstrate exceptional collaboration, strategic planning, and execution in advancing HR practices. Recognized teams have successfully delivered initiatives aligned with CPHR Alberta's competency framework and a clearly defined organizational need.
Their efforts result in measurable, positive impacts for employees, stakeholders, and the broader community. Through resilience, adaptability, and shared leadership, they exemplify the power of teamwork in driving meaningful change.
All teams who meet the criteria, as evaluated by our awards selection committee, will be honoured as 2026 HR Excellence Team Recipients and celebrated with a dedicated spotlight at the 2026 Member Recognition Gala.
Spotlight - HR Champion Award
As passionate advocates for the HR profession, the HR Champion actively integrates HR into strategic decision-making and planning, reinforcing the importance of the profession across all levels of the organization. Their unique personality, compelling story, and measurable impact distinguish them as true leaders and role models within their organization.
With a people-first approach, recipients are mentors within their organizations - guiding and empowering others to achieve their goals and fostering strong, collaborative team dynamics. They lead by example, ensuring teams and individuals are supported with the resources and encouragement needed to thrive. Their forward-thinking approach embraces emerging HR trends and technologies, driving transformative change and organizational success.
Educators play a vital role in this space—mentoring future HR professionals, shaping organizational culture through learning, and driving forward-thinking approaches that embrace emerging HR trends and technologies.
In recognition of their strong commitment to advancing the HR profession through advocacy, all individuals who meet the criteria, as evaluated by our awards selection committee, will be honoured as 2026 HR Champion Recipients and celebrated with a dedicated spotlight at the 2026 Member Recognition Gala.
