Alberta recognizing outstanding newcomers

Albertans are being invited to nominate a newcomer who has made a significant contribution to their community.

Alberta is home to individuals and families from many diverse backgrounds and they are helping to make positive impacts on their communities.

The Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards are an opportunity to honour newcomers who are enriching the province through volunteer activities, leadership, innovation in business, achievements in their academic or professional field or by creating more welcoming and inclusive communities.

Albertans are now able to submit their nominations for the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards. Award categories recognize the accomplishments of youth, women, seniors, entrepreneurs, academics, professionals and community builders. More than one recipient may be awarded in each category.

“Newcomers bring fresh skills, perspectives, and energy to Alberta,” said Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

“They start businesses, help sustain vital industries and take active roles in their neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces. They add diversity and cultural vibrancy. It is important that we take time to recognize them, no matter when they arrived here, for their crucial contributions in making our communities better.”

Submissions are evaluated based on criteria such as the nominee’s overall contribution, how their actions fulfilled a need and impacted others, and how they demonstrated leadership and originality when problem solving.

Nominations are open until noon on June 20.

The awards program is one of many government initiatives to support immigrants who chose to make Alberta their home.

Quick facts

The awards include nine categories: Career and Academics Contribution, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Inclusive Workplaces, Newcomer Champion, Senior Spirit Award, Small Community Enhancement, Student Inspiration, Women’s Newcomer Impact and Young Leader.
Nominations must be submitted through an online portal.
To be eligible, nominees must:
- be an individual (not a group or organization)
- have not received a similar Government of Alberta award
- have been born outside Canada (but can have lived in Canada for many years)
- be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- have no criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been received
- not be an elected official
- reside in Alberta at the time of nomination
- have contributed to Alberta