Nominations open for Canadian HR Awards 2025

Prestigious gala returning to Toronto to celebrate HR excellence across Canada

BY HRD Canada 24 Mar. 2025

Nominations are now open for the Canadian HR Awards 2025, the country’s leading celebration of excellence in human resources. Set to take place on September 18, 2025, the event will return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, bringing together HR leaders, professionals, and teams for an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration.

Hosted annually by HRD Canada, the Canadian HR Awards spotlight the individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of work in Canada. From pioneering wellness programs to standout employer branding, the awards honour a wide spectrum of HR achievements.

Recognizing the best in the business

Now in its 12th year, the Canadian HR Awards continues to set the benchmark for excellence in HR leadership and innovation. Nominations are open from March 24 to May 30, and individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit entries that showcase outstanding contributions to the HR profession.

The 2025 awards feature a range of prestigious categories, including:

Individual awards

The O.C. Tanner Award for Lifetime Achievement in the HR Industry
Canadian HR Champion (CEO)
Canadian HR Leader of the Year
Canadian HR Rising Star of the Year
Woman of Distinction

Company and team categories

The Medcan Award for Excellence in Financial, Physical & Mental Wellness
The Payworks Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy
The Queen’s University IRC Award for Best Learning & Development Strategy
The University of Waterloo Award for Next Generation Employment Innovation
Best Reward & Recognition Strategy
Best Workplace Culture
Best Employer Branding
Best HR Communication Strategy
Best Labour & Employment Law Firm
Best Service Provider of the Year
Best Talent Management Strategy
Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More)
Canadian HR Team of the Year (Fewer Than 500 Employees)
Canadian HR Team of the Year (Finance/Insurance)
Canadian HR Team of the Year (Retail/Hospitality)
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Excellence in Flexible Work Strategies
Most Effective Recruitment Strategy
Most Innovative Use of HR Technology or AI

Check out last year’s winners: Announced! Canadian Human Resources Awards 2024 winners | HRD Canada

Why HR recognition matters

The Canadian HR Awards offer a powerful platform to highlight the people and strategies transforming workplaces across Canada. Past winners have included trailblazers in wellness, diversity, talent development, and organizational culture. Being shortlisted or awarded is a mark of excellence that elevates both individual careers and organizational reputations.

How to get involved

If you or someone you know is making an impact in HR, now is the time to nominate.

Submit your nomination here: Nominate | Canadian HR Awards
View the full list of award categories: Award Categories | Canadian HR Awards
Interested in sponsorship? Sponsors | Canadian HR Awards

Join the conversation using #HRAwardsCA and stay tuned for updates as we count down to the big night.

Special thanks to our sponsors, including O.C. Tanner, Medcan, Payworks, Queen’s University IRC, University of Waterloo, and others whose support makes this celebration possible.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of Canada’s biggest HR celebration. Nominate today and mark your calendars for September 18, 2025!