Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Award of Distinction

2026 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction | Alberta Chambers of Commerce

Description

Recognizes a business or organization with outstanding achievement in practice, events, applied research, policy, programs, or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change, especially for those who traditionally have been under-represented (women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+). This award encourages businesses to embrace cultural differences and build relationships with diverse communities. By demonstrating these qualities, businesses can create a more inclusive workplace for all employees.

Requirements

Specific Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Award of Distinction, the business must:

  • Incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational strategy
  • Introduce initiatives/programs/projects that contribute to the advancement of EDI and have made progress towards stated goals.
  • Demonstrate methods to support an equitable and inclusive working environment 
  • Incorporate initiatives that demonstrate respect for EDI grounded in human rights
  • Measurably improved business performance through inclusive business practices 

For example:

  • A strategic plan that embeds a commitment to the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion;
  • A tool or practice that provides accommodations for an equity-seeking group e.g. increased accessibility for people with disabilities, or is designed to address racism;
  • An initiative or action aiming at adapting or changing procedures, policies, or practices to make them fair or more inclusive;
  • Fostering inclusive excellence in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion goals;
  • Exemplifying leadership in fostering an inclusive workplace.

General Eligibility:

Judging is complete anonymously, so your submission must also be completed anonymously to support the judging process. Companies must NOT use their company name when responding to short answer questions.

To be a valid entry in the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, your business must(at the time of both nomination and awards presentation):

  • Be operational in Alberta for a minimum of 3 fiscal years unless otherwise stated
  • Be actively operating in Alberta
  • Employ Albertans to produce goods and/or provide services
  • Must be a member in good standing of a local chamber of commerce in Alberta (proof of membership required)
    Contact your local chamber to become a member.
  • Not have won in the same category in the last three award cycles (e.g. a 2022 winner is eligible again in 2026)
  • Not have anyone in your management, on your board, or in your employ serving on the Alberta
  • Business Awards of Distinction judging committee for the category
  • If you are a non-profit organization, no more than 30% of annual revenue can be directly funded by Government envelopes. This does not apply to regular procurement.
  • Financial Statements submission
    Sample Financial Summary Statement
    • Applicants must submit financial statements as part of the application process.
    • Financial information is requested only to confirm that applicants represent actively operating businesses. Financial statements are not used as part of the judging criteria.
    • To protect applicant confidentiality:
      • Financial information is reviewed only during the eligibility verification stage
      • Application materials are treated as strictly confidential
      • Individuals involved in administering the awards process are required to sign confidentiality agreements
    • There is no minimum profit threshold required.
    • Applicants do not need to submit detailed financial statements with every line item. A high-level financial summary showing overall income and expenses is sufficient. If necessary, sensitive line-item details may be redacted, provided the financial summary clearly reflects overall business activity.
    • Interim financial statements may be accepted if they reflect the most recent financial position of the business.
    • If a company operates nationally or globally, financial statements may be submitted as they are normally filed. Where possible, applicants are encouraged to provide context related to Alberta operations.