The Government of Alberta is looking to recognize newcomers who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
Anyone can nominate a newcomer who has enriched the province through volunteerism, leadership, innovation in business, academic achievement, professional achievement, or by creating more welcoming and inclusive communities.
“The contributions newcomers have made, and continue to make in our community are immeasurable,” says Beverley Tjarera, Program Manager of Newcomer Services for the YMCA of Northern Alberta.
“The ingenuity and innovation newcomers bring help communities thrive, so awards that celebrate their contributions are very important.”
Tjarera says Fort McMurray wouldn’t be what it is today without the diversity and experience everyone brings to the table, including all of the different cultures.
She says roughly in the past year, Wood Buffalo has welcomed around 200 Ukrainians and 120 government-assisted refugees to the region.
The nine categories available for awards are:
- Career and Academics Contribution
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Inclusive Workplaces
- Newcomer Champion
- Senior Spirit Award
- Small Community Enhancement
- Student Inspiration
- Women’s Newcomer Impact
- Young Leader
To be eligible you must have been born outside of Canada but can have lived in Canada for many years.
Other criteria to be nominated are to not have received a similar award from the Government, be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, not be an elected official, reside in Alberta, and have no criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been received.
Submissions will be 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 while problem-solving.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and are being accepted through an online portal.
The Government says the awards program helps newcomers transition to life in Alberta and empower them to share their diversity and cultures with others.
