“Honouring Champions of Immigrant Inclusion in Canada”
The ACESS Canada National Recognition & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards is an annual national program recognizing government institutions, corporations, NGOs, community organizations, and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting immigrants particularly African immigrants through employment, integration, training, entrepreneurship, and community development.
These awards celebrates organizations that actively contribute to the success of Canada’s immigration and economic integration policies championed by the Government of Canada under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada. The ceremony takes place annuallyrotates in all Canadian provinces and territories, in a National Grand Awards Ceremony where top winners receive recognition from national leaders.
Awards Vision
To build a Canada where immigrants are fully empowered, employed, and contributing to national development, while recognizing institutions that make this possible.
Awards Mission
To recognize, reward, and promote organizations and individuals that advance immigrant inclusion, employment, and empowerment across Canada.
Objectives
- Recognize companies and institutions supporting immigrant employment.
- Encourage corporate social responsibility toward immigrant communities.
- Promote inclusive workplaces across Canada.
- Highlight organizations supporting immigrant women, youth, and families.
- Inspire more organizations to support immigration integration initiatives.
Award Categories
Corporate & Business
Categories include Immigrant Employer of the Year, Best Workplace for Immigrant Talent, Outstanding Small Business Employer of Immigrants, Corporate Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion, Best Company Supporting Immigrant Women, and Best Startup Founded by Immigrants.
Government & Institutional
Categories include Outstanding Government Department Supporting Immigrant Integration, Best Provincial Immigrant Employment Program, and Municipal Leadership in Immigrant Support, including agencies working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
NGO & Community Awards
Categories include NGO/CSO of the Year Supporting Immigrants, Community Leadership Award, and Best Settlement Support Program, especially for organizations working with programs linked to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Individual Awards
Categories include Immigrant Role Model of the Year, Young Immigrant Achiever Award, Immigrant Woman Leadership Award, and Lifetime Contribution to Immigrant Empowerment.
Impact for Canada
The program will:
- Strengthen immigrant employment initiatives
- Encourage inclusive hiring practices
- Support Canada’s labour market needs
- Highlight successful integration stories
- Promote diversity in the workplace
Voting and Nomination Criteria
ACESS Canada hosts an online nomination and voting platform.
Step 1: Nominations
Organizations submit nominations through the ACESS Awards Portal.
Nominees can include:
- Companies
- NGO/CSOs
- Government departments
- Community leaders
- Entrepreneurs
Step 2: Public Voting
After nominations:
- ACESS promotes and publishes shortlisted nominees
- Each nominee receives a unique voting link
- Companies share the link with employees, partners, and the public
- Voting is conducted online
Employees vote for their organization in categories such as:
- Best Immigrant Employer
- Best Diversity Workplace
Voting weight example:
- Public vote: 40%
- Expert panel: 60%
Awards Selection Committee
A professional panel including:
- Academic experts
- Government representatives
- Corporate leaders
- Immigration specialists
- Community leaders
Annual Event Structure
All winners selected attend the National Awards Finale.
National Grand Ceremony
The top provincial and the national overall winners share the grand stage for recognition and awarding by the prime minister.
The ceremony is attended by:
- National leaders
- Business communities
- NGOs
- immigrant communities
- media
The Prime Minister of Canada would be the Guest of Honour to present the highest awards.
Award Benefits for Winners
Winners receive:
- National Award
- Official government recognition certificate
- Media publicity
- Branding as “Canada Immigrant Inclusion Champion”
- Promotion on ACESS/any event publicity platform national platforms
Companies can also use the ACESS Award Seal for marketing and recruitment.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Your support helps us empower African communities across Canada. Join us in building stronger, more resilient communities.