Past nominees, winners and judges reveal what to expect at upcoming 2026 Canadian HR Awards gala
Ahead of the 2026 Canadian HR Awards gala on Oct. 1 at Rebel Toronto, past participants describe an evening that validates work HR teams rarely see recognized elsewhere.
Terry Doyle, senior director of people and culture at Miller Thomson LLP in Toronto, says preparing this year's submission lifted the department's mood. "It really has given everyone a boost," Doyle says, tying that momentum to a sense the team is "hitting the mark" on its people strategy.
Charles Riegel, people and culture manager at Regency Fireplace Products in Delta, B.C., and last year's Rising Star recipient, points to shared events as central to workplace cohesion. "It's really good for building culture here," Riegel says.
Jennifer Maki, national manager of human resources at Hyundai Auto Canada in Ontario, says winning last year showed recognition does not stay confined to HR. "The executive team shared that pride," Maki says.
Nicole Desloges, former senior vice-president, people at LifeLabs and a board director at the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), frames the gala as recognition for practitioners who typically operate out of view. "All these individuals make a difference," Desloges says, of HR professionals whose contributions rarely make headlines.
What can event-goers expect on the night?
Beyond the ceremony, several finalists describe the gala as a concentration of HR expertise worth attending as a full team. Chris Pepper of Fidelity Canada says it is "great to be surrounded by so many amazing people." Aman Malhi, director of people and culture at Refrigerative Supply Limited in Ontario, treats the night as a working event, taking notes on winning submissions to apply back at his organization.
The awards address a structural gap, tied to this year's broader people-strategy trends shaping the nominations.
Tanya Sinclair, deputy chief people officer at Save the Children and a 2026 judge, says such programs "provide leaders and CEOs with a vehicle to showcase and celebrate" HR achievements. Emotional intelligence coach and past judge Jamelle Lindo says the awards "does a really great job of highlighting people that deserve to be highlighted."
The 2026 gala marks its first move to a waterfront venue after years at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, opening with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception and a 7:30 p.m. dinner and ceremony.
