Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA)

Achievement Under 35

is presented to an immigrant or refugee under 35 years of age who has had remarkable success and made significant achievements in their chosen career path in a relatively short period of time.

Community Service

is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has provided outstanding community service to the city of Calgary and immigrant communities in a volunteer capacity.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in the creation or operation of a business or entrepreneurial endeavor, or has applied innovation resulting in business success in Calgary or surrounding areas.

Lifetime Achievement

is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved outstanding success in their chosen career path, professional field, or in the area of immigrant services. This individual will have made significant contributions to our city in their professional achievement, community building, and philanthropic endeavours.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in or made outstanding contributions to promote science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in Calgary.

Youth Achievement

is awarded to an immigrant or refugee youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who has made an outstanding contribution in one or more of the following areas: arts and culture, sports, community and volunteer activities, academics, and leadership.

Organizational Diversity

is presented to an organization* (business, government body, non-profit organization, or media outlet) that is a leader in embracing and promoting an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse workplace. The winner will be a shining example of how a company champions workplace diversity initiatives and has made significant contributions to supporting and integrating an ethnically diverse workforce. *Please note that immigrant and refugee serving organizations will not be considered for this award category.

For individual awards:

• Individuals must have been born outside of Canada
• Individuals must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
• Individuals must be permanent residents of Calgary and/or surrounding areas
• The Awards are not open to individuals who currently hold an elected political office
• One individual can be nominated in a maximum of two award categories

For organizational awards:

• Nominated organizations must have an office in Calgary and/or surrounding area, either locally owned or a local branch of a national or multi-national organization
• Organization can be nominated by an internal employee or external stakeholder