2025 Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards group photo of the award recipients with (from left to right) Elder Wilma Crow Chief, Elder Duane Crow Chief, Minister Myles McDougall, Associate Minister Muhammad Yaseen and Elder Charlie Fox. (Image Credit: Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Nomination Deadline May 12, 2026

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Nominations are open for the 2026 Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards, recognizing newcomers’ contributions to making the province a better place to call home. 

Provincial officials say Alberta is home to people from cultures and backgrounds that span the world, many of whom have made significant contributions to their communities through excellence in their profession or field.

Through charitable work, entrepreneurship, innovation, artistic expression and more, the government says Alberta is strengthened by the immigrants who have chosen to make the province their home.

Officials note, the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards were created to recognize the achievements and excellence of foreign-born Albertans, regardless of the time they have spent in the province.

Albertans are encouraged to nominate immigrant youth, entrepreneurs, academics, artists, athletes, professionals and community builders for an Alberta Immigrant Impact Award in recognition of their accomplishments.

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“The contributions of immigrants have a vital impact on Alberta’s success and keeping it a welcome place for all,” said Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Multiculturalism, in a press release this week. “Whether through supporting businesses, driving innovation or volunteering in their communities, it is important to recognize and celebrate the positive impact newcomers have on our province.”

Provincial officials say nominations are evaluated on criteria such as the nominee’s overall contribution, how their actions fulfilled a need and affected others and how they demonstrated leadership and originality when problem-solving.

Nominations are open from March 3 until noon on May 12, and an event will be held in fall 2026 to recognize the recipients of the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards.

Visit Alberta.ca/ImmigrantImpactAwards for details and to nominate someone.  

Alberta government quick facts

• The awards include eight categories: Arts and Sports, Career and Academics Contribution, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Immigrant Excellence, Inclusive Workplaces, Small Community Enhancement, Immigrant Women’s Impact and Young Leader.
• More than one recipient may be awarded in each category.
• To be eligible, nominees must:
  • be an individual (not a group or organization)
  • have not received a similar Government of Alberta award
  • have been born outside Canada (but may have lived in Canada for many years)
  • be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
  • have no criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been received
  • not be an elected official
  • reside in Alberta at the time of nomination
  • have contributed to the economic or social fabric of Alberta
• Nominations must be submitted through an online portal.