Award Categories


Every organization operating in Canada has unique qualities that make it distinct and important. Some are leading the way in total quality management. Others are known for being industry leaders in Healthy Workplace. Still others are showing us how to reduce costs and streamline operations. All of these organizations are examples for the rest of us. We can all benefit from those companies that remain steadfastly committed to principals of overall excellence. So this year, what award category is your company best suited for?

 

The Canada Awards for Excellence Categories are:

 

 

Canada Order of Excellence (COE)

The Canada Order of Excellence is awarded to organizations that have previously received the CAE Gold trophy for one of the following:

  • Excellence, Innovation and Wellness (formerly Quality and Healthy Workplace®)
  • Quality (Private and Public Sectors)
  • Healthy Workplace®
  • Education Organizations apply every three years to remain in the Canada Order of Excellence category.

The COE is the highest level of achievement that an organization can receive in Canada. His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General of Canada, has bestowed his Vice-Regal Patronage on the Canada Awards for Excellence program.

 

Excellence, Innovation and Wellness

The Excellence, Innovation and Wellness (formerly Quality and Healthy Workplace®) award category is based on the Excellence Canada PEP (Progressive Excellence Program) for Quality and Healthy Workplace®. There are PEP programs for public and private sectors, as well as healthcare. Due to the comprehensive nature of the Criteria, organizations cannot apply directly for this award, but must achieve a minimum of Level 3 in the PEP. Organizations reaching PEP Level 3 will be eligible for either a Bronze or Silver award, and at Level 4, the CAE Gold trophy. 

 

 

Quality (Private and Public Sectors)

Organizations can apply directly for the CAE awards for Quality, or through completion of the Excellence Canada PEP Quality program. Organizations achieving PEP Level 3 will be eligible for either a Bronze or Silver award, and at Level 4, the CAE Gold trophy. 

 

 

Healthy Workplace®

Organizations can apply directly for the CAE award for Healthy Workplace®, or through completion of the Excellence Canada PEP Healthy Workplace® program. Organizations reaching PEP Level 3 will be eligible for either a Bronze or Silver award, and at Level 4, the CAE Gold trophy. 

 

 

Healthy Workplace® for Small Organizations

The Healthy Workplace® award, for organizations of 50 employees or less, is based on 10 Criteria in our booklet entitled “Healthy Workplace® for Small Organizations”. Organizations should assess themselves and if they score 75% of the available points, consider applying directly for this award. To order the booklet or for more information contact: awards@excellence.ca

 

 

Education (K to 12)

This award is designed for Kindergarten to Grade 12. Post Secondary Institutions are encouraged to apply through the Quality Public Sector category. Schools can apply directly for the CAE award for Schools (K to 12), or through completion of the Excellence Canada PEP Education program. Schools achieving PEP Level 3 (Red level) will be eligible for either a Bronze or Silver award, and at Level 4, the CAE Gold trophy. 

 

 

Quality and Customer Service for Small Organizations

The Quality and Customer Service for Small Organizations award, for organizations of 50 employees or less, is based on 10 Criteria in our booklet entitled “Quality and Customer Service for Small Organizations”. Organizations should assess themselves and if they score 75% of the available points, consider applying directly for this award. To order the booklet, or for more information, please contact awards@excellence.ca.



 

Community Building

The Community Building award is designed for a whole community in a town, city, or municipality. Each sector in the community reaches its quality improvement objectives and when ready, the community as a whole applies for the CAE award.



 

Projects

This award category is designed for a project that is:

  • sizeable
  • have a scope covering more than one function
  • have made a sizeable positive impact
  • be new work which has a start and stop date
  • a cross-functional teamwork effort that completes the work
  • collaborative in nature
  • not on-going

Project Teams send in their submission outlining how they meet the Projects Criteria. There is no site visit required for a Project. Projects that meet the Criteria receive a CAE Certificate of Merit.



 

SeniorWise®

The SeniorWise® Award is based on the Excellence Canada SeniorWise Requirements. Organizations may apply directly for this award by completing Steps 1 and 2 of the Requirements. Organizations may assess themselves and if they score 75% of the available points, consider applying directly for this award.

 

 

Mental Health at Work®

The Mental Health at Work® Criteria serves as a roadmap for organizations in any sector that wish to encourage, support and implement exemplary health-related programs in the workplace. The Mental Health at Work® Criteria were developed by Excellence Canada in association with mental health and work safety professionals from across Canada.