IABC Canada Celebrates Excellence in Communication with 2026 Silver Leaf Awards

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada is delighted to announce the 2026 Silver Leaf Awards winners, recognizing excellence in strategic communication. This year, 71 entries were submitted, and 23 recipients were honoured— including 20 Awards of Merit and three Awards of Excellence. The awards celebrate the innovation, creativity and impact of communications work across Canada, setting the highest standards for the industry.

This year’s recipients reflect the depth of talent in Canada’s communication community. “Every year, the Silver Leaf Awards remind us how much talent there is in Canada’s communication community,” said Nekolina Lau, SCMP, IABC Canada West Region Chair. “The 2026 winners show what strategy, storytelling and creativity can accomplish when they are applied with purpose. It is a privilege to celebrate their work and the difference it makes for their organizations and communities.”

That strength was evident across the entire field of entries, which came from communicators in every part of the country. “The Silver Leaf Awards are built on a shared commitment to the craft of communication,” said Marie-Soleil Pépin, Silver Leaf Awards Co-Chair and National Awards Director for IABC Canada East region. “This year’s entries showed real innovation and strategic impact. Recognizing this work alongside our peers is a reminder of how much we gain when we keep raising the bar together.”

Raising the bar is also a collective effort, and it depends on the volunteers who evaluate each submission. “The Silver Leaf Awards give communicators a chance to put their best work in front of experienced peers and learn from the feedback,” said Kristin McVeigh, Silver Leaf Awards co-chair and national programs director for IABC Canada West region. “This year, 34 volunteer evaluators gave their time and expertise to make the judging thorough, fair and constructive. That feedback is what sets this program apart, and we are grateful to every evaluator who helped raise the standard of our profession.”

For the communicators behind each entry, the recognition is personal. “Behind every Silver Leaf entry is a communicator who cares deeply about getting it right,” said Chantelle Cabral, SCMP, IABC Canada East region chair. “These awards recognize more than finished projects. They recognize the dedication and expertise that move our profession forward. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”

The 2026 Silver Leaf Awards span various categories, including leadership communication, digital media, media relations, internal communication and more. The recipients’ projects demonstrate the power of strategic communication to drive results and foster engagement within diverse sectors.

The complete list of 2026 Silver Leaf Award winners, along with details about their winning projects, is available on the IABC Canada website. Join us in celebrating these achievements that elevate the standards of communication excellence across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Kristin McVeigh
National Programs Director, IABC Canada West region
Email: cwr-awards@iabccanada.com 

Marie-Soleil Pepin, MBA, SCMP, MC, Prosci®
National Programs Director, IABC Canada East region
Email: IABCCERNational@gmail.com 

About IABC Canada’s Silver Leaf Awards Program

The IABC Canada Silver Leaf Awards is a premier national awards program celebrating excellence in strategic communication across Canada. Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada, the program recognizes outstanding achievements in strategic communication across various disciplines, including Communication Management, Research, Training, and Skills. Each year, the Silver Leaf Awards allow professionals, teams, and organizations to showcase their best work, aligning with global communication standards.

Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts using rigorous criteria, ensuring that winning submissions demonstrate innovation, strategic thinking, and measurable results. The Silver Leaf Awards reflect IABC’s commitment to fostering excellence and advancing the field of business communication throughout Canada.

About IABC Canada

Setting the global standard for communication professionals, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a vibrant association with thousands of members worldwide. At the forefront of the communication profession and setting the global standard, our members are professionals who work across sectors and disciplines using the power of communication to deepen understanding, inspire action, and transform our worlds.

With over 3,500 members in Canada, IABC Canada supports members from coast to coast and contributes to the global community.  We connect communicators with international and local networks, career opportunities, resources and knowledge—using communication to engage, influence, counsel and execute. 

For more information, visit http://www.iabccanada.com.