IAP2 Canada presents:
2024 Core Value Award Recipients
The IAP2 Canada Core Values Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals, organizations, and projects that embody the core values of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) in Canada.
Respect for Diversity, Inclusion and Culture and Project of the Year
Rebuilding Trust with 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities: Co-Developing a Public Apology
Canadian Blood Services
Accepting Award: Dr. Graham Sher, CEO and Ellis Westwood, Director - Stakeholder Engagement
Through ongoing community engagement, Canadian Blood Services realized how important it was to issue an apology to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This came after they removed criteria that had previously kept sexually active gay, bi, and queer men, as well as some trans donors, from donating blood.
The apology was crafted in close collaboration with these communities and aims to help rebuild trust and repair relationships with those affected by the old policy. It’s a meaningful step forward in recognizing their experiences.
Indigenous Engagement
Chet wa í7sun “We Pull Together:” Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder’s Program Plan
Squamish Nation and Beringia Community Planning
Accepting Award: Jeff Cook, Beringia, Paula Hay, Beringia, Mary Jane Natrall, Squamish Nation, and Kevin Rivers, Squamish Nation
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has roots in several communities and became a government entity in 1923. Today, there are about 4,300 members living on Vancouver’s North Shore, along the Squamish River, and across Canada and the USA.
The Wa i7imeshnewas chet (We Walk Together) – Elder’s Program Engagement Project was a three-year initiative led by a dedicated team of Elders and Youth known as Xwí7ski (Let’s Go!). They were nominated by the community to guide the project, which also had support from a Steering Committee of Directors and Managers, as well as a Planning Team that included Squamish Nation staff and support from Beringia Community Planning, Inc.
Honourable Mention: Indigenous Engagement
Adaptive Approaches for Inclusive Indigenous Engagement in EPCOR’s Flood Mitigation Project and Beyond
EPCOR Utilities Inc. and Forum Community Relations
Accepting Award: Michelle Deacon, Forum Relations, and Anne Harding, Forum Relations
EPCOR builds and operates electrical, natural gas, and water systems across Canada and the U.S. In 2021, they kicked off a multi-year Flood Mitigation Project to prepare their Edmonton Water Treatment Plants, which serve 1.3 million people, for potential major floods.
The Rossdale and E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plants are located along the North Saskatchewan River on Treaty Six Territory and hold deep historical significance. To enhance the project design and honor Truth and Reconciliation, EPCOR, with help from Forum Community Relations, took an inclusive and adaptive approach to Indigenous engagement. This effort not only improved project outcomes but also led to lasting initiatives and strong relationships that continue to develop.
Extending the Practice through Creativity, Contribution and Innovation in the Field
Fraser River Tunnel Project: Using the Five Senses to Spark Interest During Regulatory Engagement
Transportation Investment Corporation and Lucent Quay Consulting
Accepting Award: Darcy Vermeulen, TIC and Elana Krol, Lucent Quay
This project set up five-senses stations for the public to experience how the Fraser River Tunnel Project interacts with their environment. People could SEE, HEAR, TOUCH, TASTE, and SMELL different aspects related to the project. This was a first for an Environmental Assessment (EA) in BC!
TI Corp and Lucent Quay Consulting designed these interactive stations for a project that includes highway improvements and a new immersed tube tunnel (ITT) along Highway 99, the first of its kind in Canada in over 60 years.
The team faced two main challenges: the engagement interactions were complex, and the technical jargon was hard to understand. So, they came up with the five-senses concept—using our senses to connect people with what the project means for them!
Honourable Mention: Respect for Diversity, Inclusion and Culture
The Mass Casualty Commission - The joint federal / provincial inquiry into the April 2020 in Nova Scotia
NATIONAL Public Relations
Accepting Award: Sarah Simpson, National
The Mass Casualty Commission’s engagement strategy was a groundbreaking approach for public inquiries in Canada. It was set up by the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada to look into the tragic mass casualty that occurred on April 18-19, 2020, and to offer recommendations to help keep communities safer.
The Commission aimed to actively involve stakeholders, community members, and the public in gathering information. By tapping into their knowledge and perspectives, they sought to shape meaningful recommendations. This inclusive process was built on transparency and compassion, which helped earn the trust of communities across Nova Scotia, Canada, and beyond.