Community Leader Award

Awarded: October 23, 2026 | Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026

This award honours an individual whose selfless contributions, leadership, and active engagement have created meaningful and lasting impact in their community. The Community Leader Award recognizes individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to building stronger, healthier, and more connected neighbourhoods across Nova Scotia.


Eligibility Criteria
  • Community work must have taken place in 2024-2026, though longstanding or ongoing commitments may also be considered
  • The nominee must currently be employed by a CANS member company in good standing
  • The nominee must reside in or conduct work in Nova Scotia
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome

Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words total that clearly addresses each of the five criteria. We recommend drafting your submission in Word to help track your word count. Submissions exceeding the limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged and are not included in the word count.

  1. Community Contribution and Leadership (maximum 30 points)

Describe the nominee’s involvement in community activities, programs, or initiatives. Submissions should address:

  • The nature of the involvement (e.g. volunteer work, fundraising, event leadership, mentorship, advocacy)
  • The community, population, or cause being supported
  • The nominee’s role (e.g., organizing initiatives, leading teams, mentoring others, mobilizing participants)
  • Whether the contribution is ongoing, a one-time event, or part of a larger initiative

  1. Measurable Impact and Outcomes (maximum 25 points)

Explain how the nominee’s actions contributed to tangible, measurable benefits to the community or the broader province. Examples might include:

  • Individuals or groups reached or supported
  • Funds raised or resources donated
  • Programs launched, expanded or strengthened
  • Policy, system or social change influenced
  • Evidence of improvement to community well-being

  1. Community Need, Responsiveness and Collaboration (maximum 25 points)

Highlight how the nominee identified and responded to a specific community need. Submissions should outline:

  • The need, gap, or challenge addressed and how it was identified
  • How the nominee responded in a thoughtful and effective way
  • Partnerships or collaborations involved (e.g., nonprofits, schools, businesses, informal networks, cross‑sector initiatives)
  • How collaboration enhanced impact or reach

  1. Long-Term Impact or Legacy (maximum 20 points)

Explain how the nominee’s work contributes to a lasting or future impact. Consider:

  • Whether the work will continue beyond 2026
  • How the nominee has built momentum for ongoing change or future initiatives

  1. Required Letters of Support (maximum 20 points)

Please include two letters of personal reference from individuals familiar with the nominee’s community involvement. Formal letterhead is preferred but not required if unavailable. Letters must:

  • Be written and dated within the past 12 months
  • Describe the nominee’s character, leadership, and community impact
  • Include the referee’s contact information

Supporting Materials

While not required, nominees are encouraged to submit up to three additional supporting documents to strengthen their application, such as:

  • Photos or media coverage of community activities
  • Flyers, social media posts, or event materials
  • Written testimonials from community members
  • Brief summaries of programs or initiatives

All supporting materials must be clearly labelled and referenced in your submission. Supporting materials are not included in the overall word count; however, they should be limited to the most relevant and impactful items only and must not exceed 10 pages total. Materials submitted beyond this limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.



Award Process and Conditions


Designated Company Representative

All award recipients will be announced at the CANS Awards Gala. Each nomination must include a designated company representative who will act as liaison with CANS if the nominee is selected. This individual must:

  • Maintain confidentiality until the public announcement at the Gala
  • Confirm attendance at the CANS Awards Gala or assign a representative

Selected recipients will participate in a brief interview process following judging. Portions of the interview may be recorded for presentation at the Gala.

How to Submit
  • Submit your nomination by August 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A.T.
  • This nomination will be completed in a form format, with each criterion addressed in its own response field. You may distribute your total word count of up to 1,200 words across the sections as you see fit.
  • Individual deadline extensions will not be granted. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process

A committee of industry leaders will review all nominations. Each submission will be scored out of 100 points based on the criteria above, with emphasis on authentic leadership, meaningful contribution, and positive community impact. The award recipient will be selected based on total score.