The Associations Make A Better Canada Awards recognize CSAE member organizations that have initiated innovative projects or programs resulting in positive outcomes in the areas of public education/information, public affairs/government relations, professional development and education, and ethical, technical or professional standards. One award is given in each category for programs that have demonstrated successful results within the previous 12 months (May 1, 2010 – April 30, 2011).

Programs may be community-based, provincial, national or international, but must originate within Canada.

Public Information/Education

The organization has created and distributed valuable information to policymakers, regulators, or the news media that enhanced public understanding about the efficiency, quality and safety of products and services. The initiative likely strengthened consumer confidence in the marketplace and/or may have improved government and/or public support for your organization and its members.

Public Affairs/Government Relations

The organization has undertaken a key initiative on a single government affairs issue where activities have resulted in a positive outcome. The issue was likely of short-term duration or crisis-oriented and encompassed a government lobbying/awareness campaign.

Professional Development and Education

The organization has developed and disseminated best-practice information among members to support the application of new skills and the development of a competitive and skilled workforce.

Ethical, Technical or Professional Standards

The organization has developed and implemented significant guidance documents, training programs and efforts to build commitment to raising the standards of your industry or profession for the sake of those served. Evaluations of the outcomes arising from these efforts are also eligible.

2011 Winners

Public Information/Education Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
What does an organization do when independent research confirms that a substantial perception gap exists between the general understanding of its profession and its own position as being recognized experts and important advisors to health care decisions? This association and its provincial associations worked together to launch a research-based rebranding campaign in April 2011 that included the development of a branded microsite, posters, videos and a toolkit with messaging, graphics and guidelines for regional rollout by its members.		Charles Shields, Jr., Wendy Martin-Gutjahr and Michel Tremblay
Public Affairs/Government Relations National Golf Course Owners Association, Canadian Society of Club Managers and Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (joint submission from three organizations)
This program was driven by a golf industry coalition dedicated to raising awareness about the sport’s contribution to Canadian’s economic and social well-being. The industry coalition held national golf awareness days for federal policy-makers and provided matching funds up to a maximum of $5,000 to all provinces wishing to stage provincial campaigns. The campaign was launched in April 2011, with six provincial campaigns, and culminating with a Federal Lobby Day in Ottawa.		Jeff Calderwood, Elizabeth Di Chiara and Michel Tremblay

2010 Building Owners & Managers of the Greater Toronto Area (Professional Development and Education) Ontario Real Estate Association (Public Affairs/Government Relations) Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (Public Information/Education)
2009 Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (Public Affairs/Government Relations) Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (Ethical, Technical or Professional Standards) Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (Public Information/Education) Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (Professional Development and Education)
2008 Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists / Canadian Urban Transit Association (Public Affairs/Government Relations) NDMAC-Advancing Canadian self-care (Ethical, Technical or Professional Standards) Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon (Public Information/Education)
2007 Association of Canadian Engineering Companies (Public Affairs/Government Relations) Canadian Library Association / Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (Public Information/Education) Ontario Real Estate Association (Professional Development and Education)
2006 Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
2005 Ontario Real Estate Association (Ethical, Technical or Professional Standards) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Professional Development and Education)

• Open to all CSAE (Executive and Business) member organizations
• Organizations may submit multiple entries, but only one entry per category
• Programs may be community-based, provincial, national or international, but must originate within Canada
• Awards are presented for programs that have demonstrated successful results within the previous 12 months (May 1, 2010 – April 30, 2011)
• The individual submitting the entry (or entries) on behalf of the organization must be a CSAE member

Submission Requirements

Each entry requires a completed Associations Make a Better Canada application form* containing:

• Reports, brochures and other materials describing the program
• A summary (500 words or less) describing the demonstrated results of the program
• Submissions should answer the following questions: 
  • When and why was this initiative undertaken?
  • What were its goals and objectives?
  • How did they relate to the goals/mission of the organization?
  • How were these goals met?
  • What were the measurable outcomes of the initiative and its benefits to members and/or society?

Judges will consider only the descriptions and attachments provided, so please provide information as completely – and as concisely – as possible. Complete details on the above elements are available in the application form.

*Subject to change for the 2012 Awards Season