National Awards Program

The Distinguished Credit Union Leader (DCUL) Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service and leadership to the Canadian credit union movement. Nominees should demonstrate leadership that is national in scope resulting in measurable and sustainable change to the credit union system; and/or those who have played a key leadership role in one or more strategies or projects that have contributed to expanding, strengthening, or otherwise building a sustainable credit union system in Canada. 

OVERVIEW

To understand the success of the Canadian credit union system, one needs only to look to our cooperative principles and the individuals who carry out these values in their professional and personal lives. The Distinguished Credit Union Leader Award recognizes inspiring individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and significant contributions to the credit union system. When we recognize these leaders and celebrate all that they have contributed, the entire credit union system wins!

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Think about an individual in your organization who has shown excellence in leadership. What outstanding accomplishments demonstrate their commitment and passion for the credit union system? Candidates must be nominated by two CCUA member organizations. Nominations must be received between December 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. Please read the submission guidelines carefully.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Any member credit union/caisse populaire or provincial/ regional Central or Auxiliary Member organization of CCUA may nominate a deserving candidate by submitting the online entry form. Please note that a secondary nominator is required for the nomination to be considered. Each nominating organization must complete the prescribed nomination form.

To be considered for the Distinguished Credit Union Leader Award the nominee:

1. Must be, or (if deceased) have been, a member of a credit union that is affiliated with CCUA;
2. May not be a current member of the CCUA Board of Directors or a former director who has served on the Board in the three years preceding his/her nomination;
3. May not be a current employee of CCUA;
4. Must have consistently demonstrated high professional and ethical standards in services to the credit union movement;
5. The nominee may not have previously received the Award or the Hall of Fame Award*, and
6. Must consent to their nomination and the publication of their name, photo, and award information on the CCUA website and in CCUA-related communications, including social media.

*If you are unsure whether the nominee was a past recipient of the Hall of Fame Award, please contact CCUA staff.

Once nominations open on December 1, 2025, complete the online entry form addressing the submission guidelines and criteria.

Each nomination must be supported by two organizations. Only one submission is required; however, contact information for a representative of the secondary nominating organization must be provided.

For each nomination, documentation answering the following must be submitted:

• List positions of leadership in the credit union system the nominee has held. (Attach resume)
• A Nomination Letter signed by both representatives of each nominating organization comprehensively describing how the nominee meets each of the following three criteria:
• The nominee has demonstrated outstanding leadership that is national in scope and results in measurable and sustainable change to the credit union system with broad effect;
• The nominee played a key leadership role in one or more strategies or projects that contributed to expanding, strengthening, or otherwise building a sustainable credit union system in Canada; and
• The nominee has consistently demonstrated high professional and ethical standards in service to the credit union movement.
• Provide any additional supporting documents, photos, and/or videos that profile your nominee and showcase the outstanding achievements they’ve accomplished.

Should you have any questions, please contact conferences@ccua.com.

ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 31, 2026.

SUBMISSION FEES

There is no submission fee to nominate a candidate for the Distinguished Credit Union Leader Award.

CRITERIA

The Distinguished Credit Union Leader Award is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and significant contributions to the credit union system. The Awards Committee of the CCUA Board of Directors will assess nominees based on the following criteria:

1. The nominee has demonstrated outstanding leadership that is national in scope and results in a measurable and sustainable change to the credit union system with broad effect;
2. The nominee played a key leadership role in one or more strategies or projects that contributed to expanding, strengthening, or otherwise building a sustainable credit union system in Canada and
3. The nominee has consistently demonstrated high professional and ethical standards in service to the credit union movement.

The Distinguished Credit Union Leader Award is CCUA’s most prestigious honour. It will only be awarded when the Awards Committee deems that this special recognition's criteria have been met.

SELECTION

The winner(s) will be notified in February 2026. If awarded, the winner will be announced during CCUA’s AGM planned for April 2026, and a presentation will take place during the Closing Dinner & Awards at the 2025 National Conference on May 12, 2026, in Ottawa, ON.

*The cost of travel, meals, and lodging for the National Conference for the nominee and their spouse/ companion is the responsibility of the nominating organizations.

Nominations for the DCUL Award are currently closed.