Canada honours its top educators with Prime Minister’s Awards
News release
Awards celebrate exceptional educators who inspire Canadian youth
October 5, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario
Day in and day out, teachers and early childhood educators help young people learn, grow and explore. They inspire our youth and give them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Each year, in recognition of the important role they play, Canada’s top educators are honoured with Prime Minister’s Awards.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, announced that 60 of Canada’s top educators have received 2026 Prime Minister’s Awards.
Teachers and educators received awards in one of three categories:
- Teaching Excellence
- Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
- Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Awards at regional and national levels were given in each category. These awards celebrate educators who demonstrate outstanding leadership, exemplary education practices and a commitment to preparing students to succeed in Canada’s innovation-based economy.
Today also marks the launch of the nomination period for the 2027 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Canadians across the country are encouraged to nominate an exceptional educator who is making a difference in their community.
Nomination forms will be available online until January 13, 2027, at 11:59 pm PT.
Quotes
“Education is one of the most powerful forces for transforming our country and shaping our shared future. Teachers are at the heart of that work, helping the next generation to learn, to lead and to build a stronger Canada. I congratulate the 2026 award recipients and thank all educators for their dedication, their service and their contributions to Canada.”
– The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada’s teachers and educators help shape the future of our country every day. Not only are they teaching classroom subjects but they are also providing our young people with the skills to chase their dreams, think creatively, ask bold questions and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations to the 2026 Prime Minister’s Awards recipients and thank you for all that you do to build Canada’s future.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Educators are building the foundation for Canada’s future workforce. In child care centres and classrooms across the country, they are helping children and young people build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. This also means parents can go to work or return to school knowing their children are in good hands. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and thank you for your commitment to the children and families in your community.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Quick facts
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Since their creation in 1994, the Prime Minister’s Awards have honoured more than 2,300 outstanding Canadian educators.
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Award recipients are determined based on a rigorous two-tier selection process undertaken by over 100 volunteers from the education and early childhood education communities across Canada.
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This year’s award recipients were chosen from among 221 nominations across the country.
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Partners that support the program include Employment and Social Development Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Associated links
Contacts
Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
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