Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 IPAC Annual Conference
The 2024 IPAC Annual Conference, held from October 2-4 in Winnipeg, brought together public administration professionals from across Canada for an exchange of ideas, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the field. The conference focused on the future of public administration, addressing the sector's most pressing challenges and opportunities. Attendees engaged in insightful discussions, workshops, and panels that explored innovations and leadership strategies essential to advancing public service in Canada.
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the presentation of the IPAC Administration Excellence Awards, which honoured individuals and organizations making contributions to public service. This year’s awards ceremony showcased the talent and dedication of Canada’s public administration professionals.
The 2024 IPAC Awards recognized leaders whose work exemplifies the values of public service and advances the public interest. The winners, chosen from an impressive pool of nominees, were celebrated for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to the public sector across four categories:
Established Leader Award
Honoring long-serving leaders who have demonstrated substantive achievements throughout their careers, this award went to two exceptional individuals who have significantly impacted their communities and gained widespread trust for their service.
Winners: Carlene Alexander and Dr. Akolisa Ufodike
Emerging Leader Award
This category highlighted rising stars in public administration who, despite having less than five years of experience, have already made a profound impact through their innovative and forward-thinking approaches.
Winners: Dr. James FitzGerald and Jessica Forbes
Innovation Award
The recipients of this award were recognized for introducing groundbreaking solutions to critical challenges in public administration, significantly improving service delivery and outcomes for the public.
Winners: BC Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Team, BC Network Connectivity Services Team, and York Region Transit Team
Mental Health Award
This award was presented to a team whose sustained efforts in promoting mental health have brought about lasting improvements in community well-being through innovative programs and support systems.
Winner: Durham Family Services Division
The awards ceremony served as a reminder of the dedication and creativity within the public administration field. The 2024 IPAC Annual Conference was not only a celebration of the year’s accomplishments but also a call to action for public service leaders to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in serving the public interest.