The CILA President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant and enduring contribution to Canadian immigration law and policy.
This award honours exceptional service, leadership, or advocacy that advances the rights of immigrants and refugees, strengthens the integrity and fairness of the immigration system, or meaningfully contributes to the public understanding of immigration in Canada.
The award may recognize contributions made through legal practice, academic work, policy development, public education, journalism, or community-based advocacy. It may be awarded for sustained excellence over a career or for a single outstanding achievement. It will be awarded at the Board’s discretion.
Eligibility Requirements
Nominees must meet the following requirements:
- The nominee must have made a significant contribution to the field of Canadian immigration, citizenship, or refugee law, policy, or advocacy.
- The nominee need not be a lawyer or a CILA member, but must have demonstrated leadership, excellence, or public impact in immigration-related work in Canada.
- Eligible nominees may include, but are not limited to lawyers, judges, law professors, public servants, journalists, researchers, or community advocates.
- Current members of the CILA Board or Administrative Team are not eligible during their term of service.
- The nominee should be willing and available to attend the CILA Conference 2025 on October 28 in Toronto, where the award will be presented.
Deadline for Nominations is September 22, 2025
If you would like to nominate someone, please complete the following form. The nomination does not need to be seconded. You cannot self nominate yourself. The deadline to submit a nomination is September 22, 2025.
The Board will consider all nominations and decide on a recipient.
