Five Canadian organizations and technology professionals have been recognized in the 2026 Info-Tech Awards, highlighting contributions to digital innovation, IT management and leadership across the country's public and private sectors.
Announced by Info-Tech Research Group on October 13, the Canadian recipients represent municipal government, financial services, manufacturing and higher education. Their recognition spans three award categories focused on innovation, leadership and improvements in information technology operations.
The Canadian honourees are The Regional Municipality of Durham, Dawn Borent of Manulife, Medhanie Tekeste of the City of Brampton, Pierre-Luc Simard of Premier Tech and Jassi Kaur of Yorkville University.
Their achievements form part of a broader international awards program recognizing 68 recipients worldwide in 2026.
Durham Region Recognized for Technology Innovation
The Regional Municipality of Durham received the Innovator of the Year Award in the North America Large and Enterprise Division.
The category recognizes organizations that use technology to address business challenges, improve efficiency and develop solutions that support organizational objectives.
Recognition for Durham Region places a spotlight on the role municipal institutions can play in technology-driven improvement. As communities increasingly depend on digital services and information systems, public-sector technology initiatives can influence how efficiently services are delivered and how effectively organizations respond to residents' needs.
Manulife Leader Recognized for Advancing Women in IT
Dawn Borent, Head of Retirement Technology Transformation at Manulife, was named the Canadian recipient of the Women Leading IT Award in the North America Large and Enterprise Division.
The award recognizes women whose leadership contributes to innovation, mentorship and greater opportunities for future technology professionals.
Borent's recognition also draws attention to the importance of leadership and representation within a sector undergoing rapid change. As organizations continue to invest in digital capabilities, experienced professionals who can guide transformation and support developing talent remain an important part of the technology workforce.
The award category emphasizes not only individual achievement but also the wider contribution women make to the development of the IT profession.
Brampton and Premier Tech Leaders Earn IT Excellence Recognition
Two Canadian technology executives were recognized in the North America Large and Enterprise Division of the IT Excellence category.
Medhanie Tekeste, Chief Information Officer for the City of Brampton, and Pierre-Luc Simard, Vice President of Information Technology at Premier Tech, received recognition for their work in IT performance and operational effectiveness.
The IT Excellence category is based on improvements measured through Info-Tech Research Group's IT Management & Governance Diagnostic assessments.
The recognition reflects the growing importance of effective IT management in organizations with complex operational requirements. Technology departments must maintain reliable systems while managing resources, supporting employees and aligning their work with broader organizational priorities.
For municipalities such as Brampton, dependable information systems can support public administration and service delivery. In manufacturing, effective IT operations can help connect technology capabilities with business processes and organizational needs.
Although the two leaders work in different environments, their inclusion in the same category underscores the importance of strong technology management across sectors.
Yorkville University Recognized for IT Performance
Jassi Kaur, Chief Information Officer at Yorkville University, was recognized in the North America Small and Medium Division of the IT Excellence category.
The award highlights the importance of IT leadership in organizations operating outside the largest enterprise environments.
For higher education institutions, technology supports a broad range of functions, including administrative operations, digital learning environments, information management and communication with students and faculty.
Maintaining effective IT services requires institutions to balance operational needs with changing expectations for digital access and reliability. Recognition in this category brings attention to the role technology leaders play in supporting those responsibilities.
A Broader Look at Technology Leadership
The 2026 Canadian award recipients are among 68 honourees recognized internationally through the Info-Tech Awards program.
According to the organization, its selection process draws on diagnostic data, nomination forms and interviews, with assessment criteria tailored to each award category.
The program includes awards for organizational innovation and individual leadership. Its broader categories cover women in IT, technology transformation, IT excellence and IT impact.
The Canadian results illustrate how technology leadership extends beyond software development or the adoption of emerging tools. It also involves improving processes, strengthening organizational capabilities and ensuring technology investments contribute to practical outcomes.
For public institutions and private businesses alike, these priorities have become increasingly relevant as digital systems play a larger role in everyday operations.
Why IT Leadership Matters to Canada
Canada's digital economy depends on organizations being able to maintain reliable technology, develop skilled professionals and respond to changing operational demands.
Effective IT leadership can help organizations identify areas for improvement, manage technology resources and connect digital initiatives with their wider objectives. Innovation also depends on the people responsible for implementing changes, maintaining systems and supporting colleagues through new ways of working.
The recognition of Canadian recipients across municipal government, financial services, manufacturing and higher education demonstrates the range of environments in which IT expertise contributes to organizational performance.
While awards offer a snapshot of achievement, long-term progress requires continued attention to workforce development, responsible technology adoption, cybersecurity and measurable improvements in service and operational quality.
For the five Canadian honourees, the 2026 Info-Tech Awards provide an opportunity to highlight their contributions to an increasingly important part of the country's organizational and economic landscape.
Source: Info-Tech Research Group, 2026 Canadian Info-Tech Awards announcement, distributed through Newswire Canada on October 13, 2026.
Published by The Canada Voice — Canadian news, business and innovation.
