Top lawyer praises Canadian HR Awards

One of Canada’s most revered employment lawyers says it’s important to recognize excellence and innovation in the industry.

Top lawyer praises Canadian HR Awards
One of Canada’s most revered employment lawyers has praised the Canadian HR Awards, saying the event draws attention to the important work done by HR professionals across the country every day.

“Events such as the Canadian HR Awards are a great way to recognize excellence and innovation in the industry and highlight the strength of HR practitioners who are making a difference in today's complex and ever-changing workplaces,” said Lorenzo Lisi, leader of the labour and employment group at Aird & Berlis.

The prominent law firm has sponsored the Award for Canadian HR Champion, CEO of the Year, since 2014 – it’s an award Lisi says the firm feels particularly strongly about.

“The human resource function is critical to the success of an organization.  It manages the most important asset a company can have, which is its people,” he told HRM.

“This award recognizes those CEOs who understand this fact and work towards fully integrating the HR function as an integral part of their business strategy.”

Last year, the coveted accolade was won by Brian Scudamore, founder and CEO of O2E Brands.

“O2E Brands is not a buttoned-down, boring environment where people spend their days looking forward to their annual vacation,” said Scudamore. “I want people to enjoy their work and have fun – otherwise, I don’t see the point.”

Now, business leaders and industry professionals are being asked to consider whether their own CEO should be named as the next Canadian HR Champion.

“If your CEO demonstrates a commitment to the HR function, actively drives HR initiatives and strives to engage and inspire their workforce, we want to hear about it,” says Chris Davis, events director behind the Canadian HR Awards.

Anyone who wants to nominate their CEO – or a fellow HR professional – for one of the Canadian HR Awards can do so online.