The Gold Medal Award recognizes the exceptional achievements of engineers who, through their work and service, have improved the lives of Canadians and others across the world.

Eligibility criteria

Recipients must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
  • Be registered in good standing as an engineer (P.Eng. or ing.) with one of Canada’s engineering regulators.
  • Have not previously received this award.
  • Engineers Canada’s Board Directors, staff of Engineers Canada, staff of Canadian engineering regulators, and sitting councillors for Canadian engineering regulators are not eligible until two years have passed between the last day of their term of office or employment and the nomination deadline.
  • Where an institution or organization is a lead nominator for multiple nominations, they may only nominate a successful recipient in a maximum of two award categories, excluding the Gold Medal Student Award. The order of precedence for determination of eligibility will be:
    • Gold Medal Award
    • Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education
    • Meritorious Service Award for Professional Service
    • Meritorious Service Award for Community Service
    • Award for the Support of Women in the Engineering Profession

Selection criteria

To be considered, nomination packages must be submitted in full, on time, and not exceeding character, word, or page limits. Late or incomplete nomination packages will not be considered. Content in excess of the character, word, or page limit will not be considered.

In preparing a nomination package, you are encouraged to use concrete examples and be specific in describing the role(s) performed by the nominee, the impact of the contribution, and relevance to this award.

The Engineers Canada Awards Committee will assess each nomination using the following criteria:

Work-related achievements (50 points)

Using specific examples, nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

  • Excellence in engineering practice, the teaching of engineering, or the undertaking of engineering research.
  • Significant positive impact in the lives of Canadians or others through their engineering activities.
  • Exemplary leadership as an engineer.

Service to the profession (25 points)

Using specific examples, nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

  • Exemplary service to the profession through active and impactful participation in engineering associations, societies, institutes, and other professional bodies.
  • Significant contribution to the advancement of the profession through activities that address challenges within the profession and/or inspire and mentor the next generation of engineers.
  • Success in advancing Canadians’ understanding of the role of engineering and professional engineers in society.

Service to the community (25 points):

Using specific examples, nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

  • Active and impactful participation in the community through volunteerism in non-engineering roles. This may include: volunteer roles with non-profit and charitable organizations; participation in voluntary commissions, boards or task forces; government administration; and, other contributions that benefit their community.

Award benefits

  • The Gold Medal Award recipient is presented with their award and certificate during the annual Engineers Canada Awards Gala, held each year in conjunction with Engineers Canada’s Spring Meetings and Annual Meeting of Members. The event typically takes place in late May.
  • Recipients of the Gold Medal Award are admitted as a Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC).
  • Award recipients participate in promotional activities arranged by Engineers Canada.

How to apply

The nomination form must be completed online in a single session (you cannot save your work and come back to it later). It is strongly recommended to read the nomination form entirely before you begin to ensure you have all necessary information and documents ready. In addition to completing the form, required documents include:

  • A copy of the nominee’s resume (5 pages maximum)
  • Two letters of support - Each letter should provide evidence and validation of the contributions described in the nomination package. (2 pages maximum per letter)

Nominations are currently closed. The nomination period for the upcoming year will open in the fall of 2024.