Purpose
Recognizes an individual whose career has made a lasting contribution to the growth, credibility, and evolution of Canada’s heavy oil industry, particularly in Alberta.

Criteria Nominees must demonstrate:

• Longterm impact (20+ years) on heavy oil or oil sands in-situ development in Alberta

• Leadership during pivotal industry milestones (e.g., early SAGD adoption, commercialization, regulatory evolution)

• Meaningful contributions to one of the following: technical excellence, industry leadership, safety, operational excellence 

• Active mentorship and development of industry talent

• A legacy that continues to influence industry practices, culture, or policy

Evaluation Focus

• Enduring influence over time

• Breadth of contribution across projects, organizations, or the sector

• Alignment with CHOA’s mission and values

Leading People Through Industry Transformation

Purpose
Recognizes a leader who successfully guided teams and organizations through change while advancing innovation, inclusion, and community impact.

Criteria Nominees must demonstrate:

• Visionary leadership during periods of market, regulatory, or technological change

• Ability to inspire, empower, and develop teams

• Adoption of new technologies, digital tools, or novel business models

• Commitment to Indigenous engagement and local community relationships

• Influence beyond their organization, contributing to broader industry progress

Evaluation Focus

• Leadership effectiveness and integrity

• Measurable organizational or industry change

• Peoplefirst leadership approach

Advancing Heavy Oil Engineering Excellence

Purpose
Honours outstanding technical leadership that materially advanced heavy oil recovery, efficiency, safety, or emissions and environmental performance in Alberta.

Criteria Nominees must demonstrate:

• Leadership in the development or application of innovative technical solutions

• Contributions to advancements such as SAGD optimization, solvents, digitalization, automation, or reservoir management

• Successful translation of theory or research into operational outcomes

• Knowledge sharing through publications, forums, or mentoring

Evaluation Focus

• Technical originality and rigor

• Realworld application and results

• Industry adoption or influence

Enabling Industry Progress Through Innovation

Purpose
Recognizes companies or teams that delivered products or services enabling safer, more efficient, or loweremissions heavy oil operations.

Criteria Nominees must demonstrate:

• Innovation that addressed a critical heavy oil challenge in Alberta

• Measurable improvements in cost, reliability, safety, or environmental performance

• Successful deployment across one or more heavy oil operations

• Collaboration with operators or industry partners

Evaluation Focus

• Commercial and operational impact

• Scalability and industry relevance

• Value delivered to the heavy oil ecosystem

Shaping the Next Era of Heavy Oil

Purpose
Recognizes emerging leaders who represent the future of Alberta’s heavy oil industry. Male and Female categories.

Criteria Nominees must:

• Be under 40 years of age

• Demonstrate earlycareer leadership and initiative

• Contribute to innovation, sustainability, or operational excellence

• Show commitment to collaboration, inclusion, or community engagement

• Exhibit strong potential to shape the industry’s future

Evaluation Focus

• Leadership potential

• Early impact and influence

• Alignment with the future direction of Canadian heavy oil