TORONTO –
The National Quality Institute is pleased to announce that 21 Canadian organizations will receive awards for outstanding achievements in quality, customer service, and a healthy workplace. (To download the complete list of winners, click here.)

Kevin Dougherty, Board Chairman of the National Quality Institute and President of Sun Life Global Investments, says the award recipients represent outstanding role models of effectiveness and leadership. Mr. Dougherty added that the recipients, and more than 230 members of the National Quality Institute, are making a positive impact on the growth of the Canadian economy.

The Canada Awards for Excellence is an annual awards program to recognize business excellence in quality, customer service, and a healthy workplace. Since 1984, the awards have been presented to private and public sector organizations of all sizes that are world class, says Allan Ebedes, President and CEO of the National Quality Institute.

The National Quality Institute is a not-for-profit, independent organization whose goal is to help Canadian private and public sector organizations to implement programs of excellence. The National Quality Institute works with organizations to manage self-assessment activities, review business processes, and develop improvement programs. Today, Canadian organizations and businesses increasingly recognize that a healthy workplace helps to attract and retain staff.

The Canada Awards for Excellence, presented annually since 1984, recognize outstanding performance in the areas of quality and a healthy workplace. In 2004, the Small Business and Education awards categories were added, and in 2006 the Order of Excellence was introduced.

The awards will be presented at the 2008 Canada Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on Monday, October 20th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

To download the complete list of winners & press release, click here.