MNL Municipal Leadership Awards

The MNL Municipal Leadership Awards celebrate the achievements of municipal council members in Newfoundland and Labrador.

MNL is currently accepting nominations to recognize members of municipal councils and Indigenous Community Government councils who are making a difference in the community and inspiring other leaders.

The 2026 awards will be presented at the Appreciation Banquet during the 2026 MNL Conference, Trade Show, and AGM.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards:

Shannie Duff Inspiration Award
For Progress Award
Catalyst Award

The Shannie Duff Inspiration Award and the Catalyst Award have two categories, one for people aged 39 years and younger, and one for people aged 40 years and older.

One winner will be awarded from each age category, for a total of two recipients per award for the Shannie Duff Inspiration Award and the Catalyst Award , and one recipient of the For Progress Award.

The deadline to submit award nominations is Oct. 16, 2026.

Nomination Information

Nominees must be currently-serving members of council of an MNL member municipality or Inuit Community Government in good standing.

Each nomination must include:

A completed nomination form.
A completed "describe how the nominee meets the award selection criteria" section in the form.
One reference from an individual other than the nominator. This must also be included in the submitted nomination form.

The reference should:

Be written by an individual who knows the nominee well enough to be able to talk about the impact of their achievement from first-hand experience
Be current and written specifically for the honour or award for which you are nominating
Provide various examples and perspectives

A compelling nomination should describe as vividly and precisely as possible the difference your nominee’s contribution has made and show why it has been important. Include details such as:

How were things before the achievement
What knowledge your nominee had of the situation and what actions they choose to take
The scale of the achievement and whether it is completed or ongoing
The achievement’s sustainability and impact on the community or province and how it has enriched the lives of others
What made this an outstanding achievement – indicate any extraordinary circumstances or challenges the nominee faced (include statistics or historical background if applicable)
What makes your nominee different from others doing the same thing

Eligibility

Nominees must:

Be a currently-serving municipal councillor, mayor, deputy mayor, or AngajukKâk in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Be nominated by another individual (self-nominations are not permitted).

The Shannie Duff Inspiration Award nominations are open only to women and gender-diverse individuals.

About the Awards

The MNL For Progress Award recognizes a currently elected municipal councillor or mayor who has made an outstanding contribution to advancing the municipal sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The award honours elected leaders whose vision, leadership, and commitment have strengthened municipalities and local government through advocacy, collaboration, innovation, or service. Recipients will have demonstrated leadership that extends beyond the responsibilities of their own council, contributing to stronger municipalities, improved local governance, and a more resilient municipal sector across the province.

Selection Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate:

Sector Leadership – Has made an outstanding contribution to advancing municipalities or local government in Newfoundland and Labrador through leadership, advocacy, or innovation.
Impact – Has achieved meaningful and lasting outcomes that have strengthened the municipal sector or benefited municipalities beyond their own community.
Collaboration and Service – Demonstrates a commitment to working collaboratively with municipal leaders, partners, and organizations to advance the interests of municipalities and local government.

The MNL Catalyst Award recognizes an outstanding first-term municipal councillor or mayor who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant positive contribution early in their elected service.

The award celebrates emerging municipal leaders who bring energy, initiative, and a commitment to improving their communities. Recipients will have shown that meaningful change is not dependent on years of service, but on vision, collaboration, and a willingness to take action. Through their leadership, they will have inspired progress and made a measurable difference in their municipality.

Selection Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate:

Emerging Leadership – Demonstrates initiative, dedication, and leadership beyond what would typically be expected of a first-term elected official.
Community Impact – Has made a meaningful and measurable contribution that has improved their municipality or enhanced the quality of life for residents.
Commitment to Public Service – Demonstrates collaboration, integrity, and a strong commitment to serving their community and supporting effective local governance.

Presented to a woman or gender-diverse individual whose longtime dedication to local government has benefited the people of their community and has inspired others to step forward into leadership roles.

Selection Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate:

Encourages and exemplifies the virtue of good citizenship
Touched or enriched the lives of others, particularly those within your community and/or region
Shown ongoing initiative, leadership and dedication
Earned the respect of their peers and become a role model in the municipal sector
Demonstrates innovation or creativity in delivering lasting results

Nomination Form

All fields must be completed.

MNL Municipal Leadership Awards

Nomination Information

Eligibility

About the Awards

MNL For Progress Award

MNL Catalyst Award

Shannie Duff Inspiration Award

Nomination Form

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