A strong and diverse crowd gathered on Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for the 2026 Building Diversity Awards. Attendees included representatives from trade unions, training centres, workforce development agencies, grassroots groups, and community organizations, reflecting the breadth of the industry the awards aim to transform.
The evening showcased the work of the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN), which selected 25 finalists from more than 80 submissions. From that group, 10 award recipients and three distinguished honourees were announced live. Together, they represent leadership in inclusion, innovation, mentorship, and community impact.
As TCBN notes, the awards “Honour individuals and organizations who rise above barriers, build pathways for others, and foster environments where people truly belong.” The Building Diversity Awards position themselves as part of a national movement focused on equity, progress, and a more inclusive future.
A message from Prime Minister Mark Carney, included in the program booklet, underscored the event’s significance: “This event brings the community together to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. I am certain that everyone in attendance will appreciate this opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with their peers and will leave inspired to take on new challenges.”
TCBN Executive Director Rosemarie Powell echoed that sentiment in her own remarks. “Today, we gather to celebrate the people, organizations, union developers, and community leaders who are helping Canada rise stronger by building opportunity, inclusion, and belonging into the future of our cities and infrastructure.” Referencing this year’s theme, Rise. Build. Belong, Powell added, “When communities are meaningfully included in growth, everyone benefits.”
The event was hosted by Sebastian Clovis, TV personality and founder of Hohm Studio Inc. Entertainment included stand-up comedian Jay Martin and a lively performance by The Recipe Band, whose range of musical styles energized the audience.
Presenters included Stephen Callender, President of the Afro Canadian Contractors Association; Brian Barron, CEO of the Ontario Construction Secretariat; Rokhaya Gueye, Ontario Chair of Stakeholder Relations and Sisters in the Brotherhood; Dan Clement, President and CEO of United Way Canada; and Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director of the Diversity Institute.
Award recipients reflected a wide cross-section of leadership across the sector. Highlights included Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard (Community Benefit Champion), Infrastructure Ontario (Leading on Diversity—Organization), and Wiltshire Homes (NexGen Builders—Employer). Distinguished honours were awarded to Dwayne De Rosario, Marilyn Horrick, and Steve Shallhorn for their lasting contributions to community impact and industry leadership.
The keynote address by Perdita Felicien, one of Canada’s most decorated track and field athletes and an Emmy-nominated broadcaster, delivered one of the evening’s most powerful moments. Drawing on her own experiences, she challenged attendees to think beyond traditional metrics of success.
“In this industry, you do more than build skyscrapers: you build access, you build futures,” she said. “My challenge to all of you is build, to make room (not rooms) and let your tools not just be steel and concrete, but people.”
Felicien also reflected on resilience, using the metaphor of hurdles from her athletic career. “You don’t hesitate, you scale them. The best way forward is through, and if you fall, don’t be afraid. What you build after getting up can be even more powerful than what you were doing before.”
Powell closed with gratitude for the sponsors, partners, volunteers, and guests who made the event possible. “Together, we are proving that diversity builds stronger projects, stronger communities, and a stronger Canada,” she said.
In his closing remarks, TCBN Chair Chris Campbell urged continued commitment to mentorship and collaboration. “Tonight reminds us of what is possible when industry, community, and government work together toward equity and inclusion,” he said.
The 2026 Building Diversity Awards delivered an evening of meaningful dialogue, celebration, and connection, leaving attendees with both inspiration and a clear call to action.
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