Abbotsford BC – Over 200 attendees gathered at the 8th annual Inclusive Employer Excellence Awards (IEEA) on October 22nd to celebrate inclusive employment in Abbotsford and Mission. The event received a record number of nominations, reflecting growing community recognition of employers committed to hiring and supporting people with disabilities.

Five local businesses received awards for their leadership in inclusive employment. The 2026 award recipients are:

• Outstanding Commitment to Inclusive Hiring – Chalo Freshco
• Emergent Inclusive Employer – Tabor Village
• Community Champion for Inclusive Employment – Binary Freedom Foundation
• Creative Workplace Accommodations – Foxglove Floral Cafe
• Inclusive Employer of the Year – Newleaf Total Wellness Centre

“The awards event is an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities and to showcase the benefits of building inclusive workplaces,” said Sarah Chapman, resource manager with Bethesda Christian Association. “It is also a chance for employers who are considering inclusive hiring to hear success stories from organizations already doing it.”

Stacey Murdoch, employment services manager with Communitas Supportive Care Society, opened the event by welcoming guests and introduced Marco Pasqua, returning event emcee and keynote speaker.

“In your organizations, we want you to see those with disabilities as people who can contribute something that is truly incredible. It can start with having an authentic conversation about where your organizations want to go and how you can get there,” said Pasqua during his keynote speech.

Pasqua also interviewed Stephanie Fowler from Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Nadine Strydom from ICBC to learn how their organizations have implemented inclusive hiring practices.

“I think curiosity and conversation are two words that best describe the approach you can take to get started,” Fowler said.

The 8th annual IEEA was made possible through the support of generous community sponsors. Event organizers extend special thanks to MentorAbility, which returned as the venue sponsor and shared how its mentorship program creates opportunities for people with disabilities to explore careers and connect with employers.

“Our mentorships create an opportunity for both businesses and job seekers with disabilities to learn from each other without any long-term commitment,” said Tina Dam, the MentorAbility provincial hub coordinator.

Other sponsors included Vancity, Mega Electric, VGS Contracting, Rotary Employment Partnership, March of Dimes Canada, Fraser Valley Animal Hospital, Kal Tire, Fraserway RV, and Vitaria Ingredient Group.

Held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre, the event was organized by Archway Community Services, Bethesda Christian Association, Communitas Supportive Care Society, Mission Association for Community Living BC (MACL) and AKG Canada Employment Services.

Learn more about the event at InclusiveAwards.ca