Judging Criteria

The review panel will be looking for facts and evidence that illustrate how your program or service addresses the following criteria:

Minister’s Award Submissions

Minister’s Award submissions will be evaluated using the same criteria as they relate to the individual’s long-standing contributions in consumer protection and awareness.

The review panel will evaluate all eligible submissions against these criteria and forward recommendations to the Minister. The Minister of Service Alberta will select the award recipients. All award decisions are final. Detailed criteria are included below.

Detailed description of the judging criteria for submissions

The review panel will be looking for facts and evidence that illustrate how your program or service addresses the following six criteria:

1. Addresses a Consumer Protection Issue

What is the consumer protection issue you chose to address and how did you identify it as a problem for consumers?

The review panel will be looking for:

  • A description of the consumer issue being addressed

  • An explanation of how the organization identified the issue

  • An explanation of why the organization chose this project to respond to the issue

2. Incorporates a Planned Approach Involving Stakeholders

How did you plan your response to the consumer protection issue and how did you involve the stakeholders that would be affected?

The review panel will be looking for:

  • A description of the research and assumptions that were applied to the project

  • A list of the project stakeholders and an explanation of how the organization involved them

  • A detailed description of the project including:

    • A description of the approach

    • A description of the product, process, service, event, program or publication

    • A definition of the target audience

    • An estimate of the number of consumers who would receive a direct benefit the objectives of your program, service or event and how they relate to improvement in consumer protection or consumer education

3. Encourages Fairness in the Alberta Marketplace

How does the program, service or activity champion the rights of consumers and promote fairness in the marketplace?

The review panel will be looking for evidence that the program or service:

  • Reflects knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation

  • Meets or exceeds legislated requirements

  • Protects the rights of consumers or enhances consumer protection

  • Models an approach that achieves fairness for businesses and consumers

4. Empowers Consumer Stakeholders

How does the program or service support and enable individuals to take action on their own behalf?

The review panel will look for evidence that the project:

  • Creates awareness of consumer and business rights and responsibilities provided under Alberta legislation

  • Encourages individuals to take action on their own behalf

  • Makes it easier for consumers to ask for help from the organization

  • Provides tools that consumers can use to help themselves

  • Assists vulnerable consumers (seniors, youth, low income)

  • Models how other organizations can empower consumers

5. Results Demonstrate a Positive Impact for Consumers

What results have been documented for the program or service to show that consumers have benefited?

The review panel will look for evidence:

  • That results were formally measured and documented

  • That the program objectives were met

  • Of the actual number of consumers that were reached

  • That results have had a significant impact on promoting a fair and balanced Alberta marketplace

  • That program results provide or exceed the level of consumer protection mandated in Alberta legislation

6. Displays Innovation

What makes this project unique? What is the creative edge and how has it captivated the attention of consumers?

The review panel will look for:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the target audience
  • A willingness to take a risk to do something new
  • Creativity
  • A modern look and feel
  • Approaches that can serve as a model for others