The COPA awards program is open to any individual, company or organization that produces content for the digital medium. These may include freelance journalists, influencers, media publishers, associations, corporations, government and advertising agencies. The content to be judged can be for any market and is not restricted to Canadian readers to reflect the global nature of the industry. The awards are open to—but not restricted to, writers, editors, graphic designers/art directors, creative directors, web developers, photographers, videographers and digital producers. To qualify a member of the team must be Canadian and contribute significantly to the entry.

The Largest Digital Publishing Awards Program in Canada.

The COPAs is not affiliated with any trade organizations and is an industry neutral awards program for the Canadian Industry. The Judging Panel is a “Who’s Who “ of the digital publishing industry with 90+ volunteer judges from across Canada. The COPAs are not funded or subsidized by any government agency. Its mandate is to be inclusive of all media in Canada. A COPA award has become a badge of honour for the Canadian Media Industry that fosters digital innovation and pride in the industry. The COPAs are the largest digital publishing awards program in Canada.

Make Some Noise for your Brand

All winners receive a COPA Awards logo that can be used for marketing and branding purposes. The team members are recognized for their outstanding contribution to online publishing at the COPA Awards Party this February 2027 (Date and Time TBA). All winners receive a COPA Awards logo that can be used for marketing and branding purposes. The team members are recognized for their outstanding contribution to online publishing at the COPA Awards Party. The 18 year history of winners is package as the COPA Hall Game branding in 2026.

 









 

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WHO CAN ENTER

Freelance Journalists
Freelance writers, influencers, photographers, podcasters and video producers can submit their work for the COPA awards. Freelancers will receive a special pricing of $65 per entry. 

Media Publishers
Open to English, French and other Ethnic language publications and websites, that have offices in Canada. Must have 50% original editorial content and written and/or edited by Canadians living in Canada. Non-Canadian publishers are eligible if the editorial has at least one Canadian on the team that resides in Canada.

Corporations/Non-Profit Organizations, Associations, Schools
Corporations, non-profit organizations, schools and associations are eligible to enter the awards program. The site or work must meet the 50% original content requirement and be written and/or created by Canadians living in Canada. All advertising related entries must be produced by a company with offices in Canada.

Advertising/Digital Agencies/PR Firms
Digital agencies, PR firms and social media firms can submit entries on behalf of their clients if the ads and content submitted are created and submitted by the Canadian office. The entry must have at least one Canadian on the team to be eligible.

Independent Publisher (20 Full-time staff or Less)
An independent publisher will be defined as an organization that produces publications, websites and/ or other digital properties that has less than 20 employees/staff in a full time capacity (does not include part-time freelancers). Publishers that have multi-titles are also eligible if they meet the # of employee’s criteria. Entries can be submitted in any division or category to be eligible and will be considered for the individual awards entered in also.

Inclusiveness Policy - Free Entry Categories
The COPAs have three categories that any publisher can enter for free. The "Best Patriotic/Canadian Story, the Best Feel Good Story and Best Multi-cultural Story. This will allows companies to participate that would not normally enter an awards program to expand the reach of the COPA Awards program. The free categories are limited to two (2) entries per brand. Please enter promo code – free, when submitting the free entry. All free entries need to be submitted separated from the paid entries. 

Any (public or private) high school or post-secondary institution in Canada can submit two student projects for no cost in the Students/Schools Division in addition to the free categories. Additional entries can be submitted for the $65 at the non-profit rate. Please enter promo code – free, when submitting the free entry. Schools have a total of 5 free entries in 2026.

Judging Policy
The work will be reviewed by independent judging panels of highly regarded industry professionals and experts. Some categories have their own specific qualities noted below, but generally, your entry will be judged based on content, design and level of engagement at the time of judging (over an approx. 2 month period during Fall 2026)。

 

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DIVISIONS

Academic - Students/School Projects (Black)
This is open to any (public or private) high school or post-secondary institution in Canada. Each school can submit two student projects for no cost in addition to the free categories. Schools have a total of 5 free entries in 2026.

Business-to-Business Content (Blue)
This is to open to entries that cater to a special B2B niche that includes influencers, trade and association magazines, B2B companies and B2B ad campaigns.

Media - News/Sports Content (Green)
This division caters to media outlets for news, current affairs, business, sports and entertainment. This division includes influencers, community newspapers, news/sports, business, entertainment and digital only properties.

Audio and Streaming Content (Purple)
This division is open to any digital channel that streams audio and video that includes radio, TV and streamers on digital channels (Youtube, Spotify, Apple). RTDNA members will receive two free entries to help with the launch of the division in additon to the 3 free catgories; promo Code RTDNA ( please sumbmit all free entries one at a time and separte from paid entries)

2026 CATEGORIES

There are 28 categories below. Your work will be judged against other entries in the same category in the same division. The highest score from a bilingual panel of judges (when applicable) are deemed the winner. There are 5 divisions: Academic, Business, Consumer, Media and the new Audio/Streaming with some categories unique to the division. You can choose to enter your entry into more than one category as appropriate.

 

Eligibility

All entries must have been published between October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 to be eligible for the 2026 awards.

1. Patriotic/Canadiana Story - Free 

We are looking for Canadian inspired stories. Stories of why it is “GREAT TO BE CANADIAN” will be showcased. Stories that highlight local or national heroes, success stories, community efforts are few of the topics that can be entered.

This award is available in ALL divisions. Publishers are limited to 2 free entries per brand.

 

2. Feel Good Story - Free 

In a world with a lot of negative stories, the COPAs want to recognize feel good stories that provide a positive story for readers, that may be good deeds or acts of kindness. 

This award is available in ALL divisions. Publishers are limited to 2 free entries per brand.

 

3. Multi-Cultural Story - Free 

To encourage diversity in digital content, this category will look for stories about BIPOC communities in Canada. This category will celebrate stories about Canada’s multi-cultural landscape. 

This award is available in ALL divisions. Publishers are limited to 2 free entries per brand.

 

4. Blog/Column

Awarded to the blog/column (including video) deemed to best serve its intended audience through digital formats like a traditional word/ pictures column and/or video blog. Single and multi-contributor blogs are eligible. 

This award is available in ALL divisions. 

 

5. Opinion/Commentary or Opt-ed (NEW)

The need for FREE speech to serve the public interest will be recognized. The writers/producers may be editorial staff or an op-ed contributor. The entry can be submitted in any digital format that best serves the intended audience

This award is available in ALL divisions. 

 

6. Feature Cover Story 

This category is open to publications that may have a story fitting to be a feature/cover article that may be a breaking news, how-to, service, profile, lifestyle, interview etc, depending on the division. The stories will be evaluated on how the story captures the reader's attention. 

This award is available in 4 divisions: Academic, Business, Consumer and Media. 

 

7. Best Investigative Article or Series

Awarded to the publication/digital channel deemed to best serve its audience through an investigative feature article that raises awareness of issues facing society.

This award is available in ALL divisions. 

 

8. Special Interest Feature (New)

Awarded to the publication/digital channel deemed to best serve its audience through a special interest story that may include arts and culture, business/finance, entertainment, health/wellness, science/technology and sports. Other special interest topics are welcome.

This award is available in ALL divisions. 

 

9. Local Community Entrepreneur Profile (New)

The need to highlight Canadian entrepreneurs with their struggles and success that provide inspiration for the next generation.

This award is available in 2 divisions: Media and Audio/Streaming 

 

10. Local Community News/Sports

Awarded to the local community website/publication that provides grassroots community news and sports coverage. 

This award is available in 2 divisions: Media and Audio/Streaming. 

 

11. Continuing Coverage of a News and Sports Story

This award goes to the news coverage of a continuing story that may happen over a period of time. Multiple articles are to be submitted as part of the coverage. 

This award is available in 2 divisions: Media and Audio/Streaming. 

 

12. Product Story/Review (added to Consumer)

Awarded to the publication deemed to best serve its audience through a product feature article. These stories can include, but not restricted to, product reviews, testimonials and videos. 

This award is available in two divisions: Business and Consumer 

 

13. Company Feature

Awarded to the publication deemed to best serve its audience through a company/product feature or executive interview article. These stories can include, but not restricted to, profiles, Interview/Q&A and product reviews. 

This award is only available in one division: Business 

 

14. Industry Feature

Awarded to the B2B publication deemed to best serve its audience through an industry feature article. These stories can include, but not restricted to, case studies, industry report/trends/news and roundtable articles. 

This award is only available in one division: Business 

 

15. Service Story

Awarded to the publication deemed to best serve its audience through a service/educational feature article that can include, but not restricted to how-to, reviews and round-up story formats.

This award is only available in one division: Consumer 

 

16. Lifestyle Story

Awarded to the publication deemed to best serve its audience through a lifestyle feature article that can include, but not restricted to, recipes, profiles, fashion, trends and travel story formats. 

This award is only available in one division: Consumer 

 

17. Travel Story 

This category is open to any publication/digital channel that creates a travel story for their readers/audience. This could be a destination, travel tips, blog and day trips. 

This award is available in three divisions: Consumer, Media and Audio/Streaming. 

 

18. Photo Journalism

Awarded to the publication deemed to best serve its audience through the use of photojournalism. The entry will be judged on quality of photo storytelling and multi-platform design. 

This award is available in three divisions: Academic, Consumer and Media 

 

19. Video Content

This award goes to the video content that best exemplifies the use of video for journalistic and/or entertainment purposes. It can be informative and/or entertaining and the video/short film must not be longer than 30 minutes, but can be as short as 30 seconds. 

This award is available in ALL divisions.

 

20. Podcast

This award is for the best use of the audio format in the form of a podcast that meets journalistic or entertainment standards for their intended audience. The podcast entry can be in a variety of formats that includes, but is not restricted to, interviews, episodes, radio shows and news broadcasts. 

This award is available in ALL divisions.

 

21. Content Marketing Campaign

This award is for companies/digital channels that have created the best branded content campaign. Entries must be submitted in a case study format and will be evaluated on graphic branding, design and content strategy. 

This award is available in 4 divisions: Business, Consumer, Media, Audio/Streaming

 

22. Branded Content Story (New)

This award is for companies/digital channels that have created the best branded content story 

This award is available in 4 divisions: Business, Consumer, Media, Audio/Streaming

 

23. Best Email Newsletter Design

Awarded to the best email newsletter produced by a publisher or organization. Elements that will be considered are content, layout, editorial strategy and multi-platform design.  Please include PDF/screenshots sample/with subject header for mobile, tablet and desktop versions of the newsletter in addition to any links.

This award is available in 3 divisions: Business, Consumer, Media

 

24. Digital Edition Replica Magazine Cover (New)

The reader entry of point of Digital Edition replica magazines will be awarded to be the best cover design for a particular issue.

This award is available in 2 divisions: Business, Consumer

 

25. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Design (New)

The rise of the AI tool to assist publication/digital channels with the production of editorial cartoon, infographics, illustrations, audio and video. These must be original concepts that are executed through AI that best serves the intended audience. 

This award is available in ALL divisions.

 

26. Microsite/Article Design (New)

The award goes to the best microsite or article page design to the publication/digital channel. It can be in the form of short or long form stories. This will be judged on design elements that include graphic design, audio and video. 

This award is available in four divisions: Academic, Business, Consumer and Media 

 

27. Home Page Design (New)

The best home page design goes to the website that exhibits outstanding graphic design in the layout of the page. 

Key elements are eye catching appeal, organization and user experience.

This award is available in ALL divisions.

 

28. Multiplatform Digital Solution (Revsied)

The need to unify your brand in a single voice requires consistent design in all digital channels that include websites, email, apps and social media. This award will go to the publication/digital channel that deploys consistent design across elements. Please provide screen shots of all elements and links.

This award is available in ALL divisions.

 

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HOW TO ENTER

Entry fee: $80 for single entry based on one entry per category and the deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2026. An early bird discount available for all entries submitted by Monday, August 17, the early bird entry rate is $65. This fee does not include HST. Please provide a screenshot of your entry so we can post it on the COPA website in case you make it to the finalists stage. We link this screenshot to your entry link on your website. Attached files should be no larger than 5 MB.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

Student and Audio/Streamig Division Entries - Two Free Entries
Any (public or private) high school or post-secondary institution in Canada can submit two student projects for no cost in the Students/Schools Division in addtion to the the 3 free categories. Additional entries can be submitted for $65 at the non-profit rate. In addition  entry. Please enter promo code – free, when submitting the free entry.

Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) members will receive two free entries per company to help with the launch of the division in additon to the 3 free catgories; Promo Code RTDNA.

Special discount for Independent publishers, Ethnic Media, Non-Profits and Freelance Journalists and Influencers
Independent publishers (20 employees or less) , Ethnic Media, non-profit institutions, freelance Journalists and influencers are eligible to enter at the early bird discount rate of $65 at any time. They must be registered as an independent publisher/ethnic media/non-profit/journalist/influencer when they submit their entry. All publishers will be verified by COPA staff to meet the 20 employee requirements upon registration for independent publishers.

FREE Entry Promo - Best Patriotic/Canadiana, Best Feel Good Story and Best Multicultural Story
Three categories are available for free to any publisher in 2025 - Best Patriotic/Canadiana, Best Feel Good Story and Best Multicultural Story. Please do this separate from any other entries you may have planned to avoid accidental payment. (Publishers are limited to 2 free entries per brand). To enter please use promo code “free’ to avoid the e-commerce checkout. Please do this separate from any other entries you may have planned to avoid accidental payment.

Fees are payable by credit card via the secured online credit card payment site. Receipts will be automatically sent to contact person’s email address. One payment is accepted per entry. Credit Card statements will show “NORTH ISLAND MEDIA”

Entries must be submitted using the online entry form.

DEADLINE
All entries must be uploaded to the competition website no later than midnight PST on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The Early Bird Deadline is Friday, August 17. Please provide a screenshot of your entry so we can post it on the COPA website in case you make it to the finalists stage. We link this screenshot to your entry link on your website, Attached files should be no larger than 5 MB.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are answers to some of your most asked questions. If your questions aren’t answered here, please contact contact Martin Seto COPA producer at 416-907-6562 copa@masthead.ca.

1. How do I submit an entry?
You must complete the online entry form. The entry form will have a space provided for the direct URL of the web page, article, or online piece to be judged. Attached files should be no larger than 5 MB. Please contact to make alternative arrangements. Make sure that this URL is a static link and will not change from the time that you submit the entry to the time that the item is judged.

2. How many entries may I submit?
You may submit as many entries as you'd like to any category in any division. You may submit your website in a multiple of categories, as long as it qualifies for that category. An entry fee is charged for each entry. Your are limited to 2 free entries per brand in the free categories,

4. What if the links change or content is moved on our website?
You need to make sure that the URLs you provide are static links that will not change from the time that you submit the entry to the time that the item is judged. Judges will view your website independently, and as judging takes place over a long period of time, you must ensure that your URL remains accurate during the entire judging period.

5. What if my content is behind a pay wall, how will the judges get access to my content?
Publishers are asked to provide the judges with a login and password for the content. In case of articles a PDF version is acceptable as a back-up provision for publishers, but direct access to the digital content is preferred. Please provide a contact person in case of trouble logging on. Entries that require payment to access their solution please budget 3 judges per entry and provide the funds the judges to be reimbursed by the COPA staff.

6. I submitted my entry and the entry did not go through?
In most cases an entry is blocked if the files attached to the entry are more than 5mb in size please stuff all your files in a zip file or through a shared cloud based database file service like WeTransfer, dropbox or google drive for COPA judges entries.

7. What happens when there are less than five entries in a category? Is this a true competition?
The COPAs has a Fair Competition rule where the categories can be deleted based on the number of entries through a minimum Entry Quorum fair competition rule. All scores that are considered finalists must meet a minimum score of excellence to advance based on scores from 3 judges on the panel out of 100. All entries will be notified if this should happen.

8. What is the COPA Mailing Address?
34 Thirty-Six St ,Toronto, ON M8W 3K9