Champion of Infection Prevention and Control Award
The Champion of Infection Prevention and Control Award will recognize IPAC Canada members who have demonstrated innovative initiatives to prevent infection, raise awareness, and improve the health of Canadians. The nomination may also be for lifetime achievement. The nomination may be made by a member of IPAC Canada or by a IPAC Canada chapter. Formal presentation of the Award will be made at the Opening Ceremonies of the Annual National Education Conference. Please review the Award Criteria below, and download, save, and complete the requisite forms to send with your submission.
Nominations for the 2026 Award are now closed.
Award Criteria
Nomination Form
Candidate Acceptance Form
Chapter Participation Form
Nomination Essay Template
The winner of the 2026 Champion of Infection Prevention and Control Award
Madeleine Ashcroft RN BScN MHS CVAA© CIC© FAPIC
In her role with IPAC Canada, as a member and a director, she has co-authored many significant and historical documents. Among her publishing achievements are the IPAC Canada/APIC Ethical Infection Prevention and Control (EIPAC) Decision-Making Framework (2024), the IPAC Canada Program Standards (revised 2024), Core Competencies for Infection Control Professionals (revised 2017 and 2022); Infection Control in Emergencies and Disasters (revised 2012 and 2021); and Clean Intermittent Urethral Catheterization in Adults: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses (2020).Madeleine is a well-respected author and presenter on national and international webinars and conferences. Her current activities include work with and outreach to other professional organizations for collaboration on issues that pertain to IPAC including urinary tract infection (chapter for NSWOCC textbook); sustainability (e.g., Ontario Anesthesiologists Sustainability Working Group; Creating a Sustainable Canadian Health System in a Climate Crisis [CASCADES]); and aseptic non-touch technique (Wounds Canada; Nurses Specializing in Wounds, Ostomy, and Continence Canada; and Canadian Vascular Access Association).
Her work in developing IPAC Canada Position Statement and Practice Recommendations as Chair and member of the Standards & Guidelines Committee is unsurpassed, most recently she authored the historical document “Environmental Stewardship, Sustainability, and Planetary Health Related to IPAC (2025).”
As a hospital and college educator, and as an IPAC Canada Board Director and Chair of the Standards & Guidelines Committee, Madeleine reinforced best practices, highlighting IPAC in nursing and other healthcare professions. Throughout her career, she has helped and inspired others to become ICPs, and to embrace life-long learning and welcome change.
Recipients of the Champion of Infection Prevention and Control Award
- 2010 – Dr. Mary Vearncombe
- 2011 – Marion Yetman, Pat Piaskowski
- 2012 – Dr. Allan Ronald
- 2016 – Jacqueline Hlagi
- 2017 – Faith Stoll
- 2018 – Dr. Michelle Alfa
- 2019 – Merlee Steele-Rodway
- 2021 – Dr. Theresa Tam
- 2022 – Dr. Gwyneth Meyers
- 2023 – Suzanne Rhodenizer
- 2025 – Melody Cordoviz
- 2026 – Madeleine Ashcroft