Winnipeg nonprofit founder gets national honor for tech training work

By AI, Created 5:40 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – Pablo Listingart, founder of Winnipeg-based nonprofit ComIT, has received Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal for helping underserved people build careers in technology. The award spotlights a free training model that has expanded across provinces and reached newcomers, Indigenous communities and people facing financial barriers.

Why it matters: - The award recognizes work that helps unemployed and underemployed Canadians move into technology jobs. - ComIT’s model addresses a skills gap while opening a path to more stable, higher-paying careers. - The recognition also puts a national spotlight on workforce development efforts built around free access to training.

What happened: - Pablo Listingart, founder of Winnipeg-based nonprofit ComIT, received the Meritorious Service Medal, Civil Division. - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, presented the honor. - The award recognizes Listingart’s work helping underserved communities access careers in technology. - The official announcement is available here.

The details: - ComIT was founded in 2016 after Listingart immigrated to Canada from Argentina. - The nonprofit offers free technology training to unemployed and underemployed people across Canada. - ComIT has worked with volunteers, instructors, companies and community organizations to reduce barriers to entry in tech. - The organization has supported learners from newcomer, Indigenous and low-income communities. - Under Listingart’s leadership, ComIT has delivered programs in multiple provinces. - Training has covered software development, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, digital marketing and quality assurance. - The programs focus on practical, job-ready skills aligned with industry needs. - The Meritorious Service Decorations honor Canadians whose actions have brought honor to the country and inspired others through community contributions.

Between the lines: - Canada continues to face strong demand for technology talent, which gives ComIT’s training pipeline broader relevance. - Listingart’s comments frame the award as a recognition of the broader network that supports the nonprofit, not just one founder. - The model combines social support and workforce training, which can help people facing multiple barriers enter a competitive sector.

What’s next: - ComIT is expected to keep expanding access to free technology training for people seeking work in the sector. - The nonprofit’s partnerships with volunteers and industry groups suggest continued emphasis on practical training tied to employer needs. - The national honor may help raise awareness of the organization’s programs and reach.