ComIT founder Pablo Listingart receives Canada's Meritorious Service Medal

By AI, Created 4:44 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Pablo Listingart, founder and executive director of Winnipeg-based charity ComIT, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) by Governor General Mary Simon. The honour recognizes his work helping thousands of underserved Canadians build digital skills and access employment pathways.

Why it matters: - The medal spotlights a Winnipeg-based nonprofit leader whose work has helped connect underserved Canadians to training and jobs. - The award recognizes service that brought benefits to communities across Canada, not just to ComIT’s local market. - The recognition can raise ComIT’s profile with partners, donors and employers supporting workforce training.

What happened: - Pablo Listingart, founder and executive director of ComIT, received the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) from Governor General Mary Simon. - The honour was officially announced by the Governor General of Canada on April 20. - ComIT announced the award on May 12, 2026. - Listingart leads ComIT, a Winnipeg-based national charity focused on breaking employment barriers through free technology and professional skills training.

The details: - The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes people whose actions have brought honour to Canada and delivered significant benefits to their communities and the country. - Since founding ComIT in 2016, Listingart has expanded the organization nationally. - ComIT says it has helped thousands of unemployed and underemployed Canadians build in-demand digital skills and reconnect with career opportunities. - The charity has served newcomers, Indigenous peoples, women, veterans and other underserved communities. - ComIT has partnered with governments, corporations and nonprofit organizations across Canada to expand access to technology-sector pathways. - Listingart immigrated to Canada from Argentina in 2015 and is now based in Winnipeg. - In a statement, Listingart said the honour belongs to the broader ComIT community, including students, instructors, volunteers, partners, donors and staff. - Listingart also said ComIT has spent the past 10 years helping people overcome employment barriers and rebuild confidence through technology and human connection. - Listingart said he is grateful to Canada for welcoming his family and giving them a chance to give back. - The Governor General’s office says the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians whose exceptional deeds or activities set an inspiring example and benefit the country. - The official announcement is available as Governor General of Canada – Meritorious Service Medal Recipients.

Between the lines: - The award validates ComIT’s model of combining technical training with wraparound community support. - The recognition also places a newcomer founder at the center of a national story about workforce inclusion and second chances. - The citation underscores that the impact is measured in community outcomes, not just program size.

What’s next: - ComIT is likely to use the recognition to reinforce its national fundraising and partnership efforts. - The organization will continue offering accessible training routes into the technology sector for people facing employment barriers. - Listingart’s honor may help draw more attention to immigrant-led and community-based workforce programs in Canada.