COPAs HISTORY

The inaugural COPA Awards Gala was held on October 14th, 2004 in the Vanity Fair Ballroom of the historic Le Meridien King Edward Hotel. 250 guests gathered for the first ever national awards program for the Portuguese-Canadian community. Gala activities featured a silent auction, entertainment by Nuno Cristo and Helder de Oliveira and the world premiere of the documentary film Strong Hearts, Steady Hands. The night was an overwhelming success, marking the first time the national Luso-Canadian community publicly honoured those who have achieved outstanding success in their fields.
Along the with the 6 Award winners, 26 individuals were identified as Luso-Canadians of Distinction to mark the inaugural event. Certainly this group will produce future COPA recipients!

The 2nd Biennial COPA Awards Gala was held on May 6th, 2006 in the Sovereign Ballroom of the historic Le Meridien King Edward Hotel. 250 guests gathered for the only national awards program for the Portuguese-Canadian community. Gala activities featured a silent auction, entertainment by Suzana da Câmara and guest speakers Teresa Roncon and the Hon. Madame Justice Maria Linhares de Sousa.

The 3rd Biennial COPA Awards Gala will be held on May 10th, 2008 in the Vanity Fair Ballroom of the historic Le Meridien King Edward Hotel. 300 guests are expected for the only national awards program for the Portuguese-Canadian community. Gala activities will feature a silent auction, entertainment by Toronto singer/songwriter Nancy Dutra and guest speaker George Pimentel.
Since winning the inaugural ‘Força’ Award in 2006, Nelly Furtado has graciously agreed to lend her name to this prize given to a Portuguese-Canadian who has made a significant impact on Canadian culture within the past two years. This year’s award, now titled the Nelly Furtado ‘Força’ Award will be presented to Brian Melo, recording artist and 2007 ‘Canadian Idol’ winner.