Valerie Rustad nominated for RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards
By Joan Janzen
Valerie Rustad has recently been nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. She and her husband, Grant, have operated Mid Plains Diesel for the past 35 years, offering expanded services throughout the years.
“I was shocked and surprised,” Valerie said. Her husband, Grant, also said, “I was very impressed and quite proud,” when he found out about his wife’s nomination.
Valerie Rustad has been nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. She and her husband Grant have operated Mid Plains Diesel for the past 35 years. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The awards program recognizes Canada’s most accomplished and impactful women entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders, whose businesses and organizations contribute meaningfully to the local, national and global economy. Valerie Rustad definitely qualifies for this nomination.
She was equally surprised to discover the news had been posted on Facebook. “I had my night of fame after it was posted on Facebook, and we went out to steak night later that evening and everyone knew about it,” she chuckled.
The program received nominations from across the country, spotlighting women entrepreneurs whose work is shaping industries and driving measurable economic impact. Nominated by peers, colleagues and communities, these leaders have demonstrated exceptional business achievement while strengthening Canada’s triple bottom line. This year, the program continues its legacy of recognizing women entrepreneurs whose leadership delivers results, commercially and socially.
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading women entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of Women of Influence, an award-winning global organization dedicated to advancing women.
Congratulations, Valerie. This is a well-deserved honour, but not a surprise for your staff, customers and friends. Everyone is proud of you.
Now Valerie looks forward to the 2026 Awards Gala, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto.