Photos: Culinary learners support 2026 Canadian Culinary Championship events

Posted on Thursday, February 5th, 2026

The Canadian Culinary Championship (CCC) is an annual national event that took place from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31 at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa. The winning chefs from 10 different regional qualifiers are gathered to compete in three challenging and entertaining competitions: Mystery Wine, Black Box and the Grand Finale. To be crowned the top chef in Canada at the CCC is a career-changer. The competition has yielded three previous winners from Ottawa. 

The competition features 50 culinary learners from Algonquin College. For many, involvement at this level of competition is a once-in-a-career opportunity. “I wanted to participate in this event because I took part in the event last year and had the best time. I wanted to experience what it would be like to compete at a national culinary competition because in the future I would love to be a competitor myself,” said Colin Morgan, Culinary Management student. “I think that it is a great opportunity to network with chefs from all over the country and develop connections with these chefs as well as get to know other fellow students that you may get to work with in the future.

Behind the scenes photos of Algonquin College students at the Canadian Culinary Championship.

Behind-the-scenes photos of Algonquin College students at the Canadian Culinary Championship.

“I would suggest to everyone that they should definitely sign up to volunteer for this event, and even if you are someone who thinks that you won’t like it, you should give it a try because it might benefit you in the future!”

Scott Foeller, Culinary Arts instructor, selects learners based on attributes such as attitude, teamwork, reliability, punctuality and level of skill demonstrated in previous classes or faculty recommendations. 

Each professional chef had Algonquin College learners supporting them throughout the competition.

Each professional chef had Algonquin College learners supporting them throughout the competition.

Algonquin College alumnus Arneet Singh Batra loved the experience so much, he returned to assist with the event once more. “Chef Scott Foeller has been a mentor and a father figure to me — someone who believed in me early on and has shaped me far beyond just culinary skills. I graduated in August 2025 and have been working full-time at Coconut Lagoon under Chef Joe Thottungal, where I continue to learn, grow and push myself every day. This was my second-year volunteering at the Canadian Culinary Championship, and I’m truly grateful to Chef Scott for giving me the opportunity once again to assist a competing chef. Being part of the championship environment, contributing my skills and soaking in the energy of the event was incredibly inspiring. It pushed me outside my regular kitchen routine and allowed me to learn new skills,” he said.

Learners worked together to execute the chef's dishes in every challenge.

Learners worked together to execute the chef’s dishes in every challenge.

An example of one of the dishes created at the event.

An example of one of the dishes created at the event.

Cory Haskins, Dean, School of Business and Hospitality — an Ottawa member of the CCC judges’ panel — further articulated the importance of this partnership. “I am so pleased to continue our association with the Canadian Culinary Championship,” he said. “The experience that our students gain from working alongside the best chefs in Canada is incomparable. The pace is frenetic and crazy, but great fun and an exceptional learning experience.”  

Cory Haskins (right), Dean, School of Business and Hospitality and Canadian Culinary Championship judge, pictured with Grant Perry (left), Vice President, Finance and Administration, in attendance supporting learners.

Cory Haskins (right), Dean, School of Business and Hospitality and Canadian Culinary Championship judge, pictured with Grant Perry (left), Vice President, Finance and Administration, in attendance supporting learners.

An additional real-world learning opportunity from the event was presented to AC’s Broadcasting – Television and Streaming Video students, coordinated by professor Michael Bennett. Learners in the program arrived at the Rogers Centre ready to film and photograph the culinary students, putting together a short video that was played at the competition. 

“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and build their portfolios and resumes, while also exposing them to external clients’ expectations,” said Bennett. 

A team of dedicated Algonquin College Television Broadcasting students worked tirelessly filming behind the scenes and editing with quick turn-arounds. Their work was featured on large screens for guests to see.

A team of dedicated Algonquin College Television Broadcasting students worked tirelessly, filming behind the scenes and editing with quick turn-arounds. Their work was featured on large screens for guests to see at the event.

The key takeaway from learners’ participation in the event is the importance of community and organizational partnerships with academic programs where it aligns. These opportunities leverage skill-building, real-world experience and networking. In return, the client, the Canadian Culinary Championships, is provided with service to fill a gap in their event. Learners are given an opportunity to take risks and show off their skills, which helps build their confidence as they navigate their careers. 

To learn more about the competition and see this year’s winners, visit the Canadian Culinary Championship’s website. 

To learn more about programs in the School of Business and Hospitality, please visit our website.


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