Canada's Top 100 Employers
Since its inception in 1999, Canada's Top 100 Employers has served as a prominent annual editorial competition designed to recognize excellence in the Canadian workplace. The winners are announced every October through The Globe and Mail, providing a benchmark for corporate culture and employee satisfaction across the country.
The delivery of the results has evolved over the decades to meet changing media habits. From 1999 to 2006, the list was distributed as an annual paperback book. In 2007, the program transitioned to a digital format, publishing both the list and the specific "Reasons for Selection" online. By 2014, the recognition expanded further with the inclusion of winners in a national magazine published by The Globe and Mail.
Key Facts
- Established: 1999.
- Primary Publication: The Globe and Mail.
- Announcement Cycle: Every October.
- Scope: Includes one national competition and 18 regional or special-interest categories.
- Application Process: Employers submit a single paid application to be considered for multiple competitions.
Competition Categories and Reach
While the Top 100 list is the flagship honor, the program encompasses a wide array of specialized and regional competitions. These are managed in partnership with various newspapers and magazines to ensure local and thematic relevance.
National Special-Interest Awards
Beyond the general Top 100, several national categories focus on specific workplace values and demographics, such as diversity (inclusion of different backgrounds), green initiatives (environmental sustainability), and family-friendly policies.
Regional Recognition
To capture the diversity of the Canadian economy, regional competitions identify top employers in specific provinces and cities, ranging from the National Capital Region to Atlantic Canada.
| Competition | Geographic Area | Announced In | First Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada's Top 100 Employers | National | The Globe and Mail | 2001 |
| Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers (SME) | National | The Globe and Mail | 2014 |
| Ten Best Companies to Work For | National | Financial Post | 2006 |
| Canada's Top Employers for Young People | National | The Globe and Mail | 2002 |
| Canada's Best Diversity Employers | National | The Globe and Mail | 2008 |
| Canada's Greenest Employers | National | The Globe and Mail | 2008 |
| Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers | National | The Globe and Mail | 2002 |
| Top Employers for Canadians Over 40 | National | The Globe and Mail | 2002 |
| British Columbia's Top Employers | British Columbia | The Vancouver Sun | 2005 |
| Alberta's Top Employers | Alberta | Calgary Herald & Edmonton Journal | 2005 |
| Saskatchewan's Top Employers | Saskatchewan | Leader-Post & The StarPhoenix | 2005 |
| Manitoba's Top Employers | Manitoba | Winnipeg Free Press | 2006 |
| Greater Toronto's Top Employers | Greater Toronto Area | The Globe and Mail (Metro ed.) | 2006 |
| Waterloo Area's Top Employers | Canada's Technology Triangle | Waterloo Region Record & Guelph Mercury | 2007 |
| Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers | Hamilton, Burlington & Niagara Region | The Hamilton Spectator | 2007 |
| National Capital Region's Top Employers | National Capital Region | Ottawa Citizen | 2005 |
| Montreal's Top Employers | Greater Montreal | Montreal Gazette | 2005 |
| Atlantic Canada's Top Employers | Atlantic Canada | Atlantic Business Magazine | 2010 |
| Nova Scotia's Top Employers | Nova Scotia | The Chronicle-Herald | 2010 |
Criticism and Editorial Process
Despite its prestige, the competition has faced scrutiny. In 2022, the list was criticized for including Suncor, a company linked to worker injuries and deaths. A key point of contention raised by critics is that the list is not prepared by The Globe and Mail journalists, leading to questions regarding the criteria used for selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the winners of Canada's Top 100 Employers announced?
The winners are announced annually every October.
How do companies apply for these awards?
Employers complete a single application and pay a fee to be considered for the national competition as well as various regional and special-interest categories.
Who publishes the results of the competition?
The primary publication is The Globe and Mail, though regional winners are announced in various partner newspapers and magazines across Canada.
Is the list written by journalists?
No, the list is not prepared by Globe and Mail journalists.
What are some of the specialized categories available?
Specialized categories include Canada's Greenest Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers, and Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers.