COR Recognized as One of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2026

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COR is honoured to be named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2026, a national recognition of our continued efforts to build a workplace rooted in compassion, innovation and a culture of gentleness. This milestone reflects our deep commitment to supporting not only the people we serve, but also the people who stand beside them every day.

This year’s award, presented by Mediacorp Canada Inc., highlights organizations that have embraced disruption (economic uncertainty, demographic shifts, and the rise of AI) as opportunities to lead with vision and humanity. COR is honoured to be recognized among forward-thinking organizations that are investing in people to build long-term resilience and purpose.

“True organizational strength comes from human connection,” said COR CEO Michael Lavis during the awards reception. “Caregiving is not a one-way act of service – it is a shared human experience. And if we are to ask people to care deeply, we must ensure they are deeply cared for in return” .

A Mission Grounded in Belonging, Compassion and Community

At COR, our mission is clear: To foster a culture of belonging, where every person (supported or supporting) feels valued, connected and empowered.

We support youth and adults experiencing intellectual disability and mental health challenges through personalized services rooted in dignity and respect. But our deeper aim is to transform how care is experienced – for those receiving it, and equally for those providing it.

This philosophy shapes every aspect of our workplace culture. It is reflected in how we show up for one another, create emotionally safe environments, and design systems that prioritize the well-being of our teams – not just in policy, but in practice.

Leading with Gentleness, Investing in People

In recent years, as much of the care sector faced instability, COR chose a different path – deepening wellness supports, expanding parental leave, and launching Virtual Health Care to ensure our team could access the support they needed. These weren’t add-ons, they were essential actions aligned with our core value: care for those who care for others .

We also established the COR Academy to extend our leadership approach beyond our organization, equipping other communities and care providers across Canada with tools to lead with gentleness, empathy, and inclusion .

Looking Ahead

COR’s inclusion in Canada’s Top 100 Employers is not just a reflection of where we are; it’s a reaffirmation of where we’re going. We remain committed to challenging conventional models of care, investing in our people, and cultivating workplaces where everyone feels they belong.

We thank Mediacorp for this recognition and salute our peers across Canada who continue to redefine what it means to lead through humanity, integrity and bold vision.

To our team, our community, and our partners – THANK YOU.

Let’s keep building, together.

 

The full list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2026) was announced in a special magazine published online in The Globe and Mail and on Eluta.ca. Detailed “Reasons for Selection,” along with hundreds of stories and photos highlighting winning initiatives, are available on the competition homepage.

Canada’s Top 100 Employers

2026 Winners

Alberta Blue Cross, Edmonton AB

APTN, Winnipeg MB

AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Mississauga ON

Audiokinetic Inc., Montréal QC

Bank of Canada, Ottawa ON

BASF Canada Inc., Mississauga ON

BC Hydro, Vancouver BC

BC Public Service, Victoria BC

BDO Canada LLP, Toronto ON

BHP Canada Inc., Saskatoon SK

Bird Construction Inc., Calgary AB

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Toronto ON

Boston Consulting Group Canada ULC, Toronto ON

British Columbia Investment Management Corp. / BCI, Victoria BC3

Business Development Bank of Canada, Montréal QC

Canada Energy Regulator, Calgary AB

CBCL Limited, Halifax NS

CIBC, Toronto ON

Clio, Burnaby BC

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Toronto ON

Co-operators Group Limited, The, Guelph ON

Creative Options Regina, Inc., Regina SK

Danone Canada, Boucherville QC

Dash Social, Halifax NS

Dentons Canada LLP, Calgary AB

Desjardins Group / Mouvement Desjardins, Lévis QC

Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc., Toronto ON

Digital Extremes Ltd., London ON

DP World (Canada) Inc., Burnaby BC

Emera Inc., Halifax NS

Equinix, Inc., Toronto ON

ETRO Construction Ltd., Burnaby BC

Export Development Canada, Ottawa ON

EY, Toronto ON

Fidelity Canada, Toronto ON

Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd., Oakville ON

GHD Ltd., Waterloo ON

Gibson Energy Inc., Calgary AB

Graham Construction, Calgary AB

Hatch Ltd., Mississauga ON

Henkel Canada Corp., Mississauga ON

Hospital for Sick Children, The, Toronto ON

IGM Financial Inc., Winnipeg MB

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Ottawa ON

Inter Pipeline Ltd., Calgary AB

Irving Oil, Saint John NB

Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, Montréal QC

Keyera Corp., Calgary AB

Labatt Breweries of Canada, Toronto ON

LBMX Inc., London ON

Lightspeed Commerce Inc., Montréal QC

Loblaw Companies Ltd., Brampton ON

L’Oréal Canada Inc., Montréal QC

Manulife Financial Corporation, Toronto ON

Mars Canada, Bolton ON

Mawer Investment Management Ltd., Calgary AB

Mazda Canada Inc., Richmond Hill ON

Medavie Inc., Moncton NB

Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., New Glasgow NS

Nasdaq Verafin, St. John’s NL

Nestlé Canada Inc., North York ON

Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Mississauga ON

Office Interiors, Dartmouth NS

Plusgrade Inc., Montréal QC

Pomerleau Inc., Montréal QC

Procter & Gamble Inc., North York ON

Provincial Credit Union Ltd., Charlottetown PE4

Rio Tinto, Montréal QC

Roche Canada, Mississauga ON

Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto ON

Samsung Electronics Canada Inc., Mississauga ON

SAP Canada Inc., Vancouver BC

SaskEnergy Incorporated, Regina SK

Schneider Electric Canada Inc., Mississauga ON

Scotiabank, Toronto ON

Seaspan, North Vancouver BC

Second Harvest Canada, Etobicoke ON

SEKISUI Diagnostics P.E.I. Inc., Charlottetown PE

Shell Canada Limited, Calgary AB

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC

Smith Bros. & Wilson, Surrey BC

Sobeys Inc., Mississauga ON

StandardAero Ltd., Winnipeg MB

Statistics Canada / Statistique Canada, Ottawa ON

Stryker Canada ULC, Waterdown ON

Teck Resources Limited, Vancouver BC

Thales Canada Inc., Nepean ON

TMX Group Limited, Toronto ON

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. / TMMC, Cambridge ON

UAP Inc., Montréal QC

United Way British Columbia, Burnaby BC

Université de Montréal, Montréal QC

University of New Brunswick / UNB, Fredericton NB

Vale Base Metals, St. John’s NL

Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, Vancouver BC

Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver BC

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., Vancouver BC

World Vision Canada, Mississauga ON

WSP Canada Inc., Montréal QC

Yukon, Government of, Whitehorse YT

A Heartfelt Thank You to Action Sewer & Drain

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Kindness has a way of flowing through our community, sometimes quietly and sometimes in beautiful and unexpected ways. This week, we are feeling deeply grateful to our friends at Action Sewer & Drain for their generous donation in support of COR.

For more than thirty years, Action Sewer & Drain has been serving Regina and surrounding areas with care, dedication, and a strong sense of community. Beyond their skill and expertise, what truly stands out is their generosity and their commitment to giving back to the city they call home.

To the entire team at Action Sewer & Drain, thank you. Your generosity helps nurture a community rooted in gentleness, respect, and love. We are so grateful to have you walking alongside us in creating a place where everyone feels valued and at home.

Learn more about their work at actionseweranddrainltd.com.

Caring for the Caregiver: Celebrating Workplace Wellbeing at COR

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Supporting Mental Health and Belonging in Canadian Workplaces

Yesterday, we were honoured to be recognized at the 5th Annual Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Awards, presented by the Canadian Positive Psychology Association (CPPA) and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, compliments of Canada Life.

This national recognition celebrates organizations across Canada that are fostering healthy workplace cultures where people feel supported, valued, and able to thrive. We are humbled to be among this year’s award recipients, alongside many inspiring leaders in employee wellness and mental health at work.

COR was recognized in the Non-Profit and Charity category for its compassionate approach to workplace wellbeing and commitment to nurturing a culture of gentleness.

Our Belief: Care for the Caregiver

At COR, we have always believed that when we care for the caregiver, they in turn will provide exceptional support to those they walk alongside. Our approach to workplace wellbeing has never been about programs or policies alone. It is about listening deeply and creating space for every voice to be heard.

As Casey Sakires shared in his acceptance remarks:

“The most important factor in shaping our wellness programs has been the voice of our employees. We actively listen to understand what matters most to everyone at COR.”

This belief is the foundation of our culture of gentleness — a community built on safety, love, and belonging.

Nurturing a Culture of Gentleness

This recognition is a reflection of our team’s compassion, creativity, and commitment to one another. Together, we have created a workplace that values connection and humanity.

We are deeply grateful to the Canadian Positive Psychology Association and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, with appreciation to Canada Life, for championing mental health in the workplace and celebrating organizations that make wellbeing a shared priority.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

To our COR team — thank you for bringing your hearts to this work every day. You remind us that wellbeing begins with connection, and that caring for one another is what makes our community flourish.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to listening, learning, and growing in kindness together.

Learn more about the Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Awards and this year’s inspiring recipients through the Canadian Positive Psychology Association.

WorkSafe Saskatchewan celebrates workplace safety leaders

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Saskatoon, Sask., May 21, 2025 – Today, WorkSafe Saskatchewan recognized safety leaders from around the province at its 2025 Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards. WorkSafe Saskatchewan, an injury prevention and workplace safety partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, presented these awards in Saskatoon as part of the WCB’s Compensation Institute event.

“At WorkSafe Saskatchewan, we believe that creating safer workplaces starts with strong leadership and personal commitment,” said Kevin Mooney, the WCB’s vice-president of prevention and employer services. “This year’s Safe Worker and Safe Employer Award winners exemplify what it means to make safety a core value, not just a set of rules. Through their dedication, passion and innovation, our winners are setting new standards for safety and well-being in our province. We are pleased to recognize their outstanding efforts in making Saskatchewan a safer place to work.”

2025 Safe Worker Award winner

Sandee Jordon, a customer service representative at SaskEnergy, has been named the 2025 Safe Worker Award winner. Known as “Safety Sandee,” Jordon has spent 17 years championing a culture of safety at SaskEnergy, making safety engaging, memorable and a part of daily life.

“Safety Sandee started as a fun nickname, but it became so much more,” said Jordon. “Life is so precious and we cannot waste one minute of it. Working safely is something every person should do and I’m proud to help make that happen here.”

Beyond physical safety, she has also been a strong advocate for mental health initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to workplace well-being. Her passion, leadership and community impact have made her a true role model for safety at work and beyond.

2025 Safe Employer Award winner

Creative Options Regina (COR) has been named the 2025 Safe Employer Award winner. COR, a Regina-based charitable organization supporting youth and adults experiencing disabilities and mental struggles, was recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering a culture of psychological health, safety and belonging.

“Nurturing a culture of belonging is at the heart of our safety efforts,” said Michael Lavis, executive director of COR. “If we want the people we support to thrive, we must first focus on caring for the care providers.”

Rooted in the philosophy of gentle teaching, COR prioritizes caring for its nearly 400 employees through comprehensive mental health training, stress management support and initiatives that nurture strong relationships and a sense of community. By focusing on care provider well-being, COR ensures the people they support can thrive.

Each year, WorkSafe Saskatchewan recognizes individuals and organizations for the Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards who are nominated by their workplace peers and colleagues. The winners are chosen by two committees consisting of representatives from WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, the Saskatchewan Safety Council and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers. These awards are a testament to the ongoing efforts to cultivate a safer work environment across Saskatchewan.

 

For more information about the WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards and the nomination process for the 2026 awards, visit worksafesask.ca/resources/awards.

Recipient of the Regina Chamber Paragon Award for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

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CELEBRATING THE 2025 PARAGON AWARDS

The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce gathered April 4, 2025 for the 26th Annual Paragon Awards, an event that honours Regina’s most outstanding businesses.

This year, COR was honoured to be recognized with the Paragon Award for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion – a testament to our commitment to creating a more equitable and welcoming community, both within and beyond our organization.

“The Paragon Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who have gone above and beyond to make Regina and our surrounding district a vibrant, dynamic, and thriving place to live and work,” said Mike Tate, CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

Awards were presented in eight categories:

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR
Presented by Conexus Credit Union
Winner: Nathan Silljer, Edco Plumbing & Heating

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
Presented by Scotiabank
Winner: Hospitals of Regina Foundation Cardiac Care
(Cardiac Care Campaign in partnership with Municipal Hail Insurance)

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Presented by Regina Airport Authority
Winner: Hotel Saskatchewan

MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross
Winner: Canadian Western Agribition

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
Presented by Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Winner: Creative Options Regina

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
Presented by the City of Regina
Winner: Green Smart Windowns, Doors & Blinds

NEW BUSINESS VENTURE
Presented by WorkSafe Saskatchewan
Winner: Skyline Distillery

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by flexnetworks
Winner: Harvard Western Insurance

Read the full article posted to the Regina Chamber of Commerce website.

Proud to be Recognized as a Saskatchewan Top Employer (2025) for an 8th Year!

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With job security and a stable economy, Saskatchewan employers offer more than just peace of mind: ‘Saskatchewan’s Top Employers’ for 2025 are announced.

REGINA, February 4, 2025 – With a strong economy that’s resilient in the face of economic headwinds, Saskatchewan has long been an attractive place to work and live. Employers in the province are raising the bar by providing employees with better family-friendly benefits and skills upgrading that will help them succeed as technology advances rapidly. The best of these
initiatives were recognized this morning as Saskatchewan’s Top Employers (2025) was announced by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

“Economies that go through dramatic boom and bust cycles are usually the ones we read about in the news, but it’s places like Saskatchewan — with its reliable and steady economic growth — that provides true peace of mind to employees,” says Richard Yerema, executive editor at the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. “Employees value the security that comes with being able to count on a reliable employer and feeling confident that your livelihood — and the life you’ve built for your family — is secure.”

The employers chosen as this year’s Saskatchewan’s Top Employers distinguish themselves with strong support for family-friendly benefits, as well as ensuring their employees receive the training and development they need to succeed. From tuition subsidies to in-house skills improvement programs, this year’s winners understand that a skilled workforce is essential as
technology advances at an ever-faster rate.

“Economic stability and a long history of steady growth: that’s the story of Saskatchewan,” adds Yerema. “People attracted to the province’s affordability and high standard of living, while building a career at an employer that cares about their family and future. The employers on this year’s list know that job security means income security, where employees can have confidence that the resources they depend upon, and the things they’ve earned through hard work, won’t be taken from them by a sudden economic downturn.”

Now in its 20th year, Saskatchewan’s Top Employers is a special designation that recognizes the employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Editors at Mediacorp review employers on eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project’s inception:

(1) Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. The editors publish detailed ‘reasons for selection’ explaining why the winners were chosen, providing transparency in the selection of winners and a catalogue of best practices for employers and job-seekers alike. The competition is open to any employer, private or public sector, with its head office or principal place of business in Saskatchewan.

Founded in 1992, Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nation’s largest publisher of employment periodicals. Since 1999, the Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, which includes 19 regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach millions of Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners, including The Globe and Mail. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, one of Canada’s largest job search engines, used by millions of job-seekers annually to find new job postings and discover what the nation’s best employers are offering.

The full list of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers (2025) was announced today in a special magazine published online in the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon StarPhoenix, as well as on Eluta.ca. Detailed ‘reasons for selection’ for each of this year’s winners, including dozens of stories and photos about their initiatives, were released today by the editors and are accessible via the competition homepage.

Read the special magazine here. 

Saskatchewan’s Top Employers 2025 Winners

  • 3sHealth / Health Shared Services Saskatchewan, Regina
  • Access Communications Co-operative Ltd., Regina
  • BHP Canada Inc., Saskatoon
  • Canpotex Limited, Saskatoon
  • College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan, Regina
  • Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group Ltd., Yorkton
  • Creative Options Regina, Inc., Regina
  • Croptimistic Technology Inc., Saskatoon
  • eHealth Saskatchewan, Regina
  • Information Services Corporation / ISC, Regina
  • ISM, Regina
  • Lakefield LLP, Saskatoon
  • Legal Aid Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
  • McDougall Gauley LLP, Saskatoon
  • Nutrien Ltd., Saskatoon
  • Ranch Ehrlo Society, Regina
  • Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, Regina
  • Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Saskatoon
  • Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation / SCIC, Melville
  • Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority / SIGA, Saskatoon
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon
  • Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, Saskatoon
  • Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, Regina
  • Saskatoon, City of, Saskatoon
  • SaskEnergy Incorporated, Regina
  • SaskPower, Regina
  • SaskTel, Regina
  • Synergy Credit Union Ltd., Lloydminster
  • University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
  • Vaderstad Industries Inc., Langbank

 

Recognized by Excellence Canada as a Healthy Workplace Month Great Employer

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COR is proud to be named a 2024 Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month Great Employer, by Excellence Canada. 

In a letter from Sean Slater, President, Excellence Canada, COR was commended for our efforts to nurture a physically and psychologically safe workplace:

Congratulations on prioritizing the vital work of nurturing a physically and psychologically safe and healthy workplace and for the commendable actions you are taking as an employer to achieve it. Our adjudication team was impressed with your work in the following key areas of focus:

  • Physical Health
  • Mental Health
  • Social Health
  • Community

 

 

Excerpt from Excellence Canada’s Official Announcement:

We’re excited to celebrate this year’s amazing organizations that have gone the extra mile to make their workplaces healthy, safe, and welcoming for everyone. These award winners have shown real leadership in creating environments where both physical and mental well-being are top priorities. Their efforts stand out accross the four pillars of workplace wellness, and it’s inspiring to see how they’re making a difference for their teams everyday.

Kudos to all the recipients– you’re setting an awesome example for workplaces across Canada!

View the full list of 2024 Award Recipients.

 

Recipient of the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Award

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Celebrating the CWWA 2024 Winners!

The Canadian Positive Psychology Association (CPPA) and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health with Mary Ann Baynton are thrilled to announce the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards winners.

This award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in Canadian organizations that strengthen workplace well-being, employee mental health and psychological safety. The CPPA encourages organizations to integrate the principles and evidence-based practices of positive psychology into their HR strategy to support employee engagement, employee satisfaction and retention.

“The judging panel of ten experts in positive psychology and well-being were extremely impressed with the innovative programs, resources and support networks created by the 2024 winning organizations to foster employee mental health, well-being and sense of belonging”, says Louisa Jewell, President and Founder of the Canadian Positivity Association. “What is striking is the deep level of commitment to support employees to feel heard and understood when it comes to their well-being at work”, Jewell adds.

Some key patterns emerged amongst the winning organizations. Here are a few standouts:

  • They take a strategic approach where well-being and psychological safety is part of their organizational HR Strategy;
  • They invest in providing supports, enhanced mental health benefits and resources to help employees proactively manage their psychological health; and
  • They are intentional about creating a culture where there is trust, and employees feel heard, cared for, valued, and have a sense of belonging.

Here are the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Winners: (CWWA Awards) 

Nonprofit/Charity Sector

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (Vancouver, BC)

Creative Options Regina (Regina, SK)

Kids Help Phone (Toronto, ON)

Small Private/Public Sector

Sklar Wilton and Associates (Toronto, ON)

Large Private/Public Sector

Best Buy (Vancouver, BC)

First West Credit Union (Langley, BC)

Metrolinx (Toronto, ON)

TransLink (Vancouver, BC)

 

The panel of expert judges for the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards included:

Shelly Bischoff, Workplace Consultant, Founder & Director, Ptolemy & Associates Inc.;

Dr. Marie-Hélène Budworth, Associate Professor, School of Human Resources Management, York University;

Dr. Elaine Cook, Manager, Humanistic Education and Training, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital;

Lorie Corcuera, Director, Learning & Development, MineSense Technologies;

Carrie Fletcher, Executive Vice President, People Culture & Strategy, St. Joseph’s Health System;

Rob Francis, Founder & Principal Consultant, Francis Organizational Consultants;

Jon Rosemberg, Founder & CEO, Strongpoint Group;

Sylvie Santoro, Senior Director of People & Culture, Datavalet Technologies – Montreal;

Andrew Soren, CEO & Founder, Eudaimonic by Design, and

Paula Toledo, Well-being Consultant & Artist Ode to Wonder.

 

Learn more about the CWWA’s.

Recipient of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Non-Profit Impact Award (2024)

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On September 21, 2024, COR was named the inaugural recipient of the Non-Profit Impact Award at the 2024 Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Award Celebration held in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan Business Leaders Shine at the 2024 ABEX Awards Gala

September 21, 2024

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 ABEX Awards, celebrating the province’s most influential and impactful businesses. Hosted at TCU Place in Saskatoon on September 21, the gala brought together over 500 attendees to recognize the contributions of Saskatchewan’s businesses and leaders across various sectors.

The prestigious awards, presented by Conexus Credit Union, highlighted the outstanding achievements of Saskatchewan’s businesses, acknowledging their significant role in driving the province’s economic and community development. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce extends its gratitude to all sponsors, recipients, finalists, and attendees for making the 2024 ABEX Awards a memorable event.

2024 ABEX AWARD RECIPIENTS

  • Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross:
    NexGen Energy Ltd. (Vancouver/Saskatoon)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Nutrien:
    KDM Constructors (Yorkton)
  • Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.:
    JS Truckmart (Estevan)
  • Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic:
    Ground Truth Agriculture (Regina)
  • New Venture Award:
    The Prairie Grazer (Saskatoon)
  • Non-Profit Impact Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Pension Plan:
    Creative Options Regina (Regina)
  • Service Award, sponsored by KPMG LLP:
    Komfort Insulation Ltd. (Saskatoon)
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Cameco Corporation:
    Brianna Dellezay, Saskatchewan Behaviour Consulting (Saskatoon)
  • ABEX Business of the Year, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP:
    JS Truckmart (Estevan)

SPECIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

  • ABEX Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by the University of Regina:
    Gary Redhead, President and CEO, Redhead Equipment (Regina)
  • ABEX Community Leader of the Year, sponsored by FCC:
    Greg Yuel, Owner, President, and CEO, PIC Investment Group (Saskatoon)
  • Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame Inductee:
    AGT Food and Ingredients (Davidson)
  • Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award:
    Patricia Warsaba (Regina)

“The ABEX Awards have always been about recognizing the incredible talent and dedication within Saskatchewan’s business community. It’s inspiring to see how our award recipients are making a positive impact and setting new standards for excellence in their fields.”  – Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

 

Link to full article.

 

Revealed! Best Places to Work in Canada 2024 – HRD Canada’s Top Picks

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Best Places to Work in Canada 2024 list showcases organizations excelling in employee satisfaction

Revealed! Best Places to Work in Canada 2024 – HRD Canada’s Top Picks
BY HRD staff 11 Jun. 2024

Human Resources Director’s Best Places to Work in Canada 2024 list showcases organizations excelling in employee satisfaction by focusing on healthy work-life balance, open work environments, updated tech tools, team building, and strong coworker relationships. This year, the highlighted companies stood out for prioritizing their employees’ well-being, creating positive and inclusive cultures that enhance the overall employee experience.

Fidelity Investments Canada, with an impressive 87% employee satisfaction rating, has consistently ranked among HRD’s Best Places to Work. The company prioritizes listening to employees, resulting in a thriving culture of celebration and engagement. Fidelity’s initiatives include a subsidized full-service café, extended health and dental benefits, and strong advocacy for commuting solutions.

Diana Godfrey, Senior Vice President of HR and Corporate Affairs, emphasizes, “We try to put ourselves in our employees’ shoes, and we also lobbied our insurance company to extend health and dental benefits past the age of seventy.”

Excellence in employee engagement

Achieving an 82% employee satisfaction rating, The Peak Group of Companies, headquartered in British Columbia, excels in the home renovation and outdoor living products sector. The company’s culture is built on employee well-being, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from an education reimbursement program, cross-functional collaboration opportunities, and a strong emphasis on employee input. The organization supports charitable activities and fosters a family-friendly environment with hybrid work options.

“We care about our team members’ well-being and believe in prioritizing our people,” says Senior Human Resources Generalist Gloria Lam. “All of our staff have been carefully screened and selected to join us, and I think we all share those similar traits.”

With an overall employee satisfaction rating of 84%, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville attributes its thriving culture to its dedicated workforce of over 500 staff. Employees praised the relaxed dress code, strong coworker relationships, and excellent pay and benefits. The town promotes communication and transparency through quarterly town halls and wellness initiatives supporting work-life balance. The staff events committee enhances the work environment, organizing events like the employee appreciation day featuring games, balloons, and a poutine food truck.

Claudette Banks, HR Director, notes, “We run numerous events yearly, and we do it because we want staff to feel like coming to work is fun.”

Innovative work cultures
UNFI Canada, a national natural and organic food distributor based in Concord, ON, received a 77% employee satisfaction rating. The company is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, fostering strong coworker relationships, and maintaining high-quality office spaces. UNFI excels in remote and hybrid work arrangements, philanthropic activities, and comprehensive training programs. Employees appreciate open communication from senior leadership and the organization’s innovative approach to new technology and work practices.

Lyn Morgan, Senior Director of Human Resources, states, “When you’re providing sustenance to people, it’s rewarding, and a lot of us get a sense of satisfaction from the type of organization we are.”

Creative Options Regina (COR) is celebrated for its exceptional workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and employee engagement. COR’s innovative approaches and dedication to their mission foster a unique and supportive work environment.

The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) is recognized for its employee-focused initiatives and comprehensive benefits. ASEBP’s commitment to wellness and professional development contributes to its high employee satisfaction and engagement.

ECO Canada excels in fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment, with a strong focus on sustainability and employee growth. Their commitment to professional development and environmental stewardship sets them apart as a top employer.

These organizations represent the best of the best, setting benchmarks for others to follow in creating environments where employees thrive and feel valued. Their dedication to employee satisfaction is not only commendable but also a blueprint for building outstanding workplace cultures in Canada.

Read the full article on the HRD website.