Canada’s top employers invest in workers as AI and trade tensions reshape jobs: Mediacorp

While many organizations are cutting back amid economic uncertainty, top employers are doubling down on employee support and financial security, according to the publishers of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition.

Mediacorp Canada released the 2026 list this morning. It highlights organizations that maintain strong benefits and workplace policies despite challenges from artificial intelligence, trade issues and demographic shifts.

Commitment stands firm

This year’s winners show no widespread reduction in benefits or working conditions. Many have increased focus on financial security to help employees navigate uncertainty, the organizers say.

“What distinguishes this year’s winners is their steadfast commitment to employees,” says Kristina Leung, managing editor of the project. “Leading employers are carefully listening to their workforce and ensuring strong support remains in place. Over the past year, we’ve seen a greater emphasis on financial security to help employees feel more confident, even amid economic uncertainty. But importantly, there has been no broad pullback in benefits or working conditions among the best employers.”

Turning challenges into advantage

Employers see current disruptions as a chance to build long-term strength, says Richard Yerema, executive editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

“Employers in Canada are at a remarkable juncture, facing once-in-a-generation challenges in artificial intelligence, trade and demographics,” he says. “While the potential downsides are widely reported, experienced leaders recognize that periods of disruption are often catalysts for long-term advantage. Over the past 25 years, many of today’s strongest organizations are those that adapted quickly during inflection points like the pandemic or the 2008 financial crisis – emerging more resilient and focused.”

Selection process

Mediacorp editors choose winners based on eight criteria. These cover workplace atmosphere, benefits, vacation and time off, communications, performance management, training and community involvement.

Now in its 26th year, the competition is open to any employer with headquarters or principal operations in Canada.

The full list of winners appears in a special supplement in The Globe and Mail and on Eluta.ca.

Who made the list for 2026?