Employers in the Hamilton-Niagara region are strengthening community partnerships and workforce development programs as the area faces economic pressures from U.S. tariffs, according to the organizers of this year’s Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers competition.
Mediacorp Canada Inc. announced the 2026 winners Jan. 15, highlighting how employers in the region are supporting local businesses and workers affected by tariffs on steel, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.
“Organizations thrive when their communities do,” said Richard Yerema, executive editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. “The winners on this year’s list have made it a priority to reaffirm their investment in employees even in an unpredictable economic environment, and they’re doing that by reinforcing existing intercommunity links, and establishing new ones.”
Expanded training and apprenticeship programs
Winners have increased their focus on skilled-trades co-ops and apprenticeships with local high schools and post-secondary institutions, according to Mediacorp. Employers are also providing support for local charities and businesses most affected by the tariffs.
“While community involvement has always had a strong presence here, it’s encouraging to see organizations doubling down on support that strengthens their workforce and the wider community,” said Krista Robinson, senior research assistant at Mediacorp.
The Hamilton-Niagara area is among the Canadian regions most affected by recent U.S. tariff impositions, particularly those targeting steel, automotive, and manufacturing industries.
Selection criteria and competition details
Now in its 19th year, Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers recognizes employers in the region that offer exceptional workplaces. Mediacorp editors review employers on eight criteria: workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.
The competition is open to any employer with its head office or principal place of business in the Hamilton-Niagara area.
Mediacorp publishes detailed reasons for selection for each winner, providing transparency in the selection process and examples of workplace best practices.
Mediacorp Canada Inc., founded in 1992, manages the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, which includes 19 regional and special-interest competitions. The company also operates Eluta.ca, a job-search engine that drew 2.4 million Canadian users last year.
Full list of winners
| Company Name | Head Office | Industry | Full-Time Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited | Fort Erie, ON | Aircraft manufacturing | 296 |
| Algoma Central Corporation | St Catharines, ON | Marine transportation | 1,461 |
| ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. | Hamilton, ON | Iron and steel mills | 4,553 |
| Bethesda Community Services | Thorold, ON | Social support services | 360 |
| Brock University | St Catharines, ON | Post secondary schools, university | 1,760 |
| Burlington Hydro Inc. | Burlington, ON | Electric power distribution | 111 |
| Conservation Halton | Burlington, ON | Environment and wildlife conservation organizations | 157 |
| Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP | St Catharines, ON | Accounting | 154 |
| Hamilton Health Sciences Corp. | Hamilton, ON | Healthcare services | 9,008 |
| Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority | Hamilton, ON | Port and harbour operations | 69 |
| Hamilton, City of | Hamilton, ON | Municipal governments | 6,424 |
| L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | Dundas, ON | Photographic equipment manufacturing | 1,232 |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, ON | Post secondary schools, university | 7,217 |
| Mohawk College | Hamilton, ON | Post secondary schools, college | 1,216 |
| Niagara Falls, City of | Niagara Falls, ON | Municipal governments | 591 |
| Niagara Health | St Catharines, ON | Healthcare services | 3,875 |
| St. Catharines, Corporation of the City of | St Catharines, ON | Municipal governments | 694 |
| St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton | Hamilton, ON | Hospitals | 3,453 |
| Stryker Canada ULC | Waterdown, ON | Medical equipment and supplies wholesalers | 814 |
| WS Audiology Canada Inc. | Burlington, ON | Hearing aid manufacturing | 532 |
