National Capital Region's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 14
Methodology
How this year’s winners were chosen
Ottawa-Gatineau’s employment landscape is evolving.
With growing tech, life science, aerospace and defence
sectors, the region has emerged as Ontario’s leading
alternative to Toronto for new immigrants — with
the Ottawa side’s share nearly doubling from 6.4 per
cent to 12.5 per cent over the past five years.
Furthermore, ongoing public service adjustments
may result in private sector gains. For employers
looking to tap into these highly skilled talent pools,
recruitment and retention initiatives, including those
targeted to newcomers, should be prioritized.
First published in 2006, National Capital Region
Top Employers is a catalogue of best practices,
representing the most progressive and forwardthinking employers in the region. Any employer with
its head office or principal place of business in the
Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area may apply.
To determine competition winners, employers are
compared to organizations in similar industries and of
similar size. Employers are evaluated on eight selection
criteria, which are: (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.
While the underlying criteria have remained consistent
since the project’s inception, areas of review have
expanded and evolved with the advent of new
programs and policies. Examples include hybrid and
remote work options, health and wellness benefits,
and professional development programs.
– Krista Robinson
