Manitoba's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 3
MANITOBA’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
3
MANITOBA’S TOP
EMPLOYERS
Anthony Meehan,
PUBLISHER
JOHNSTON GROUP
Editorial Team:
Richard Yerema,
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Kristina Leung,
MANAGING EDITOR
Stephanie Leung,
EDITOR
Sonja Verpoort,
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Cypress Weston,
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Krista Robinson,
SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Advertising Team:
Chantel Watkins,
SENIOR PUBLISHING LEAD
Chariemagne Wood,
SENIOR PUBLISHING SPECIALIST
Teresa Yeung,
PUBLISHING COORDINATOR
Vishnusha Kirupananthan,
SENIOR BRANDING & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sponsored Profile Writers:
Berton Woodward,
SENIOR EDITOR
Brian Bethune
Deborah Bourk
Abigail Cukier
Don Hauka
Patricia Hluchy
Diane C. Jermyn
Sara King-Abadi
Allison Lawlor
Katherine Macklem
Tom Mason
Michael McCullogh
Diane Rinehart
Kelsey Rolfe
Rita Silvan
Barbara Wickens
©2026 Mediacorp Canada Inc. All rights reserved. MANITOBA’S TOP EMPLOYERS is
a product of Mediacorp Canada Inc. The Winnipeg Free Press publishes content from
this magazine online, but is not involved in the editorial content, judging or selection of
winners. MANITOBA’S TOP EMPLOYERS is a registered trade mark used by Mediacorp
under license. Editorial inquiries: ct100@mediacorp.ca
Members of the employee gardening club at Johnston Group in Winnipeg harvesting carrots.
E
ach year, the announcement of Manitoba’s Top
Employers offers an opportunity to recognize
organizations that set the standard for exceptional workplaces in the province. Our 2026
winners demonstrate that even during periods
of economic uncertainty and change, Manitoba’s leading
employers continue to invest in their people, strengthen
their communities, and build resilient organizations for
the future.
Manitoba’s economy has shown notable resilience in
recent years. The province continues to maintain one of
the lowest unemployment levels in Canada, with its rate
standing at approximately 5.7 per cent at the end of 2025
— below the national average. Strong labour-force
participation, steady immigration, and growth in full-time
employment have supported Manitoba’s labour market
even as economic conditions have fluctuated. Employment in the province increased by roughly 1.8 per cent
over the past year, reflecting the continued strength of key
sectors and the adaptability of Manitoba’s workforce.
Forecasts suggest that the province’s economy will
expand modestly over the next several years, with
opportunities for employers and workers coming from
new investments, infrastructure projects, and population
growth. Over the longer term, labour market projections
indicate that over 138,000 job openings could emerge in
Manitoba between 2025 and 2029, driven both by economic expansion and the need to replace retiring workers.
Against this positive economic backdrop, Manitoba’s Top
Employers (2026) illustrate how forward-thinking workplace practices can help employers thrive. These employers are distinguished by their commitment to creating
supportive and inclusive environments where employees
can succeed. From progressive benefits and flexible work
arrangements to professional development opportunities
and community engagement initiatives, this year’s winners
demonstrate that investing in employees remains one of
the most effective strategies for long-term success.
The employers profiled in this year’s magazine come
from a range of sectors, including healthcare, financial
services, manufacturing, education, and the public sector.
The thread that runs through each of them is that they
foster strong workplace cultures that prioritize employee
well-being. These organizations are helping Manitoba
remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented
individuals.
At a time when employers across Canada are navigating
rapid technological change, evolving employee expectations, and global economic uncertainty, this year’s
Manitoba winners provide valuable examples for other
employers of all sizes. Their initiatives highlight the
importance of thoughtful leadership, innovative human-resource strategies, and a genuine commitment to
supporting employees at every stage of their careers.
Earlier today, our editorial team released detailed
reasons for selection, explaining why each of this year’s
winners was selected. These are available via the competition homepage at: www.canadastop100.com/manitoba
If your organization has a story to tell and would like to
be considered for next year’s competition, I encourage you
to reach out to our editorial team at ct100@mediacorp.ca
– applications for our 2027 competition are now available
and must be submitted by May 1, 2026.
– Tony Meehan