Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 15
Methodology
CANADA’S TOP SMALL & MEDIUM EMPLOYERS (2026)
15
How this year’s winners were chosen
N
ow in its 13th year, Canada’s Top Small &
Medium Employers (2026) is an editorial
competition that recognizes small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) for
progressive workplace programs and
policies. Canada’s SME sector represents
approximately 1.08 million businesses, which
comprise roughly 98.2 per cent of all businesses in
the country.
To determine eligibility, the editors follow the SME
definition used by Statistics Canada, limiting the
competition to private-sector enterprises with under
500 employees. Non-profit organizations are not
eligible.
Employers are compared to organizations in similar
industries, of similar sizes, and in similar regions.
They are evaluated on eight selection
criteria, which include:
(1) Workplace; (2) Work
Atmosphere & Social;
(3) Health, Financial & Family
Benefits; (4) Vacation and
Time Off; (5) Employee
Communications;
(6) Performance Management;
(7) Training & Skills
Development; and
(8) Community Involvement.
2026
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 workplace safety, hybrid
and remote work options, and health and wellness.
The competition represents some of the country’s
most dynamic and innovative employers, many of
which experienced significant growth in the past
year. Detailed reasons for selection explaining why
each of the winners was chosen can be found by
clicking on the names in the winners’ list above.
t Toronto-based Drake
Hotel Properties
recognizes outstanding
work with on-the-spot
employee awards, such
as sports tickets, stays
in boutique hotels and
restaurant gift cards.
DRAKE HOTELS
— Krista Robinson
