Laurier named recipient of inaugural Southwestern Ontario Top Employer award for workplace initiatives

Jan. 16, 2024
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has been named one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada as part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers initiative, a multi-category editorial competition that recognizes the nation’s best places to work.

Presented for the first time in 2024, Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers recognizes exceptional employers across a variety of industries in the regions spanning Lake Huron and Georgian Bay to Lake Erie, excluding the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Region. Laurier was presented the award for initiatives including the university’s comprehensive health benefits plan, defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, and workplace wellness initiatives.

“Being recognized as a top employer in southwestern Ontario reflects Laurier’s established reputation as a welcoming and inclusive workplace,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “The quality and engagement of the people at Laurier make it an outstanding place to work.”

Canada’s Top 100 Employers is an annual competition recognizing leading national and regional organizations that offer exceptional workplaces. Organizations selected for the awards redefine how people work and live by developing and adapting policies and procedures to meet the changing expectations of today’s workforce. 

“Laurier is committed to providing a positive and engaging employee experience,” said Pamela Cant, chief human resources and equity officer at Laurier. “Receiving a Southwestern Ontario Top Employer award reflects the work environment at Laurier, one which allows faculty and staff to thrive, experience a sense of belonging and feel valued for their many contributions to the university community.”

Laurier is a five-time recipient of the Canada’s Greenest Employer award and a six-time recipient of the Waterloo Area Top Employer award. While the Waterloo Area Top Employer recognition is awarded at a regional level, it is based on Laurier’s efforts across its multi-campus locations. 

Some of Laurier’s exceptional employer initiatives include: 

• Dedicated employee professional development offerings and wellness events and resources.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents.
• Supporting the employee experience through flexible and hybrid work.
• Instructional support and resources for faculty and instructional staff to foster the development of vibrant, creative and inclusive learning environments for students.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up for new parents, including adoptive parents, to 95 per cent of salary ranging from 10 to 25 weeks.
• Continued commitment to fostering an inclusive community through Laurier’s Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous Strategic Plan, including hiring new Black faculty members and Indigenous faculty members through the Inclusive Excellence initiative.
• Generous vacation, benefits, pension and leave allowances.

As an educational institution, Laurier inspires lives of leadership and purpose in its student community. As an employer, Laurier seeks, fosters and values the same qualities of leadership and purpose in its employee community. Learn more about what makes Laurier a great place to work.