Most diverse employers recognized in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton

Nine companies from Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton made a list of the most diverse in Canada.

Forbes Canada recently ranked Canada’s Best Employers For Diversity 2024.

“Canada’s labor force is among the most diverse in the world, according to Statistics Canada,” said the magazine introducing the list. “So, savvy employers in Canada recognize that to attract top talent and prioritize representation among their staff, they need to ensure their workplace initiatives meet the needs of employees with a range of perspectives, abilities, experiences and backgrounds.”

Here is the ranking of the local companies that made the list:

Rank, Company, Industry, HQ, Employees

• 35. IKEA, retail and wholesale, Burlington, 208,000
• 93. Ford Motor, automotive and suppliers), Oakville, 177,000
• 119. Oak Valley Health, healthcare and social services, Oakville, 3,586
• 121. Hamilton Health Sciences, education, Hamilton, 18,000
• 125. Sheridan College, education, Oakville, 4,763
• 148. McMaster University, education, Hamilton, 15,900
• 156. Siemens, engineering and manufacturing, Oakville, 320,000
• 163. Eaton, engineering and manufacturing, Burlington, 94,000
• 196. Petsmart, retail and wholesale, Burlington, 50,000

To determine the third annual list, Forbes teamed up with market research firm Statista to survey approximately 40,000 Canadian workers at companies with at least 500 employees.

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Participants anonymously rated their companies on diversity-related issues, including age, gender, ethnicity, disability and LGBTQ+ equality. Survey respondents were also asked to evaluate companies they knew through industry experience or through family and friends who worked there. Responses from the past three years were considered.

Additionally, each company’s diversity-related practices were analyzed and incorporated into the rankings.

This is the third consecutive year Oakville’s Sheridan College has been included on the Forbes list.

“Diversity is a cornerstone of Sheridan’s identity. Embracing diverse perspectives enriches our community, fuels innovation and enhances our ability to address complex challenges,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan’s president and vice-chancellor.

“Our commitment to an inclusive environment elevates our educational mission and strengthens our workforce. By ensuring every individual feels seen and heard, we create a culture of belonging that drives both personal and professional growth. This recognition by Forbes Canada as a Top Employer for Diversity underscores our ongoing dedication to this mission.”