National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING PUBLICATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011 MD Physician Services has the right job prescription he employees at MD Physician Services may not wear white coats MD Physician Tor carry a stethoscope, but they feel like an important part of the Canadian Services health-care system all the same. n “One of the deciding factors in working years in business: 40+ n here is that common bond we all have in that Number of employees: 1,200+. n we’re doing something good in helping physi- Head office: . n cians here in Canada,” says Michelle Masson, Locations: 45 locations across vice-president of organization experience at Canada n MD Physician Services (MDPS). Positions Employed: Founded more than 40 years ago by the Advisers in financial planning and Canadian Medical Association, the organiza- investment, clerical and admin- tion provides IT support, practice consulta- istrative, IT services, software tion advice and financial counselling, includ- developers, project managers, ing wealth management, to medical doctors implementations specialists, across the country. practice consultants. “Everyone here is really focused on making n Hiring incentives: Defined-ben- efit pension plan, comprehensive health care in Canada a more effective kind MD Physician Services colleagues at the 2010 Annual Advisers Conference held health and dental coverage, short- of system,” Masson says. “We all know health recently in Gatineau. care needs to be transformed in Canada.” and long-term disability, financial And the organization — with more than Masson says. “Being a resident has a certain sional development opportunities. planning services for employees, 45 offices across the country — has its role amount of stress and debt-load that not a lot “We definitely live the work-life balance,” wages competitive with industry, to play in that transformation, including of us carry.” she says. “It’s not just words on a page to us.” flex-work hours, emphasis on implementing electronic medical record sys- Yet later on in their careers, they often Besides industry-competitive salaries and professional development. tems so patient information is securely stored become high-net-worth individuals in need benefits, employees have flexible work hours, n Application process: Apply yet easily shared between family doctors and of more than just help picking the right access to online learning tools, and even an directly online at www.md.cma. specialists. mutual fund. innovative vacation program allowing for ca/careers. But MDPS also gives doctors peace of “We are providing professional advice to additional paycheque deductions for extra mind, helping them deal with often-complex a group of highly educated, professional cli- vacation days. financial situations. ents,” she says. “There is a lot of focus on people being “We are organized around projects as “That leaves them with more mental space That means MDPS financial advisers, IT healthy and having a good, well-rounded life,” opposed to job descriptions, and people tend and time for their patients,” Masson says. solutions experts, consultants, and adminis- Masson says. to lend a hand and ask for help pretty readily.” With financial planning and advice needs tration and clerical staffers need to be at the Benefits aside, MDPS employees are After all, they’re not working at MDPS very different from the average Canadian’s, top of their game. proud of the work they do — and they are just for the paycheque. They’re there to help. physicians require expert, objective advice on And the workplace at MDPS is a reflec- dedicated, Masson says. “You don’t ever hear “Because we’re not profit-driven, when we debt management, investing and long-term tion of that culture of excellence. ‘that’s not my job,’ or ‘I don’t have time.’” talk about the client coming first, we abso- wealth planning. The organization offers its employees a Each of its 1,200-plus employees works as lutely, genuinely mean it,” she says. “We’re “They go through very distinct stages,” wide breadth of benefits, perks and profes- a team member. only interested in helping the docs.”

Financial Practice Living md.cma.ca

Finances Pratique Mieux-être md.amc.ca

2 National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011

BANNERAD-HI.indd 1 10-12-21 11:11 AM NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011 Top employers raise the bar in competitive job market Work-life balance part of companies’ strategies National Capital Region’s Top Employers ompetitive employers had better get the words “work-life balance” Cinto their communications if ACCREDITATION CANADA they expect to attract the talent they ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITIES AND need. COLLEGES OF CANADA Knowledge workers, whether professionals or skilled tradespeople, BANK OF CANADA are in a position to be choosy, says Tony CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING Meehan, publisher of Canada’s Top CORPORATION/CMHC 100 Employers and sister publications in most provinces. CANADA POST CORPORATION “It’s all coming from demographics,” CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY Meehan says. Voluntary departure rates are rising as the huge boomer CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH generation moves toward retirement RESEARCH and smaller Gen X and Y groups replace it. CANADIAN NUCLEAR SAFETY COMMISSION / CNSC jobs they choose — even in CANADIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE this recession,” he says. And SERVICE surveys consistently show that they have no interest in emulating their parents’ workaholic ways. CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY OF OTTAWA in Canada may be 7.6 per EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA cent, Meehan observes, HUMAN RESOURCES & SKILLS but the rate among DEVELOPMENT CANADA professionals and most ■ Physical up to 26 weeks of top-up pay. Now the trades is below four per cent. workplace upper end of the scale reaches to 52 HYDRO OTTAWA LTD. In nursing, the jobless rate is less ■ Work week s. than two per cent. atmosphere and social Alternative working arrangements INDUSTRY CANADA And in some provinces the overall rate ■ Health, financial and (working from home, etc.) were once IT / NET CONSULTANTS INC. is significantly lower, with family benefits discussed as possible for a few travelling correspondingly lower rates in ■ Vacation and time o salespeople, and otherwise as an idea for LOCKHEED MARTIN CANADA INC. professions and some trades. ■ Employee communications the future, Yerema recalls. LUMENERA CORPORATION Small wonder, then, that National ■ Performance management “Now people in HR and a number of Capital Region’s Top Employers are an ■ Training and skills development other disciplines are working from home MD PHYSICIAN SERVICES INC. ■ increasingly progressive lot, vying to Community involvement. on a regular basis and it’s changing the NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE/ definition of what a job is.” oer the most attractive combinations of CENTRE NATIONAL DES ARTS benefits, working conditions and rewards criteria are overseen by a blue-chip panel Another obvious trend among for employee merit. of academics from across Canada, each of progressive employers, he says, is that NORDION INC. whom has written or edited a textbook they are increasingly willing to find OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL it is moving now,” says Richard Yerema, on human resources. creative ways to use people from the OF CANADA founder and managing editor of the Top “Work-life balance has become more boomer generation in order to bridge Employer publications. important over the years. And maternity workforce gaps. Every year, he and the editorial top-up pay is another example of team at Canada’s Top 100 Employers a competitive trend,” he says. mentoring roles, phased retirements STATISTICS CANADA methodically assess employers across the When the project began a decade ago, and any combination of these and other UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA country based on eight criteria: he says, a few companies were oering arrangements. National Capital Region’s Top Employers 201 1 3 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011

Employer Industry Interest Points City FT Employees in Canada

Accreditation Canada Professional/Management Offers maternity leave top-up payments to employees who are new mothers and parental leave top-up to new fathers and adoptive parents. Helps employees save for retirement with Ottawa 112 Development Training generous contributions to a defined-benefit pension plan. Tuition subsidies, fitness facility, employee lounge and quiet room. Association of Universities Professional Organizations Provides maternity leave top-up payments to employees who are new mothers, operates an onsite day-care facility. Also supports employees who are new fathers or adoptive parents Ottawa 81 and Colleges of Canada with parental leave top-up payments. Tuition subsidies, academic scholarships for children of employees. Transitional program allows older employees to gradually reduce work hours.

Tuition subsidies; employee exchange program with other central banks and international organizations. Maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new mothers, fathers and Ottawa 1,268 Bank of Canada Monetary Authorities- adoptive parents. Retirement assistance planning, defined-benefit pension plan, onsite fitness facility, rooftop terrace and outdoor eating area, interior tropical garden with waterfall. Central Bank Canada Mortgage and Other General Government Maternity leave top-up payments, independently operated co-operative day-care facility. Defined-benefit pension plan, retirement planning assistance, and a transitional program allows Ottawa 2,157 Housing Corp. / CMHC Support employees to gradually reduce their hours. Tuition subsidies, a formal mentoring program, and career planning services.

Canada Post Corp. Postal Service Defined-benefit pension plan, health plan contributions for retirees with no age limit. Five-day marriage leave for newlyweds.Tuition subsidies and in-house training. Works closely with Ottawa 60,354 Santa Claus, managing the popular Santa letter-writing tradition. Raised $2 million-plus for last year’s United Way campaign and operates an unique Aboriginal Education Incentive Award.

Canadian Food Inspection Regulation of Agricultural Supports work-life balance with flexible work hours, telecommuting, shortened and compressed work weeks, earned-days-off program. Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Ottawa 6,822 Agency Marketing/Commodities Fitness facility, employee lounge, quiet room and cafeteria. Defined-benefit pension plan, transitional work program that allows employees to gradually reduce work hours.

Canadian Institutes of Grantmaking Foundations Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Flexible hours, telecommuting, shortened and compressed work week options and an earned-days-off program. Holiday shutdown. Ottawa 458 Health Research Defined-benefit pension plan, transitional work program that allows employees to gradually reduce hours. Paid health coverage for retired employees, with no age limit.

Canadian Nuclear Safety Regulation and Administra- Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Tuition subsidies, in-house and online training programs, and subsidies for professional accreditation. Offers employees seven personal Ottawa 869 Commission / CNSC tion of Communications, paid days off, in addition to three weeks’ vacation. Defined-benefit and -contribution pension plans. Compassionate leave top-up payments to employees caring for a family member. Electric, Gas, Other Utilities

Canadian Security National Security Relocation support services, from a guaranteed home sale program to language training for spouses. Hires older workers and counts previous work experience toward vacation allow- Ottawa 3,009 Intelligence Service ance. Defined-benefit pension plan. Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Tuition subsidies, training centre with conference facility and lecture theatre.

Carleton Colleges, Universities and Maternity and parental leave top-up payments, onsite day-care facility. Retirement planning assistance, phased-in retirement work options, and health plan coverage that extends to Ottawa 1,962 Professional Schools retirees. Tuition subsidies and career planning services. Post-secondary academic scholarships for children of employees.

Children’s Aid Society Child and Youth Services Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Flexible hours, telecommuting, 35-hour work week, compressed work-week option. Defined-benefit pension plan, retirement planning Gloucester 433 of Ottawa assistance, transitional work program that allows employees to gradually reduce their hours. Four weeks’ vacation to start, plus holiday shutdown. Tuition subsidies.

Export Development Canada International Trade Referral bonuses for employees who refer a candidate who is successfully hired, year-end bonuses, defined-benefit pension plan. Compassionate leave top-up, tuition subsidies, in-house Ottawa 1,141 Financing and online training initiatives, formal mentoring program. Academic scholarships for children of staff. Maternity and parental leave top-up payments.. Human Resources & Skills Other General Govt Support Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Health benefit coverage during maternity and parental leave. Onsite day-care centre. Tuition subsidies up to 100% for job-related courses. Gatineau 26,024 Development Canada Helps employees prepare for retirement with retirement planning workshops, phased-in work options and the stability of a defined-benefit pension plan.

Hydro Ottawa Ltd. Electric Power Distribution Defined-benefit pension plan, retirement planning assistance, transitional work program that allows employees to gradually reduce their hours. Maternity and parental leave top-up pay- Ottawa 555 ments. Flexible hours, telecommuting, shortened and compressed work-week options. Tuition subsidies, apprenticeship and internship programs. Scholarships for children of employees.

Industry Canada Administration of General Health benefits plan that covers alternatives along with fertility-drug treatments. Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Education leave program. Career planning and mentoring Ottawa 5,849 Economic Programs programs and a training initiative to ease the process of knowledge transfer between new and retiring employees. Defined-benefit pension, health benefits extend into retirement. IT / Net Consultants Inc. Computer Systems Design Referral bonuses, year-end bonuses, share-purchase plan, profit-sharing plan. Maternity leave top-up program. Tuition subsidies, in-house and online training initiatives, formal mentoring Ottawa 72 Services program. Offers post-secondary academic scholarships for children of employees. Flexible hours, telecommuting, shortened work-week option.

Lockheed Martin Canada Aeronautical/Nautical Maternity leave top-up payments. Flexible hours, telecommuting, shortened and compressed work-week options, reduced summer hours. Compassionate leave top-up payments, tuition Ottawa 510 Inc. System/Instrument Mfg. subsidies for job-related courses, formal mentoring program. Matching RSP contributions, transitional work program which allows employees to gradually decrease their hours.

Lumenera Corp. Photographic and Photo- Flexible hours, telecommuting, shortened and compressed work-week options. Matching RSP contributions, retirement planning assistance, and a transitional work program that allows Ottawa 74 copying Equipment Mfg. employees to gradually leave the workforce. Year-end bonuses and a share purchase plan. Tuition subsidies for job-related courses and a formal mentoring program. MD Physician Services Inc. Investment Advice Maternity leave top-up payments. Flexible hours, telecommuting, 35-hour work week, shortened ad compressed work week options. Signing bonuses for some employees, referral Ottawa 1,172 bonuses, year-end bonuses, and a profit-sharing plan available to all employees. Helps employees save for retirement with contributions to a defined-benefit pension plan. National Arts Centre / Administration of General Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Flexible hours, telecommuting, 35-hour work week, shortened work week option, reduced summer hours. Tuition subsidies, apprenticeship Ottawa 323 Centre National des Arts Economic Programs and internship programs, mentoring program. Defined-benefit pension plan, retirement planning assistance, transition program that allows employees to gradually decrease their hours.

Nordion Inc. Electromedical and Electro- Onsite fitness facility. Year-end bonuses, employee referral bonuses, profit sharing, share purchase plan, matching RSP contributions. In-house training options, tuition subsidies. Situated Ottawa 462 therapeutic Apparatus Mfg. on a 60-acre campus that features a baseball diamond, a volleyball court and a soccer field as well as a small stream that attracts a variety of wildlife.

Office of the Auditor Other General Govt Support Maternity and parental leave top-up payments.Health benefit coverage during maternity and parental leave. Unpaid leaves of absence program for up to one full year. Flexible work hours, Ottawa 698 General of Canada telecommuting and shortened work weeks. Flexible health benefits extend into retirement, with no age limit. Defined-benefit pension plan.

Royal Canadian Mint Other General Govt Support Maternity and parental leave top-up payments. Tuition subsidies, in-house and online training initiatives, apprenticeship and internship programs and career planning services. Post-sec- Ottawa 799 ondary academic scholarships for children of staff. Helps older workers prepare for retirement with contributions to a defined-benefit pension plan and retirement planning assistance.

Statistics Canada Other General Govt Support Maternity and parental leave top-up payments, health benefit coverage during leave. Bilingual onsite day-care centre. In-house training options, tuition subsidies. Wellness committee Ottawa 5,550 encourages employee health and fitness. Phased-in retirement work options, defined-benefit pension plan along with a health plan that covers retired employees, with no age limit.

University of Ottawa Colleges, Universities and Defined-benefit pension plan, retirement planning assistance, and a transitional work program that allows employees to gradually reduce work hours. Maternity and parental leave top-up Ottawa 2,825 Professional Schools payments, onsite day-care facility. Flexible hours, telecommuting, 35-hour work week, shortened and compressed work-week options. Tuition subsidies, career planning services. 4 National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011 Accreditation Canada staff thrives on accomplishment

he date crept closer for a major Accreditation conference her team had been organizing for the past year. But Canada T n instead of panic or stress, Lynn Rimer years in business: 52 Caissy felt a surge of pride, and triumph n Number of employees: 124 in what they were about to accomplish. n Head office: Ottawa “You felt like you should be getting your n Positions Employed game shirt on and running through the Administrative, support, client tunnel and out onto the field. The feel- services and information manage- ing of support from other teams that play ment staff; education specialists, such a crucial role in this event was almost R&D specialists, project manag- palpable,” says Caissy, education specialist ers, accreditation specialists. at Accreditation Canada. n Wage range: Average annual “Everyone congratulated everybody else, starting salaries range from and after the conference, it felt like getting $45,000 to $75,000. a huge pat on the back. n Hiring incentives: Physical fit- “That feeling of how much we rely on ness subsidy ($150/year), staff each other, and how we come through in development allowance ($1,500/ the crunch when it’s game time, comes year), on-site fitness room, three through on a daily basis.” here is that there’s a real culture of mutual observance. weeks’ vacation to start, holiday Thanks to what president and CEO respect and caring,” says Caissy. “It starts “If you look after your employees, they shutdown in December between Wendy Nicklin calls “an incredible, top- at the leadership and goes to all the levels. will look after the customer,” says Nicklin. Christmas and New Year’s, com- notch group of employees,” success stories “This is a highly productive organiza- “It’s very important to treat your petitive benefits, defined-benefit abound in the workplace. tion, and stress can be high, but it is a employees with respect, and encourage pension plan, flexible work arrange- As the second-oldest program of its positive stress. There are little things that transparency when conveying information. ments, 35-hour work week. kind in the world, Accreditation Canada make you feel good every day — inex- You get higher productivity and a better n Application process: Apply by has a strong reputation internationally. It pensive parking, free coffee service, and product overall.” e-mail: [email protected] plays a significant role in helping other catered fun events like celebratory lunches Along with a highly educated group of countries to develop their own systems of and parties.” peers and a workplace in which a sense assessing the quality of services provided Notable perks of the job include an annu- of humour and creativity are valued, a services safer and provide people with the by health organizations. al $1,500 professional development allow- major draw to being part of the team at best health care possible. I find it really Despite heavy workloads and tight dead- ance, a tuition payback program for those Accreditation Canada lies in its mission. satisfying to be part of an organization lines, team spirit is high and employees are pursuing continuing education, an on-site “We’re all working toward making that has that as its mission.” committed to their goals. Yearly employee gym and flexible work arrangements. health care better for all Canadians,” says The 28-year-old says his role is the best satisfaction surveys consistently show peo- There are opportunities for staff to writer and editor Daniel Robichaud. job he’s ever had, hands down. ple genuinely enjoy working there. attend conferences abroad, and even a “Through our products and services, “If I can stay here and build my career “Something I feel at a gut level working quiet room for meditation or religious we’re helping organizations make their here, I’ll be very happy.”

Raising the bar for quality and safety in Canadian health care

Accredited by With over 50 years of experience in the accreditation field, Accreditation the International Canada has built a reputation for the highest standards in health care. Society for Quality in Health Care Join our team and help make a difference. Go to www.accreditation.ca to learn more about current job opportunities at Accreditation Canada. National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 5 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011

Agency employees know they make a difference Canadian Food n our land of plenty, it’s easy to take Inspection Agency for granted the food that ends up on Iour tables each day. For us, food is n years in business: 13 abundant, healthy, and above all, safe. It’s what we’ve come to expect, but a n Number of employees: About lot goes on behind the scenes to maintain 2,160 in the National Capital that confidence in the food we eat. Region and 7,250 nationwide. Thousands of employees at the n Head office: 1400 Merivale Rd., Canadian Food Inspection Agency Ottawa — from food inspectors to scientists and veterinarians — are Canada’s front line in n Locations: Major offices in protecting our food supply. Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, This same group of dedicated public Guelph and Calgary. servants is also concerned about the health n and safety of the animals and plants upon Positions Employed: which that food supply depends. (In the NCR): Veterinarians, It’s a job in which every one of them biologists, chemists, inspectors, takes a lot of pride, says Omer Boudreau, laboratory technicians and policy the Agency’s vice-president of Human officers; communications, Resources. computer systems/IT, finance, “When you work here, it’s easy to human resources, and administra- understand how what you do makes a dif- Canadian Food Inspection Agency scientists help to protect our food supply. tive/clerical staff. ference to Canadians,” Boudreau says. n Wage range: $31,701 to $121,371 The CFIA is a science-based organiza- nity to co-operate and work with agencies “We have support mechanisms like annually. tion that uses the latest research to protect in other countries.” employee assistance programs and various Canadians from outbreaks of food-borne Boudreau says leading experts, from employee networks where staff can get n Hiring incentives: Competitive illness. around the world, choose to work at the together for social or work-related activi- benefits, health insurance, vacation, “The decisions we make are based on CFIA. ties,” he says. maternity and parental leave sound science,” Boudreau says. “We’re “The Agency is often a first choice of “There’s a lot of opportunity to connect and other leave plans; flexible work focused on food safety for Canadians.” employment for food, plant and animal with peers and engage in innovative learn- hours, tuition subsidies for Inspectors and many other experts are specialists, and the people who come here ing initiatives.” employees (amount varies), out in farm fields, barns, processing plants tend to stay.” Employees can pursue an entire career defined-benefit pension plan. and slaughterhouses, verifying that pro- The Agency offers all the benefits within the organization, whose impor- ducers are using the latest and safest prac- of working for the federal government, tance continues to evolve since its forma- n Application process: tices. This not only protects Canadians including a defined benefit pension plan, tion in 1997. The public can apply to specific from disease, but it also safeguards our medical and dental coverage, and an insur- “Over the last year, we have hired more job postings and inventories food supply. ance package. But Boudreau says one of than 150 new inspectors,” Boudreau says. advertised at www.jobs.gc.ca and in local media. top“Our 25_final:Layout mandate actually 4 extends 2010/12/08 beyond 3:25the PM more Page attractive 1 aspects of working at “That’s testimony to the importance Canadian borders, so there’s an opportu- CFIA is its support for employees. attached to our mission and vision.”

Visit CFIA” Jobs ” under Quick Links on our website: Visitez « Emplois à l’ACIA » dans les liens rapides de notre site Web : www.inspection.gc.ca. www.inspection.gc.ca.

6 National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011

Canadian Security CSIS staff takes pride in contribution Intelligence Service hen a successful banker apply- ing for a job with the Canadian n years in business: 26 n Security Intelligence Service Number of employees: 3,000 W n Head office: Ottawa (CSIS) was asked for the reason behind the n sudden career change, his answer was simple. Positions Employed: Intelligence officers, analysts, “His reaction was, ‘In banking, we know surveillants, information manage- we’ve been successful when our sharehold- ment and technical specialists, ers make more money,’” says Mark Cosenzo, security screening investigators, human resources director at CSIS. “‘But at translators, interpreters, corporate CSIS, you have a direct stake in contribut- management and administrative ing to the security of Canada.’ support staff. “People want to make a difference, and n Hiring incentives: CSIS strives when they arrive at that conclusion later on to create the best work environment in life, this is one of the places they can apply for its employees. CSIS offers a to achieve this.” variety of benefits, including com- There are three main functions at CSIS, petitive salaries, a comprehensive which revolve around the collection, analysis, benefits package and career devel- and dissemination of information pertaining opment opportunities. to national security to the government of n Application process: CSIS hires Canada. only the best. To be considered for “Everybody is either involved in or sup- For Ryan Black, an engineer who joined employees stay productive and growing. employment, you must: porting one of these functions. You have your CSIS after a career in the private sector, his “Most people who come into CSIS often • Be a Canadian citizen traditional support roles in administration new job is both dynamic and fulfilling. stay here for life. You want to make sure • Be eligible to receive Top Secret such as HR or communications; then you “In this job I feel more empowered to they’re up to date and feel like we’re interest- Security Clearance have intelligence officers, legal advisors, polyg- complete my tasks than ever before, due to ed in them as well, that they are part of the • Have no criminal record raphists, all kinds of computer scientists, engi- the fact that I am given the tools required to decisions being made,” says Cosenzo. • Have not consumed illegal drugs in neers and cyber-security advisers…. We have complete my job and a reasonable amount of The 3,000 staff at CSIS are spread out the last 12 months some pretty neat jobs here,” says Cosenzo. time to do it,” says Black. in offices across Canada and speak 105 lan- • Have a valid permanent Canadian driver’s licence (for certain positions) As an organization, CSIS is all about “Job stability also allows me to concentrate guages collectively. There is definitely an ele- • Be willing to relocate anywhere human capital, he adds. “We’re a knowledge- on the task at hand and not be distracted by ment of mystique associated with their work, in Canada and/or abroad, depend- based organization, and at the end of the day issues that I have no control over.” but not typical to what you might see in the ing on the requirements of the it’s how you treat people at work that’s linked CSIS offices across the country are all movies, says Cosenzo. Service, throughout your career (for to productivity.” modern and incorporate specific security “James Bond is always about action, but Intelligence Officer positions). Employee satisfaction surveys are con- and safety needs. Its main headquarters in what we do is develop relationships with Career opportunities available to all ducted biannually, and the attrition rate at Ottawa includes a reference area, training people and deal with information the general Canadians who meet the standards. CSIS is very low. More than 80 per cent of and conference centre with a theatre, cafete- public doesn’t have access to. CSIS hires a cross-section of the employees who do leave the organization say ria, gym and parking. “We don’t have Aston Martins, but we do country’s best through a rigorous they would recommend working at CSIS to Education and training are subsidized both have some pretty cool gadgets. selection process. Apply online. others, Cosenzo says. inside and outside the organization to ensure “We can’t talk about them, of course.”

Canadian Security Intelligence Service

Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité Apply now!

National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 7 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011 Hydro Ottawa thrives on the power of its people o its 300,000 customers, Hydro Like all utilities, many in Hydro Ottawa’s Ottawa is a distributor of safe and workforce are reaching retirement age, and Hydro Ottawa reliable electricity. its infrastructure is aging, too. So it has put T n years in business: 10 But to its employees, it’s a family they can in place a modernization plan. Over the n Number of employees: 600 count on in good times and bad. last few years, it has embarked on an ambi- n Head office: 3025 Albion Rd. N., “This is the kind of work environment tious strategy to develop its own skilled Ottawa where the company cares for its employees, workforce with innovative apprenticeship n and the employees care for each other and and internship programs to meet future Positions Employed: Office- and the company,” says Lyne Parent-Garvey, demand. field-based jobs including trades chief of human resources for the utility. “We’re very proud of our apprenticeship journey-persons, system design, When a co-worker needs help, everyone program,” she says. “This year, we had our inspection, engineering, human else chips in — even if it means giving up first group of power-line maintainer appren- resources, communications, risk vacation days. tices graduate and become fully accredited management, customer care, “We offer great leave packages in terms journey-persons.” finance, maintenance, IS/IT, of vacation, sick leave and personal emer- But this new crop doesn’t just represent metering, conservation. n gency days, but sometimes there are situa- the next generation of skilled workers, they Hiring incentives: Competitive tions where something pretty catastrophic are the future leaders of Hydro Ottawa. compensation and a benefit happens in an employee’s life and that “Some of those folks who graduate, 10 package including fitness programs employee runs out of leave,” she says. years from now, they are going to be our next and facilities, educational assis- “What we did with the union, the IBEW, supervisors and managers,” she says. “We tance, coverage for hospital, is we created something called the cata- prepare our folks to be leaders in our organi- medical, dental, vision care for strophic leave bank.” zation.” employees and their families. Every employee is encouraged to donate And they will no doubt continue on Disability and life protection as well vacation days to the fund, which can be Hydro Ottawa’s current path to a greener, as a defined-benefit pension plan used by any fellow staffer who is unable cleaner future. are also provided. to work because of a serious illness in his or Besides its own green-power generation n Application process: Opportunities her family. initiatives, such as hydroelectric, biomass are posted on the Hydro Ottawa “Some have donated two or three days and green power, the publicly owned com- website, www.hydroottawa.com, so employees in a tough situation are not pany is working toward reducing its carbon and applicants may submit their left without available paid leave,” she says. footprint in every aspect of its business. applications/resumes by mail, fax “That’s what we’re like as a place to work.” “We’ve looked at everything that you can or e-mail. Hydro Ottawa’s focus on helping others do in a facility to make it more energy-effi- extends beyond employees helping each cient,” she says. other. The utility by its nature is commu- “We actually have a trial program using a It’s simply part of the company’s overall nity-focused. After all, its customers are the hybrid bucket truck to maintain the lines.” mandate to be an integral part of the com- community, and so too are its employees. But Parent-Garvey says Hydro Ottawa’s munity. “Our recruitment is always geared to environmentally friendly policies do not “From our line crews to our office hiring from the community,” Parent- just lead to a more efficient business model, employees, our company is committed to Garvey says. one in which employees can take pride. being a good corporate citizen.”

10542280 It takes a dedicated, skilled, and motivated team to ensure our community has a reliable, safe and efficient supply of electricity. For the third year in a row, Hydro Ottawa is honoured to be recognized as one of the Top 25 Employers in the National Capital Region. We’re committed to creating an exceptional workplace and to being a good employer. Our people and our community deserve nothing less.

8 National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011

Morale a top priority at Lumenera Lumenera Corp. n years in business: Nine hether they’re dropping the n Number of employees: 80 company president into a n Head office: Ottawa Wdunk tank for charity or show- n Positions Employed: casing their departmental accomplishments Manufacturing, engineering, to colleagues, employees at Lumenera finance, sales, marketing, manage- Corp. put a tremendous effort into ensur- ment, administration, human ing it’s a great place to work. resources, technical assistance, “We have a culture of involving staff, product verification, shipping and leaving our egos at the door, and work- receiving, customer service and ing hard while also having fun,” says product management staff. Huw Leahy, president and co-founder of n Wage range: Competitive, based Lumenera, a developer and maker of high- on market statistics, experience. performance digital cameras and imaging n Hiring incentives: Comprehen- solutions for industrial, scientific, surveil- sive benefits program; RRSP lance and astro applications. program; three weeks’ vacation to “Our employees often comment that what start (four weeks after five years’ they like most is working with their peers continuous service); charitable and management. They see us as an organi- donations program; fitness ben- zation that obviously cares about its staff.” Kwok Man Chan assembles microscopy cameras at Lumenera Corp. efit; financial benefits through The willingness of management to com- share purchase plan options and municate and listen just may be the most Sample, who has worked at Lumenera for whatever it takes to get the job done, year-end bonuses; training for important reason for Lumenera’s success the past seven years. whether it’s in their title or not. personal and professional devel- and rapid growth. “The more I know, the happier I am.” “Everybody understands that paycheques opment; hosted social employee “I really do feel the upper management The staff participates frequently in team- come from customers who have choices as appreciation nights every Friday; cares about what employees think,” says building activities, and departments are to where to get their products.” special events that encourage Catherine Fumerton, director of customer encouraged to get to know their peers on a Many employees at Lumenera are on a team-building and high morale. satisfaction. social level, as well as to understand what variable compensation and bonus plan that n Application process: Via “Our different backgrounds and experi- they do at Lumenera. is correlated to the company’s yearly suc- Careers page or job boards through ences are respected and leveraged, and the An annual open-house initiative sees cess. They also benefit from RRSP match- Lumenera’s HR department. autonomy we’re given here to change things each department take two months to ing, a charitable donations program and has been, for me, very satisfying.” hold functions such as seminars or lunch- flexible vacation time. The amount of information that’s shared and-learn sessions, where the rest of the Every Friday, social employee apprecia- “This is a very generous organization between departments and with employees company is invited to get to know the tion nights are held with complementary that has moved quickly from a tiny startup from the top down is particularly appreci- department’s work and its impact on the snacks, beverages and activities, while larger company to a bigger player in the world of ated, says operations manager Rob Sample. rest of the organization. events such as bowling and ski days are cameras,” says Sample. “And that’s because “The fact they are willing to share and “The goal is to have engineers under- hosted every quarter. as a team, we get along very well and are communicate info with everybody — more stand a salesperson’s life and perspective, Annual Christmas parties have always able to joke with each other, while pulling than what I have experienced at any other and vice versa,” says Leahy. “The culture been company-funded; the past three have together and making things happen when company — really sets them apart,” says here is that everybody pitches in to do been held at the Fairmont Château Laurier. it’s crunch time.”

National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 9 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011 Office of the Auditor General offers balance, variety ever in her wildest dreams did Marsha Kelly see herself counting Office of the Nand stacking bars of solid gold as part of her job. Auditor General But her work with the Office of the Auditor General of Canada has seen Kelly n years in business: 133 involved in everything from taking inven- n Number of employees: 698 tory in the vaults of the Royal Canadian n Head office: Ottawa Mint to teaching courses for the Auditor n Locations: Ottawa, Montreal, General of British Columbia. Halifax, Edmonton, Vancouver. This kind of variety is one of the most n Positions Employed: enjoyable aspects of her job. Auditors, both in financial and “It keeps you on your toes,” says Kelly, performance audit, plus wide range who audits government departments, agen- of support staff cies, and Crown corporations for the Office n Wage range: of the Auditor General. Auditors, non- management: “The government is a very big machine, $58,000-$90,000 annually; support and I enjoy the opportunity to dip into staff, non-management: $34,000- $91,000 annually. all these different areas while working in Above, auditor Marsha Kelly. n Hiring incentives: Office is one place.” Left, director of financial audit practices highly respected in Canada. It’s the variety in the job, and the flexi- Katie Kerrigan. bility provided for those wanting to further Work-life balance, professional their careers, that makes the Office of the half in the department. environment, “human-size” organi- Auditor General such a great place to work, “The fact that I’ve been promoted to the zation. Competitive salaries, great says HR services director Susan Seally. level I’m at now in the short time-span I’ve downtown location, range of “What sets us apart is that we are small been here speaks volumes about opportuni- government-like benefits enough that we can treat people like indi- such as flex time and compressed time, ties in the organization.” without being an actual viduals and cater to their needs accord- where people can take days off in a two- Recently both Kerrigan and Kelly Department (separate employer) ingly,” says Seally. week cycle as long as they put in the extra received an Auditor General’s Award in rec- n Application process: “We have a real culture of career devel- hours on other days. ognition of their commitment to excellence Apply at www.oag-bvg.gc.ca opment here, so if you wanted to go work With a small child at home, Katie on the job. The internal program allows somewhere else for a while, whether in Kerrigan knows she can close the door to employees to be nominated by colleagues the private sector, or in other government her office at the end of the day feeling she and superiors for an award that is present- been numerous occasions where I can see departments, we’re able to accommodate has done some challenging work, while get- ed personally by Auditor General Sheila and meet with her, and we also have regu- that and still hold a job for you for when ting home to her family at a reasonable time. Fraser — an experience both Kerrigan and lar roundtables with the deputy auditor you come back.” “I could really envision myself having Kelly call a career highlight. general or the assistant auditor general to Work-life balance is a point of pride a long-term career here,” says Kerrigan, “My friends in the private sector don’t provide them with feedback. Even if you’re in the office of 698 employees, which has who was promoted to director of finan- get to see their CFO often, but here, Sheila one of the lower guys on the totem pole, perks widely offered in government jobs, cial audit practices after only a year and a is very accessible,” says Kelly. “There have you always feel your voice is being heard.” Come join the Office of the Auditor General of Canada! Join one of Canada’s top employers, where your contribu�on is valued, and a posi�ve work/home balance is encouraged. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada is seeking outstanding auditors to work on audits and examina�ons that provide objec�ve informa�on, advice, and assurance to Parliament. Join an office whose work is respected and recognized the world over! Office of the Apply now at Auditor General www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/careers of Canada

10 National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2011 University of Ottawa celebrates diversity ariety may be the spice of life for most of us, but at the University of University of Ottawa VOttawa, variety is its lifeblood. n years in business: 163 As North America’s largest bilingual n Number of employees: 4,000 university, the campus, a n Head office: Downtown Ottawa short walk from and some of n Hiring incentives: The university the nation’s leading arts and culture venues, offers what it calls ‘total com- cherishes diversity. pensation’ — more than just a “We are a small city within a city,” says competitive salary. Among the Nancy Lalonde-Zaidi, Director of Talent benefits are reduced summer hours, Management, Learning and Organizational extended Christmas vacation, flex Development at the University of Ottawa. hours, free tuition for employees, And it’s this distinctive mix of languages, their spouses and children, free cultures and areas of excellence that attracts French-as-a-second-language the world’s leading academic minds and staff training for spouses, subsidized gym members. membership, free access to select “We have leading researchers in all spheres sport services, library access, study of the academic world — humanities, health, leave and sabbatical leave programs, science and engineering.” defined-benefit pensions, phased-in And they’re not simply doing research. retirement program for professors, They’re in the classroom, too. free training and development work- “On any given day, our students are being shops, scholarship programs for taught by world leaders in their fields.” aimed at promoting internal development and recognized by Hire Immigrants Ottawa,” leaders. Diversity and excellence extend well retention, says Caroline Roy-Egner, Associate Roy-Egner says of the part-time employment n Application process: beyond the faculty and the campus itself. Vice-President of Human Resources. program. For participants, it is an opportu- Positions are posted on the The support staff — virtually every job and Opportunities abound for career develop- nity to gain experience and foster relation- University of Ottawa website at profession imaginable — also exemplifies the ment over an entire lifetime. ships with colleagues in their fields. For the www.hr.uottawa.ca/careers/ best of the best. “Truly, someone who gets hired just after university, it’s a chance to scout future staff “We really do attract the best because of they graduate could stay here for their whole and faculty members. the fact that we’re leaders in so many areas,” career and work in many areas, getting com- “Diversity is a major part of our retention “We truly are a community,” Roy-Egner Lalonde-Zaidi says. pletely different experiences,” she says. “We strategy,” says Lalonde-Zaidi. says. Staff retention is amazingly high, with really give all of our staff the opportunity But so is ensuring that, as an employer, the And the U of Ottawa’s spirit of global a turnover rate of less than two per cent, to continue to grow without the need to go University of Ottawa understands the needs co-operation is attracting the leading lights thanks in part to the university’s generous work elsewhere.” and goals of its workforce. across many vocations and academic back- compensation package — one that includes But the university looks outward, too, “We talk about taking care of every grounds, including former Governor General free tuition for employees and their spouses and it has been recognized for its efforts employee’s need, and that’s even true for Michaelle Jean, for whom the Government and children. And its reputation as an to hire new Canadians. retirement,” she says. of Canada chose to establish her headquar- employer of choice is growing. “We have an award-winning recruitment Besides a generous pension plan, retirees ters at the University of Ottawa, in her new All the university’s workplace policies are program called Access uOttawa, which was are encouraged to stay involved in campus life. job as UNESCO special envoy for Haiti.

University of Ottawa selected as a top employer Thanks to our dedicated employees, the University of Ottawa has been selected an employer of choice as part of the National Capital Region’s top 25 employers.

To find out more about our many career opportunities, visitwww.uOttawa.ca.

National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2011 11 Production sites near Edmonton, Saskatoon Expanding markets and Calgary in Asia and the Pacific Rim

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