Markham companies among GTA’s Top Employers

A handful of local employers are among Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2026.

Aviva Canada, Enercare Inc., Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., LEA Consulting Ltd. and York Regional Police (YRP) have all been recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

“The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is one of the world’s most dynamic and multicultural urban centres,” says Mediacorp Editor Stephanie Leung. “There’s a unique vibrancy here that shows up not just in the employers chosen as Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, but in the composition of their workforces. “None of these employers needs to be persuaded of the merits of workplace diversity or inclusion – it’s in their DNA because their organizations need to attract the best and brightest of those who live and work here.”

GTA winners also expanded the number of initiatives to help employees with the return to more in-office presence, Mediacorp reports. From social events to in-person professional development sessions and investments in re-imagined workplaces, GTA employers are making in-office work more social and something that helps employees – especially new recruits – advance in their careers, it says.

Aviva Canada, a property and casualty insurance group, has been recognized as one of the GTA’s Top Employers for five consecutive years. “This recognition is all about our people. They’re the heart of our culture and the foundation of our business,” says CEO Nav Dhillon. “We want everyone here to feel valued, supported and proud of what we achieve together. Our focus is simple: build an industry leading team, create a culture where people can thrive, and consistently deliver for our customers, brokers and partners every single day.”

Aviva Canada was selected as one of GTA’s Top Employers again this year for several reasons. It encourages employees to adopt an ownership mentality through a share purchase plan, available to all employees. Also, it’s committed to developing its employees, providing tuition subsidies with no maximum; financial bonuses for designation completions; dedicated development programs for women in leadership, top talent and emerging leaders; as well as various student programs to invest in a talent pipeline.

Enercare was chosen as one of GTA’s Top Employers for reasons that include its commitment to helping employees prepare for the future with retirement savings plans for its unionized and non-union workforce. It’s a strong supporter of the community, with employees volunteering during Habitat for Humanity’s Build Days.

Hyundai was recognized for reasons that included maintaining a unique mental health support program that includes monthly on-site counsellor visits with one-on-one appointments for employees. Appointments are offered in-person or virtually and are booked anonymously through an outside vendor with coverage provided under their health benefits plan. Employees can take advantage of a reduced lease rate program for up to two vehicles per year, including family members at the same address, with coverage for winter tires, insurance and maintenance

LEA Consulting encourages employees to work with their managers to help design mutually-beneficial working arrangements, including flexible hours, shortened and compressed work weeks and hybrid work options. Employees can apply to work temporarily outside of Canada. Its longstanding social club surveys employees every year and organizes at least a dozen events based upon their feedback. Past events include go-karting, golfing, escape room adventures and ski days.

YRP was selected a top employer for reasons that include helping employees plan securely for the future with retirement planning assistance services, along with contributions to a defined benefit pension plan. Its employee-led sports committee organizes employee softball, hockey, soccer and beach volleyball leagues and helps to arrange a variety of competitive recreational and charity sporting events.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers competition, which recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies. Editors at Mediacorp review employers on eight criteria, including work atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. The competition is open to any employer, public or private sector, with its head office or principal place of business in the GTA.

Photo of Aviva Canada headquarters in Markham courtesy of Aviva Canada.