Toronto Ontario - CN and CPKC have been named to Mediacorp Canada Incorporated's 2024 list of Canada's Top 100 Employers for the ninth and second consecutive years, respectively.
 
The 24th annual list "recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies," according to Toronto, Canada-based Mediacorp.
 
Editors review employers on eight criteria, (1) Workplace, (2) Work Atmosphere and Social, (3) Health, Financialm and Family Benefits, (4) Vacation and Time Off, (5) Employee Communications, (6) Performance Management, (7) Training and Skills Development, and (8) Community Involvement.
 
Any employer with its head office or principal place of business in Canada may apply for the national competition.
 
Additionally, employers of any size are eligible, whether private or public sector.
 
According to Mediacorp, following are among the reasons why CN was selected:

• CN invests in ongoing professional development with employees logging over 900,000 hours in training in 2022, the company offers a range of in-house and specialized training programs, the My 360 online platform with tools and resources for individual career management, and access to e-learning content through partnerships with Skillsoft and Percipio;
   
  
• CN recognizes exceptional performance through the peer-nominated People Awards for Excellence and maintains a dedicated safety recognition awards program called Looking Out for Each Other to highlight efforts to make the workplace safer and to encourage employees to step up if they see a safety hazard;
   
  
• CN operates the impressive Employees' and Pensioners' Community Fund, which has raised more than $19 million over the past decade for Canadian charities supporting health and research, community well-being, children and humanitarian aid concerns, and also manages the Stronger Communities Fund, donating over $15 million last year in support of hundreds of community partners.

CPKC was selected for these reasons, among others, Mediacorp said:

• CPKC encourages ongoing professional development throughout employees' careers, from in-house apprenticeships (railcar and diesel mechanic roles) to leadership development programs, along with tuition subsidies (to $5,000) for courses related and not directly related to their current positions;
   
  
• CPKC helps employees prepare for life after work with retirement planning assistance and contributions to a defined benefit pension plan, employees can also participate in a share purchase plan to enhance their savings;
   
  
• CPKC matches 100 percent of all employee donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the American Heart Association as part of its charitable program, CPKC Has Heart, which focuses on improving the heart health of adults and children across North America, the initiative has raised over $33 million since the program's inception.

"Winning employers inherently understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best employers have always been adaptable and proactive when listening to what employees need, want, and value in doing their jobs. This has been especially important over the past few years, with employees working overtime to manage the challenges and rapid change in work styles, while ensuring their organizations stay relevant and thrive," said Richard Yerema, Executive Editor of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project.
 
CN reported its achievement in a 18 Nov 2023 LinkedIn post, noting that it "is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our exceptional team of railroaders, who actively engage in diverse programs, champion our local communities, and drive our success."
 
Commented CPKC via social media platform X on 17 Nov 2023, "Our railroaders are the heart and soul of North America's supply chain, and they make CPKC a place that brings out everyone's best."
 
Marybeth Luczak.