Annual list celebrates employers embracing DEI with innovative programs, empowered employee groups, and leadership accountability
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are more than just buzzwords—they are the driving force behind some of Canada’s most successful and forward-thinking organizations.
The 2025 Canadian HR Reporter’s 5-Star DE&I Employers list shines a spotlight on the companies leading the way in building inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplaces.
They show that embracing DE&I isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a proven business strategy.
Jazz Aviation stands out as a leader among Canadian HR Reporter’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employers.
DE&I is woven into every aspect of the organization. The company supports a range of employee resource groups—including 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, and Black Employee Networks—and hosts regular listening forums and a quarterly Insight Series where employees connect directly with senior leaders. Initiatives like the Aspiring Allies program and the annual Inclusive Skies conference foster ongoing learning and empower employees to champion inclusion every day.
President Doug Clarke emphasizes, “It’s critical to our success that all employees feel a sense of psychological safety and are empowered to perform at their best.”
Other top employers, like Coast Mental Health and Fiddlehead Technology, also excel by embedding DE&I into their core values and daily practices.
Best practices from Canada’s top DEI employers include:
- Leadership accountability: DE&I is championed at every level, with leaders modeling inclusive behaviors.
- Continuous learning: Ongoing training on unconscious bias and cultural awareness is standard.
- Inclusive recruitment: Skills-based hiring and pay equity audits ensure fairness for all.
For the full list, check out this special report.
Methodology
To determine the companies with the most effective DE&I programs, Canadian HR Reporter first invited organizations to participate by filling out an employer form, which asked them to explain their diversity and inclusion initiatives and practices.
Next, employees from nominated companies were asked to fill out an anonymous form evaluating their workplace on a number of metrics. To be considered, each organization had to reach a minimum number of employee responses based on overall size.
Organizations that achieved a 90 percent or greater average satisfaction rating from employees were named 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employers for 2025.
