Manitoba’s Top Employers 2020 – Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba's Top Employers 2020

A Canadian Tire store is seen in North Vancouver on May 10, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Canadian Tire turning to AI to drive growth amid economic headwinds

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

TORONTO - Canadian Tire is increasingly leaning on analytics and new technology to find growth as tariff threats, the Middle Eastern war and rising costs continue to rankle customers.

The retailer, which also owns SportChek, Mark's and Party City, has been working with software giant Microsoft to develop Mosaic, a new customer intelligence platform.

The technology turns data from hundreds of millions of customer transactions and from the company's Triangle loyalty program into insights Canadian Tire can use to better predict consumer needs. Based on what it uncovers, the company can then introduce new product categories, tweak pricing and improve its inventory management and marketing.

Now, as back to school nears and the holiday season ticks closer, the platform and the company's other artificial intelligence tools are "ready for prime time," Canadian Tire chief executive Greg Hicks said Thursday.

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A strong team for the journey ahead

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A strong team for the journey ahead

4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

Manitoba Public Insurance oversees 1.2 million Autopac policies annually and processes 1,200 insurance claims each working day. As the trusted provider of auto insurance and driver services for every Manitoban, MPI knows it needs a strong team. And that means supporting effective and engaged leaders.

That’s why the organization and its staff of 1,900 across the province are committed to fostering a culture of excellence to best serve its customers.

“Exceptional coverage and service, affordable rates and safer roads are at the heart of everything we do, for all Manitobans,” explains Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Vice-President, Human Resources and Corporate Services and Chief Human Resources Officer.

“Financial prudence is a critical element in providing affordable rates. However, delivering on that promise doesn’t come without obstacles. One of the issues we face is the rising cost of vehicle repair. As vehicles become more advanced technologically, completing safe and proper repairs becomes more expensive, which has a direct impact on rates. We have to innovate and challenge the way we do things to ensure we fulfil our mission — for both employees and customers.”

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Cultivating a successful workplace

Todd Lewys 4 minute read Preview

Cultivating a successful workplace

Todd Lewys 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

While some companies struggle to find ways to attract and retain younger workers, Roquette – a global pioneer of plant-based specialty proteins for the food, nutrition and health markets that’s been in business since 1933 — has not.

There’s a simple reason, says Anu Baldner, Roquette’s Manitoba director of human resources.

“We work hard at getting to know what makes our employees tick,” she says. “We’ve found they want to work for a company that’s considerate of their needs, that promotes community involvement, and that recognizes the importance of innovation and sustainability.”

Indeed, a key part of Roquette’s company culture is a commitment to both the health of consumers and the health of the environment, something that comes naturally to the company as a producer of natural, healthy food ingredients.

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Focused on wellness & team spirit

Shel Zolkewich 4 minute read Preview

Focused on wellness & team spirit

Shel Zolkewich 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

Lunch hour fitness classes, year-end bonuses and paid sabbaticals are just the beginning of what’s offered under the umbrella of the JG Wellness Program at Johnston Group Inc., a group insurance benefits company with 275 employees based in Winnipeg.

“It’s important to our business,” said president Dave Angus. “Employee wellness and health is how we measure ourselves. So it certainly makes sense that we lead the way.”

The company created the wellness program with four pillars in mind — physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s an employee-run program with each pillar represented by a committee that puts on activities and manages yearly initiatives.

“We were really enthused by the reaction of the staff to get involved in the committees around the wellness focus,” Angus said. “It underlines how important it is for companies to have a focus on wellness in today’s workplace.”

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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CWB National Leasing employees celebrate after a team-building activity.

Thriving through communication

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Thriving through communication

4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

A culture of connection and sharing drives CWB National Leasing.

CWB National Leasing is a Winnipeg-based equipment leasing company that helps more than 70,000 Canadian businesses secure the tools they need to grow. Canada’s largest and longest-standing equipment financing company, CWB National Leasing has been providing financial services to businesses in Canada and the U.S. for over 40 years.

Grant Shaw, the company’s Senior Vice-President of Strategy, says you get a sense of the open culture the minute you walk through the door.

“It can be something as simple as walking down the hallway and seeing people saying hello to each other,” Shaw says.

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Canada Life employees participate in #MyCanadaLife campaign.

United to better serve customers

Jim Bender 4 minute read Preview

United to better serve customers

Jim Bender 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

In April 2019, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life came together to build a stronger brand and better serve customers.

“We have a long history and deep roots in Winnipeg as Great-West Life, and we believe the power of caring has made us who we are today,” says Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer, Canada, Canada Life. “We invest in people who are going to help grow the new Canada Life as a valuable service to our customers, a trusted brand to Canadians and as a respected part of our community.”

This singular focus may be why the company was named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for the third year running. From supporting the next generation of professionals through internships and training opportunities, providing employees with valuable financial, physical and mental wellness benefits, and creating space for its people to make a positive impact on diversity and inclusion in the organization through employee resource groups, Canada Life is fostering a culture of growth, community and success.

Its relatively new Diversity Leadership Council (DLC) comprises a diverse group of senior leaders across its various lines of business and corporate functions who work to embed diversity and inclusion efforts in all of the company’s business and organizational priorities.

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Experience is everything

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Experience is everything

Neil Coligan 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

For over 55 years Birchwood has been a familiar name associated with selling cars and trucks in Winnipeg.

In fact, you’d be hard pressed not to notice Birchwood in the city with its 23 dealerships and operations and 1,200 employees. This includes people working in auto-body shops as well as financing.

But as the company (a Manitoba Top Employer three years in a row) looks toward 2020, there’s major growth on the horizon and some significant changes not readily seen as you drive up to their door.

“We’ve refreshed our vision, our mission and our values,” says MaryAnn Kempe, Birchwood’s chief human resources officer. “Now known simply as ’Birchwood,’ our new slogan, ‘Experience is everything,’ captures the heart of Birchwood culture. We believe our value is the experience we offer — with our customers and with our team members.”

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Palliser works for the greater good

Geoff Kirbyson 5 minute read Preview

Palliser works for the greater good

Geoff Kirbyson 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

Palliser Furniture might be the only manufacturer in Manitoba — or possibly even in Canada — to have a growing relationship with the United Nations.

No, the Winnipeg-based furniture maker doesn’t provide comfortable chairs and sofas for the break rooms of the intergovernmental organization responsible for maintaining peace and security and fostering co-operation around the globe. Instead, it has partnered with one of its divisions — the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) — to create a refugee employment program to help people arriving in Mexico from South America in search of a better life.

“Palliser is leading an innovative project for the region, and setting up a training program targeting employability skills for the refugee population. The refugee process takes time, so as employers of the region it’s an opportunity to develop skills that can benefit industry in the area, while helping these families get established.” said Wendy Ferris, Palliser’s Chief Culture and People Officer.

Palliser has a trio of plants in Mexico, in Matamoros, Saltillo and Las Colinas, and employs about 1,800 people there. It also has 700 employees in Canada.

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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People drive NFI Group’s success

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People drive NFI Group’s success

Jim Timlick 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

NFI Group Inc. (NFI) has undergone numerous changes since founding in Winnipeg nearly 90 years ago.

From its humble beginnings as Western Auto and Truck Body Ltd. in 1930, NFI has grown to become one of the leading independent bus manufacturers in the world, offering innovative mobility solutions through buses and coaches, technology, and infrastructure — with a specific focus on zero-emission vehicles. It now operates 50 facilities in 10 different countries and its list of companies includes New Flyer, Motor Coach Industries, ARBOC, Alexander Dennis Ltd., NFI Parts, Carfair Composites and KMG. It has also developed leading-edge technology including the first LED headlights used in the industry and the first battery-electric transit bus.

NFI currently employs about 9,000 people globally, including 3,000 at its Manitoba operations. Those totals have nearly doubled over the past few years thanks to a combination of growing international business and a series of acquisitions to grow and diversify the company.

Janice Harper, NFI’s executive vice-president of human resources, says people have played a major role in the evolution of the business, and the company has identified investing in staff as one of its top priorities. So, it’s hardly surprising NFI has been named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for 2020. It marks the 10th time since the competition was established in 2007 that NFI has been named to the list.

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Manitoba Blue Cross employees come together for their Stronger Together event in support of CancerCare Manitoba.

Culture of caring

Jennifer McFee 4 minute read Preview

Culture of caring

Jennifer McFee 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

Manitoba Blue Cross is marking a milestone achievement by being recognized as a top employer for the 10th time.

The not-for-profit organization provides health, dental, travel, life, disability and employee assistance coverage to more than half a million Manitobans. For 45 years, Manitoba Blue Cross has been the province’s leading provider of cost-effective individual and group benefits. With a focus on flexibility, it continues to adapt products and services to meet Manitobans’ changing health-care needs.

“Our coverage is designed for Manitobans,” said Brenda Slikker, interim president and chief executive officer.

“We have a deep understanding of the health-care landscape in the province and the needs of Manitobans.”

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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Great people drive great results

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Great people drive great results

4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

The official amalgamation of Catalyst and Vanguard Credit Unions ushered in a new era in financial services in Parkland and southwestern Manitoba communities.

The result was Fusion Credit Union, a full-service financial institution, with 175 employees serving nearly 30,000 members through 18 branches across the region. With assets under administration of more than $1.06 billion, Fusion has the capacity, the shared commitment and the opportunity to support growth and prosperity in its branch communities and beyond.

“We have an outstanding, talented group of employees,” says Ron Hedley, Chief Executive Officer for Fusion. “We’ve really gelled and come together as a team, and I think that’s reflected in the way we care for our members.”

Hedley says Fusion staff take their work seriously, but not themselves, as they strive to foster fun, team-oriented, collaborative workplaces. That company enthusiasm is clearly catching on as Fusion Credit Union made its way onto the 2019 list of Manitoba’s Top Employers.

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Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

September 11, 2026

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