Manitoba’s Top Employers 2023 – Winnipeg Free Press

IGM employees volunteering at a clean up event for Earth Day.

A culture of mutual respect helps IGM thrive

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Some pundits claim it’s no longer possible to spend one’s entire career working for just one employer. That might come as news to Rosa Claeys, not to mention many other long-term employees with one of the IGM Financial Inc. group of companies.

Claeys began working with IG Wealth Management when she returned to Winnipeg and was thrilled to land a job at the head office of one of Winnipeg’s largest employers. That was over 30 years ago.

Of course, a lot has changed since then, including IGM’s approach to hybrid work. Claeys says she’s as happy with her career as she’s ever been.

“I’ve had so many opportunities to try different things, learn from others and grow professionally that the time has just flown by,” she says. “I’ve never wanted to work elsewhere. In fact, I hope to stay here until I retire – and that’s still some years away.”

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Pollard Banknote is the ticket to career mobility

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Pollard Banknote is the ticket to career mobility

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

In 1998, Sindy Catigay was studying accounting at the University of Manitoba when a friend told her about a temporary position at Winnipeg-based Pollard Banknote Limited, which designs and markets high-performing instant games and solutions and is the world’s second largest producer of instant-win lottery tickets. She took the job, even though it meant taking a break from her studies, but it proved to be a career-altering decision.

“I loved it immediately,” says Catigay, director of game management. “I took a leave from Pollard to finish my accounting degree, and came back because I missed being surrounded by creative people every day.”

Pollard was founded in 1907 as a small print shop affiliated with one of Winnipeg’s newspapers. The company printed a wide array of products, including business cards, letterhead and wedding invitations. It continued as a general printer until the early 1980s when that business went into decline and a new type of lottery, namely pull-tab and scratch-and-win tickets, began to take off.

“Instant tickets used to be an almost forgotten part of the portfolio for lotteries,” says Doug Pollard, co-CEO and the fourth-generation member of the Pollard family to lead the company. “Over the last 20 years, instant-ticket sales have grown on average eight to 10 per cent annually.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Diversity Advisory committee members at Pollard Banknote raising awareness for Orange Shirt Day.

Investing in employees is key at Palliser Furniture

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Investing in employees is key at Palliser Furniture

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Moving from South America to Winnipeg was a long, somewhat scary odyssey for Johenny Cortes, who faced the uncertainty of many new arrivals to Canada in finding shelter and a job. But when she walked through the doors of Palliser Furniture Ltd., she found both a professional home and a career.

“I had no experience in this country, but when I found this kind of company, everything was easier,” says Cortes, a quality assurance analyst.

“Palliser has given me the key to grow professionally inside the company. They give you the opportunity to learn along the way and that’s a part that I really enjoy.”

Headquartered in Winnipeg, Palliser Furniture uses innovation and ethically sourced materials to produce quality residential and commercial furniture products with operations in Canada, the United States and Mexico. A leading manufacturer in the sector, the company makes everything from sofas to cinema seating, employing over 4,000 people worldwide.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Furniture products are made to order by skilled craftspeople at Palliser Furniture.

Westoba Credit Union employees are passionate people

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Westoba Credit Union employees are passionate people

3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Archana Krishnan says working for Westoba Credit Union allows her to give back to her community. “I immigrated to Canada six years ago, without any friends or family here,” says Krishnan, a business analyst. “Our community in Brandon supported me and my husband to flourish in our new life. I am empowered to pay it forward to those in need, thanks to the opportunities and support Westoba provides me.”

Krishnan is a member of the ‘Westoba Inspire Committee,’ which allows employees to contribute through payroll deductions to support local non-profit organizations. In 2022, the fund granted $19,000 to the Westman Cricket Association practice pitch and The Pas and Area Animal Shelter.

Through a partnership with Each One Teach One, Westoba trains employees to deliver basic financial skills workshops in the community to help participants make the right financial decisions for themselves and their families.

Elizabeth Modersohn, vice-president, IT & operational excellence, is proud of Westoba’s commitment to supporting its community and employees. And she says these initiatives also allow employees to get to know each other and have fun. A prime example: Westoba is a two-time Westman Lip Sync Battle champion, raising funds for United Way Brandon.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Westoba Credit Union employees taking part in the ‘Smile Cookie’ campaign to support local charities.

Wisdom to work by

Charlene Adam 4 minute read Preview

Wisdom to work by

Charlene Adam 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

The masks are off, social distancing is gone – but effects of the pandemic still hover over the economy. Across the board a common concern lingers in every Manitoban organization – staffing.

Attracting great employees has always been at the top of employers’ concerns. And the best employers in the province were just recognized for their efforts with the release of the 17th annual edition of Manitoba's Top Employers.

Employers featured on this year's list of winners provide solid examples of why these organizations are at the top of employees’ list of the best places to work in the province.

The competition has been organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers who have been busy following the best employers from across the country for over two decades. For the Manitoba's Top Employers competition, the same eight criteria are used to determine the winners with an editorial panel evaluating the criteria to determine the winners of the annual competition.

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Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

The WCB takes a holistic approach to its people

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The WCB takes a holistic approach to its people

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

For Donna Castellano, no two days working at the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) are the same. The senior project manager can find herself juggling multiple initiatives that span many aspects of the WCB’s operations. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love being busy – for me, the wheels are always turning,” says Castellano. “I found the profession that I truly love because of its diversity and the best part is working with the people here.”

The WCB insures over 34,000 employers and 76 per cent of Manitoba workers. Headquartered in Winnipeg, with regional offices in Brandon and Thompson, it delivers prevention and safety programs as well as compensation and return to health and work services.

To ensure employees have the resources in place to achieve a good work-life balance, the WCB supports its employees with extensive wellness benefits and a special emphasis on mental health. Employees and management are encouraged to share their personal stories of the challenges they’ve encountered during Mental Health Week, and there is extensive mental health and wellness training for team leaders and others.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Donna Castellano, senior project manager, at WCB of Manitoba.

Wawanesa’s culture of care reflects its origins

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Wawanesa’s culture of care reflects its origins

3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Jaisal Parshotam leveraged his four-year biochemistry degree into a job in a lab right out of university, but his career took a sharply different turn after he joined Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co. in 2017, initially as a call centre customer service representative.

Currently, he is a certified actuary and a manager in the company’s pricing department. “My story really shows that Wawanesa cares about their people,” says Parshotam. “The company was very willing to invest in my development so I can have a fulfilling career.”

Wawanesa was founded by two farmers in 1896 in the village of Wawanesa, 185 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg. Today, the company is a diversified, modern insurance company, and the corporate culture reflects its roots in the pioneering, agrarian west, says Lisa Osachoff, chief people and culture officer.

“We’re very modern in many ways, but our culture is embedded in our small-town roots,” says Osachoff. “Our purpose is to take care of each other and our members, or policy holders.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Wawanesa Mutual Insurance helps employees balance their work and personal lives with a variety of flexible work options.

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Canada Life people are passionate about volunteering

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Canada Life people are passionate about volunteering

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Four years ago, Adriana Mingo was looking for an opportunity to further her communications career. She researched The Canada Life Assurance Company, a well-respected employer with its head office in Winnipeg.

“I was attracted by how much Canada Life cares,” says Mingo, now senior external communications specialist. “A dedicated centre for employee mental health and well-being, and a focus on the community through charitable gifts and volunteering, shows care for the well-being of their employees and all Canadians.”

Canada Life provides a wide range of insurance and wealth management products for individuals, families and business owners from coast to coast. Founded in 1847, Canada Life has been part of the nation for 175 years. Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life amalgamated in 2020 to become The Canada Life Assurance Company. Today, Canada Life provides insurance and wealth management products and services in Canada, the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Germany, and in Ireland through Irish Life.

“Our approach to business centres on how we treat our employees, how we operate in our communities, and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” says Brad Fedorchuk, executive vice-president, group customer. “Building stronger communities is how we help create positive change.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Canada Life employees donating winter accessories to the ‘Main Street Project’ that serves the needs of vulnerable residents.

A culture of caring is key at Manitoba Blue Cross

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A culture of caring is key at Manitoba Blue Cross

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

When Jodie Voth joined Manitoba Blue Cross in 2007 as a clinical intake worker, self-employment was always her goal. Though she left to establish her own therapy practice, she continued working for her former employer as an independent contractor. “I knew if I was ever going to have a ‘job job’ again, it would only be at Manitoba Blue Cross,” she says.

That day came in 2020, when Voth accepted a short-term position as clinical services co-ordinator, which she really enjoyed. When it wrapped up, she was offered another term position as program services co-ordinator, which led to her saying yes to a permanent offer as manager, employee assistance services in 2021. Voth’s promotions resulted from a combination of initiative and the care the company takes to develop its employees.

“Manitoba Blue Cross opened doors for me and encouraged me to walk through them,” says Voth. “I love pushing beyond my comfort zone, and my managers made it known that there was a runway for me here along with plenty of opportunities. I’m probably one of the best examples of what can happen when a company invests in someone’s career.”

Voth returns that support as a member of the diversity committee where she helps ensure that all employees and their customers feel a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or demographic. In 2022, she took advantage of the company’s professional development program to attend a diversity and inclusion conference to help her contribute to the committee’s work.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Manitoba Blue Cross employees volunteering to help individuals affected by homelessness in Winnipeg.

Great expectations built upon more than just hope

Charlene Adam 3 minute read Preview

Great expectations built upon more than just hope

Charlene Adam 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

Manitoba organizations have great expectations for 2023. This does not mean that the road away from the effects of the pandemic will be simple or easy. Roadblocks remain. But over the last few years, businesses have learned that they need to be nimble and resourceful to leap over hurdles preventing them from succeeding.

According to the Manitoba Outlook Survey (requested by Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and executed by Leger), “70% of Manitoba business leaders indicate they are near or have exceeded pre-pandemic revenues.” CEO and president of the Chambers, Chuck Davidson, tempered the enthusiasm by noting that “businesses are now being impacted by inflationary pressures and workforce shortages, both of which are impacting further recovery efforts.”

A common concern unites businesses—staffing. Ask Manitoba employers what keeps them up at night in 2023 and their answers will be finding or keeping great employees.

Demographics seem to be against them.

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Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

Great expectations built upon more than just hope

Empowering employees is essential at Access

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Empowering employees is essential at Access

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Carla Toews started as a teller when she was 18. Now a project manager with Access Credit Union Ltd., she’s working with a technical team administering a merger with several credit unions. She attributes much of her success to the exemplary leadership training she’s received at the credit union.

“That kind of training has helped me understand the different perspectives that employees have and what strengths each brings to the table and how to use the different skill sets,” says Toews. “It’s about giving our members the best service possible.”

Headquartered in Stanley, Man., Access has 52 branches, primarily around Winnipeg, and the mergers will add another nine to the roster.

“I don’t think I would have moved up as quickly as I did if I didn’t have leaders tapping me on the shoulder and encouraging me to take those steps,” she says.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Access Credit Union employees volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

MPI transforms to empower employees and customers

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MPI transforms to empower employees and customers

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

John Bowering started at Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) 20 years ago as a clerk. He has had 15 positions since then in areas including claims, driver testing, project management and customer relations.

“I’ve really enjoyed the ability to move around and try new things and constantly challenge myself in different areas,” says Bowering, now director, product management, digital and transformation. “It has been a really rewarding place to work – I’ve been given countless opportunities.”

Bowering appreciates all the support the company provides toward employee learning and career development. Over his career, Bowering has been given the opportunity to participate in numerous in-house training programs and has received support for career development courses. But most relevant to his ability to successfully lead in his current role is the support he received from MPI’s Educational Assistance Program to achieve his chartered insurance professional (CIP) designation.

Bowering is now involved in working on MPI’s 5-Year Ambition, a detailed strategy to become more customer centric, data driven and employee empowered. A significant part of this plan is the largest transformation in the organization’s history, Project Nova, to update all of its legacy software systems, improve customer experience and deliver more convenience and choice. The strategy’s goals also include helping employees increase efficiency and enabling customers to interact with MPI using the channel of their choice.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to career development opportunities by offering training support at all levels.

Riverview Health Centre is resilient and grateful

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Riverview Health Centre is resilient and grateful

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Located on 24 acres of riverfront parkland in the heart of Winnipeg, Riverview Health Centre Inc. is a place of beauty, inspiration and healing. For Riverview’s 850 employees, it’s also about one collective mission — providing Manitobans in need with the best possible rehabilitation, palliative and long-term care.

“I just love what Riverview stands for,” says Sheena-Mae Cruz, who joined the organization in 2008 as an aspiring accountant and is now the administrative clerk for education services. “We have amazing staff and a management team who are passionate about the people we care for. You are not just another patient or resident in a room; you mean everything to us.”

Sina Barkman, who was once a teenage volunteer at Riverview and is now the facility’s chief human resources officer, concurs.

“What we hear from patients and families is that the people who work here truly care,” says Barkman. “Our reputation throughout the community is stellar.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Riverview Health Centre employees participating in the ‘Ugly Holiday Sweater’ contest.

Vidir Solutions rises to the occasion in hiring women

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Vidir Solutions rises to the occasion in hiring women

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

For Jillian Friesen, Vidir Solutions Inc. has provided something many a university student yearns for – financial support for her studies and a clear career path upon graduation.

Friesen, who is in the fourth year of a six-year computer engineering degree at the University of Manitoba, grew up in Arborg, one of two small Manitoba communities where Vidir’s manufacturing operations are concentrated (the other is Teulon). After working for Vidir for a summer term in 2021, the company approached Friesen with a very appealing offer.

Going forward, Vidir would pay for all of Friesen’s tuition costs and provide her with summer employment. After graduation, she has a guaranteed job with the company.

“It’s given me a lot of peace of mind,” says Friesen. “I have a good job to look forward to, which removes a lot of questions about my future.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

An electrical assembler at Vidir Solutions preparing an electrical box for one of its products.

Assiniboine Credit Union banks on values and diversity

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Assiniboine Credit Union banks on values and diversity

4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

After immigrating to Manitoba from Jamaica in 2014, Chaunika Reid was drawn to working for Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU), a Winnipeg-based financial cooperative. The key appeal: an organization that lived by values very much aligned with Reid’s own personal principles and priorities.

“I liked the idea of working for a co-operative, where both members and employees had a stake in the business,” says Reid, a financial services advisor. “I also liked that ACU was a locally-owned business with a strong commitment to doing good in the community.”

Founded 80 years ago, ACU today has assets of over $6 billion and is owned collectively by nearly 140,000 Manitobans who use its services. ACU currently operates 17 branches in Winnipeg as well as two northern branches in Thompson and Gillam.

In addition to being a successful financial institution in a highly competitive industry, ACU strives to set itself apart by practising values-based banking. Key to that is following a triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Chaunika Reid (standing, right) and fellow Assiniboine Credit Union employees at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, CODE Conference.

Arctic Co-ops brings supplies north and values south

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Arctic Co-ops brings supplies north and values south

3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Five years ago, Joshua Funk, now an Arctic Co-operatives Limited inventory file officer, was looking for absorbing work at a company whose values matched his own. “I ran into Arctic Co-ops, what it did and the communities it was involved in,” Funk recalls, “and I knew – based on what I value as a person and what it clearly values – that I really wanted to work there.”

The work at the Winnipeg-based company has proved as challenging as he expected, says Funk. He helps co-ordinate the sophisticated logistics of a network that distributes necessary supplies, primarily by air, to 33 member co-ops spread thousands of kilometres across Canada’s North.

“It just makes you feel good that you're making a difference in those communities, that the members there are eating fresh food, heating their homes and getting clean drinking water, because you’ve all worked together for a common goal,” Funk says. “That's probably the biggest value that aligns me with Arctic Co-ops.”

Mary Nirlungayuk, Arctic Co-ops’ vice president of corporate services, hails from one of those member communities, Kugaaruk (pop. 1,000), more than 2,000 kilometres due north of Winnipeg in Nunavut.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

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