Top 100 Employer
Export Development Canada is proud to have been included on Macleans magazine’s list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for six consecutive years—chosen from among 1,500 applicants in 2006. Top 100 organizations are recognized for leading their industries in attracting and retaining quality employees.Specifically, EDC was recognized for:
- business expansion and growth
- physical workplace and work atmosphere
- health, financial and family benefits
- employee communications
- performance management, training and skills development
- community involvement
Business Expansion and Growth:
EDC posted record revenues and number of customers served in 2005 and created several new positions.
Physical Workplace and Work Atmosphere:
The Macleans survey stated that: "Employees [at EDC] work in a fast-paced, progressive environment that offers daily contact with people and involvement in transactions from around the world." They benefit from business-casual dress in an open-concept environment and have access to an employee lounge area as well as an onsite fitness facility. EDC’s head office in Ottawa is located near the scenic grounds of Parliament Hill and the historic Rideau Canal, easily accessible by public transit and offers secure bicycle parking.
Health, Financial and Family Benefits:
EDC offers a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes three weeks of annual leave. EDC’s health plan includes: dental, eyecare, prescription drug; physiotherapy massage therapy and others. For employees who take maternity leave, EDC provides a generous top-up.
Employee Communications:
To keep employees informed about new developments, EDC publishes a bilingual in-house letter called LINK. EDC employees also have access to a corporate intranet site which keeps them informed about news and human resource policies that affect their work. EDC also holds an annual company-wide employee conference followed by a popular dinner and dance party.
Performance Management, Training and Skills Development:
EDC has a comprehensive performance management program. Employees are recognized for performance excellence. EDC provides tuition subsidies for courses related to employees’ current positions. EDC also helps with career development, including career planning; in-house training; reimbursement for professional association dues; and management succession planning.
Community Involvement:
EDC actively supports a variety of local and national charitable initiatives: the United Way, Toy Mountain and the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund.
EDC also supports university students across the country through a number of programs. In addition to hiring co-op and summer students, EDC recently established a scholarship program as part of its youth education and employment strategy. Annual scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students across Canada interested in international business, finance or international relations, a unique charitable program that also strengthens EDC’s mission of enhancing Canada’s international trade. More information can be found with EDC’s Education and Youth Program.
