The City of Abbotsford earns first-time recognition on Canada’s Best Employers list for 2025, highlighting its focus on workforce engagement and public-service excellence.
Municipal government’s workforce wins top recognition
The City of Abbotsford has been announced as one of Canada’s top employers for 2025, marking its first appearance on the prestigious list published annually by Canadian HR Reporter. The accolade places Abbotsford among the few in the 500-plus employees category, aligning it with companies such as Bethesda Community Services, CAA Club Group of Companies and Pet Valu Canada.
Strategic priority and employee engagement drive the win
Mayor Ross Siemens emphasised that the city recognises its workforce as the backbone of local government, responsible for delivering high-quality services to the community. “One of council’s key strategic priorities is ensuring our workforce is involved, safe, and engaged,” he said. He added: “We are proud to foster a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and connected to meaningful public service, making Abbotsford a great place to live, play, and work.”
Criteria and key employment features outlined
To qualify for the Canadian HR Reporter list, an employer must achieve an overall job satisfaction rating of at least 75 per cent. Among the factors that contribute to that benchmark are flexible work options — a trend increasingly valued by employees according to recruitment consultant Robert Walters — as well as robust medical and dental coverage, which remain among the most important job-choice elements for workers.
Regional labour market trends and competitive advantage
With Robert Walters reporting that approximately 26 per cent of employees plan to seek new jobs in the second half of 2025, having recognised employer status offers a strong competitive edge across industries. In British Columbia, where job satisfaction stood at only 67.8 per cent at the end of 2022 per Statistics Canada, the number of employers achieving satisfaction levels of 75 per cent or more remains uncommon, underscoring the significance of Abbotsford’s achievement.
Outlook for recruitment and inclusive workplace culture
According to the city, inclusion of diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives laid the groundwork for its inclusion on the list. For prospective applicants, the City invites candidates to explore current job openings via its human-resources career portal. The recognition may enhance the city’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers at a time when the labour market faces elevated turnover and heightened employer competition.
Local context and broader implications
Located in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley region, Abbotsford serves as a municipal employer committed to public-service delivery across a broad range of municipal functions. The city’s recognition may prompt other public-sector organisations to focus more intensely on workforce engagement and satisfaction. As labour markets tighten and employee expectations evolve, employer branding and workplace culture are increasingly important differentiators.
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