Université Laval Earns Top Spot on Forbes 2026 Canada's Best Employers List
In a significant achievement for Quebec's higher education sector, Université Laval has been named Canada's best employer for 2026 by Forbes magazine. The Quebec City-based institution claimed the coveted first-place position in the prestigious annual ranking, marking a remarkable ascent from its 16th-place standing just one year earlier.
Quebec Universities Dominate Top Employer Rankings
The 2026 Forbes list reveals a strong showing for Quebec's academic institutions, with three universities securing positions within the Top 10. Following Université Laval's first-place finish, Université de Sherbrooke earned the third spot, while Concordia University in Montreal secured fifth place. This impressive representation underscores the province's commitment to creating exceptional workplace environments within its higher education sector.
"We are very proud of this first-place ranking," stated Université Laval rector Sophie D'Amours in an official release. "Knowing that staff members appreciate their work environment, feel valued and share a genuine pride in belonging to Université Laval confirms that our efforts are paying off."
Comprehensive Survey Methodology
Now in its eleventh year, the Forbes Canada's Best Employers list is compiled through rigorous research conducted in collaboration with market research firm Statista. The 2026 rankings were determined by surveying more than 37,000 employees working for Canadian organizations with at least 500 workers.
The comprehensive evaluation considered multiple factors including compensation packages, work flexibility arrangements, training opportunities, leadership development programs, and perhaps most tellingly, whether employees would recommend their workplace to others. This multifaceted approach provides a holistic view of workplace satisfaction across the country.
Additional Quebec Organizations Recognized
Beyond the academic institutions, several other Quebec-based organizations earned recognition on the Top 100 list. Hydro-Québec secured the 11th position, while engineering firm CIMA+ from Laval ranked 65th. The Business Development Bank of Canada placed 67th, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's Kirkland operations came in at 77th, and National Bank of Canada rounded out the list at 99th. Financial services cooperative Desjardins, headquartered in Lévis, earned the 37th position.
Continuing Recognition for Université Laval
This latest distinction adds to Université Laval's growing collection of workplace accolades. Just months earlier, in July, the university also claimed the top position on Forbes's 2025 list of Canada's Best Employers for Company Culture. This back-to-back recognition suggests a consistent commitment to fostering positive work environments that extend beyond traditional employment metrics.
The strong performance of Quebec institutions in these national rankings highlights the province's emphasis on creating workplaces that value employee satisfaction, professional development, and organizational culture. As employers across Canada increasingly recognize the importance of workplace quality in attracting and retaining talent, these rankings provide valuable insights into organizations leading the way in employee experience.
