B.C. employers recognized as top spots for experienced Canadian workers

Calling all B.C. workers aged 40 and above — a list of top employers for you is now out and it might help you make your next career move.

The team behind Canada’s Top 100 Employers list has been creating one for employees over 40 since 2010.

Businesses of all kinds can apply, and it doesn’t matter whether they’re in the private or public sector, but they must undergo a thorough evaluation process.

According to MediaCorp, Canada’s workforce is undergoing “a profound demographic shift,” and the way that organizations support employees in the second half of their careers is an important benchmark for workplace quality for all ages of workers.

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“How an organization treats its most experienced employees is one of the strongest predictors of how it will treat its newest hires,” said Richard Yerema, executive editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, in a release.

“If an employer is willing to invest in people over decades, through career development, financial security, and respectful transitions into retirement, it reflects a culture of long-term commitment. For younger employees, it shows whether the organization is built for long-term careers, not just jobs.”

According to Canada’s Top 100, the employers are evaluated on whether they:

• Offer interesting programs to assist older workers;
• Actively recruit new workers aged 40 years or older;
• Have HR policies that take into account the unique concerns of older workers, such as recognizing outside work experience in determining vacation entitlement
• Offer a pension plan with reasonable employer contributions;
• Provide assistance to older employees with retirement and succession planning;
• Create opportunities for retirees to stay socially connected to former co-workers, such as through organized social activities and volunteering
• Provide health coverage and similar benefits for employees after retirement; and
• Offer programs such as mentorship and phased-in retirement to ease the emotional challenges of retirement and ensure older employees’ skills are transferred to the next generation.

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“For many employees, priorities evolve significantly in the second half of their careers,” says Kristina Leung, managing editor at Mediacorp. “They’re thinking about financial security, caregiving responsibilities, and how to transition into retirement on their own terms.

“The best employers recognize this and provide meaningful support, from financial planning and health benefits to flexible work and phased-in retirement options, so employees can navigate these changes with confidence.”

Two B.C. companies got the nod for the 2026 Top Employers for Canadians Over 40.

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B.C. Hydro was recognized for extending health benefits to retirees with over 10 years of service. The extension had no age limit, and coverage was maintained at 100 percent of premiums.

Vancity Credit Union also made the list for its contributions to a defined benefit pension plan as well as health benefits that extend to retirees. The company also offers 100 per cent premium coverage with no age limit.

The full list of Top Employers for Canadians Over 40 can be found online.

With files from Daily Hive staff