George Brown Polytechnic Earns Triple Recognition for Workplace Leadership

TORONTO, ON – February 24, 2026 – In a remarkable trifecta of achievement, George Brown Polytechnic (GBP) has been distinguished with three prestigious employer awards, cementing its status as a leader in creating a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace. The downtown Toronto institution has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for the first time, recognized by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers for a second consecutive year, and celebrated as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers for a milestone tenth year in a row.

These accolades are more than just additions to a trophy case; they represent a comprehensive validation of the institution's long-term strategy and deep-seated commitment to its employees. The awards, which are based on rigorous, independent assessments of everything from employee benefits to diversity initiatives, paint a picture of an organization intentionally building a culture that attracts and retains top talent in the highly competitive post-secondary sector.

Setting a New Standard for Diversity and Inclusion

The most significant new recognition for George Brown is its debut on the list of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. This editorial competition, managed by Mediacorp Canada Inc., evaluates organizations on their success in creating inclusive environments for women, racialized people, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The criteria are stringent, examining recruitment, retention, training, and leadership accountability.

George Brown's selection was driven by concrete actions, not just aspirational policies. The institution was lauded for developing an inclusive hiring toolkit and implementing bias mitigation training for its hiring managers. Furthermore, its Anti-Racism and Equity Strategy integrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenization (DEII) goals directly into annual leadership performance assessments, ensuring that accountability for progress is embedded at every level of the organization.

"These recognitions are a testament to the dedication and talent of our employees, and a reflection of our institutional values," said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic. "At George Brown, equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization are at the core of who we are."

This commitment is operationalized through the dedicated Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services (OAREHRS), which champions fairness and belonging across the institution. Key initiatives like the Black Futures Initiative and the Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Series provide tangible support and create spaces for growth and dialogue.

"Being named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers reflects the intentional work underway at George Brown to embed equity and belonging into how we lead, make decisions, and support our community," stated Jennifer Grant, Associate Vice-President of OAREHRS. She noted the award acknowledges the "sustained efforts to build equitable and inclusive systems and practices."

The institution's work in this area also includes substantive commitments to reconciliation, including signing the Scarborough Charter, which pledges to combat anti-Black racism in Canadian post-secondary institutions, and establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

The Blueprint for a Decade of Distinction

While the diversity award marks a new pinnacle, George Brown's tenth consecutive year as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers speaks to a foundation of sustained excellence. This regional award, also from Mediacorp, assesses employers against eight criteria, including benefits, work atmosphere, training, and community involvement.

An examination of the reasons for selection reveals a blueprint for long-term employee satisfaction. The polytechnic offers a suite of benefits designed to support employees both personally and professionally. A standout offering is a 12-month sabbatical leave program, which provides up to 80% of salary for professional development after six years of service. This investment in employee growth is complemented by robust tuition subsidies for further education.

Financial well-being is also a clear priority. All employees have access to a defined benefit pension plan and receive retirement planning assistance—benefits that have become increasingly rare in today's employment landscape. A culture of appreciation is fostered through annual employee achievement awards and other recognition initiatives.

This long-term positive environment is corroborated by the institution's repeat appearance on the Forbes list of Canada's Best Employers. The Forbes ranking, compiled with market research firm Statista, is based on anonymous survey responses from over 37,000 employees across Canada. Workers are asked if they would recommend their employer, providing a direct and powerful measure of employee sentiment. George Brown's ranking at 27th places it among esteemed national peers, including several major universities, signaling that its employees genuinely view it as a premier place to work.

The Talent Magnet: A Strategic Advantage

For George Brown Polytechnic, these awards are a crucial component of its strategic mission. In a competitive educational landscape, a strong and validated employer brand is a powerful magnet for attracting and retaining the high-caliber faculty and staff necessary to deliver on its unique polytechnic mandate.

The 'Polytechnic' designation itself signifies a focus on applied, hands-on learning and deep integration with industry. This educational model requires educators and staff who are not only academic experts but also industry-connected innovators. By cultivating a workplace recognized for its support, inclusivity, and professional growth opportunities, George Brown positions itself as the employer of choice for this specialized talent pool.

The institution's ability to deliver on its promise of career-ready graduates is directly tied to the quality and dedication of its employees. The awards serve as external proof of an internal culture that empowers staff to do their best work, which in turn enhances the student experience and strengthens the polytechnic's reputation. As George Brown continues to equip students for a dynamic job market through its more than 200 career-focused programs, its recognized status as a top employer will remain a cornerstone of its success and influence in the Canadian education sector.