Toronto, Ontario, November 21, 2007 – Nine companies from across Canada received a Best Employers Award for 50 Plus Canadians today during the Workplace Institute’s third annual Summit on the Mature Workforce.

"This year’s winners realize that boomer and veteran workers are the key to weathering talent shortages and are taking some novel approaches to attracting and retaining 45+ employees,” says the Workplace Institute’s Barbara Jaworski, founder of the awards and author of KAA-BOOM! How to Engage the 50-Plus Worker and Beat the Workforce Crisis. “The judges felt these organizations had found ways to meet their business and mature workforce needs by using strategies in one or more of the areas of career development, retention, recruitment, workplace culture/practices, management practices, health support, retirement/retiree practices, benefits, pension and/or recognition.”

The judging panel for the 2008 Best Employers Award for 50 Plus Canadians represented various sectors and regions. The judges were: Dan Kelly, Senior Vice-President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business; Marjorie Armstrong Stassen, Professor, Odette School of Business, University of Windsor; Leroy Stone, an Associate Director-General, Statistics Canada and Adjunct Professor University of Montreal, ; Giselle Samson-Verreault, Assistant Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa; Catherine Brown, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Government Services and Susan Williams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Industry.

This year’s winners are:

HSBC Bank Canada HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 170 offices and is the leading international bank in Canada. It provides a full range of financial products and services to businesses, institutions and individuals. The organization elicits employee opinions to shape local and global practices and has developed innovative practices regarding benefits, retirement planning and phased retirement to retain their skilled knowledge workers.

Merck Frosst A four-time winner, Merck Frosst is an example of a competitive business that respects and values its long-serving employees. The leading pharmaceutical company continuously offers new challenges to employees by having them rotate through numerous jobs throughout their career while offering a variety of flexible working options. In addition, the organization has developed an innovative savings plan that provides further opportunities for employees to save for retirement without being taxed.

Stream This inbound call centre has developed an extensive knowledge of how to recruit and retain mature workers in a very tight labour market. Using data collected through detailed surveying of new employees and working with line managers, Stream is developing a successful formula to retain its mature workers.

EDS Canada EDS provides a broad portfolio of business and technology solutions to help its clients improve their business performance. Through its diversity program, EDS focuses on hiring individuals who possess the skills, expertise and customer service skills to meet business needs regardless of age. EDS is also cited for its flexible work options and continuous learning opportunities.

Wal-Mart Canada Wal-Mart Canada has developed a unique approach to the training and retention of new employees. The company has created recognition programs and a workplace culture that support a diverse workforce. One example is its greeter program, which has been extensively copied. Retired Wal-Mart employees have the opportunity to return as consultants, special project managers or mentors.

Home Instead Senior Care Home Instead Senior Care provides comprehensive, non-medical companionship and home care services for seniors. More than 76 percent of its caregivers are over the age of 50. Through its career development program, flexible hours, recognition program and contributions to local communities, Home Instead Senior Care has created a measurable model that leads to the satisfaction of caregivers and clients alike.

Metasoft Systems Inc. Metasoft's fundraising division provides an online, searchable database of corporate, foundation and government grant information to thousands of non-profit organizations worldwide. Metasoft has also introduced several initiatives to both support its existing mature workforce and attract and retain new talent from the 50-plus demographic.

Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto The CCAS believes that a qualified and stable workforce provides the highest quality of service and has developed a workplace culture that supports its staff and promotes learning and recognition. As a result, the CCAS has one of the highest retention rates among children’s aid societies in Canada.

New award: Small Business Section
The first winner in a new category that recognizes the efforts of smaller organizations in this area, the Youth Emergency Shelter in Edmonton, Alberta, has created a variety of unique initiatives aimed at recognizing staff, many of whom are over the age of 50.

Honourable Mentions:

1. Excell Services, Penticton, British Columbia
2. Seven Oaks General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba
3. Blue Falls Manufacturing, Thorsby, Alberta
4. Cape Care Services, Cape Breton, N.S.

The Best Employer Awards for 50 Plus Canadians competition is open to all Canadian companies with more than 10 employees. Winners are selected on the basis of a written application and the results of an in-depth interview.

For more information contact:

Barbara Jaworski,
Workplace Institute
Tel: 416 704-3517
Fax: 416-762-7265