City of Bathurst

The City of Bathurst was the only municipality in New Brunswick selected as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for 2026.

The city announced the award in a press release Tuesday.

The competition is administered by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and evaluates organizations based on eight criteria, including workplace culture, benefits, training and community involvement, among others.

Sarah Morton, Bathurst’s senior director of corporate services, said the recognition puts the city on the map as a strong employer.

“I think we are proving ourselves as a community where you can work, live and grow, and where you can build an amazing career in such a great corner of the province,” she said.

Other winners include New Brunswick companies like NB Liquor, Brunswick Credit Union Ltd., Horizon Health Network, Irving Oil, and Nova Scotian companies like Killiam Apartment REIT, within others.

However, of the 17 entities in New Brunswick that received the recognition, Bathurst was the only municipality to do so this year and one of 60 organizations named across Atlantic Canada.

In a press release issued Tuesday by Mediacorp Canada Inc. — the company behind Canada’s Top 100 Employers — editors said this year’s winners were organizations that supported employees “through every stage of life and career.”

“What stands out about this year’s winners is their long-term mindset,” wrote Richard Yerema, executive editor at Mediacorp.

“They understand that attracting talent is only the beginning — the real challenge is helping employees put down roots, grow their careers and see a future for themselves in Atlantic Canada,” he wrote.

According to a detailed explanation provided by Mediacorp’s editors, Bathurst’s workplace fitness initiatives, “generous” pension contributions and maternity and parental leave top‑up programs were among the reasons the municipality was selected.

Morton said the programs are part of the municipality’s broader focus on enhancing workplace culture, an effort underway for the past five years.

She added the city is especially proud of the achievement because it was recognized the first time it applied for the competition.

“We knew we were in a great place, and it feels amazing to have that recognized,” she said.

In recent years, municipalities across New Brunswick have introduced new initiatives to retain employees amid challenges such as less competitive salaries and difficulties filling highly specialized roles.

Morton said she hopes Bathurst’s recognition can serve as an example for other municipalities struggling with recruitment and retention.

“We are always open to collaborating and sharing,” she said.

“I think that supporting your employees through programs in their work life as well as their home, day-to-day life is what really keeps employees.”