One of the NCR's Top 25 Employers

In 2011-2012, the CFIA was selected as one of the National Capital Region's Top 25 Employers for the fourth year in a row. This annual competition evaluates organizations who offer the most progressive and forward-thinking workplace and whose head office is in the NCR. The competition recognizes Canada's best places to work based on employee retention and recruitment.

To read more about why the CFIA was selected, please visit the NCR's Top 25 Employers website.

Diversity and Equity

For the CFIA, the principles of equity, multiculturalism, and diversity underlie the Agency's approach to business. To serve Canadians effectively and to work cooperatively with Canadian and international stakeholders, the CFIA is committed to having a workforce that represents the public it serves. We provide a work environment where all people are treated with respect and dignity. This commitment is reflected in the actions of individuals at every level of the organization as well as in its formal policies, programs, and practices.

Our attention to diversity enables us to attract and retain a representative workforce. We recognize that our success relies on the quality and ability of our employees and also the sustainability of our workforce. To that end, we encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupational groups), Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities to join our workforce. We welcome applications from all individuals who have legal status to work in Canada and we do not give preference to Canadian citizens for purposes of employment. We also accept foreign education credentials, as long as written documentation to substantiate equivalency is provided. More details on how to do this are available at the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

At the CFIA, we make a conscious effort to combine our differences and to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of all our people. More specifically, we aim for an environment that, among other things, offers adequate and timely learning opportunities, promotes diversity, and ensures that processes and practices are in place to resolve workplace issues. Embracing diversity is a fundamental principle that underlies the way we do business.

Linguistic Duality

The CFIA recognizes English and French as its official languages. It is committed to taking concrete and positive measures to serve the Canadian public in the official language of its choice, to build an exemplary workplace respectful of Canada's linguistic duality, and to actively promote its official languages.

The CFIA ensures that the work environment is conducive to the effective use of both official languages by enabling its employees to use either official language in designated parts of the country. This means that the CFIA respects the right of employees to work and communicate in the official language of their choice, and that the Agency ensures that communications with and services to employees are in both official languages, simultaneously and of equal quality.

Workplace Wellness

Personal wellness is affected by one's health, work environment, and work/life balance. Our wellness initiatives promote balanced living by helping managers, employees, and their families develop and maintain a superior personal and professional quality of life. We do this in several key ways:

Employee Health Initiatives

  • The Employee Assistance Program;
  • Ergonomics strategies;
  • The CFIA fitness centre (only available in the NCR); and
  • Occupational health evaluations

A Safe, Positive, and Productive Workplace

  • Benefits, insurance, and leave;
  • Flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible;
  • Rewards and recognition programs;
  • Equity and diversity programs;
  • Regular employee surveys;
  • Occupational health and safety policies;
  • Ongoing learning and development; and
  • Regular performance feedback and review

The CFIA monitors wellness indicators in a number of different ways to ensure that the program is effective.