November 7, 2007

Media contact: Kim Lawrence
604-864-4611
or 604-504-7441, local 4611
Cell: 604-302-6257
kim.lawrence@ucfv.ca

UCFV named top employer in Western Canada,
second year running

For the second year in a row, UCFV has been recognized as an employer that “walks the talk” in an online, anonymous survey of employees. The university-college is one of only three companies in Western Canada -- and six nationwide -- awarded for this achievement, and is being recognized in particular for high levels of openness and transparency in the workplace.

Toronto-based Market Yourself Smarter and the Collin Baer Group asked employees across the country to rank their employers, without fear of consequences. The survey asks employees how happy they are with their current workplace environment and whether their employer “walks the talk” when it comes to being equitable, supportive, socially conscious, and progressive in their employment practices. Its objective is to provide a voice to Canadians in the workplace by letting them comment anonymously on their employer’s ethics, trust, support, and transparency.

UCFV shared the Western Canada spotlight with Flight Centre, which was lauded for best employee recognition programs, and Rocky Mountain Railtours, which was acknowledged for best corporate culture. 

“The competition for excellent employees is fierce now,” says Diane Griffiths, associate vice-president of employee services at UCFV. “We have to focus on what differentiates us from other employers in our own industry and beyond. For us, that means an open, collegial work environment where people can connect easily across the usual boundaries of discipline and function, and build the teams necessary to deliver innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of our communities.”

“We put a lot of effort into the complete package we offer faculty and staff,” she adds. “Our benefits programs -- which include tuition breaks for employees and their families, professional development allowances, excellent health care, and training and development opportunities -- are attractive to many candidates, especially those with families. We recognize that people are trying to build balanced lives and we strive to deliver a workplace that can help them achieve just that.”

UCFV hires year-round. Check out job postings for locations across the Fraser Valley at www.ucfv.ca/careers.

Learn more about UCFV at www.ucfv.ca/aboutUCFV .

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