From that pool, competition manager Mediacorp Canada invited 9,801 employers to submit detailed applications including a comprehensive review of their operations and HR practices.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Rio Tinto, K+S Potash Canada and Teck Resources were among the list of winners, alongside banks, health services and the City of Toronto.

The list cited Dofasco's community investment fund, financial benefits and professional development options; and Rio's maternity leave conditions, its variety of training opportunities and share purchase plan.

K+S Potash Canada offered "a unique PLUS+ time programme" - giving employees 40 hours annually to be used for family appointments, elder care or personal time - along with health and charitable programmes; while Teck was honoured for supporting a number of community, education, retirement and charitable initiatives.

Entrants were judged on eight criteria, namely the physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Rio Tinto Aluminium CEO Alf Barrios said the company, which was the biggest mining and metals company operating in Canada providing work for about 15,000 people, valued creative thinking and collaboration and saw diversity as a key driver for a successful future.

"We offer an exciting workplace where people are innovating to find better ways to deliver the materials used to create our modern world, from smart phones to buildings, planes and cars," he said.