McMaster named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2026

McMaster is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2026, a national honour that celebrates organizations leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces.

This achievement reinforces McMaster’s commitment to inclusive excellence, a core value that drives the university’s mission.

“Being named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the eighth consecutive year reflects deliberate, sustained action, not aspiration. At McMaster, Inclusive Excellence shapes how we hire, lead, teach and serve,” said Maureen MacDonald, provost and vice-president (Academic).

“This recognition belongs to the people across our campus who remove barriers and work every day to ensure everyone can belong and succeed.”

Embedding equity across campus 

From classrooms to research labs and administrative offices, McMaster is embedding equity and inclusion into every facet of university life.

• The Equitable Recruitment and Search/Selection Committee (ERSC) Training, which now boasts nearly 1,000 completions, is complemented by the Employment Equity Facilitator Program, which helps to train, support and advance employment equity priorities and goals across campus.

• The disaggregated Employment Equity Census will be used to help us better understand the current diversity of our workforce.

• McMaster’s commitment extends beyond policy to programs that foster belonging and well-being. Initiatives such as Inclusive Excellence Leadership Training and Accessible Event Planning resources help create environments where everyone can thrive.

Inclusive community in action 

Meaningful progress continues in advancing Indigenous priorities and supporting equity-deserving communities through leadership and community-building initiatives.

• The continued work of the Indigenous Education Council in promoting and advocating for the advancement of Indigenous education and the appointment of Beverly Jacobs as McMaster’s inaugural Vice-Provost, Indigenous, advance the university’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and dedicated Indigenous leadership.

• Black, Indigenous and Racialized Staff Employee Resource Group (BIRS): Expanded resources and events including the new BIRS Mentorship Program enhance connection, professional growth and community for racialized employees.

• In celebration of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, a campus-wide gathering brought faculty, staff, students and community members together for keynote speakers, ceremony and reflection, honouring Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ voices.

• PrideAtMac: A newly launched Employee Resource Group for 2SLGBTQIA+ faculty and staff.

“At McMaster, we embrace a work environment that embodies integrity, quality, inclusiveness, and teamwork in all our endeavors. This recognition belongs to every individual who continues to help build a more inclusive and equitable future at McMaster,” says Saher Fazilat, Vice-President, Operations and Finance.

McMaster was also named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers in 2025.

Learn more about McMaster’s initiatives and employment opportunities at  hr.mcmaster.ca and  equity.mcmaster.ca.