Dear ABMInsider,

Is it weird to start with the Postscript? Maybe, but I’m gonna do it anyway (you might not see it if I leave it to the end):

P.S. Tickets for our 25 Most Powerful Women in Business 2026 awards gala are now on sale. It takes place in Halifax on Thursday, March 5 – Click here to learn more.

Alrighty then, continuing with the main topic of the day: Atlantic Canada’s Best Places to Work 2026.

As a loyal reader of Atlantic Business, you likely know that we released the list last week, in our January issue. You also, probably, already know that there were 20 honourees, chosen from 255 nominees. That’s right: only eight per cent of applicants were awarded—not that they weren’t all good employers. A D V E R T I S E M E N T


There are literally thousands of good places to work across Atlantic Canada, though some are undoubtedly better than others. But this competition recognizes the BEST places to work. So, how exactly did we separate the best from the better from the good? I, thankfully, had nothing to do with it. That challenging task was the responsibility of our volunteer judges.

This year, for the first time, we partnered with the four Atlantic chapters of Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada to assist us with marketing and judging the program. Sincerest thanks to judges Andrea Bird (board chair, CPHR-PEI); Tanya Chapman (board chair, CPHR-NB); Nicole Reynard (board member, CPHR-NL) and Roshanak Sadeghi-Zadeh (board chair, CPHR-NS). Their input elevated the authority and professionalism of this already prestigious honour.

Best of all? They’re willing to explain how and why they made the choices they made. In the latest installment of our For The Record vodcast/podcast, I sat down with Roshanak to get answers to the questions aspiring applicants need answered:

1. What separates a good place to work from a Best Place to Work?
2. What was your overall impression of the quality of the applicants this year?
3. Did you expect more or less in terms of the benefits provided by regional employers?
4. Is there a particular HR theme or trend that stood out to you?
5. Any advice for future applicants?

A D V E R T I S E M E N T


Seriously, this episode is a must-listen if you’re interested in applying for the 2027 Best Places to Work competition. How do you apply? That’s another great question—and the answer can be found HERE.

Keep in mind that there’s no limit on the number of winners each year: it’s all about the quality of the applicants. Here’s hoping we get to award 25, 30 or even 50 Best Places to Work in 2027.

Happy New Year!

Dawn Chafe Co-owner & Executive Editor dchafe@atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca