Largest Employers in Canada (2025)

Who is the largest employer in Canada? It’s a common question for job seekers, students, and anyone curious about the strength of the Canadian economy.

The answer depends on whether you’re looking at the public sector or the private sector. The federal government is the country’s largest single employer, but several Canadian companies also rank among the biggest workforces in North America.

Canada’s economy is powered by a mix of government, retail, banking, and manufacturing. While the federal government is the largest single employer, some Canadian companies also rank among the biggest workforces in North America.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the #1 employer in Canada, break down the largest private companies by employee size, and look at the industries that employ the most Canadians.

Who is the Largest Employer in Canada?

The Government of Canada (Federal Public Service) is the country’s largest single employer in 2025.

• As of January 2025, approximately 357,965 Canadians work in the federal public service (StatsCan)
• These roles cover policy, science, healthcare, defense, and administration
• When provincial governments, municipalities, school boards, and healthcare systems are included, the public sector as a whole employs millions of Canadians.

This makes the federal government the #1 employer in Canada overall.

Top 25 Largest Employers in Canada (Private Sector)

Top 5 Largest Public Employers in Canada (Named Organizations)

While the federal government is the largest employer overall, Canadians also recognize several Crown corporations and provincial agencies as major public-sector employers. These organizations stand out because of their national presence and workforce size:

What Industries Employ the Most Canadians?

Canada’s largest employers fall into a handful of major industries:

• Government and Public Sector – The single largest category, employing hundreds of thousands at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
• Retail and Grocery – Chains like Loblaw, Empire (Sobeys), and Couche-Tard (Circle K) dominate the private sector.
• Banking and Financial Services – The “Big Five” banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC) employ tens of thousands across the country.
• Healthcare – Beyond government, provincial health authorities like Alberta Health Services and major hospital networks employ massive workforces.
• Manufacturing – Companies like Magna International remain major employers in auto parts and advanced manufacturing.
• Telecommunications – Bell, Telus, and Rogers support large national workforces in telecom and media.
• Transportation & Logistics – Employers like Air Canada, CN Rail, and CPKC move goods and people across the country.

Who is the largest employer in Canada? It’s a common question for job seekers, students, and anyone curious about the strength of the Canadian economy.

The answer depends on whether you’re looking at the public sector or the private sector. The federal government is the country’s largest single employer, but several Canadian companies also rank among the biggest workforces in North America.

Canada’s economy is powered by a mix of government, retail, banking, and manufacturing. While the federal government is the largest single employer, some Canadian companies also rank among the biggest workforces in North America.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the #1 employer in Canada, break down the largest private companies by employee size, and look at the industries that employ the most Canadians.

Who is the Largest Employer in Canada?

The Government of Canada (Federal Public Service) is the country’s largest single employer in 2025.

• As of January 2025, approximately 357,965 Canadians work in the federal public service (StatsCan)
• These roles cover policy, science, healthcare, defense, and administration
• When provincial governments, municipalities, school boards, and healthcare systems are included, the public sector as a whole employs millions of Canadians.

This makes the federal government the #1 employer in Canada overall.

Top 25 Largest Employers in Canada (Private Sector)

Top 5 Largest Public Employers in Canada (Named Organizations)

While the federal government is the largest employer overall, Canadians also recognize several Crown corporations and provincial agencies as major public-sector employers. These organizations stand out because of their national presence and workforce size:

What Industries Employ the Most Canadians?

Canada’s largest employers fall into a handful of major industries:

• Government and Public Sector – The single largest category, employing hundreds of thousands at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
• Retail and Grocery – Chains like Loblaw, Empire (Sobeys), and Couche-Tard (Circle K) dominate the private sector.
• Banking and Financial Services – The “Big Five” banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC) employ tens of thousands across the country.
• Healthcare – Beyond government, provincial health authorities like Alberta Health Services and major hospital networks employ massive workforces.
• Manufacturing – Companies like Magna International remain major employers in auto parts and advanced manufacturing.
• Telecommunications – Bell, Telus, and Rogers support large national workforces in telecom and media.
• Transportation & Logistics – Employers like Air Canada, CN Rail, and CPKC move goods and people across the country.

Fired By One of Canada’s Largest Employers?

Losing your job at a major organization — whether it’s a bank, grocery chain, utility, or Crown corporation — doesn’t mean you should accept the first package you’re offered. Non-unionized Canadians are entilted to severance pay of up to 24 months, depending on factors like your age, position, and years of service.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we have:

• 👥 Represented 50,000+ Canadians
• 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases out of court
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in many, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• 🏆 Named on of Canada’s Best Law Firms

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.