Winners of the Défi Meilleurs Employeurs 2009 awards: another exceptional
year!

MONTREAL , Sept. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The winners of the eighth Défi Meilleurs Employeurs awards were announced last night at the gala celebrating the annual conference of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés. Presented by Emploi-Québec and organized by the Ordre, Watson Wyatt Worldwide and Les Affaires, the event was attended by over 1,600 guests and also welcomed Madam Dominique Savoie , Deputy Minister responsible for Employment and Social Solidarity.

This year, the competition attracted 53 organizations that have all made their mark through implementing stimulating, trend-setting practices. The top winners of the 2009 competition, which is becoming more exciting each and every year, are presented below.

    
    Top winners

    Large business category

    For the second year in a row, Teknika HBA was awarded first prize in the
500 employees or more category. The company's merger with a large engineering
consulting firm earned it an even higher position among Canada's most
well-managed companies...an inspiring success, based both on the quality of
its employees and its focus on sustainable development.

    Medium-sized business category

    Taking first prize in its category, Marcil Centre de rénovation is a
company where the family spirit is kept alive and the motivation to provide
the best possible customer service is contagious. And what's the secret? A
team that is treated with respect and where everyone is ready to give
co-workers a helping hand.

    Small business category

    First prize was awarded to a Quebec IT company that puts a primary focus
on its staff. L-Ipse, which also received this honour in 2007, is known for
its exceptional working conditions and the confidence it has in its employees.

    Other winners

    Marie-Victorin CEGEP took second prize in the large business category,
while Xerox - a regular Défi participant - and the Centre de réadaptation de
l'Estrie respectively walked away with second and third prize in the
medium-sized business category. In the small business category, second and
third prizes went to Physio Extra and R3D. DLGL, which earned a place for the
second time last year in the best employers' "hall of fame," will retain this
honour until 2010.

    About Défi Meilleurs Employeurs

    The Défi encourages Quebec businesses to become better employers through
evaluating their employees' productive engagement. It acknowledges the work of
organizations that provide a healthy and stimulating work environment and
enables participating organizations to track their progress over the years.
The competition also highlights the effectiveness and efficiency of HR
management practices through evaluating employee appreciation.

    Members of the jury were:

    André Bisson, Chair of the board, Centre interuniversitaire de recherche
en analyse des organisations (CIRANO);

    Florent Francoeur, CHRP, president and CEO, Ordre des conseillers en
ressources humaines agréés;

    Ginette Legault, CHRP, Dean, École des sciences de la gestion, Université
du Québec à Montréal.

    Photos of representatives from the winning organizations are available in
the press room of the Ordre portal at www.portailrh.org/presse.

    About the Ordre
    

The Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés is the primary reference organization in its field in Quebec . It has a membership of close to 9,500 professionals, candidates and students, including 5,000 CHRPs and 2,500 CIRCs. It is the only organization devoted to the protection of the public authorized by the Professional Code to confer these professional designations.

Active in all sectors, CHRPs and CIRCS contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy working atmosphere and a safe, efficient organizational environment that respects the uniqueness of each and every employee. They also represent employers and employees in various areas of HR management, from industrial relations, to staffing, training, occupational health and safety, organizational development and compensation.

For further information: Caroline Soulas, Communications coordinator, [phone], ext. 224, Cell phone: [phone], [email protected]