For the 11th straight year, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has been recognized as one of the top employers in British Columbia.

The list of B.C.’s top employers, designated by Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, identifies employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. The LDB has been included on this list every year since the competition began more than a decade ago in 2006.

“The past year was unlike any other,” said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the LDB. “We saw record growth and sales in our liquor business while, at the same time, launching a startup in the form of wholesale distribution and retail sale of non-medical cannabis — all of which was possible because we have an extremely talented pool of people working with us.”

The LDB is the sole wholesale distributor and public retailer of liquor and non-medical cannabis for the province. It employs over 4,000 people across 198 stand-alone stores, a website for the online sale of cannabis and four distribution centres that supply retail stores and wholesale customers.

The announcement comes as no surprise to Ric Tong, who has taken advantage of and benefited from job training and advancement opportunities within the LDB.

“I've worked a lot of jobs, but never one where I could say I hope I spend the rest of my career with this organization,” said Tong, acting senior manager of store operations administration, BC Liquor Stores. “Now, I truly feel that way about the LDB, because this place is amazing to work at and I love every minute of it.”

The LDB contributes over $1 billion annually to the Province of B.C., providing funding for services like health care and education. Knowing revenues generated by the LDB go back to British Columbians is a big motivator for Tong and his fellow employees.

“Whether it's our charity work or through profits, it all goes back to helping the people of B.C., and that permeates the entire organization,” Tong said.

Canada’s Top 100 Employers project evaluates eligible employers by examining a range of criteria and scores in physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Quick Facts:

• More than 31,000 people applied to work at the LDB in the past year.
• The longest serving employee has been with the LDB for 46 years.
• 51% of LDB employees are women.

Learn More:

To learn more about B.C.’s top employers, visit: https://www.canadastop100.com/bc/