The annual ranking, which Forbes created in partnership with market research firm Statista, is based primarily on a survey of more than 40,000 people working for Canadian companies and institutions that employ at least 500 individuals. Survey respondents were asked to rate their employer based on a range of criteria, including salary, gender pay-equity, work flexibility, opportunities for promotion and on-the-job training. Participants were also asked if they would recommend their employer to others, and were given the chance to rate other employers in their respective industries.