Top Pharma & Biotech Companies to Work For in Canada in 2025, According to Forbes

Over the last five years, Canada’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector has experienced remarkable growth — adding over 10,000 new jobs and attracting billions in public and private investments.

Federal initiatives have allocated more than approximately $1.53 billion across 38 projects to expand domestic biomanufacturing capacity, while private venture capital surged, with Canadian startups raising over $488.2 million in 2020 alone.

This expansion has boosted Canada’s R&D and clinical capabilities and positioned the country as a global hub for life sciences innovation.

For professionals seeking to make an impact, finding an employer that not only leads in innovation but also fosters a dynamic work environment is crucial.

Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers of 2025 provides valuable insights into which companies are setting the gold standard for excellence — and the pharma and biotech sectors are no exception.

In this blog, we spotlight the top pharma and biotech companies to work for in Canada in 2025.

Pfizer

Industry: Drugs & Biotechnology
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA

Pfizer Canada is headquartered in Kirkland, Canada, and continues to make a significant impact through a series of impactful initiatives.

Early in 2024, the company allocated $4.9 million to McMaster University researchers for a remote patient monitoring study aimed at transforming cancer care. Later that year, Pfizer Canada set a new record at the sold-out ParaTough Cup Montreal, raising over $211,000 for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s IGNITE campaign — a testament to its commitment to community inclusion.

Additionally, the company partnered with the Skin Spectrum Summit to launch the Canadian Skin of Colour & Diversity Scholarship, reinforcing its dedication to inclusive healthcare.

Most recently, Pfizer Canada advanced oncology innovation by investing $1.1 million in quality improvement grants to enhance care for patients with lung, colorectal, prostate and breast cancers.

Philips ranked 105th on Forbes’ 2025 list of Canada’s Best Employers.

Roche Holding

Industry: Drugs & Biotechnology
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland

In Canada, Roche has made significant strides to enhance patient care and foster a dynamic work environment.

Early on, Roche launched an initiative to improve access to eye care in rural areas, underscoring its dedication to serving underserved communities.

It then completed negotiations with the Pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance for Tecentriq SC, expanding access to innovative cancer therapies.

In the workplace, Roche bolstered staff engagement by introducing flexible work initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance.

True to its recognition as one of the best companies to work for, Roche Canada announced the creation of up to 250 new informatics roles in Ontario’s life sciences sector late last year — positions in AI, machine learning, computational biology and data analytics within its Global Informatics function. This strategic investment, supported by a $3.5 million contribution from the Government of Ontario and an investment of approximately $90.67 million over five years, positions Roche as a top informatics hub.

Roche ranked 221st on Forbes’ 2025 list of Canada’s Best Employers.

AstraZeneca

Industry: Drugs & Biotechnology
Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom

AstraZeneca’s robust presence in Canada is a testament to its steadfast commitment to scientific innovation and community impact.

For example, the company expanded access to rare disease treatments when its Rare Disease division, in collaboration with Alexion, reached an agreement with the Pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance for Koselugo (selumetinib), providing a vital option for pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type‑1 (NF1).

In 2024, AstraZeneca partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, awarding grants valued at $100,000 toward blood cancer research.

Demonstrating its social commitment, the company selected 13 sustainability trailblazers for the 2024 Eureka Fellowship for Youth Changemakers, supporting next-gen environmental leaders.

Most recently, an approximately $571.90 million investment was announced to advance AstraZeneca’s global hub and clinical delivery in Canada, delivering a solid boost to the Canadian life sciences footprint.

AstraZeneca ranked 227th on Forbes’ 2025 list of Canada’s Best Employers.

GSK

Industry: Drugs & Biotechnology
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

GSK’s commitment to healthcare innovation and community impact is well-reflected in its diverse initiatives in Canada.

The company made a $2 million contribution to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Team Grants initiative, addressing critical threats to Canadian lung health.

GSK Canada also expanded its charitable partnerships to support environmental sustainability and STEM, reinforcing its dedication to social responsibility. This approach was aimed to provide students with the technical skills needed for future innovation and to empower them to drive green solutions within their communities.

Most notably, the Government of Canada purchased 500,000 doses of GSK’s avian influenza vaccine at a contract value of around $20.92 million to protect individuals most at risk.

GSK ranked 232nd on Forbes’ 2025 list of Canada’s Best Employers.

Aside from the Forbes list, Novo Nordisk Canada was recognized on Canada’s Top 100 Employers of 2025 list and is celebrated for its strong emphasis on employee development, diversity and a supportive culture. This list also included AstraZeneca Canada and Roche Canada.

Canada’s life sciences footprint has been evolving, with many more companies driving growth.

Global leader Sanofi, for example, committed close to $645.13 million to build a state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in Toronto, creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs and enabling the production of up to 100 million doses annually.

Meanwhile, homegrown innovators like AbCellera were bolstered by around $278.97 million in government support, and Fusion Pharmaceuticals achieved an approximately $2.09 billion valuation through strategic partnerships.

Overall, these powerful initiatives have translated into tangible employment opportunities, likely elevating Canada’s status as one of the premier destinations for life sciences professionals.