Leading Companies Focus on Aboriginal Relations

Toronto, September 13, 2010 — Six forward-thinking companies—ARAMARK Canada, Remote Services and Health Care divisions; BMO Financial Group; Casino Rama; Cameco Corporation; ESS, a member of Compass Group Canada; and Sodexo Canada, Remote Sites Division—are being awarded Canada’s only recognition of performance and success in building positive relations with Aboriginal businesses, people, and communities. These companies are certified by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ (CCAB) Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program for significant commitment, progress, and outcomes through Aboriginal relations.

Clint Davis, CCAB President and CEO said, “Strong, measurable and ongoing commitments by PAR certified companies create opportunities for a growing and skilled Aboriginal workforce. Nurturing real and dynamic relationships with Aboriginal people and communities is not only socially responsible, it makes smart business sense.” Davis noted that Aboriginal people are the fastest growing demographic in the country and the number with postsecondary degrees has doubled in the last decade.

PAR companies establish effective strategies to maximize involvement in the Aboriginal market and through the PAR comprehensive self-assessment exercise, assess their performance. The results and findings are externally verified and submitted to an independent PAR jury for designation of PAR certification at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Level. Gold certified companies exhibit long-standing leadership and sustainability in Aboriginal relations.

In the past year, the PAR program has increased its community recognition, both Angus Toulouse, Regional Chief of the Chiefs of Ontario and Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario acknowledge the value of the PAR certification. “Companies and potential partners who have taken steps to certify in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations program, offered exclusively by the CCAB, demonstrate not only a willingness to understand but also assist the Métis in conducting our own due diligence before committing to any relationship,” vouched Lipinski when he gave his support in October 2009.

The achievements of the five leading Canadian corporate citizens will be recognized at CCAB’s 8th Annual Gala Celebration in Vancouver on September 16th. The event’s keynote speaker is Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

ABOUT CCAB: The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.

For more information:

Angela Bishop, Director, Program Development
416-961-8663 ext. 230
abishop@ccab.com

For Media enquiries contact:

Chris Allicock, Amberlight Productions Inc
416-694-3131 (0) 416-319-8003 ©
chris@amberlight.ca

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