BC Hydro Earns Industry Gold in Aboriginal Relations

October 18, 2012, Vancouver – BC Hydro has earned a gold level designation for best practices in Aboriginal relations from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program.

The gold-level designation is the highest offered and is verified by an independent, third party based on four performance areas: employment, business development, community investment and community engagement. Selection also involves a juried review by Aboriginal business people.

A gold certified company verifies its suitability as a good partner, a great place to work, and commitment to the prosperity of Aboriginal communities, businesses, and individuals. In 2009, BC Hydro earned the silver-level designation.

Quotes
Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
“BC Hydro is a leader in building relationships with Aboriginal communities and stands as a role model for other companies. For example, the Aboriginal partnerships built by BC Hydro along the Northwest Transmission Line not only benefit the company and First Nations, they also benefit surrounding communities by building a stronger workforce and providing opportunities for new business growth.”

Charles Reid, President and CEO, BC Hydro
“We are thrilled to have earned the CCAB’s top award in aboriginal relations. The gold-level designation is a confirmation of the deepening maturity of BC Hydro’s efforts and desire to build enduring relationships with First Nations in British Columbia.”

JP Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business:
“I want to congratulate BC Hydro for reaching this important milestone. As a PAR gold-level certified company, BC Hydro has demonstrated sustained leadership and best practices in Aboriginal relations to which other companies can aspire to reach.”

Recent Successes:

• On Vancouver Island, the Uchucklesaht Tribe’s community of Elhlateese became the first off-grid First Nations community to be electrified under BC Hydro’s Remote Community Electrification program in May. 
• BC Hydro continues to build a workforce that includes Aboriginal participation. Since 2007, BC Hydro has hired approximately 150 Aboriginal employees.  In June, the Aboriginal Employee Network was formally launched.
• In June, BC Hydro signed impact benefit agreements with the We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge Indian Band) and the Wei Wai Kum Nation (Campbell River Indian Band) for the proposed John Hart Generating Station replacement project.
• BC Hydro and Kitsumkalum First Nation signed an impact benefit agreement in March to provide training, contracting, jobs and other economic opportunities related to the construction of the Northwest Transmission Line. BC Hydro has now signed agreements for the project with all eight First Nations and the Nisga’a Nation within the project region.
• BC Hydro and the private sector celebrated the completion of a 250-person construction camp in October with the Adams Lake, Neskonlith and Splatsin First Nations for the Mica Generating Units 5 and 6 and Mica Switchgear projects. It is one of the largest contracts ever awarded by BC Hydro to a First Nations joint venture.

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification program recognizes and supports continuous improvement in Aboriginal relations. It is the premier certification program of its type in the world, assisting companies achieve greater results.

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