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Three More Companies Recognized for Achievements. Five More Companies Accept the PAR Challenge
TORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) tonight will honour the next three corporations to be recognized as leaders in understanding and accessing the fast-growing Aboriginal sector of the Canadian economy. The ceremony will be part of the Fourth Annual "Circle for 2015" Gala Dinner held in Toronto at the Four Seasons Hotel, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2002.
The keynote speaker at the dinner, focusing on the business successes of urban Aboriginal people, will be David Wolfman, host of one of Canada's most popular cooking shows, "Cooking with the Wolfman". He will be introduced by Dwight Dorey, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. The dinner is co-chaired by Peter Godsoe, Chairman and CEO of Scotiabank, and Cameron Hyde, Chairman, President and CEO of Xerox Canada.
The three companies recognized for demonstrating commitment and leadership are:
- Cameco Corporation - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Gold Achievement
- Syncrude Canada - Fort McMurray, Alberta - Gold Achievement
- Remote Sites Division, Sodexho - Montreal, Quebec - Bronze Achievement
The Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program helps corporations assess their performance in their relations and involvement with Aboriginal communities and signals that participating companies are committed to establishing a fair and balanced business relationship based on mutual self- interest.
"I am thrilled that we have increased the number of companies in PAR by 50 per cent in the first year," said Jocelyne Soulodre, CCAB President and CEO. "This level of growth tells us that the program is providing the kind of framework that forward-looking companies are looking for to gain a foothold in the fast-growing Aboriginal segment of the economy. Last year we announced the first 10 companies to join the program and invited other organizations to apply. This year we have five new names to add to the list."
Entering since the launch last year were:
- Canada Post Corporation - Ottawa, Ontario
- Domtar Forest Products - Ottawa, Ontario
- E-Tronics Inc. - Calgary, Alberta
- Junior Achievement Canada - Toronto, Ontario
- Scotiabank - Toronto, Ontario
Ten companies entered the program as pioneer members of PAR when it was launched in early 2001. Two of those companies achieved advanced standing:
- Donna Cona Inc. - Ottawa, Ontario, was awarded Silver Achievement
- Xerox Canada, Ltd. - Toronto, Ontario, was awarded Bronze Achievement
The other eight companies who entered the program at the Commitment level are:
- Alberta Pacific Forest Industries - Boyle, Alberta
- BP Canada Energy Company - Calgary, Alberta
- Cameco Corporation - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Casino Rama - Rama, Ontario
- Pharmacia Canada - Mississauga, Ontario
- Piruqsaijit - Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
- Remote Sites Division, Sodexho - Montreal, Quebec
- Syncrude Canada - Fort McMurray, Alberta
Alberta Pacific and BP Canada will have their self-assessments verified in the next few months during on-site inspections by the National Quality Institute, CCAB's field operations partner for PAR.
PAR provides a framework for businesses and other organizations to self- assess their approach to the emerging Aboriginal marketplace and tools to help them improve their performance. PAR is a long-term process that will allow participating companies to expand their knowledge of and interaction with the Aboriginal community. The program is based on mutual understanding and respect, motivated by enlightened self-interest.
PAR is the first program of its kind in the world and has already attracted interest from Aboriginal and business organizations in Australia, the United States and South America. PAR is overseen by a jury of eminent Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesspeople, who examine each company's application for standing.
CCAB is the country's leading organization dedicated to promoting the full participation of Aboriginal communities in the Canadian economy. CCAB's mission is to connect Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and companies with the opportunities they require to achieve personal and business success. CCAB is on the World Wide Web at www.ccab.com.
//Note to Photo editors: Members of the news media are invited to take photographs at the pre-dinner reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 12, in the Regency Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel, Yorkville Ave. and Avenue Road in Toronto, where officials of CCAB and member companies will be available for interviews.//
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For further information: Jocelyne Soulodre, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, (416) 961-8663 ext. 235
Links:
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (external link)