September 3, 2015 – Bruce Power says it has launched an initiative to encourage its suppliers to become members of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses (CCAB), in order to strengthen links to Aboriginal communities and businesses.

Bruce Power also noted it is enhancing its contracting process to include recognition for those companies who are aboriginally-owned, employ Aboriginal employees, have an Aboriginal policy and are active CCAB members.

“By encouraging other companies to get involved with the network CCAB provides, we can help assist Aboriginal business development, enter into strategic Aboriginal business partnerships, create healthier and vibrant Aboriginal communities and increase the number of Aboriginal people employed in Canada and specifically in Ontario,” said Harry Hall, Bruce Power’s vice-president of Supply Chain.

CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) is a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Aboriginal relations at the Bronze, Silver or Gold level. PAR certification provides a level of assurance to communities because the designation is supported by an independent, third party verification of company reports, Bruce Power said. A jury comprised of Aboriginal business people determines the final company level.

“The effort of Bruce Power in supporting this program is exactly what we hope every company in Canada pushes for,” said JP Gladu, president of CCAB. “Having the opportunity to not only access important suppliers but to also encourage them to participate in the program and be members of the CCAB is important.”

In 2014, Bruce Power was awarded a gold level certification for excellence in Progressive Aboriginal Relations and is one of only 12 companies in Canada to receive the designation.