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New ESC report examines Aboriginal procurement strategies in electrical sector

June 26, 2012 | By Alyssa Dalton



June 26, 2012 – The Electricity Sector Council (ESC) has released the findings of a new report which examines the Aboriginal procurement strategies employed in the electricity and renewable industry. The report includes a number of case studies from employers in the sector and provides guidelines and information that other businesses in this sector can use to increase Aboriginal procurement.

It also hopes to increase awareness for Aboriginal businesses of the various opportunities within the sector, examine the business case for having an Aboriginal procurement strategy, and provide a practical template for businesses looking to develop an Aboriginal procurement strategy of their own.

“This is a great opportunity for employers, not only in our industry but throughout Canada, to see the benefits of working with Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal people across the nation,” said Michelle Branigan, executive director of ESC. “This report is a valuable resource for both companies and Aboriginal businesses alike and offers insight into the procurement strategies and policies that make up Canada’s electricity sector.”

Procurement opportunities over the next decade will be extensive as electricity companies undertake new capital projects and require maintenance on existing facilities, said ESC.

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ESC predicts Canada’s Aboriginal businesses will play an increasingly larger role in the national economy, as its people and the resources they control represent a “massive untapped supply chain”.

“The issue for industry employers becomes how to develop relationships with Aboriginal businesses and how to increase their capability to participate in the industry whereas, for suppliers, the main issue is that of building capacity to produce and market quality products and services,” it said.

“Our Government is proud to partner with the ESC on the development of this report and we look forward to working with the council on future initiatives that increase jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and individuals in the electricity and renewable energy sector,” said John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.


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