CCAB PAR program picking up

Four companies recertified in 2012 through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations program: Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc., IBM Canada Ltd. and Syncrude Canada Ltd. recertified at gold; and BC Hydro progressed from silver to gold. Four new certifying companies, achieving silver standing, are BC Housing, Bruce Power, Nexen Inc., and Shell Canada Ltd.  Also joining those PAR companies, at the Committed Level, are Bee-Clean Building Maintenance, Fortune Minerals Ltd., The Roche Group and TransAlta - increasing the number of PAR member companies to 28, a first for the program. Companies joining PAR are given the option to begin at the Committed Level before certification. “The increase in participation is proof that corporate Canada recognizes that Aboriginal people want to be a successful part of business in this country,” said JP Gladue, president and CEO of the CCAB, in a news release. “PAR isn’t just about altruism. It’s about creating partnerships with Canada’s fastest growing workforce, Aboriginal people, and that is critical to the growth of business in Canada.” Beginning in 1998, PAR has evolved into an online management and reporting program helping companies assess, plan and achieve Aboriginal relations goals and a certification program that confirms performance at the bronze, silver or gold level. Certified companies promote their achievement with a PAR logo.