Leading the Way in Progressive Aboriginal Relations

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is pleased to announce this year's results of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program — the first and only corporate responsibility assurance program in the world with an emphasis on Aboriginal relations — at the CCAB's 12th Annual Vancouver Gala on September 25, 2014 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver.

Three PAR companies recertified in 2014 are Higgins Executive Search, Scotiabank recertified at Gold, and Bruce Power progressing from Silver to Gold. Four new certifying companies, achieving Silver standing are ATCO Structures and Logistics, Suncor Energy, TransAlta, SaskPower and TD Bank Group receiving the Gold level standing.

Also joining those PAR companies, at the Committed Level, are Allteck Line Contractors Inc, Austin Powder Ltd., Bee-Clean Building Maintenance Inc., Britco LP Brook McIlroy, Carillion Canada, ConocoPhillips Canada, Domcor Health, Safety & Security Inc., Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, Hatch, H.J. O'Connell Ltd., Hudbay Minerals Northern Superior Resources Inc., Roche, Supermetal Structures, Selwyn Chihong Mining Ltd., Valard Construction LP — increasing the number of PAR member companies to 40, a first for the program. Companies joining PAR are given the option to commence at the Committed level before Certification.

"This year's Vancouver Gala is our opportunity to celebrate the continued commitment of our existing PAR companies and welcome newcomers to this extraordinary program," says JP Gladu, President and CEO of the CCAB. "As well we are honouring this year's Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations recipient Mary Simon.  Celebration and optimism are the shining hallmark of this year's gala bringing together the best of the best in Aboriginal business, Canadian business and personal accomplishment."

Beginning in 2002, 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 that signals to communities, and the market place, that they are good business partners, great places to work, and are committed to prosperity in Aboriginal communities; the designation is supported by an independent, third party verification of company reports on outcomes and initiatives in the four key areas that matter most to Aboriginal communities — Employment, Community Investment, Business Development, and Community Engagement — and a juried review by Aboriginal business people.

About the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business:
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders led by Murray Koffler. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada's economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada. For more information on PAR, please visit CCAB.com. 

Image with caption: "Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CNW Group/The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140923_C2010_PHOTO_EN_5893.jpg

SOURCE: The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

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