For a second consecutive time, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) has certified SaskPower as Gold in Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR). The certification recognizes excellence in creating and maintaining positive, meaningful relationships with Indigenous businesses and communities.

“I am proud of the partnerships we’ve built with the Indigenous communities of Saskatchewan, and this certification is a clear reflection of this,” said Mike Marsh, President and CEO at SaskPower. “Building meaningful relationships through engagement with Indigenous businesses and communities is part of everything we do.”

PAR is a CCAB certification program that confirms corporate excellence in Indigenous relations. Gold status recognizes businesses that demonstrate well-integrated, mature business processes in leadership action, employment, business development, and community relationships.

In 2020-21, SaskPower spent $61 million on Indigenous procurement, up from $47 million in 2019-20. This represents approximately 10.6 per cent of all Saskatchewan procurement at SaskPower. SaskPower also has 56 master service agreements in place with Indigenous vendors in Saskatchewan.

“Achieving Gold status through CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations program is a long-term commitment that requires focus, dedication and coming together as an entire organization to reach this goal,” said Tabatha Bull, CCAB President and CEO. “Congratulations to the entire organization at SaskPower on their achievement of recertification as a top tier PAR company.”

SaskPower first applied for PAR certification in 2014, and at that time, received the Silver level. Recertifications occur every three years, and for the past two certification cycles, SaskPower has been awarded Gold. Only six other companies in Canada were certified as Gold. The certification decision is made by an independent jury of Indigenous businesspeople.

For more information about PAR certifications, visit www.ccab.com.

At a glance...

SaskPower has been certified as Gold in Progressive Aboriginal Relations for a second consecutive time

Gold status recognizes excellence in leadership action, employment, business development, and community relationships

SaskPower spent $61 million in Indigenous procurement in 2020-21

For more information about PAR certifications, visit www.ccab.com