New report profiles how investors can support Indigenous training, employment, contracting, advancement and business development opportunities
Toronto, ON, September 26, 2019 – Today, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) announced the official release of their new report, Moving Capital, Shifting Power. Funded by the Government of Canada, the report found that institutional investors have a golden opportunity to generate more demand for Indigenous employment, advancement and growth of Indigenous businesses.
In the report, CCAB and SHARE identified several concrete strategies that investors can pursue to ensure their investment decisions contribute to economic reconciliation and building prosperity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.
One key opportunity that the report identifies is for investors to use their voices as shareholders to encourage portfolio companies to commit to CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. PAR is the premier corporate social responsibility certification with a focus on Aboriginal relations in Canada. PAR-certified companies have undergone rigorous independent evaluation to confirm they are acting to establish strong and on-going working relationships that create wealth for Aboriginal businesses and communities.
Today, CCAB and SHARE hosted a panel discussion on the report and the importance of integrating Progressive Aboriginal Relations into Indigenous engagement and investment strategies. The discussion was held during the annual PAR Luncheon – an informational and networking session for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses in Canada.
“While the research shows that there is more work to do, we are fortunate to be working with and supporting businesses across Canada who are leading in Progressive Aboriginal Relations,” said JP Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. “These companies are investing in their relationships with Aboriginal businesses and communities and are paving the way for other businesses to do the same.”
“Investment is all about building a better future, and what better place to start than contributing to a robust and growing Indigenous economy?” says Shannon Rohan, Chief Strategy Officer, SHARE. “Investors have a multitude of opportunities available to them to contribute to economic reconciliation. The institutional investors in SHARE’s network are already using their voices as shareholders to encourage companies to certify under the PAR program, and we are committed to building momentum among broader investment organizations in Canada to enhance economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.”
About the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
CCAB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. A national, non-partisan association, CCAB offers knowledge, resources and programs to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal companies that foster economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information visit ccab.com
About the Shareholder Association for Research & Education
SHARE is a leading voice on responsible investment in Canada, representing a growing network of institutional investors with more than $23 billion in assets under management. SHARE provides proxy voting execution and analysis, shareholder engagement, education, policy advocacy, and research on issues related to responsible investment. SHARE’s clients include foundations, pension funds, mutual funds, faith-based organizations and asset managers across Canada.
For more information, contact:
Amanda Charles
Communications Associate, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
647-289-2753
acharles@ccab.com
Damon van der Linde
Communications Officer, Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE)
604-695-2039
dvanderlinde@share.ca
