About 150 local Aboriginal people were able to learn about careers in Ontario's electricity sector at Bruce Power's inaugural Aboriginal Employment and Business Forum held in Owen Sound yesterday.

The forum, which will occur annually, provided a one-stop shop where interested individuals, businesses and organizations from Aboriginal communities were able to engage with Bruce Power, its unions and suppliers, on employment and business development opportunities.

"Bruce Power is committed to supporting employment and business development opportunities with Aboriginal communities, and this forum was a great opportunity to progress this important initiative," said James Scongack, Bruce Power's Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "Bringing together key areas of Bruce Power, our suppliers and unions, allowed us to showcase the many employment and business opportunities available as we work together to strengthen Aboriginal communities."

Former NHL star Reggie Leach was a special guest, and he shared a message of inspiration and hope with attendees, including about 50 high schoolers, encouraging them to take accountability for their future.

"You need to own your decisions, good or bad," said Leach, who is a member of Berens River First Nations, in Manitoba. "I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. Everything is sitting there."

In 2014, Bruce Power was awarded a Gold level certification for excellence in Progressive Aboriginal Relations through Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB), and is one of only 12 companies in Canada to receive the designation. In September 2015, Bruce Power launched an initiative to encourage its suppliers to become members of CCAB in order to strengthen links to Aboriginal communities and businesses. This will enhance the company's contracting process to include recognition for those companies who are Aboriginally-owned, employ Aboriginal people, have an Aboriginal Policy and are active CCAB members.

media release, Bruce Power