OPG releases first-ever Reconciliation Action Plan

“Ode to the Canoe” by Patrick Hunter, a two-spirit Ojibwe painter, graphic designer and entrepreneur from Red Lake, ON. (CNW Group/Ontario Power Generation Inc.)

Plan sets progressive goals and deliverables 

TORONTOOct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ – Ontario Power Generation is committing to a continued journey of reconciliation with Indigenous communities through a Reconciliation Action Plan.

The Reconciliation Action Plan is aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, which urges corporate Canada to create a better future by applying a reconciliation framework to business activities.

Key to the plan: OPG commits to growing economic impact for Indigenous communities and businesses to $1 billion over the next 10 years, through ongoing operations, projects and initiatives.

The action plan outlines the overall goals and the supporting actions OPG will take in five key areas:

  • Leadership: Commit to reconciliation as a journey and track progress with metrics and targets around commitments
  • Relationships: Build positive and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities and peoples based on respect and understanding
  • People: Create an engaged and inclusive workforce that reflects the broad diversity of Indigenous communities and people across OPG
  • Economic Empowerment: Advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities and businesses through meaningful engagement, collaboration and partnership
  • Environmental Stewardship: Be a trusted partner in environmental stewardship and an ally in addressing climate change

OPG’s RAP will serve as a roadmap to reconciliation with goals that will require input and collaboration with Indigenous communities, post-secondary institutions, vendors and many others to see successful outcomes and deliverables.

Learn more about OPG’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Quick Facts

  • All of OPG’s generating assets are located on the treaty lands and traditional territories of Indigenous peoples across the province.
  • Generation partnerships between OPG and First Nations include:
  • OPG recently expanded the John Wesley Beaver Scholarship program, partnering with Indspire to provide twenty $10,000 scholarships to First Nations (status or non-status), Inuit or Métis students over the course of the next three years.
  • Indigenous Relations policy is the responsibility of all at OPG: by March 2021, 97 per cent of OPG staff had completed Indigenous Relations cultural awareness training; staff are also encouraged to participate in Indigenous community and company cultural events.
  • OPG has reached final settlement agreements and delivered formal apologies to 21 First Nation communities through a respectful, non-adversarial and community-driven past grievance process.
  • OPG was recently awarded Gold Designation through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. PAR Gold companies demonstrate sustained leadership in Indigenous relations and commitment to working with Aboriginal businesses and communities, through innovative programs and engagement.

Quotes

“For more than a century, Ontario Power Generation and its predecessor company have produced essential electricity for the province, while operating on the treaty lands and traditional territories of Indigenous peoples,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. “We are determined to seek meaningful ways to demonstrate reconciliation. This action plan is the next step in that journey.”

“OPG’s genuine commitment to reconciliation is demonstrated by achievement of Gold status in the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program,” said Tabatha Bull, CCAB CEO. “We are pleased to see OPG take concrete steps to put words into meaningful action.”

“I am greatly encouraged to see OPG taking decisive action towards meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous people,” said Greg RickfordOntario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Reconciliation requires buy-in from everyone to truly work and ensure full, equal participation of Indigenous peoples in Ontario’s economy. OPG’s Reconciliation Action Plan represents a significant milestone in the reconciliation process, and one that I am confident will prove inspiring to other organizations.”

“Generation partnerships between OPG and Indigenous communities show real commitment to meaningful change, and this action plan represents the next steps in that commitment,” said Todd SmithOntario’s Minister of Energy. “I commend OPG for prioritizing this important work to advance reconciliation through meaningful collaboration and partnership with communities.”

SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.

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