 | | | Community & social performance |
|  |
| |  | |
| | |
Aboriginal relations
Our efforts to build strong relationships with our Aboriginal neighbours are primarily focused on employment, education and training, and business development.
Employment
In 2006, Aboriginal peoples represented 1.8 percent of our employee workforce, compared with 1.3 percent in 2002. We expect this number to continue to increase over time as we pursue new growth opportunities in northern areas, such as the proposed Kearl oil sands and Mackenzie gas projects.
Education and training
Our Aboriginal Scholarship Awards Program funds scholarships at post-secondary institutions that help Aboriginal students to gain the academic qualifications and technical skills needed to compete for jobs in the petroleum industry. In 2006, 19 individuals were awarded scholarships through the program. In early 2007, we signed an agreement with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation to administer the program. This will enable our company to build a working relationship with a national Aboriginal organization and better support Aboriginal students across Canada.
| | | |
A variety of training programs are also in place at Imperial to build capability in Aboriginal communities.
In Ontario, Imperial sponsors educational and awareness programs aimed at Aboriginal students. During 2006, we sponsored publication of a brochure, called Sarnia-Lambton Industries Want You, encouraging Aboriginal students in the Sarnia region to consider industry careers. A mobile training centre also visited the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and local career fairs, providing hands-on exhibits about different industry career opportunities.
In Alberta, a Native Internship Program at the Cold Lake operation enables Aboriginal peoples to get practical training in field and plant operations. Since the program was introduced in 1998, 24 students have participated. In early 2007, we donated $500,000 to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to support a new trades and technology centre in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Scheduled to open in 2008, the centre will provide increased opportunities for trades training for Aboriginal students.
The Northern Development Program enables Aboriginal peoples in the Northwest Territories to gain experience by working at our Norman Wells operation for a six-month paid period. We also work with governments, Aboriginal groups and industry in the territories to support the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program. The multi-million-dollar, multi-year initiative enables local Aboriginal peoples to upgrade skills to take advantage of short-term and long-term job opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
Business development
We have been involved in the development of a number of successful Aboriginal business ventures in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. In addition, our growth projects provide for significant business development opportunities.
In 2006, Aboriginal-owned businesses carried out geotechnical studies, site preparation and other services for the proposed Kearl oil sands project. The Mackenzie gas project also conducted business with 155 northern companies, many of them Aboriginal-owned, for a total value of more than $19 million during the year. Contracting with Aboriginal companies is an important consideration in the benefits and access agreements signed with Aboriginal communities in support of the Mackenzie gas project.
In many areas, we meet with local Aboriginal businesses to ensure they are aware of the opportunities created by our operations and projects, and understand our requirements. In 2006, our company sponsored an Aboriginal Economic Development Summit in Bonnyville, Alberta. The two-day event raised awareness of how industry in the Cold Lake region can work with Aboriginal entrepreneurs to mutual benefit. And in 2006 and early 2007, the Mackenzie gas project held four business development workshops for Aboriginal businesses. Attendees were given detailed information on the range of work available through the project, training and education requirements and the procurement process.
| |
|
|
