NationTalk: Calgary, AB: AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has been awarded a bronze-level Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) certification from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). The accreditation, the Company’s first ever under the PAIR program, underscores AtkinsRéalis’ commitment to integrating Reconciliation throughout its business. PAIR is the only certification program with a focus on Indigenous relations in the world. At the CCIB awards gala today, the accreditation was received by Stéphanie Vaillancourt, President, Canada, AtkinsRéalis.

“It’s an honour to accept our PAIR certification,” said Stéphanie Vaillancourt, President, Canada, AtkinsRéalis. “I’ve seen us take such great strides in first establishing, then building out, and finally embedding our Indigenous Relations program into how we conduct business in Canada. This makes a huge difference when working with Indigenous clients as we help their communities close the gaps in infrastructure needs. Indigenous communities who want to work with us, as well as Indigenous people who want to work for AtkinsRéalis, can approach us with full confidence knowing that they’re dealing with an organization that has best in class standards.”

In line with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report in 2015, many Canadian businesses have been creating and publishing specific strategies. The Report’s Call to Action 92 calls upon corporate Canada to engage in Reconciliation, and contribute to understanding and respecting Indigenous rights, as well as promoting economic advancement for Indigenous people and communities.

The PAIR program, formerly called Progressive Aboriginal Relations, was launched two decades ago. It’s rooted in principles that contribute to cultural awareness, equitable employment practices, relationship-building and meaningful consultation. These four values—leadership actions, employment, business development, and community relationships—are measured by AtkinsRéalis through a formal reporting structure, and monitored through a rigorous third-party verification system by the CCIB. An independent jury of Indigenous business leaders then determine a company’s final PAIR verification status, on behalf of the CCIB.

AtkinsRéalis’ Broader Approach to Indigenous Relations

AtkinsRéalis’ Indigenous Relations program is a core part of the Company’s strategy. Some of AtkinsRéalis’ Indigenous Relations program initiatives include:

• Work in Ontario where AtkinsRéalis is providing environmental impact assessments for two major transportation road projects in the north of the province. These will connect remote communities to the provincial highway network and facilitate resource development in the Ring of Fire area.
• Indigenous E3; a special purpose limited partnership formed between AtkinsRéalis and Indigenous Community and Engagement, to deliver projects that support Indigenous advancement and long-term prosperity.
• An industry-first partnership with Indigenous-owned constructor Shwe Miikaan to focus on securing contracts for the expansion of Highway 69 in Ontario between Sudbury and Parry Sound, located in Robinson Huron Treaty territory.
• Being independently certified as a procurement champion from Indigenous-owned business in Canada, by the CCIB.
• Recognized by the Government of Canada for our Indigenous Reconciliation efforts, via the 2024 Employment Equity Achievement Awards.
• Supporting the success of the next generation of Indigenous youth with ongoing annual funding of multiple academic bursaries and scholarships.
• Requiring all Canada-based AtkinsRéalis employees to enroll in comprehensive training to improve awareness and understanding of Indigenous history and communities.
• Launch of a ReconciliACTION Plan, detailing the actions AtkinsRéalis will undertake between now and 2030 across procurement, recruitment, employee experience and education, bidding, project delivery, partnerships and philanthropy, and more. Over 80% of the actions identified in the Company’s RAP are already underway or completed.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.