PAR is a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Aboriginal relations at the Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Certified companies promote their level with a PAR logo signalling to communities that they are
- good business partners;
- great places to work and;
- committed to prosperity in Aboriginal communities
Since the program’s introduction in 2001, PAR remains the premier corporate social responsibility program with an emphasis on Aboriginal relations. Using an online management and reporting tool, the program supports participants’ efforts towards progressive improvement and commitment to prosperity in Indigenous communities. As a premier corporate social responsibility program, a high level of assurance is provided through an independent, third-party verification process of company reports on measurable outcomes and initiatives in four performance areas:
- Leadership Actions
- Employment
- Business Development, and
- Community Relationships.
The final company level is determined by a jury comprised of Aboriginal business people.
PAR Gold companies demonstrate sustained leadership in Aboriginal relations and their commitment to working with Aboriginal businesses and communities has built the business case that other companies aspire to prove. Their introduction of innovative programs and engagement of Aboriginal people have made an enduring impact on Aboriginal businesses and communities, and demonstrate best practice for those companies introducing Aboriginal relations to their business strategy or seeking to improve year over year.
PAR Silver companies have had their business case proved through their Aboriginal relations; business partnerships are in place; Aboriginal people are adding value at their workplace; and they are supporting sustainability through investment in communities and people. PAR Silver companies recognized early the value of working with Aboriginal communities and can point to outcomes that have made a difference.
PAR Bronze companies are distinguishable among thousands of Canadian businesses because they recognize the business case for working with Aboriginal businesses and communities. Their strategic planning recognizes the mutually-beneficial impact of business development with Aboriginal-owned businesses, the value that Aboriginal people bring to the workplace, and the potential of Aboriginal communities. PAR Bronze companies are beginning a journey, developing the goals and action plans that position them to work with the Aboriginal community.
PAR Committed companies are in the beginning stages of tracking and managing their Aboriginal relations strategies. Committed companies have submitted a report for one year’s worth of company activities and intend to undergo external verification of their performance in the future. The Committed logo represents a company’s commitment to continual improvement in Aboriginal relations and to working across cultures.
Discover the benefits of workplace inclusion through our enterprise-wide benchmarking and advisory system. Our team has the expertise to guide you through a personalized three-stage Workplace Inclusion System, directed by our Inclusion Continuum—that will help you build the organizational competencies needed to achieve inclusion excellence—leading to more successful Indigenous engagements and relationships.
Through our advisory system, which is supported by various services and products, we will help you to enhance your partnership value, brand value, and capacity to access the potential of Canada’s fastest growing, youngest, and most under-leveraged asset—Indigenous people.
August 19, 2021 – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced today several prominent Canadian corporations to be recognized at the Business Recovery Forum, being held September 22, 2021 for achieving certification in Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR).
| Gold Certification | Silver Certification | Bronze Certification |
|---|---|---|
| ALPAC | Imperial Oil | CAHILL |
| Bee Clean Building Maintenance | Hydro Quebec | |
| Syncrude Canada Ltd. | Allteck Line Contractors | |
| BC Hydro | Greater Victoria Harbour Authority | |
| SaskPower | ||
| BC Housing | ||
| Ontario Power Generation |