Arcadis announces its commitment to becoming PAR-certified through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, signaling its efforts to become a trusted business partner, a great place to work, and a commitment to prosperity in Indigenous communities
TORONTO, ON (November 21, 2023) – Arcadis is pleased to announce its commitment to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification program. As committed members, Arcadis will embed specific drivers of organizational change into the company structure to enable progressive and positive relations.
Established in 2001, the PAR program includes an online management and reporting tool that supports participating companies’ efforts towards progressive improvement in Indigenous relations and a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Indigenous relations at the bronze, silver, or gold level. Following Arcadis’ successful acquisition of Canadian-headquartered IBI Group in September 2022, the announcement builds on the strong legacy each organization has in supporting Indigenous populations around the world, including in Australia and The Philippines. In Canada, the commitment reflects Arcadis’ long history of working with Indigenous communities, including through our membership in the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and joining the First Nations Major Projects Coalition as a Sustaining Partner.
The PAR program provides a high level of assurance through the independent, third-party verification of company reports on measurable outcomes and initiatives in four performance areas: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development, and Community Relations (Engagement and Support).
“At Arcadis, our global vision is to find solutions to pressing challenges, improving quality of life for people around the world. In Canada, we are dedicated to building and growing relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and empowering Indigenous businesses and communities to secure a better future,” said Michael Paczkowski, President, Arcadis Canada.
“Throughout the committed phase of PAR, we will continue to collaborate with organizations and communities to improve equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. We’re also building awareness internally to educate our staff on the histories and cultures of Indigenous communities,” said Jennifer Bennett, Co-Founder of the Indigenous Employee Network at Arcadis.
This commitment marks one of many endeavors Arcadis has taken to enhance its work towards the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, which calls on corporate entities to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework.
