What we have been up to:
Growing our team with Indigenous talent: Since the beginning of October, IGS has proudly welcomed 3 skilled professionals from the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Indigenous Opportunities Network (ION) to our team. These individuals have joined us as electricians, contributing their expertise to various OPG sites. Indigenous communities represented in our workforce: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Georgina Island, Tyendinaga, Saugeen, Woodland Metis, MNO, Haida Gwaii, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Inuit.
Indigenous employees hired at end 2024: 15
Current Ratio of Indigenous Staff: 50% (3 of 6)
Continued Engagement with Local First nations: Strengthening relationship with Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation. Our focus remains with Williams Treaties and other local stakeholders as we map Indigenous engagement and support for the year ahead.
Exploring New Partnerships with other Trade Unions: Looking to expand Indigenous engagement agreements with other trade unions in addition to CUSW. Other trades to be added in the next couple of months.
Promoting awareness and support: During October and November, IGS actively engaged with local First Nations communities through career fairs held in Alderville and Curve Lake. These events successfully resulted in the recruitment of numerous skilled electricians and laborers that are currently awaiting security clearances. To further expand our workforce in other trades, IGS has approached and received support from Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations to develop and launch an 8-10 week training program. This initiative will provide Indigenous workers with the skills and qualifications needed to join our growing team and contribute to our expanding service offerings.
Support for Indigenous Workers: Continued connections for our Indigenous workers to both wrap around program and with OPG’s Indigenous circle for support.
Feedback
With our ongoing support from ION and Kagita Mikam, we are committed to increasing Indigenous representation within our organization. We value the positive feedback received from our customers and community partners, and will continue to prioritize initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. We also received very positive feedback for our performance on the PNGS general services contract. Although the contract was not renewed, it has been a great experience for the company and our Indigenous workers.
What lies ahead for IGS?
IGS is confident in securing refurbishment work at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. Our ongoing communication with OPG emphasizes our demonstrated commitment to Indigenous engagement, and we are optimistic about a successful outcome. Through our partnerships with OPG’s ION network, OPGs Pathway program and Kagita Mikam, we will continue to expand Indigenous representation within our workforce when we are awarded contracts.
IGS Community Event Highlights October – December
- ANEDO Conference
- Alderville First Nation Career Fair
- MacDonald Laurier Institute – Female Indigenous Leaders and the Canadian North
- Curve Lake Career Fair
- Identifying Potential Partnership Webinar – Superior Strategies
- Louis Riel Flag Raising Event
- Sixth Annual Mental Health and Addictions in Construction
- Monthly touchpoints for OPG Pathways program
- Announced winner of IGS Inaugural Scholarship
As we embark on a new year, IGS is actively pursuing expansion opportunities both within the nuclear industry and beyond. We are eager to engage with potential clients and partners at upcoming industry conferences, where we will showcase our capabilities and expertise.
Our commitment to Indigenous engagement remains steadfast, and we are dedicated to fostering and growing relationships with First Nations communities. We are optimistic about upcoming work prospects at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and confident in our ability to secure contracts that align with our strategic goals.