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BMO and FCCQ release report on social and business value of strengthening Indigenous relations

June 22, 2021 | Diversity, equity and inclusion, Indigenous programs

BMO and the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) today presented their new report: Bâtir un capital de confiance (building trust equity).

BMO leaders in Quebec met in 2021 with a dozen Indigenous managers and entrepreneurs from different nations to elicit their comments on how to develop economic ties between Quebec’s business communities and Indigenous peoples. This report aims to educate and raise awareness among Quebec’s business communities about the economic and social value of strengthening relations with Indigenous peoples, particularly in a context in which Quebec is facing a labour shortage and Indigenous communities have a dynamic demographic and a large number of young people who want to grow personally and professionally.

“This report is not an end, but a beginning. It opens a dialogue between Quebec and Indigenous business people, and it signals a lasting commitment. We also hope that a permanent forum for dialogue between Quebec and Indigenous business communities will be developed,” said Claude Gagnon, President, BMO Financial Group Quebec.

As part of this initiative, BMO and the FCCQ will call on the government to work together on implementing certain recommendations: 

For Quebec’s business communities:

  • Establish reconciliation tables in each region between the local and Indigenous business communities so they can get to know each other better and see potential exchanges in terms of labour, local purchasing, and business partnerships.
  • Identify Quebecois and Indigenous mentors in each region who can act as guides and advisors in local collaborative economic development projects.

For Canadian, Quebec and municipal governments:

  • Facilitate the hiring of Indigenous workers through incentives such as tax credits and internships for Indigenous job candidates.
  • Integrate Indigenous purchasing into the local purchasing strategies of governments and municipalities with an Indigenous community procurement target.

BMO is committed to progress for Indigenous communities across three pillars that reflect our response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission calls to action for corporate Canada: employment, education and economic empowerment. An Indigenous Advisory Council comprised of First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders nationwide guides and advises BMO in relation to these three areas of focus. Key initiatives and outcomes include education, employment and economic empowerment.

BMO supports Indigenous communities with more than $15 million in pledges and contributions to areas including education, healthcare, and more. BMO is the only bank to have received Gold level Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) six consecutive times.

The full report can be found at: https://fccq.ca/files/capital-de-confiance/building_trust_capital_final_eng.pdf

Learn more about BMO’s commitments to Indigenous customers, colleagues and communities.

 

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