Valard has built strong partnerships and relationships with diverse communities across the country. We strive to create employment, enhance skills and improve the economic conditions of communities neighbouring our projects.
Relationships Built on Respect, Openness and Fairness
Our positive and fruitful relationships with Indigenous communities and individuals are integral to our success.
We are serious about our obligation and commitment to Canada’s Indigenous communities and will continue to set the standard in each province and territory in which we operate.
Partnership with Supercom Industries
Supercom Industries is a 100% Aboriginal-owned joint venture by the six First Nations proximate to the East-West Tie Transmission Line in Ontario.
Successful Indigenous Relations Practices
The Kingsvale Transmission Line Project in British Columbia is the first electricity transmission line majority-owned, operated and maintained by an Indigenous group in Canada. Valard partnered with the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation (LNIBDC) and Trans Mountain Canada on this historic project.
Indigenous subcontractors made up 75% of those hired for this project. High safety standards meant that we had zero lost-time or serious injuries to employees or contractors.
Joint Venture with Three First Nations
Manitoba provincial history was made with this project as it was the first time a contractor/employer (Valard) successfully completed a joint venture (for tower assembly) with three First Nations’ groups.
Those groups were Sagkeeng First Nation, Black River First Nation, and Hollow Water First Nation. The project was the Lake Winnipeg East Transmission Project.
Indigenous Pre-Employment Program
Participants completed classroom training then joined our crews on the Fort McMurray West Transmission Project (WFMAC), where they received mentorship and support.
The aim was for participants to stay on long-term with us and enter a skilled trade apprenticeship. The program was also designed to remove barriers and provide training and employment opportunities.
