Economic development

Indigenous leaders and communities have told us that one of the most meaningful contributions our company can make on the journey of reconciliation is to grow healthy partnerships with Indigenous businesses.

Over the last 20 years, Imperial has listened to and learned from Indigenous communities to better understand needs, expectations, motivations and limitations as we built an economic development model that is mutually beneficial to communities and our company.

We recognize that success is far more than the dollars spent, it’s also about the business relationships and the capacity we build and grow with Indigenous companies and communities over time. We are continuously working to diversify and expand the scope of our economic development opportunities with Indigenous-owned and partnered companies from across Canada, guided by clear principles. Imperial fosters the development of Indigenous businesses in ways that benefit the company and the community by:

• Developing Indigenous content plans that address employment and business opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and including this content as a factor in evaluating and awarding contracts.
• Supporting the growth and development of Indigenous businesses through capacity building and shared learning.
• Using Indigenous suppliers of goods and services that are competitive and meet Imperial’s safety, technical and quality standards and timing needs.
• Providing information and training on Imperial’s procurement processes, safety standards and expectations of business conduct.

Imperial has Community Benefits Agreements with several Indigenous communities in its operating areas. These agreements often include establishing Business Development Committees, holding regular meetings and providing forecasts of upcoming opportunities for Indigenous businesses.