DOCSLIB.ORG

Strengthen Working Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples a Study of Manitoba Hydro’S Strategic Goal

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Strengthen Working Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples a Study of Manitoba Hydro’S Strategic Goal Strengthen Working Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples A Study of Manitoba Hydro’s Strategic Goal Myron Smolarski An Applied Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Business Administration Masters of Business Administration Degree April 2015 Applied Project Academic Supervisor: Dr. Rocky Dwyer Athabasca University Abstract Manitoba Hydro is a Crown Corporation and ranks among Canada’s largest electrical and natural gas distribution utilities. Approximately 98% of Manitoba Hydro’s electrical energy is derived from renewable hydropower generated by 15 hydraulic generating stations. Hydroelectric development has impacted the provinces waterways and the communities residing near them, in particular First Nations. Prior to hydro development, Aboriginal society was marginalized by colonialism and institutionally racist policies of the 1876 Indian Act. Among the most detrimental impacts to First Nations was an attempt to assimilate Aboriginals into mainstream Canadian society by placing children in residential schools, removing them from influences of family and culture. Cumulative impacts of development and policy, resulted in collective trauma which damaged social life and the bonds attaching people together. As a result of systemic problems, Aboriginal People today have comparatively lower educational attainment, labour force participation, and employment rates, presenting challenges for employers of Aboriginal people. Manitoba Hydro has identified Strengthening Working Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples as a strategic initiative in their corporate strategic plan. To accomplish their goal, they have focused on three main tactics; Resolve and manage ongoing obligations from past development; Increase Aboriginal representation by recruiting, developing and retaining Aboriginal employees; Develop and maintain business relationships with Aboriginal businesses. Like many companies, MB Hydro is challenged with attracting, training and retaining Indigenous employees and engaging Indigenous communities and businesses. 2 A qualitative design was used to study the collective literature regarding challenges companies face engaging Indigenous populations. The internal environment was analyzed using the Indigenous Employment Evaluation (IEE) Tool; a reporting framework developed by the Centre for Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) at Australia’s University of Queensland. It identifies strengths and weaknesses of a company’s current Indigenous employment practices. The external environment was analyzed using the DEPEST framework (Demographic, Economic, Political/Legal, Technological, Socio Cultural and Ecological). Findings reveal that Aboriginal People are a young, rapidly growing demographic making them a valuable human equity resource. MB Hydro has implemented a number of positive initiatives to address the inequality of opportunity faced by Indigenous people and to resolve claims of adverse affects of hydro operations. Despite successes, Aboriginal protests directed at the corporation persist indicating opportunities to improve Aboriginal relations persist. The research presents seven recommendations for MB Hydro to consider for their Aboriginal relations strategy. Improve analytics to assess effectiveness of Aboriginal relationship strategies. Modify HR Policy to include adaptations for Indigenous cultural differences, e.g. provisions for cultural leave. Develop a career path development strategy specific to Aboriginal employees to increase participation in management. Partner with industry and high schools to develop technology major programs for Industrial Mechanics and Electricians. Leverage internal management expertise to mentor Aboriginal businesses. Implement alcohol and drug testing programs that educate but does not permanently restrict employment options. Verify Aboriginal employment numbers submitted by contractors and establish penalties for non compliance. 3 Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 5 Background .......................................................................................................................... 7 Research Objectives .......................................................................................................... 12 Research Methodology ....................................................................................................... 12 Literature Review ................................................................................................................ 15 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 38 Research Methodology / Design ......................................................................................... 39 Research Findings, Recommendations and Conclusions .................................................. 42 Indigenous Employment Evaluation Tool ........................................................................... 69 DEPEST Analysis ............................................................................................................... 79 Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 88 References ......................................................................................................................... 92 Appendix 1.......................................................................................................................... 98 Appendix 2........................................................................................................................ 100 Appendix 3........................................................................................................................ 102 4 Introduction Manitoba Hydro (2012; 2013) is a vertically integrated Crown Corporation of the province of Manitoba. With over $14 billion in assets and 5700 megawatts of installed electricity capacity, they rank among Canada’s largest electrical and natural gas distribution utilities. Manitoba Hydro currently provides electricity to 548,774 domestic customers and natural gas to 269,786 domestic customers. Approximately 98% of Manitoba Hydro’s electrical energy is derived from renewable hydropower generated by 15 hydraulic generating stations. They also maintain two thermal generating stations to back up the hydro-electric system and purchase power from two independent wind farms. As a Crown corporation, all Manitoba residents are considered stakeholders however, from a strategic planning perspective, there are varying degrees of saliency among them. Stakeholder identification and management is a critical component of the corporation’s strategic planning process in order to continue fulfilling their mandate which is reflected in their Mission Statement: To provide for the continuance of a supply of energy to meet the needs of the province and to promote economy and efficiency in the development, generation, transmission distribution, supply and end-use of energy. MB Hydro( 2013) indicated that to accomplish their mission and meet projected future energy requirements of the province, their preferred development plan included a $25 billion dollar investment in plant and equipment between now and 2026. The bulk of that investment involves construction of two new hydraulic generating stations, both of which are located within the scope of First Nations traditional territory. In addition, a new Bipole transmission line will span significant portions of First Nations traditional territory. 5 Previous hydroelectric development has negatively impacted First Nations people and left a legacy of suspicion and distrust. Since the early 90’s Manitoba Hydro has had two goals in their Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) that in some form or another were meant to address inequities in economic development among Manitoba First Nations and to provide employment and business opportunities for the indigenous people of the province. The most recent version of those CSP goals are to Strengthen Working Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples; and to Attract, develop and retain a highly skilled and motivated workforce that reflects the demographics of Manitoba. Despite significant milestones being reached towards achievement of those goals, there remains an underlying distrust and at times, strained relations between the parties. Measuring the strength of relationships has proven difficult. Despite the fact that Aboriginal employment and business partnerships have increased measurably, it is difficult to measure direct correlation between the strategy of increasing Aboriginal employment and business opportunities with the goal of strengthening relationships. As a Crown corporation, there are moral and socio economic imperatives for engaging Aboriginal people. In a study conducted for The Centre for the Study of Living Standards, Sharpe and Arsenault, (2010) estimated that completely closing educational and employment gaps between Canada’s Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population would lead to cumulative benefits of $400.5 billion (2006 dollars) in additional output and $115 billion in avoided government expenditures over the years 2001-26. Increased employment rates lead
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Engaging Canadians in a Sustainable Electricity Future
    Canadian Electricity Association ELECTRICITY 08 2008 - Volume 79 - Number 1 ENGAGING CANADIANS IN A SUSTAINABLE ELECTRICITY FUTURE www.canelect.ca Message from Don Lowry CEA Chair President and CEO, CEA’s Chair EPCOR Utilities Inc. Canada’s electricity sector is engaging in a wide-ranging public policy debate that will shape how power is produced, delivered and sold for generations to come. Table of Contents The debate touches on critical issues in environmental regulation, long-term energy security, Engaging Canadians in a economic competitiveness and infrastructure reliability. None of these issues can be effectively Sustainable Electricity Future . 3 addressed in isolation, and each one must be considered when planning how we will meet Canada’s future demand for electricity. Risk Management: The Key to Sustainable Both Canada and the United States are experiencing growing economies and rising populations, Resource Management . 9 with consequential increases in electricity demand. Canadians, for example, already consume 21% more power today than we did 15 years ago and our population is forecast to reach CEA Member 40 million by 2030. Projections in both Canada and the United States call for a 25% increase Utility Profiles . 14 in generation capacity by 2025. AltaLink . 15 As an industry, we have a strong record of providing power when needed and our goal is to ATCO Electric . 16 continue to do so in the future. But in many North American regions new power generation ATCO Power . 17 is not keeping pace with growth. Construction is lagging behind demand due to uncertainties BC Hydro . 18 about environmental policy and transmission availability, regulatory processes that are prolonged by ineffective stakeholder engagement, and the impact of rising costs and scarce BC Transmission Corporation .
    [Show full text]
  • Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board 61St Annual Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2012
    Needs For and Alternatives To APPENDIX I Manitoba Hydro‐Electric Board 61st Annual Report This page is intentionally left blank. our focus Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board 61st Annual Report For the Year Ended March 31, 2012 AR_2012_cover.indd 1 12-07-11 1:24 PM CORPORATE PROFILE VISION CORPORATE GOALS Manitoba Hydro is one of the largest To be the best utility in North • Improve safety in the workplace. integrated electricity and natural gas America with respect to safety, rates, • Provide exceptional customer value. distribution utilities in Canada. We reliability, customer satisfaction and • Strengthen working relationships provide reliable, affordable energy to environmental leadership; and to with Aboriginal peoples. customers throughout Manitoba and always be considerate of the needs • Maintain financial strength. trade electricity within three wholesale of customers, employees • Extend and protect access to North markets in the Midwestern United and stakeholders. American energy markets and States and Canada. We are also a leader profitable export sales. in promoting conservation, providing MISSION • Attract, develop and retain a highly numerous Power Smart* programs to To provide for the continuance of a skilled and motivated workforce help our customers get supply of energy to meet the needs of that reflects the demographics of the most out of their energy. the province and to promote economy Manitoba. and efficiency in the development, • Protect the environment in everything Nearly all of the electricity Manitoba generation, transmission, distribution, that we do. Hydro produces each year is clean, supply and end-use of energy. • Promote cost effective energy renewable power generated using the conservation and innovation.
    [Show full text]
  • Patient Wait Times Guarantee Project
    2008 PATIENT WAIT TIMES GUARANTEE PROJECT A Policy Issue Paper on Manitoba First Nations Foot Care Services Saint Elizabeth Health Care & The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs PATIENT WAIT TIMES GUARANTEE PROJECT September 30, 2008 PROJECT TITLE This project is entitled “A Policy Issue Paper on Manitoba First Nation Foot Care Services” DEFINITIONS The following clinical terms are used in the document and defined here to ensure common understanding. Podiatry/chiropody: The medical care and treatment of the human foot. This care is provided by Podiatrists or Chiropodists. Pedorthist: An allied health professional specializing in therapeutic footwear. Orthotist: An allied health professional specializing in orthotics. Orthotic: a device (as a brace or splint) for supporting, immobilizing, or treating muscles, joints, or skeletal parts which are weak, ineffective, deformed, or injured Prosthetist: A specialist in prosthetics Prosthesis: The surgical or dental specialty concerned with the design, construction, and fitting of prostheses Prostheses: An artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body Therapeutic Shoes: Shoes that can be purchased off the shelf but meet the specifications for appropriate fit, based upon a pedorthist’s foot assessment Custom Shoes: Specially made shoes designed to meet a client’s specific need; required when the need cannot be accommodated by modifying an existing shoe. Saint. Elizabeth Health Care & The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs i PATIENT WAIT TIMES GUARANTEE PROJECT September 30, 2008
    [Show full text]
  • 2004-2009 Strategic Plan Entire
    June 21, 2004 The Honourable Diane McGifford Minister of Advanced Education and Training 156 Legislative Building Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 Dear Minister McGifford, I am pleased to submit Bringing Together the Past, Present and Future: Building a System of Post-Secondary Education in Northern Manitoba, a Five Year Strategic Plan for the University College of the North as the final report for the work of the UCN Implementation Team. Many people provided support to the UCN Implementation Team, including the members of the Steering Committee, the Elders’ Consultations, the Focus Groups, the people we met during presentations, the staff of Keewatin Community College and Inter-Universities North, KCC President Tony Bos as well as many others in the north. The senior staff of Advanced Education and Training, and other individuals within government have also been a support to the Team in many ways. There is still much to be done. The work is just beginning for the innovation and creativity to be put to use, to implement the visions and dreams of many people. The future is where the challenge will be. With continued cooperation and support, all those dreams of meeting the post-secondary educational needs of northern people, especially the young people, can be met. In working together we can do so much. Yours Sincerely, Don Robertson Chairperson, University College of the North Implementation Team University College of the North Implementation Team Don Robertson, Chair Veronica Dyck, Manager John Burelle Peter Geller Gina Guiboche Heather McRae
    [Show full text]
  • Aboriginal Learners in Selected Adult Learning Centres in Manitoba by Jim Silver with Darlene Klyne and Freeman Simard
    Aboriginal Learners in Selected Adult Learning Centres in Manitoba by Jim Silver with Darlene Klyne and Freeman Simard Executive Summary his is a study of Aboriginal adult learners in five Adult Learning Centres (ALCs) in Mani toba. It is based largely on interviews with 74 Aboriginal Adult Learners and 20 staff Tmembers in the five ALCs. The objective was to determine what keeps Aboriginal adult learners attending ALCs, and what contributes to their successes in ALCs. The research project has been designed and conducted in a collaborative and participatory fashion. It is the product of a research partnership. The partnership includes: the Province of Manitoba’s Aboriginal Education Directorate; the Research and Planning Branch of the Depart- ment of Education and Youth; the Adult Learning and Literacy Branch of the Department of Advanced Education and Training; Directors, teachers and staff at the five Adult Learning Cen- tres; and the authors. All interviews with Aboriginal adult learners were conducted by trained Aboriginal interviewers. Individual interviews were preceded by an initial sharing circle, the pur- pose of which was to introduce adult Aboriginal learners at each site to the research project and the researchers, to solicit their involvement, and to attempt to break down, to some extent, the barriers between researchers and adult learners. Most of the Aboriginal adult learners that we interviewed feel comfortable in the Adult Learn- ing Centre that they are attending, and a significant proportion are experiencing considerable
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Health
    Canadian Sept./Oct., 2019 Physiotherapy Vol. 9, No. 5 Association Indigenous Health Publication Mail Agreement No. 40065308 No. Mail Agreement Publication PLUS: Don’t get hooked! Phishing emails are an ever-present risk OrthoCanada_BTL_ENGLISH_TRIAL.pdf 3 7/9/2019 3:11:21 PM Try the BTL Shockwave for 3 weeks! Visit info.orthocanada.com/swt-trial for more details. Rosen Kolev PT, Senior Instructor Shockwave Training Canada “I’m proud to represent OrthoCanada because I believe in BTL 6000 their product.” Topline Power Mélodie Daoust, Member of Canadian Shockwave with Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, two-time optional cart Olympic Medalist, Olympic Tournament Most Valuable Player 2018 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K BTL World's Most Advanced Modalities Shockwave is an acoustic wave carrying high energy to painful areas and soft tissues with subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions. This energy promotes healing and the regenerating and reparative processes. It’s a unique, non-invasive solution for pain associated with the musculoskeletal system. The BTL 6000 is an accessible, aordable and ecient unit. One of the most powerful, compact Shockwave therapy devices available. THE PHYSIO EQUIPMENT EXPERTS ORTHOCANADA.COM 1-800-561-0310 OrthoCanada_BTL_ENGLISH_TRIAL.pdf 3 7/9/2019 3:11:21 PM September/October 2019 | Vol. 9 / Issue 5 Try the BTL Shockwave for 3 weeks! Visit info.orthocanada.com/swt-trial for more details. Rosen Kolev PT, Senior Instructor Shockwave Training Canada “I’m proud to represent OrthoCanada because I believe in BTL 6000 their product.”
    [Show full text]
  • How Experience Lnforms Post-Secondary Faculty's
    The Others Among Us: How Experience lnforms Post-Secondary Faculty's Preparedness for Cultural Diversity in the French Linguistic Minority Classrooms of Manitoba by Robin L. Rooke A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partialfulfilment of the requirements of the degree of MASTER OF EDUCATION Department of Education, Foundations and Psychology University of Manitoba Winnipeg Copyright @ 2006 by Robin Rooke TIIE UNTVERSITY OF MANITOBA F',ACULTY OF GRÄD*UATE STUDmS COPYRIGHT PERMISSION The Others Among Us: How Experience Informs Post-Secondary Faculty's Preparedness for Cultural Diversify in the French Linguistic Minority Classrooms of Manitoba BY Robin L. Rooke A ThesisÆracticum submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the degree oF' MASTER OF EDUCATION Robin L. Rooke @ 2006 Permission has been granted to the Library of the University of Manitoba to lend or sell copies of this thesis/practicum, to the National Library of Canada to microfilm this thesis and to lend or sell copies of the film, and to University Microfilms Inc. to publish an abstract of this thesis/practicum. This reproduction or copy of this thesis has been made available by authority of the copyright olner solely for the purpose of private study and research, and may only be reproduced and copied as permitted by copyright laws or with express written authorization from the copyright owner. TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract.... .............. iii Acknowledgements.... .............. iv List of Tables ........... .................v Chapter 1. Introduction............... ...........1 General Statement of the Problem ...........1 Socio-Cultural Perspective .................2 Institution ........3 Faculty Members ..............6 The Purpose of the Study .......6 Thesis Question..
    [Show full text]
  • Private Home Placement Program
    Private Home Placement Program Final Project Report 2009 - 2014 MFNERC August 2014 Revised: August 22, 2014 Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Background ................................................................................................................................................... 5 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Activities ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 Year 1: 2009 – 2010 ........................................................................................................................... 6 Year 2: 2010 – 2011 ........................................................................................................................... 7 Year 3: 2011 – 2012 ........................................................................................................................... 8 Year 4: 2012 – 2013 ........................................................................................................................... 9 Year 5: 2013 – 2014 ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Increasing the Enrolment of Rural Applicants to the Faculty of Medicine
    POLICY REPORT Increasing the enrolment of rural applicants to the faculty of medicine and addressing diversity by using a priority matrix approach to assign values to rural attributes M Raghavan, BD Martin, D Roberts, F Aoki, BA MacKalski, JD Sandham University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Submitted: 25 October 2010; Revised: 19 March 2011; Published: 23 May 2011 Raghavan M, Martin BD, Roberts D, Aoki F, MacKalski BA, Sandham JD Increasing the enrolment of rural applicants to the faculty of medicine and addressing diversity by using a priority matrix approach to assign values to rural attributes Rural and Remote Health 11: 1646. (Online) 2011 Available: http://www.rrh.org.au A B S T R A C T In an external review of the admissions process for the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada, it was suggested that admissions policies be modified to increase the enrolment of students more likely to practise in rural locations, by selecting a cohort of students with attributes reflecting potential for rural practice. A broad-based Working Group devised a framework for scoring personal attributes reflecting a potential for living and working in rural areas. This framework, based on established characteristics reported in the literature, valued applicants who had rural connections, a history of rural employment, a history of rural community service, or a combination of these attributes. Relative weights for the attributes were determined using a priority matrix approach. Historic admissions data, comprising applicants’ rural origin (defined only by location of high school graduation), composite scores, and ranking, were reanalyzed to identify the magnitude of numerical constants that, when applied to composite scores, enhanced the relative ranking of eligible rural-origin applicants.
    [Show full text]
  • 2009 – 2010 Institutional Self Study Report of the Undergraduate Medical
    2009 – 2010 INSTITUTIONAL SELF STUDY REPORT OF THE UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM Prepared by the Self Study Task Force For the Committee on the Accreditation Of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) FINAL.09FEB2011 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA – FACULTY OF MEDICINE CACMS / LCME SELF-STUDY REPORT 2009 – 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................................... iii 1. ABOUT THE FACULTY ..................................................................................................................................... 2 2. INTRODUCTION TO SELF STUDY ................................................................................................................. 2 2.1 Progress in addressing the areas of concern and noncompliance since the 2004 Survey .......................... 2 2.2 Overview of How Self-Study Was Conducted & Level of Participation ................................................... 5 3. LCME STANDARDS & DATA BASE & FACULTY OF MEDICINE RESPONSE .................................... 7 I. INSTITUTIONAL SETTING ............................................................................................................................... 7 A. Governance and Administration ..................................................................................................................... 7 B. Academic Environment ................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Manitoba Hydro 2010-11 Annual Report
    THE POWER OF VISION Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board 60th Annual Report For the Year Ended March 31, 2011 Cover: A 256-tonne rotor, part of the turbine generator assembly, is lifted into place at the Wuskwatim Generating Station. Back cover: A rotor is readied for placement during construction of the Pointe du Bois Generating Station over 100 years ago. The station will celebrate a century of producing electricity in 2011. July 31, 2011 Honourable Rosann Wowchuk Minister Charged with the Administration of the Manitoba Hydro Act Legislative Building Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 Dear Minister: I have the honour of presenting the 60th Annual Report of The Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, together with the financial statements, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Respectfully submitted, Victor H. Schroeder, QC Chairman, The Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board Table of contents THE POWER OF VISION Letter of transmittal Table of contents The power of vision 6 For over a century, power planners have turned to Manitoba’s rivers Corporate profile 8 Vision, mission and goals 9 to meet the demand for electricity. And why not? A myriad of drainage Our year at a glance 10 basins converge here, drawing water from a vast area that stretches Financial results 11 Operational statistics 12 from very near Lake Superior to the Rocky Mountains and into South Chairman’s message 14 Dakota. All that flowing water holds an immense amount of energy President and CEO’s message 16 – energy that can be used to generate clean, renewable electricity. Our year in review Harnessing that energy, however, has been no easy task.
    [Show full text]
  • ID Requirements Limit Turnout.Pdf
    Fast FACTSCANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES - MANITOBA March 28, 2017 ID requirements will limit turnout First published in the Winnipeg Free Press March 28, 2017 n March 20th Minister of Justice Chief Electoral Officer at Elections alternative. Heather Stefanson introduced an Manitoba has stated voter fraud is not Oamendment to the Elections Act a concern. that would establish a permanent voter Oftentimes governments consult registry for future provincial elections, before making changes to key changes to individual contributions and legislation. If the government would spending for third-party communications. have consulted, they would have The amendment allows for the learned of the struggles of those requirement of a voters list based on the without up-to-date, government issued 2016 election. The provincial government photo ID who will be disenfranchised chose also to amend eligible voter if the voter ID requirements change. identification (ID) that would require Instead, Minister Stefanson stated that citizens to present a type of ID that is not proposed changes would simply bring easily accessible for some Manitobans and Manitoba in line with, for example, potentially skew the slate of candidates Winnipeg. However, Winnipeg does there is an to favour those who can inject the most not require photo ID in its elections. money into their campaign. It is important that the provincial Currently, if someone is not on the voter’s government take into account the list and does not have government-issued systemic barriers, historical context photo ID, they are permitted to prove and demographics of Manitoba when CCPA-MB identity via two documents such as a considering changes to legislation and 205-765 Main St.
    [Show full text]