Bruce Power and eSupply Canada have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore business opportunities for community members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON).
eSupply Canada is an Indigenous-owned distributor of office, janitorial, and industrial supplies founded by co-owners Steven Vanloffeld (Anishnaabe, Saugeen First Nation) and Glenn Wheeler (Mi’kmaq, Qualipu First Nation).
Vanloffeld, a past Band council member of Saugeen First Nation, began eSupply Canada because he saw an opportunity to help keep capital resources in the community and to support opportunities for Indigenous communities.
“Bruce Power and eSupply Canada share an aligned vision of empowering Indigenous communities and we look forward to exploring these opportunities together,” Vanloffeld said.
The MOU will guide the relationship between Bruce Power and eSupply Canada in order to identify how they can collaborate to enhance mutual business development opportunities and promote SON participation in this development.
“We’re committed to creating more employment and economic development opportunities in the communities that surround the Bruce Power site,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO, Bruce Power. “This includes our commitment to our local Indigenous communities and the work of our Indigenous Relations Supplier Network, established in 2017 to ensure local Indigenous communities are able to participate fully in the business development, procurement, and economic activities taking place at Bruce Power.”
The MOU will explore opportunities for development of franchise opportunities and training for members of Saugeen First Nation and/or Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, funding for the engagement of a Masters of Business Administration student to assist with business planning, an oversight committee, and community funding opportunities.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and life-saving medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
