Statement made on 03 March 2009 by Senator William Rompkey (retired)
Hon. Bill Rompkey:
Honourable senators, on February 18, I had the honour as a founder to attend the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business gala event. It brought together over 500 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business and community leaders to celebrate the mutual benefits of working together.
The CCAB is a national Aboriginal non-profit organization that offers knowledge, resources and programs to mainstream and Aboriginal-owned member communities. It fosters economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across the country.
The CCAB was founded by Murray Koffler, Order of Canada — founder of Shoppers Drug Mart and co-founder of the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts — and a small group of visionary business and community leaders. In 1984, Mr. Koffler assembled individuals from government, Aboriginal leaders and a "who's who" of the Canadian business world, which included at that time, Paul Martin, Maurice Strong and Edgar Bronfman. He asked the group one question: "Is there a role for Canadian business to play in the economic development of Canada's native people?" The answer then, as it is today, is a resounding yes.
Murray Koffler believed business could share its resources and expertise to enhance opportunity for Aboriginal people. His vision has generated impressive results in Aboriginal employment, business development and positive community relations.
Today, productive business relationships with Aboriginal peoples and communities make good business sense. More and more, Canadian businesses are interested in and open to the opportunities of working with Aboriginal people. The exponential growth of Aboriginal entrepreneurialism reveals a sophisticated and ambitious businessperson who is looking to partner, collaborate and succeed. Couple these qualities with the worldwide focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and the future looks bright for Aboriginal peoples.
The mandate of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business has never been more relevant, and the stage is now set for another quarter of a century of progressive change. The president and chief executive officer of the council is Clint Davis from Labrador. I congratulate him and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business on 25 years of excellence.