Potash Corporation Urged To Pursue Native Workers

Potash Corporation Urged To Pursue Native Workers

Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 14:34

A First Nations leader in the province says the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan has lagged behind other industry leaders when it comes to working with Aboriginal people — but he hopes a business luncheon yesterday in Saskatoon is a first step in changing that.

Gordon First Nation Chief Glen Pratt was one of many leaders and business people who heard from PCS President Bill Doyle as he spoke about opportunities for Aboriginal people at PCS.

Doyle told the audience that PCS doesn’t know how many Aboriginal people work for the company because they don’t ask — something Pratt thinks the company needs to rethink.

The chief doesn’t think Aboriginal people would have a problem declaring their ancestry and identifying themselves as employees of PCS.

Pratt says Cameco is an example of a company that has worked with Aboriginal people.

He says PCS needs to consider impact-benefit agreements like other companies where First Nations get a certain number of contracts, jobs, and revenue.

Pratt says his First Nation is currently having that discussion with BHP Billiton, a company that plans to build mines in the province.