Unique industry-First Nation partnership will provide long term benefit to Thunder Bay region
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance and BNA First Nation join forces to provide economic growth and job opportunities in Northern Ontario
THUNDER BAY – Bee-Clean Building Maintenance and Papasay Management Corporation, the economic development arm of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (BNA) First Nation have partnered to launch a new industry-focused building maintenance company called “Papasay Bee-Clean.”
The partnership, which will be officially signed at the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) -Aboriginal Business Luncheon event in Thunder Bay Thursday afternoon, will provide long-term financial and employment opportunities to BNA First Nation, while enabling Bee-Clean to expand their janitorial services business in the industrial sector in Northern Ontario.
“The Papasay Bee-Clean partnership represents a wonderful economic opportunity for the people of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek,” says Chief Laura Airns of the BNA First Nation. “Through Papasay we will be able to take advantage of Bee-Clean’s industry expertise and economies of scale, and we will also have access to excellent career opportunities for our people both here in the community, the greater region, and right across the country where Bee-Clean has operations.”
This is Bee-Clean’s third partnership with Aboriginal communities and their first east of Alberta. Acden Bee-Clean, based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, was established in 2012 as a partnership between Bee-Clean and Acden, representing the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Acden Bee-Clean is the largest industrial janitorial service provider in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, providing cleaning services to Canada’s oil sands operations and support companies. Iron Horse Janitorial, based in Cold Lake, Alberta, was established in 2013 as a partnership between Bee-Clean and the Primco Dene Group of Companies, representing the Cold Lake First Nation. Iron Horse Janitorial provides cleaning services to public and private sectors in the oil and gas industry in Northeast Alberta.
“Bee-Clean believes in creating lasting relationships with our partners in Aboriginal communities, and that together we can develop capacity in local communities, create long-term economic opportunities, and deliver the kind of quality and innovative solutions our clients are looking for,” says Randy Moore, vice president, Bee-Clean Building Maintenance. “We see so much opportunity in the Thunder Bay and surrounding regions, and we are very excited to launch this partnership with Papasay and BNA – our first outside of Alberta.”
“On behalf of Bee-Clean’s eastern Canada operations, I want to express our enthusiasm for the great possibilities that this partnership will bring to both companies,” says Ron Lai, vice president, Bee-Clean Building Maintenance, Eastern Canada. “The emerging resource industries in Northern Ontario represents an exceptional business opportunity for us, and this partnership puts us in excellent position to realize this opportunity.”
Bee-Clean’s commitment to working with Aboriginal communities will be recognized later this month, when the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) formally awards the company with the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Silver Certification during the CCAB’s 13th Annual Gala on Thursday September 24th at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver.
“The Papasay Bee-Clean partnership is a proud accomplishment and another significant step forward for the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (BNA) First Nation and Papasay in terms of developing sustainable economic capacity in the community,” says J.P. Gladu, president and CEO of CCAB. “We are especially glad CCAB can participate in the partnership signing at our Evolving faces of Aboriginal Business luncheon, which is focused on how Aboriginal communities can increase wealth and employment growth within the resource sector. As an Anishinaabe from Thunder Bay and member of the BNA First Nation, this also holds special personal significance for me.”
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance:
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance is an award-winning, family-owned, janitorial service provider with a deep history of creating customized solutions that drive efficiencies and enhance the quality of life for public and private sector organizations across Canada. As the largest Canadian-owned janitorial company in Canada, Bee-Clean employs over 12,500 people across the country, many of whom are newly arrived in Canada. Proud of the communities they work in, Bee-Clean seeks to collaborate and give back through partnerships, employee programs, local activities and charitable giving. Bee-Clean is forward-thinking and actively seeks partnerships and solutions that will grow their business and provide a competitive edge for their customers in their markets.
Papasay Management Corporation:
Papasay Management LP was established in February 2009 by the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (BNA) First Nation in order to manage the community’s economic interests. BNA recognizes the importance of separating business operations from First Nation politics, and understands that viable business ventures depend on credible and professional management. Papasay is led by an experienced Board of Directors with know-how in diverse industry sectors. The strength of the Board is evident by their leadership and commitment to creating high profile economic development initiatives throughout the Northern Ontario region.
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB):
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders led by Murray Koffler, founder of Shoppers Drug Mart and co-founder of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit non-partisan association, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.
Media: Media are invited to attend the Papasay Bee-Clean partnership signing.
When: Following the CCAB Aboriginal Business Luncheon: The evolving faces of Aboriginal business, Thursday, September 10, 2015, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Who: Randy Moore, Vice President, Bee-Clean Building Maintenance; Chief Laura Airns, BNA First Nation; J.P. Gladu, President & CEO, CCAB
