Deloitte Canada announced on Thursday a renewed Reconciliation Action Plan, introducing 15 new commitments aimed at strengthening relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, organizations, and communities.
The plan, titled “Expanding Horizons,” builds on the firm’s initial Reconciliation Action Plan released four years ago, which was the first formal corporate response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.
“As a purpose-led organization, we believe that we have a responsibility to be a leader in advancing reconciliation in the communities where we live and operate to create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous country,” said Anthony Viel, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Canada and Chile. “We are proud of our progress against our original commitments and our Renewed RAP embodies that ongoing commitment and more, while recognizing that we still have important work to do for tangible, lasting impact.”
Over the past four years, Deloitte has focused on inclusion, education, employment, and economic empowerment to strengthen trust and rebuild relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. The firm has awarded scholarships to more than 150 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students pursuing post-secondary education and has impacted another 20,000 Indigenous youth through pro bono and volunteer work.
Earlier this year, Deloitte launched an Indigenous-led Nation Building practice, dedicated to supporting Indigenous Peoples and communities on their paths to economic empowerment and self-governance. The firm also entered a joint venture with Kitsaki Management to create R8dius, described as Canada’s first Indigenous majority-owned professional services, technology implementation, and managed services business.
“At Deloitte, we recognize the importance of deepening how we incorporate and embrace First Nations, Inuit, and Métis perspectives to ensure true inclusion and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, businesses, and communities,” said Alexandra Biron, Senior Manager, Deloitte Indigenous, and National Reconciliation Action Plan Leader. “In the past four years, our work has evolved significantly. We have actively listened to and learned from Indigenous Peoples. Now is the time to leverage these learnings and build on the progress made by continuing to inspire and encourage other organizations to join the journey.”
The 15 new commitments in Deloitte’s renewed plan include elevating the firm’s role in Indigenous thought leadership, implementing an Indigenous Talent Strategy focused on creating culturally safe job opportunities, and convening national dialogues to further reconciliation and Indigenous worldviews.
Through its employment pillar, Deloitte aims to create alternative pathways to employment and an Indigenous employee retention program. The firm also plans to elevate its impact with community partners focused on improving educational outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Canada.
Additionally, Deloitte intends to continue its corporate membership with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and maintain certification in Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations to remain competitive to clients.
Deloitte’s renewed commitments aim to make a lasting impact for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis colleagues, clients, and communities across Canada, aligning with the firm’s purpose to make an impact that matters.
