TORONTO, ON, March 3, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Sodexo Canada are pleased to announce the Tsuut'ina Nation – Economic Development Lands & South West Ring Road (TNN) is the winner of the CCAB Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Award for 2016.
Tsuut'ina Nation ("The Nation") Community is situated along the southwest boundary of the City of Calgary, and as such is well positioned to capitalize on the highly lucrative land development market.
On October 24th, 2013 the Nation held an historic referendum that approved the Transportation and Utility Corridor (TUC) Agreement with the Province of Alberta that transferred 1,058 acres of land to the Province for the construction of the final portion of the South West Ring Road.
The signing of this agreement has accelerated the Nation's Economic Master plan to further the economic development potential of its eastern corridor of lands adjacent to the City of Calgary, the approval of this agreement was built largely around the potential economic opportunities that would be available to the Nation and Region as a result of the increased access and upgraded transportation connections in and around the City of Calgary.
Tsuut'ina Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot said the ring road project is about future benefits to the Nation.
"The road will stimulate economic development on a major scale – the kind of economic development that is critical to ensuring that our children, grandchildren and future generations have the potential to build successful and prosperous lives here at Tsuut'ina. "
"Congratulations to the Tsuut'ina Nation on receiving much deserved recognition for foresight that includes important community values that will continue to generate prosperity for generations to come. Balancing present needs with future concerns is truly a strong foundation on which to address economic challenge and achievement." said CCAB President and CEO JP Gladu. "The AEDC Award proudly gives all Canadians an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal business success and its role in creating business certainty and sustainable prosperity."
CCAB would like to recognize and thank Sodexo Canada the founding and exclusive sponsor for the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year Award.
Sodexo is proud to be celebrated as one of the top diversity employers in Canada and a Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gold Certified company. Quality of life is central to the performance and growth of individuals and organizations. Working from this perspective, Sodexo has redefined how to best serve its clients' complex needs. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and organizations wherever they work.
"Congratulations to the Tsuut'ina Nation on receiving the 2016 AEDC award," says Barry Telford, President of Sodexo Canada. "Sodexo proudly serves diverse communities with shared values and vision being a pillar of economic concerns. The rise of Aboriginal Economic Development Corporations such as Tsuut'ina truly signals vital change that is bringing quality of life to their peoples. Sodexo shares their values and applauds their economic achievements."
The Nation commissioned several market studies into the economic development potential of their lands. The reports demonstrated significant development opportunities for the Nation and its members. At a high level, the report indicated the Nation has the opportunity to collect potential revenues of $703.9 million, over a 20 year period: $404.1 million in land rent over 20 years and $299.7 million in Commercial Property Taxes and potential of over a thousand jobs generated.
About the award
The AEDC award is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to shine a light on the important role that Aboriginal corporations are playing in boardrooms and First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. The 3rd Annual Calgary Gala takes place May 11, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary Alberta.
About the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB):
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.
About Sodexo in Canada
Sodexo has been delivering On-Site Services in Canada for over 40 years. Recognized as a strategic partner, Sodexo Canada has consolidated its position by providing a range of Quality of Life Services for clients, their employees and visitors in the corporate, education, healthcare and energy & resources segments. Delivering food and facilities management services for over 200 clients, Sodexo is a market leader in Canada in terms of revenue and consumers served, and has been recognized as a top employer for the past three consecutive years. Sodexo is proud to have founded the STOP HUNGER Foundation, an independent charitable organization that has donated more than 1 million meals to at risk youth in Canada since it was founded in 2000.
Event Inquiries:
For more information on the CCAB's Annual Calgary Gala, please contact:
Gloria Truong
Special Events & PR Officer
(o) 416-961-8663 ext.227
(e) gtruong@ccab.com
Media Inquiries:
Katherine Power
Vice President Corporate Affairs
Sodexo Canada Ltd.
289-439-9170
(e) Katherine.power@sodexo.com
Andre Morriseau
Director, Awards and Communications, CCAB
(c) 647-970-7661
(o) 416-961-8663 ext.240
(e) amorriseau@ccab.com
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=39251
