Our Commitment to Reconciliation in Canada

Thales’ first significant steps toward reconciliation and engagement with Indigenous communities took place in 2022 at a land blessing ceremony on the Malahat Nation.

It represented a communal opportunity to give thanks to the land on the future site of Thales Canada’s west coast centre of operations. The new facility will primarily be used to support the Royal Canadian Navy’s AJISS Program: the comprehensive, long-term, in-service support contract for the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPV) and the Joint Support Ships (JSS), for which Thales is the prime contractor.

“This land, which has provided for the Malahat Nation for centuries, will continue to contribute to a sustainable local economy. It’s a privilege to work with Yos Economic Development, and the Nation’s Chief and Council, to develop this facility – designed with the environment in mind. We look forward to deepening our relationship and to expanding our relationship to explore opportunities beyond AJISS.”  — Greg Lewis, AJISS Esquimalt Manager

Thales is actively exploring other partnership opportunities with Indigenous businesses in Canada.

In the context of the new National Digital Excellence Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Thales is engaging the Joint Economic Development Initiative with a view to leveraging opportunities for Indigenous participation and cooperation.

“We’re actively seeking out Indigenous partners for the long term, to build meaningful and sustainable business relationships. The MWAV contract, for example, which could be in place for up to 19 years, is expected to contribute $1.2 million annually through direct and indirect contributions to Indigenous businesses and communities in Canada and we look forward to working with Indigenous businesses from coast to coast on this program.” — Tom Rose, Offsets & Industrial Participation Director

While Thales Canada started to develop meaningful Indigenous relations with the Malahat Nation in 2021, we recognized that there would be value in adopting a structured approach to engagement.

Thales Canada chose to become a non-Indigenous member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and has committed to pursuing their Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) certification, ensuring that our path forward is lined with signposts to both guide and gauge our progress along the way.

Having established a cross-business and cross-functional working group, work has begun to identify, organize and drive action as it relates to leadership, employment, business development and community engagement.

“We recently committed to a multi-year journey toward certification in Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR). Along the way, we will be deliberately authentic and thoughtful in our engagement, challenging ourselves to listen and learn together. We look forward to engaging in thriving relationships, and working together with the CCIB, and Indigenous businesses and communities to create shared value based on mutual respect and collaboration.” — Cara Salci, Vice President, Growth, Industry & Corporate Affairs