Positive Impact Across the Supply Chain
Reconciliation goes beyond acknowledgment in Canada—it’s about taking action. Across industries, there is growing recognition that fostering Indigenous economic growth is essential for long-term prosperity. By working together, Canadian businesses, governments and stakeholders can help create opportunities that contribute to respectful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial relationships that are recognized and valued by Indigenous communities.
Economic Reconciliation at CN
Economic reconciliation is the third pillar in our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan. It involves fostering relationships with Indigenous suppliers, encouraging Indigenous companies to join the supply chain, and collaborating with non-Indigenous suppliers to increase Indigenous subcontractoring. While all are essential, the latter presents untapped potential.
Working Together to Drive Meaningful Change
CN partners with suppliers that champion Indigenous engagement, setting a strong example of what’s possible:
Lodgelink, a Black Diamond Group company, enables CN to flag Indigenous-affiliated properties and track hotel spend through its platform. Since 2024, through Lodgelink, CN has invested in Indigenous accommodations for its crews.
Remcan, a railway track and maintenance service supplier, partners with Indigenous communities by supporting employment, training, and procurement opportunities. Their current workforce reflects 13.9% as Indigenous.
CBS, a Montreal-based janitorial company, has embedded Indigenous engagement into its contracts, generating Indigenous economic participation since 2023.
Davey Tree, a partner in CN’s vegetation management program, has committed to hiring Indigenous employees and increasing Indigenous workforce representation. They also report on Indigenous economic impact.
The benefits of these efforts ripple throughout communities. With more suppliers participating, the collective impact is growing.
As a Supplier, How Can You Increase Indigenous Participation in the Supply Chain?
Suppliers have a powerful role to play in shaping the future. This isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about resilience, innovation, and building a more diverse supply chain that benefits us all.
Expand Hiring Initiatives
Create meaningful employment opportunities
for Indigenous talent on CN projects.
Subcontracting Partnerships
Integrate Indigenous-owned businesses into projects and services.
Commit to Transparency
Track and report Indigenous engagement efforts to drive measurable impact.
Are you actively supporting Indigenous participation in your business?
Take the next step today—connect with our CN Sustainable Procurement Team to explore opportunities.
Contact us
A Future of Shared Success
Our rail network operates within or adjacent to more than 220 reserve lands of nearly 130 First Nations and Métis communities in Canada, as well as seven tribal reservations in the United States. With such a significant footprint, our relationship with Indigenous communities is marked by complexity that has had intergenerational economic, cultural, and social impacts. Today, through the Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), which is a 3-year plan that focuses on Canada, we are committed to building respectful, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities, and driving meaningful economic reconciliation.
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