Reaching the Apex for Economic Reconciliation
APR 24, 2025

Reaching the Apex for Economic Reconciliation

When a tangible target is set, the pathway becomes clear, opening up opportunities. Our suppliers are supporting our ambition to be the safest railroad in North America, including Indigenous-owned businesses that bring unique strengths to the table. Apex Rail Solutions Ltd. is one such partner that specializes in railway maintenance, construction and emergency response services.

These strong partnerships support CN’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP) in Canada, which includes economic reconciliation as one of its five key pillars, with an action focused on increasing Indigenous participation in our supply chain.

Achieving Operational Excellence with Indigenous Partners

Achieving Operational Excellence with Indigenous Partners

Apex Rail Solutions Ltd. is one of three Indigenous suppliers, along with Wildcard Excavation Inc. and Oakpark Powerline Services Ltd, that CN collaborates with to ensure a safe and efficient rail network during harsh winter conditions in Winnipeg, MB. Collectively, they handle more than 80% of CN’s snow removal activity in the region. Their quick response and focus on safety exemplify the type of collaboration CN values in its suppliers.

By expanding relationships with Indigenous suppliers, we’re not only achieving key operational outcomes but also progressing on our target of increasing Indigenous participation in our supply chain.

Creating Opportunities for Indigenous-Owned Businesses

We are committed to expanding opportunities for Indigenous businesses by increasing participation in our supply chain, from railway construction and facilities maintenance to any business that can support CN in its operations. By prioritizing Indigenous-owned suppliers, when all requirements are met and the offer is competitive, CN ensures that economic reconciliation is woven into the foundation of its growth strategy, creating sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

CN IRAP Pillar
  • Are you an Indigenous-owned, controlled and managed business looking to work with CN?
  • Are you already a CN supplier and want to expand your Indigenous engagement?
  • Are you an Indigenous community near CN infrastructure wanting to explore how local businesses can participate?

Our Sustainable Procurement Team is here to help answer your questions and evaluate procurement opportunities. Join our supplier database today to be considered for future opportunities.

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More Pathways to Indigenous Economic Participation

Beyond just procurement, CN actively works with suppliers who are increasing their Indigenous engagement through hiring, providing subcontracting opportunities and ensuring transparency in reporting Indigenous engagement. Our commitment extends to both Indigenous-owned companies and non-Indigenous suppliers who demonstrate a dedication to integrating Indigenous economic reconciliation into their operations.

For instance, the Montreal-based janitorial firm CBS, has integrated Indigenous engagement into its contracts. Similarly, travel service provider Lodgelink offers Indigenous-owned accommodations for CN crews, strengthening local communities and reinforcing CN’s commitment to reconciliation. Read the full story here.

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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CN INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN