TORONTO, June 19, 2020 /CNW/ - In recognition of National
Indigenous People Day, today Hydro One announced additional
measures to support Indigenous customers, businesses and
communities. These initiatives include providing critical aid to
First Nations and Métis communities, scholarships for young
Indigenous leaders and supporting the Indigenous economy.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought social and economic
challenges to the forefront, and we have a responsibility to
support Indigenous customers and communities while unlocking the
economic potential of the Indigenous economy," said Mark Poweska, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Hydro One. "By partnering with GlobalMedic to support
Indigenous communities and the Métis Nation of Ontario, we will be helping families focus on
what matters most – keeping their loved ones safe."
"During these unprecedented times, companies like Hydro One are
showing the true Ontario spirit by
working with First Nation communities and outstanding organizations
like GlobalMedic and the Métis Nation of Ontario to deliver vital necessities to
families in need across the province," said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.
Hydro One has partnered with GlobalMedic, a registered Canadian
charity specializing in disaster relief, to deliver 10,000 kits of
food and safety supplies to First Nations communities across
Ontario. Hydro One is also
supporting the Métis Nation of Ontario's (MNO) pandemic relief fund and its
31 community councils in providing necessities such as food,
medical and pharmaceutical supplies to its vulnerable citizens.
"The safety and security of our citizens, families, and
communities through this difficult time remains our single most
important priority," said Margaret
Froh, President, Métis Nation of Ontario. "The Métis Nation of Ontario wishes to extend heart-felt
appreciation to Hydro One for its generous support of Ontario's Métis communities as we face the
ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic."
"I would like to thank Hydro One for its effort to assist Oneida
with emergency foods for Oneida's food bank," said Jessica Hill, Chief, Oneida Nation of the Thames. "These safety
supplies are greatly appreciated during these uncertain times."
"I applaud Hydro One for their continued efforts to support
Indigenous youth and communities. Today's donation of vital food
and safety supplies will support the many Indigenous communities
who continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern
Development and Mines; Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
GlobalMedic's network of professional emergency workers will
collaborate with First Nation leadership and band council offices
to distribute kits to local community members.
"We are proud to partner with Hydro One and grateful for their
support," said Rahul Singh,
Executive Director of GlobalMedic. "Together we will deliver
aid and have an immediate impact to help families in need."
To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, Hydro One continued its
longstanding tradition of supporting young leaders by announcing
the 2019-2020 recipients of its Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin
Scholarship. Twenty Indigenous students enrolled in
electricity-related programs will receive $10,000 and the possibility of a summer work term
at Hydro One.
"We are committed to supporting young talent and building a more
diverse and inclusive Hydro One that better represents the
communities we serve," said Poweska. "We want to congratulate and
celebrate the next generation of Indigenous leaders for their
achievements and the bright future ahead of them."
"I also want to congratulate our young people who have won this
year's Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin Scholarship. As the next
generation of leaders and community builders, I want to wish you
all the best as you begin your training for rewarding and exciting
careers in the electricity sector," said Premier
Ford.
Recipients are selected by a panel of jurists made up of First
Nations, Inuit and Métis professionals and those employed within
the program category. More information can be found at
https://www.hydroone.com/about/indigenous-relations/mandamin-awards-2020
To support the recovery of Ontario's Indigenous economy, Hydro One
reaffirmed its commitment to investing in infrastructure and buying
local. In 2019, the company contributed $1.5
billion to the economy by purchasing goods and services,
with $41.3 million supporting
Indigenous businesses. To help businesses with cash flow during
this unprecedented time, the company is fast-tracking payments to
small, medium and Indigenous suppliers.
The company has also developed a number of customer support
measures during COVID-19, including a new Pandemic Relief Program
to offer payment flexibility and financial assistance to all
customers experiencing financial hardship.
Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest
electricity transmission and distribution provider with
approximately 1.4 million valued customers,
approximately $27.1 billion in assets as at December
31, 2019, and annual revenues in 2019 of approximately $6.5
billion. Our team of approximately 8,800 skilled and dedicated
employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable
electricity system, which is essential to supporting strong and
successful communities. In 2019, Hydro One invested
approximately $1.7 billion in its transmission and
distribution networks and supported the economy through buying
approximately $1.5 billion of goods and services. We are
committed to the communities where we live and work through
community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We
are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian
Electricity Association. Hydro One Limited's common shares are
listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes
are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed
at www.HydroOne.com; www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements and Information:
This press
release may contain "forward-looking information" within the
meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "expect,"
"anticipate," "intend," "attempt," "may," "plan," "will", "can",
"believe," "seek," "estimate," and variations of such words and
similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
information. These statements are not guarantees of future
performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and
uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual
outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed,
implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of
the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ
materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by
such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions
used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro
One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities
in Canada, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to
update any forward-looking information, except as required by
law.
SOURCE Hydro One Inc.