TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2011 /CNW/ - Four forward-thinking companies— Scotiabank, Higgins Executive Search, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation —are being awarded Canada's only recognition of performance and success in building positive relations with Aboriginal businesses, people, and communities. These companies are being certified at the PAR Gold level by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business' (CCAB) Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program for significant commitment, progress, and outcomes through Aboriginal relations.

Clint Davis, CCAB President and CEO said: "Strong, measurable and ongoing commitments by PAR certified companies create opportunities for a growing and skilled Aboriginal workforce. Nurturing real and dynamic relationships with Aboriginal people and communities is not only socially responsible, it makes smart business sense." Davis noted that recent enhancements to the PAR program can accommodate and support the diversity of companies that can link the achievement of business objectives to strong working relationships with Aboriginal communities.

PAR companies establish effective strategies to maximize involvement in the Aboriginal market and through the PAR comprehensive self-assessment exercise, assess their performance. The results and findings are externally verified and submitted to an independent PAR jury for designation of PAR certification at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Level. Gold certified companies exhibit long-standing leadership and sustainability in Aboriginal relations.

The achievements of the four leading Canadian corporate citizens will be recognized at CCAB's 9th Annual Gala Celebration in Vancouver on September 29th. The event's keynote speaker is The Right Honourable Paul Martin who will be presented with the inaugural Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations at the gala.

ABOUT CCAB: The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada's economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.