Hydro One standing with Indigenous customers, businesses and communities to support economic recovery and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
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.
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