BC Logging Company Wins Aboriginal Business Award

LTN Contracting Ltd., the largest harvesting contractor in the Prince George area of British Columbia, recently received the Aboriginal Business Leadership Award from The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Troy Young of LTN Contracting Ltd. was on hand to receive the award and was honoured by the recognition.

“This award shows that we’re being recognized for our perseverance over the years, and the headaches, turmoils, and struggles of running a business have paid off,” said Young. “LTN has been good for us all. The partnership between the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Roga has built trust between the band and industry. LTN has developed band infrastructure in forestry, teaching, law and other areas through our combined efforts.”

FPAC awards

(L- R) Kevin Horsnell, CANFOR GM; Troy Young, LTN Contracting Ltd.; LTN Rep, JP Gladu, CCAB president and CEO.

 

LTN Contracting was established 17 years ago, growing from a small business into one of the largest timber harvest contractors in BC. This logging company also builds financial capacity for the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. The company has increased its annual logging contract volume tenfold over the past 15 years and has become a significant contributor to the economic stability of the Band. About 20% of LTN Contracting’s employees are Aboriginal, with another 60 to 70% employed in labour and available manpower. “A big part of LTN Contracting is that we put money into an Education Fund,” adds Young. “So what we’re doing is raising money for the community, not just for logging, but to help the education in all fields.”

The $5,000 award celebrates Aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exception environmental and safety performance, and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The award recipient must also demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal employment.

David Lindsay, president and CEO of FPAC says he’s pleased that LTN is being recognized for its outstanding business leadership and its contribution to the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “For example, LTN has helped support about 60 band members get training and education through the Education Fund. This type of initiative will help the forest sector hire more workers from the Aboriginal communities.”

The forest products industry is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal workers in Canada. Under Vision 2020, the forest sector is aiming to refresh its workforce with an additional 60,000 employees by the end of the decade with particular focus on Aboriginal engagement through employment and business development.

J.P. Gladu, president and CEO of CCAB says that CCAB takes great pride in celebrating companies like LTN. “Their longevity and capacity for significant growth, demonstrate how Canada’s Aboriginal peoples continue to make a lasting contribution to the health and prosperity of all Canadians.”

This is the sixth year of the Aboriginal Business Leadership Awards. Later this year, two Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth will be presented by FPAC.