b'LEADERSHIP ACTIONSemployment and progression in the company. These programs were rolled out at the inaugural Indigenous Career Fair Expo that same year. The Expo featured the participation of 35 Bruce Power supplier companies and trade unions. Simultaneously, internal cross-cultural awareness training was imple-mented for company employees to ensure a solid level of understanding throughout the business.In addition, internships and appren-ticeships increased over the previousPat Dallzell, Head of Corporate Affairs, Bruce Power; MP Pam Damoff; Chris Mudrick, EVP & year with the help of a new IndigenousCNO, Bruce Power; Former Chief Greg Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash; James Scongack, CDO & Executive VP Operational Services, Bruce Power; and Curtis Van Cleve, CEO Framatome CanadaInternship Program launched in 2016. Developedincollaborationwith Indigenous communities and the Power Workers Union, the program bridges the gap for Indigenous candidates who do not meet work experience requirements. It also prepares prospective employees who want to apply for full-time jobs when they become available. As well, Bruce Power offers support to up to 10 local Indigenous students each year through its Career Launch Program, assisting with tuition and job placements that include nuclear operator in training, radiation protection, engineering and many other disciplines.These and other efforts started to pay off in 2018, when Bruce Power saw growth across the board for its Indigenous employment goals. That year it exceeded its commitment to hire 50 Indigenous people by welcoming 57 Indigenous employees. In 2019 it surpassed its commitment to bring in 75 Indigenous employees by hiring 76, through both direct and indirect employment. COVID-19 has understandably disrupted employment targets, but the company continues to engage with SON on ways to adapt employment and training programs to ensure the disruption remains minimal. Despite the challenges, Bruce Power is on track to exceed its commitment of hiring 50 Indigenous people this year. Its Indigenous Employment Program will also continue to evolve and work with the communities to provide employ-ment, training and educational oppor-tunities for their members. These will include paid development opportunities for students in their field of study and the continuation of the Internship Program. We have seen the implementation of a Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT27'