b'PROCUREMENTPrivate Sector ProgressIn the private sector, there are individual companies doing far more busi-ness with Aboriginal suppliers than the federal government. Suncor Energy is one example. The Calgary-based energy company spent approximately $703 million in goods and services with Aboriginal suppliers in 2018 across Canada. Its total Aboriginal spend since 1999 has been about $5 billion, and it continues to expend over six per cent annually on goods and services from Aboriginal suppliers. Niitsitapi- Graham LPdiscussions with government officials and thought leaders have taken place as part of this initiative, and CCAB collaborates with key industry partners to make its message heard. Its been very promising so far, says Gladu. Were quite excited with the amount of pickup weve had and we are being engaged all the time. Supply Change is driven by five pillars that draw from CCABs resources, research and partners (see sidebar on pg. 17). In its first year of operation, the campaign has amassed approximately 60 Aboriginal Procurement Champions within the private sector, i.e., companies that take a lead-ership role in including Aboriginal busi-nesses in their supply chain. This national approach encourages both corporations and governments to increase their current annual spend. The federal government Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT15'