Company recognized for Innovation and Employment Equity
St. John’s, NL – November 23, 2023: The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour, Government of Canada, has announced that St. John’s-based Horizon Maritime Services has been awarded two 2023 Employment Equity Achievement Awards in the Innovation and Sector Distinction categories.
These Government of Canada awards recognize federally regulated private-sector employers and federal contractors for their outstanding commitment to implementing employment equity in their organizations.
Horizon Maritime was awarded the Innovation Award for Miawpukek Horizon’s creative initiative to leverage the Polar Prince as an Indigenous Cadet Training Vessel. The Innovation Award recognizes employers who have been creative in the implementation of employment equity initiatives aimed at removing employment barriers; adopting special measures and/or accommodations; establishing positive policies or practices; forward-thinking human resources practices; and the development of new or unique initiatives.
Horizon Maritime also won the Sector Distinction Award which recognizes employers who are inspirational role models and champions of employment equity in their sector, and who have demonstrated a strong commitment and achieved success in implementing employment equity in their organization.
Horizon Maritime is committed to promoting equal opportunity and diversity within a workplace that is free of discrimination. This extends beyond Horizon Maritime to the company’s joint ventures and projects. This commitment to equal opportunity has led to meaningful partnerships with Miawpukek First Nation, Heiltsuk First Nation and Scia’new First Nation among others.
Through these meaningful partnerships with Canada’s Indigenous People from coast to coast, Horizon Maritime has had the opportunity to learn from traditional knowledge and launch new projects, such as World Energy GH2’s Project Nujio’qonik, with early Indigenous consultation and an MOU with Qalipu First Nation. On contract with World Energy GH2, Horizon Maritime is responsible for managing the Port of Stephenville and looks forward to overseeing the Port and ensuring the project supports sustainability efforts and the future of green fuels, and benefits the local communities.
“We have enhanced our internal talent pool by facilitating strong mentorship opportunities and group learning onboard for Indigenous Cadets,” said Steve Widmeyer, Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Maritime. “We are proud to present unique opportunities for upskilling Indigenous community members through new initiatives. By breaking down barriers, we can build a strong foundation for success and create a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of Horizon Maritime’s values and strategic operational goals,” said Sean Leet, Co-Founder & Chairman, Horizon Maritime Services. “We’re proud to work in partnership with numerous organizations to reduce entry barriers and create opportunities for Indigenous seafarers across Canada. We value diversity within our workforce and believe this is achievable through effective and ongoing commitment starting at the corporate ownership level.”
Background:
The Employment Equity Achievement Awards recognize federally regulated private-sector employers and federal contractors for their efforts in implementing employment equity in their workplaces. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has recognized over 80 employers across the country. This year, the Minister of Labour presented 34 awards to 19 employers in the five categories, including the new Indigenous Reconciliation award.