A First Nations business clears a path to success with TransCanada

How an indigenous company collaborates with us on construction

Here at TransCanada, we're proud of the support we receive from Indigenous communities across North America. We're also proud to provide opportunities for First Nations community members and businesses.

But don't take our word for it. Read this post from Brian Young, owner of Young Forestry Services in North Bay, Ont., and learn what his relationship with TransCanada means for him and his business.

"When we started Young Forestry Services back in 1995, we had no idea that pipelines would become such an important part of our work and our business."
- Brian Young

As members of the Dokis and Nipissing First Nations, my wife Lorie and I know how important it is to respect and protect the environment.

For more than six years now, we've been working with TransCanada, clearing the brush on rights of way and opening up roads so TransCanada's teams can safely maintain their pipeline, and deal with emergency situations that might arise.

Our job is very important - for pipeline safety and for our community.

Opportunities for indigenous workers

Our work with TransCanada is also one of the reasons we've been able to keep employing First Nations people to work with us. As a First Nation business, whenever we're contracted to work near a First Nation community, we try to hire and train native workers.

Excited about Energy East

We're particularly excited about the Energy East project, because it will create jobs here. It'll be a real opportunity for us to take on more business and hire more people.

That's especially important in a community like ours, where a small business like Young Forestry Services accounts for much of the local economy.

There aren't many First Nations companies that do what we do and, being small, we have to constantly show that we can compete with the big guys. That’s why we always focus on safety and doing the best job possible.

From four employees to 20

We started with just four employees working out of rented space in Dokis First Nation. Over time we outgrew that space – and now employ about 20 people. We're proud of the work we do for TransCanada, and we’re proud to work with TransCanada because, like us, they support First Nations communities.

And we have one more thing to say... Thanks for all your hard work, Brian!

Read more about our relationships with Indigenous communities along the proposed Energy East route. Plus, join Brian and the Energy East Action Network to show your support for this important pipeline project today!