Sun Life Financial Inc. on Wednesday announced it has become the first Canadian insurer to be awarded Bronze certification in the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program.
In a statement, the company described the achievement as “a significant milestone in its journey toward reconciliation.”
The PAIR program comprehensively evaluates corporate performance across four key areas: Indigenous Employees, Indigenous Economic Prosperity, Community Relationships, and Leadership Commitments.
Sun Life’s Bronze certification recognizes the company’s progress and commitment to continuous improvement in advancing Indigenous relations.
“At Sun Life, we are honoured to receive this recognition and are committed to ongoing reconciliation,” said Jessica Tan, EVP and President, Sun Life Canada. “It's vital for the wellbeing, prosperity, and resilience of Indigenous communities.”
Tan emphasized that while achieving the Bronze certification is a significant milestone, it also serves as a reminder “of the important work that still lies ahead.”
Sun Life’s participation in the PAIR program has spurred several key initiatives within its Canadian operations. These include the adoption of the principle, “Nothing without you, about you,” which guides collaborative work with Indigenous partners, employees, and clients.
The company also established an Indigenous Relations Executive Steering Committee for governance and oversight of its commitments.
A major internal effort involved the launch of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation cultural awareness training, which has been completed by over 97% of Sun Life’s 12,000-plus employees in Canada.
The insurer has also made concrete strides in economic reconciliation. The firm has a multi-year partnership with the Indigenous-owned TWCC Contact Centre Services Limited (TCCS) to provide customer service for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, creating more than 125 jobs in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It also established the Dean Connor Sun Life Inclusion Scholarship for Black and Indigenous Students, providing scholarships and internships to up to 20 candidates annually.
Sun Life said it is dedicated to deepening its relationships with Indigenous partners and is now focused on working toward higher levels of PAIR certification.
The company affirmed its commitment to working in relational accountability with Indigenous Peoples to ensure its reconciliation efforts are meaningful and impactful across Canada.
