Business View Magazine - April 2024

plans to sponsor annual career fairs to educate young tradespeople about the industry. “We need to catch them at a young age,” emphasizes Skaros. There’s also another side to the coin that Merasty has come to understand after decades of working for Indigenous and non-Indigenous companies. “From an indigenous perspective, that circular economy, that mobilizing talent and mobilizing our people, is so critically important,” Merasty says. “It’s right up there with the profitability.” Under Merasty’s vision, A2SKI Industrial hasn’t simply chased quarter-to-quarter profits. There’s a role for his companies to play in helping the PBCN communities recover from the oppression of past colonial events in Canada. These efforts begin with partnerships with places like the Indigenous Training Center and blossom into much more. PBGOC, including A2SKI Industrial, represents tangible local success stories.And from there, a chain reaction occurs. “It builds bridges for the people in our community, Indigenous people, to live a better quality of life, which then has an impact on the communities to be given an opportunity to prosper,” stresses Merasty.“But it also builds bridges with partnerships with non-Indigenous companies that make those companies stronger.” As Merasty explains, connections between PBGOC and non-Indigenous companies are mutually beneficial, and the economic impact ripples across Canada. “It’s important to understand that we’re all on the same boat, but we may do things differently that are not like regular Canadian business cultures,” says Merasty. OVERCOMING SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES It’s no secret that many companies across Canada, • HDPE Pipe & Fittings • Mining Applications • Indigenous Training Program • Fusion Equipment for Sale or Rent • Fabrication & Spooling • Sales & Technical Support ISCO-A.H. McElroy • 10 South Floral Siding Unit 1 • Clavet, SK S0K0Y0 • 800-345-4726 100 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 04