Victoria – The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) announced that CIBC is the newest member to join the organization. SIPP is the economic development agency for Greater Victoria and already counts the majority of the region’s financial institutions among its members.
In addition to becoming SIPP’s newest member, CIBC has signed on as a sponsor of Indigenous Connect, one of SIPP’s flagship First Nations economic development initiatives. Indigenous Connect is a monthly forum open to all First Nation communities, as well as Indigenous-owned and operated enterprise in the South Island, with a goal to engage more First Nations in economic development and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Bruce Williams
“We’re thrilled to have CIBC as a part of SIPP,” said Bruce Williams, Interim CEO of SIPP. “We support self-directed First Nations economic development activities by partnering with communities and creating a platform for broader collaboration. Having CIBC on board will help expand the scope and capacity of the Indigenous Connect forum, meaning we can engage even more people and make an even bigger impact.”
“CIBC is proud to join SIPP and support the Indigenous Connect forum”, said Linda Hartford, National Director, Trust Services, Indigenous Trust for CIBC. We understand how important it is to support First Nations driven economic activities, and we’re honoured to join an organization like SIPP that is helping build collective capacity for Indigenous prosperity and reconciliation. My family and I live in the South Island region and I’m looking forward to this collaboration with SIPP.”
“It’s encouraging to see another major financial institution join SIPP and take a leadership role in supporting and Indigenous economic development,” said James Byrne, Regional Managing Partner for MNP LLP. “As an accounting and business advisory service provider, we work collaboratively with many different financial institutions for the benefit of our mutual clients – including many First Nations and Indigenous organizations. We look forward to having CIBC’s voice at the table with our other SIPP partners to support the continued advancement of the South Island economy.”
