Alstom Foundation Backs Equipped to Work Initiative Supporting Indigenous Youth and Women Entering Edmonton Workforce

The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society of Edmonton’s “Equipped to Work” project will assist Indigenous job seekers who have recently arrived in the Edmonton area, particularly youth and women (© Bent Arrow Traditional Healing 2026)

(IN BRIEF) Alstom announced that the Alstom Foundation is funding the Equipped to Work initiative run by the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society in Edmonton, Canada. The program helps Indigenous job seekers, particularly youth and women, overcome barriers to employment by providing training opportunities, certifications, personal protective equipment, and transit passes. The donation was supported by Alstom employees involved in Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast LRT project and reflects the company’s commitment to social and economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Additional support for the initiative has been provided by Export Development Canada. The project forms part of Alstom Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities and support long-term workforce participation and economic inclusion.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 25-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom announced that the Alstom Foundation will provide funding to the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society in Edmonton, Alberta, to support the Equipped to Work initiative, a community-based program designed to help Indigenous job seekers overcome barriers to employment and mobility. The project focuses particularly on Indigenous youth and women who have recently moved to Edmonton and face challenges accessing sustainable employment opportunities.

The initiative was supported by Alstom employees involved in the delivery, operation, and maintenance of Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast light rail transit system. The donation reflects the company’s commitment to supporting communities in which it operates and to promoting social and economic reconciliation through targeted community investments.

The Equipped to Work program assists participants in obtaining professional certifications and provides access to essential resources such as personal protective equipment and public transit passes. These measures are intended to remove common obstacles that can prevent individuals from entering or remaining in the workforce. The program aims not only to improve employability but also to help participants become fully integrated into Edmonton’s urban labor market and achieve long-term economic independence.

Olivier Marcil, Vice-President Public Affairs and Communications at Alstom Canada, emphasized that the company seeks to support projects that contribute to social and economic reconciliation and strengthen local communities. The Equipped to Work initiative aligns with Alstom’s long-term engagement in Edmonton and reflects the company’s focus on removing employment barriers for Indigenous populations.

Murray Knutson, Deputy Executive Director of Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, noted that the program builds on the organization’s mission to connect Indigenous job seekers with culturally relevant services and resources. The initiative aims to improve access to skills development opportunities and reduce transportation barriers, supporting long-term workforce participation and community stability.

Alstom’s support for Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society also helped bring additional funding to the project. Export Development Canada provided a separate donation in late 2025 after learning about the initiative through Alstom’s networks. Export Development Canada continues to support Indigenous-led programs that strengthen economic participation and community resilience. Alstom works with Export Development Canada through the Crown corporation’s Global Corporate Partnerships Program to support investment in Canada and expand opportunities for Canadian suppliers.

Alstom has an established presence in Alberta through its role in Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast LRT project, which entered service in 2023. The company contributed to the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the system, including light rail vehicles, signalling and communications systems, power supply infrastructure, overhead catenary equipment, depot systems, and overall system integration. Alstom is also involved in the operation and maintenance of the line through 2050.

The project forms part of Alstom Canada’s broader commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities. The company has pledged to expand partnerships with Indigenous businesses, support community development initiatives, and promote inclusive economic participation in alignment with reconciliation principles and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

The Alstom Foundation, established in 2007, supports projects aimed at improving social and economic conditions in communities located near Alstom facilities. Initiatives funded by the Foundation are typically developed and sponsored by Alstom employees working in collaboration with non-governmental organizations.

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SOURCE: ALSTOM