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Agreement with Coast Tsimshian Enterprises Ltd. covers access to education, training, employment and towing services.

 

Vancouver, February 10, 2022

SAAM Towage Canada and Coast Tsimshian Enterprises Ltd. are proud to announce the signing of a strategic alliance agreement. This alliance is the first of its kind for the towage industry along Canada’s Pacific coast and is a result of years of collaboration and dialogue among the parties. It is a true example of how industry and Indigenous communities can work together for their mutual benefit.

“Today’s announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and to building trusting, respectful and meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities,” said Sander Bikkers, President of SAAM Towage Canada. “We have been very honored to live, work and play within the Traditional Territory of the Coast Tsimshian. “Many community members have made significant contributions to SAAM, serving in roles as captains, mechanics, deckhands and more. We look forward to increased opportunities, partnerships and understanding with this announcement,” concluded Bikkers.

Through this long-term alliance, SAAM Towage Canada will provide high-quality towage, ship-docking and ship escort services within the traditional territory of the Coast Tsimshian, including the Port of Prince Rupert and Port Edward. Additionally, the alliance will establish long-term sustainable benefits for Lax Kw’alaams and the Metlakatla First Nation and provide access to education, training, and employment opportunities for their members.

“I am happy were able to formalize our relationship’, said Mayor Garry Reece, of Lax Kw’alaams “We value the contributions to our members SAAM Towage has made over the years and are certain that with our support SAAM Towage will thrive in our Territory”. Harold Leighton, CEO of Metlakatla Development Corporation concurs stating that “I appreciate the opportunity that this alliance between Coast Tsimshian Enterprises and SAAM Towage represents. We look forward to many successful years of cooperation and success.”

The agreement is effective immediately.

 

About SAAM Towage

SAAM Towage is the leading company in tug services in the continent. It is part of SAAM, a multinational company that provides services to international trade through its three business divisions: Port Terminals, Tugboats and Logistics.

With 60 years of experience, SAAM is present in 14 North, Central and South American countries, employing over 8,500 workers.

 

About Coast Tsimshian Enterprises

Coast Tsimshian Enterprises Ltd. is a 100% Indigenous owned collaborative undertaking between Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nation. Our mandate is to promote and develop commercial opportunities for the benefit of our shareholders. Since our founding in 2011 Coast Tsimshian Enterprises has a track record of partnering with First Class organizations to promote the development and implementation of opportunities for Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nation.

 

Contacts:

SAAM Towage Canada

Sander Bikkers
abikkers@saamtowage.com
+604.255.1133

Mark Bingham 

VP Operations & Indigenous Relations Officer

mbingham@saamtowage.com

Coast Tsimshian Enterprises

Carl Sampson  – carl.sampson@laxbdl.com
Ryan Leighton  – northlnd@citywest.ca