Banking on Phil Fontaine

TORONTO – Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), has been appointed to a second three-year term as Special Advisor to RBC. Fontaine will continue to support RBC’s business development priorities, provide advice and counsel on business matters affecting Aboriginal Peoples and act as a representative in support of sponsorships and donations.

“Over the past three years, Phil Fontaine has been instrumental in helping RBC deepen its relationship with Aboriginal communities,” said Chinyere Eni, national director, Aboriginal Markets, RBC. “Recognizing Aboriginal rights and respecting cultural differences makes good business sense and we are optimistic that, with Phil’s guidance, our relationship will continue to grow stronger and stronger.”

Many Aboriginal communities are prospering through land claim settlements and small business growth, as well as energy and resource development. This vital partnership will help them maximize their benefit from these opportunities. RBC will work closely with Fontaine to affect positive change and support Aboriginal participation in business ventures that will improve local economies and the future development of Canada.

“There are more major projects happening on Aboriginal land in the private sector and resource industry than ever before,” said Fontaine. “With RBC’s support, Aboriginal communities can capitalize on these projects at the early stages of business development. This will not only help build strong Aboriginal economies, but also respectful, reciprocal and long-term professional relationships. I am proud to be a part of this process.”

RBC is committed to helping Aboriginal communities realize their goals by improving access to banking and capital, contributing to community and social development, providing employment, training and education, and supporting procurement opportunities.

Since Fontaine began his first term as special advisor in September 2009, he has been involved in many of RBC’s key corporate citizenship and sponsorship initiatives, including the RBC Blue Water Project and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Fontaine was recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions on behalf of First Nations and his involvement in the resolution of claims arising from the legacy of Indian residential schools.