Driving Progress: SaskPower’s Bold Commitment to Women-Owned Businesses

SaskPower is lighting the way when it comes to building a more diverse and inclusive supply chain. With a sharp focus on engaging women-owned businesses, the utility is not only championing equity but also boosting innovation, operational resilience, and
economic growth across Saskatchewan.

‍

‍

“In today’s ever-changing market, the ability to withstand disruptions and adapt quickly is essential. By intentionally investing in supplier diversity, SaskPower is securing its operations, strengthening community ties, and ensuring it continues to deliver reliable, affordable energy to the province.”

-Dan Irvine, Director Procurement & Contracts Management

Advancing Supplier Diversity: Turning Intent into Impact

In 2020, SaskPower expanded its supplier diversity strategy to spotlight women-owned businesses.
The initiative was launched to actively identify, engage, and report on women-owned companies within its supply chain. Just two years later, SaskPower took a bold step forward by embedding women ownership benefits into its competitive procurement process. The message was clear: women-owned businesses bring essential value, and SaskPower is here to amplify it.

Breaking Records: $54 Million Invested in 2024–25

SaskPower’s efforts have translated into measurable results. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, the organization invested $54 million in women-owned businesses—4.6% of total committed spend and the highest in the program’s history. Remarkably, this is more than four times its 1% annual spend target, a milestone the company has exceeded year after year.

SaskPower’s commitment also extends to Tier 2 Diverse Spend. In August 2023, it launched a pilot program directed towards prime contractors on major construction projects. It incentivizes contract commitments to working with diverse subcontractors, reflecting SaskPower’s values and dedication to the community. This initiative has already funneled $28 million to women-owned businesses through indirect spending, proving that partnerships can scale when backed by accountability.

“This initiative is driving positive change in Saskatchewan and influencing other organizations to consider greater diversity and inclusion in their procurement processes.”

-Alison O’Reilly, Supplier Diversity Lead, SaskPower

Success Stories: How SaskPower Is Fueling Growth

These numbers only tell part of the story. Behind the scenes, real businesses are growing, evolving, and thriving in part to SaskPower’s supplier diversity strategy. A few standout examples include:

• SaskPower guided a newly established women-owned civil construction company to pivot her service offering focus, enabling SaskPower to better leverage her services. Five years later, she is securing competitive contracts, growing her business from 3 to 18 employees, and increasing corporate revenue by 250%, with most of her work directly or indirectly with SaskPower.
• By way of SaskPower’s dedicated contracts, a women-led business invested in new equipment, including a state-of-the-art knuckle boom. This advancement has significantly broadened her organization’s service capabilities, allowing her to meet the evolving needs of her clients and reintroduce services to Saskatchewan that had been absent for over two decades.
• Inspired by SaskPower’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, a female majority owner stepped into the CEO role at her organization. In a traditionally male-occupied industry, her courage to lead has not only broken barriers but sets a powerful example for women in leadership across the construction sector. “SaskPower created an environment where support for women-owned businesses was backed by real action. That kind of commitment gave me the nudge I needed to step forward and lead from the front”- SK Construction Company CEO
• Through connections with SaskPower, a Saskatoon-based supplier earned her nuclear safety accreditation, positioning her for future opportunities in nuclear energy. Long-term contracts with SaskPower have been transformative for her business, enhancing her operational capabilities and access to capital to purchase new equipment (Mobile Treatment Center), crucial for her company’s continued growth and success.
• With support and training, a women led graphic design and printing company in rural Saskatchewan found success with three departments within her first year working with SaskPower, showcasing agility and innovative problem-solving. This partnership not only enhanced her skills but also created opportunities for her ongoing development and achievements.

“Diversity is a strength. Our collaborations with Women-Owned Businesses have not only driven innovation and enhanced our services but have also significantly contributed to the economic growth of our communities. We take pride in partnering with suppliers who bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table.”

-Rhea Brown, Executive VP of Customer Experience & Procurement

National Recognition: Social Procurement Champion

In recognition of its leadership, SaskPower received the 2025 Social Procurement Champion Award from Buy Social Canada. This honor highlights SaskPower’s dedication to integrating social value into public procurement—particularly its support for Indigenous and women-owned businesses. The company’s rigorous measurement and reporting practices stand as a national example of how procurement can be a tool for meaningful social change.

Looking Ahead: A Culture of Continuous Improvement

SaskPower is now delivering organizational training to other corporations on implementing supplier diversity. By sharing their experience, SaskPower aims to build corporate support for these initiatives. The training covers identifying diverse suppliers, fostering inclusive procurement processes, and creating a supportive environment for diverse businesses. This effort empowers other organizations to be part of the change to accelerate inclusive procurement programming in Saskatchewan.

To stay at the forefront, SaskPower is conducting a 5-year program review. This comprehensive evaluation will assess outcomes, gather supply chain feedback, review metrics, and refine future strategies. The goal is simple: ensure women-owned businesses continue to grow and play a vital role in Saskatchewan’s energy future.

Conclusion: Empowering Women, Powering Saskatchewan

SaskPower’s supplier diversity strategy is more than a program—it’s a movement. By investing in women entrepreneurs, the company is driving innovation, strengthening the economy, and shaping a more inclusive business landscape. As SaskPower continues to light up homes and businesses, it’s also lighting the path for a more equitable and empowered future.

Learn more about SaskPower

For more information, visit www.wbecanada.ca.
Media inquiries: Marketing team, marketing@wbecanada.ca

‍