The Canadian Business Journal April 2026

53 MIKISEW GROUP OF COMPANIES APRIL 2026 « The Canadian Business Journal 52 Workforce Development as a Strategic Advantage Labour availability remains a structural challenge across industrial services. For the Mikisew Group, workforce development is not a supporting function—it is a core capability. “We put a lot of emphasis on how we treat people,” Epp says. “Our engagement scores are improving year over year, and mentorship is a big part of that.” As the economic arm of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, the Group actively recruits, trains, and mentors Indigenous workers across a wide range of roles, from entry-level labour positions to skilled trades and equipment operation. “We can bring someone in, expose them to different environments, and help them figure out what they want their career to look like,” Epp explains. “Then we build a path around that.” Turning Industrial Success Into Long-Term Assets What ultimately distinguishes the Mikisew Group is what it does with the value it creates. Revenue generated through industrial services is reinvested directly into long- term Nation-building initiatives. The Group is currently developing multi-family housing projects in Edmonton, with approximately 140 units underway. “With grants and CMHC financing, we expect these to be among the most affordable low-income housing options in the city,” Epp says. Mikisew members will have priority access to the units. One development near the Royal Alexandra Hospital includes dedicated accommodation for families supporting loved ones undergoing long- term medical care—allowing them to remain close during treatment. “All of this is possible because of the work we do in industry. The success of the business directly supports the community.” A Measured View of the Energy Transition As global energy systems evolve, Epp takes a