FORGING THE PATH, GUIDING THE WAY

Spirit Omega Celebrates 25 Years As Leaders In Workforce Diversity Solutions

It has been an incredible journey of determination and persistence for Janice Larocque, founder and president of Spirit Omega, every step of the way.

Larocque’s company, along with subsidiary Fast Labour Solutions (FLS), is an award-winning recruitment service provider, specializing in Indigenous recruitment, community engagement and consultations. Omega’s team is passionate about addressing the lack of diversity and Indigenous representation across the nation. Their aim is to break down the barriers faced by all minority populations trying to enter into the workforce.

A well-defined mission has guided Larocque from the start. “It was important to me that Indigenous peoples had access to the job market - good salaries and safe jobs,” she explains. “I was determined to build a bridge to close the gap between Indigenous peoples and corporate Calgary.”

Spirit Omega began operations in 1998, a monumental feat for Larocque who, at the time, was a single mother with limited resources.

A Métis woman from a small community in Manitoba, Larocque is no stranger to barriers. As the manager of an Indigenous Career and Employment centre in 1990, she swam upstream against an overwhelming tide of barriers that prevented Indigenous peoples from finding good jobs or launching careers. But while she could do nothing to undo the systemic and complicated issues that made employment difficult for her clients in the past, Larocque saw a future full of possible change.

She took her business plan to various banks but could not secure a loan, even though the business was in operation. She attempted to get entrepreneurial training, but was turned away from the classroom. Undeterred, Larocque pressed on.

She reached out to good friend and small business advocate Helen Turchen, now deceased. Turchen agreed to help Larocque finance the business. Larocque also received support from The Congress of Aboriginal People and from Alberta Women Enterprises. “Alberta Women Enterprises supported us 100 per cent,” she says. “We secured five business loans as we advanced the company.”

In time, the company’s fortunes continued to improve. “Although I was turned away from traditional banks and declined access to entrepreneurial education, Husky Energy (part of Cenovus Group of Companies) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) said yes to me,” Larocque reminisces. A significant barrier had been broken and Spirit Omega had an “in” with two large, very well-known corporations. More than 20 years later, both Husky and CP, and many others that followed their lead, continue to rely on Spirit Omega to provide qualified workers.

With that bridge in place, demand continued to grow.

“In 2000 we opened Fast Labour Solutions (FLS) to keep pace with the services needed in the industrial sector,” Larocque explains. “In 2001 we added our safety and training division so we could provide even more comprehensive solutions for our clients.”

The global financial crisis of 2007 did not spare Alberta, Spirit Omega and FLS included, yet both stood strong on the bridges they had built. “Of course, we were affected by the slump in 2007,” Larocque admits. “However, by 2008 we were back on track and sales reached nearly $2 million.”

How? Diversity. Inclusion. Reconciliation. Tenacity. Grit. When there was no path, Larocque created one. When someone said no, she found someone that said yes. She built a team of likeminded individuals determined to make the world a better place. And she directed the team’s focus beyond job placement and career training for everyone (the firm supports all nationalities and genders), to giving back to people and communities.

As an Indigenous woman-owned company, our niche has been and continues to be diversity recruitment for contingent workforce management solutions. For over 20 years we’ve led the way in Indigenous employment, offering services like Indigenous Recruitment, Indigenous Consulting and Community Engagement, setting us apart from our competitors.

“Our companies provide natural disaster services,” she notes. “In 2013, when Calgary and the surrounding area experienced devastating floods, we reacted quickly. We recruited over 300 workers and had them out helping to clean up and rebuild in Calgary, Canmore and High River within a few days. It was important for us to support our community during this tough time.”

Similarly, in 2016 when the wildfires devastated many communities and companies in Fort McMurray, Spirit Omega and FLS responded. “We didn’t hesitate to send more than 600 workers to aid in the recovery efforts,” Larocque says proudly.

In 2020, when Fort McMurray experienced major flooding, the company hired over 200 community members to advance the cleanup. “We were the only agency that hired locals,” Larocque points out, “many of whom had lost their jobs.”

Disaster assistance is just one way the teams at Spirit Omega and FLS give back to the community. They also volunteer their time and donate their money to many causes.

The brands’ growth remains strong. In 2017, Spirit Omega signed contracts with ExxonMobil, Imperial Oil and Syncrude.

Ken Olausen, VP General Manager, elaborates: “Today, Spirit Omega has surpassed more than $25 million in annual sales while continuing to grow into new markets nationwide. We have placed several thousand people into the workforce, carrying a much larger talent pool than most realize. Not only are we a leader in workforce diversity solutions, we are also one of Canada’s first and most successful woman-owned Indigenous employment agencies.”

In recognition of their hard work, determination and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Spirit Omega, FLS, and Larocque have been honoured over the years with several awards.

In addition to the RBC Woman of Influence - Telus Trail Blazer Award, recognitions include:

· Alberta Chamber of Commerce - Aboriginal Women Entrepreneur

· Calgary Chamber of Commerce - Aboriginal Entrepreneurship

· Global TV’s - Women of Distinction (Business)

· Shell Canada’s - Vendor of Excellence

· Métis Nation of Alberta - Skilled Métis Labour Force

· CANDO - Economic Developer of the Year, Aboriginal Private Sector Business

· CAMSC - Small Business of the Year

· Esquao - Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (Business)

· The Ivan Ahenakew Award - Business Métis Entrepreneurial Leadership Award

· The Minister’s - Award for Excellence

“I created our slogan - Leaders in workforce diversity solutions! - 25 years ago,” Larocque reflects. “I wanted to set a trail where everyone is treated equally, no matter their gender or culture. That ideal has never changed. We support everyone in their career endeavours.”

At the same time, Larocque cherishes the unique service her company provides: “I am very grateful to continue to specialize in placing Indigenous peoples in quality jobs. Our presence is national. We hold Master Service Agreements with multinational corporations and have provided services to hundreds of private, public, and not-for-profit organizations.”

“I would like to acknowledge and thank all our employees and customers that helped contribute to our incredible growth and success over the last 25 years,” she continues humbly. “We would not have accomplished this milestone without you.”

Having met and broke every barrier she encountered, and having built countless bridges in their places, Larocque is not yet done. As truth and reconciliation continue to help Canadians understand Indigenous cultures and the many things they offer, Larocque knows that the difficult conversations and meaningful changes are just beginning.

Larocque’s journey, whatever it holds, will continue to pave the way set forth by those who forged the path of inclusion and diversity before her. But this time, she won’t journey alone. She’ll have the strength of Spirit Omega behind and beside her – a powerful team, a growing legacy, committed clients and a nation that is embracing change.