CALGARY, Sept. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, congratulated Jacqui McGillivray, Senior Vice-President and Chief People Officer of Cenovus Energy Inc., on today's announcement that the energy corporation will give Canada's Veterans priority when hiring employees.

Cenovus Energy is recognized as an employer of choice. In June 2013, Cenovus was named to the 2013 Maclean's and Sustainalytics list of the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada for the second year in a row. Corporate Knights magazine also listed Cenovus Energy as one of the 2013 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. 

"I commend Cenovus Energy for its commitment to Canada's Veterans and for giving priority to Veterans when hiring. Cenovus Energy is working hand in hand with our Government and joining other corporate partners to promote Canada's highly skilled Veterans," said Minister Fantino. "Through the Hire a Veteran initiative, Cenovus Energy is giving Veterans new and interesting opportunities to make a successful transition from military to civilian life."

"Cenovus is proud to be part of the Hire A Veteran program," said Jacqui McGillivray, Cenovus Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. "Canada's Veterans and service men and women are renowned for their skills, abilities and expertise, and we believe they are an asset to any organization."

"Canada's Veterans are exceptionally well-trained and accomplished individuals. They have extensive knowledge and valuable skills to offer the private sector," added Minister Fantino. "I am very pleased that Cenovus Energy has joined our Hire a Veteran initiative and its efforts to give Canada's Veterans priority are commendable. I am proud to welcome Cenovus as the first energy and utility company to participate in this job-creating initiative. Through focussed partnerships with companies like Cenovus Energy, we can enable Canada's Veterans to secure meaningful career opportunities."

This partnership with Cenovus Energy builds upon the Department's Veterans Transition Action Plan, launched last fall. The plan consists of new measures for cutting red tape for Veterans, enhancements to service delivery, post-military career opportunities for Veterans, ground-breaking research on the needs of releasing Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and enhanced cultural awareness.

Cenovus is a leading Canadian oil company which employs about 5,000 people. Its operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta, and natural gas and oil production in Alberta and Saskatchewan.