INTERVIEW considered in terms of their effect on the local communities, such as the First Nations. Can you tell us a bit more about the last part? Canada has a complex relationship with the First Nations; it recognizes that they were mistreated in the past, including the recent past, and both the government and society are committed to achieving recon-ciliation. Today, the First Nations are leaders in a sustainable vision and have regained their ancestral rights to the land. Many of our pro-jects are developed on their territories and we have an ongoing dialog to make sure traditions are respected and consultation is occurring on environmental and archaeological issues. In many projects, we offer training and employment programs, including driving heavy equip-ment or machinery operating to give them the opportunity to partic-ipate in those same projects. We also have agreements with leading local universities and scholarship programs. Thanks to an initiative to recycle materials, last year, Site C donated $90,000 to 30 local NGOs. For us, that respect is key, not only for aboriginal people but all com-munities. Social management is a pillar for our projects and our rela-tionship with Canada. And how do you see that relationship in another 20 years? It will be a relationship that’s more consolidated in Canada and the USA, where the focus is currently occurring, with excellence in design, construction, and operations, a magnet for the best talent. I also see ACCIONA as a leading company in North America with infrastructure committed to quality, safety, and the environment. Finally, Canada is full of opportunities, with considerable investments in infrastructure is guaranteeing its place as a world leader in that field. RACCOONS, POSSUMS, MOOSE, PUMAS... AND PROFESSIONAL TRUST What has Carlos Planelles learned during his last 11 years in Canada? 1. “The importance of personal relationships in busi-ness to build trust in clients and partners, empa-thy in your professional environment and team. Achieving that takes effort and an even greater effort to maintain it.” 2. “We’ve seen that the learning curves are costly, so you have to lean on local teams to bring costs down and understand the market better.” 3. “It’s an incredible country, and it gives you a deep respect for the environment. Even though you might live in a big city like Toronto or Vancouver, you’re in contact with nature, coexisting with wild animals in your backyard such as raccoons, possums, moose, deer, even pumas and bears in some areas.”