Regulatory compliance

Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is a key objective for Tembec’s forestry operations. Extensive legislative requirements are in place at the federal, provincial and local levels, to ensure the sustainability of all forest resources and values.

Our work includes detailed public consultations
Within each province, natural resource ministries provide the majority of legal requirements through sector-specific legislation, regulations, manuals and guidelines to address particularly the annual allowable cut, forest management planning, forest licenses rights and obligations, renewal of harvested areas, wildlife habitat and watercourse protection and payment of stumpage fees for harvesting of timber. The regeneration of harvested areas naturally or through tree planting or seeding is required by law. Opportunities for detailed public consultation during the development of forest management plans are provided for all citizens. First Nations and Métis communities are afforded specific engagement approaches that reflect the uniqueness and context of each group.

Partnerships with First Nations and Métis communities

As part of sustainable forest management and corporate social responsibility, Tembec understands its operations in Canada take place on territories on which First Nation and Métis communities assert rights and interests.

We establish, build and maintain long-term relationships
Based on the importance of stewardship, access and use of these lands by both the company and Aboriginal People, Tembec supports the development of long-term relationships that are beneficial to Aboriginal communities, the company and the public. Through joint engagement, Tembec and communities discuss the specific social, environmental and economic interests of each community on whose traditional territory the company operates. A strong foundation for mutually beneficial relationships involves a good understanding of the community’s historical and contemporary stewardship of forest lands and a shared knowledge of special sites requiring protection during forestry operations. Where desired and depending on the interests of the parties, engagement is formalized through the signing of protocols, relationship agreements and business contracts.

Engagement with environmental groups

Forest conservation, in tandem with the implementation of sustainable forestry practices, is a key theme for the Tembec Forest Resource Management Group.

We work with regional and national organizations to propose joint solutions
From time to time, government agencies assess land use across large swaths of Canadian public land to reset the mix of zones of resource development, parks and protected areas. Where such projects intersect with Tembec forest licenses, Tembec has a substantial track record of positive engagement with environmental organizations to propose joint solutions that maintain the opportunity for a prosperous and growing forest products sector while adding to Canada’s network of protected areas. Since 1999, in partnership with regional and national environmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund – Canada, Wildsight (British Columbia), Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – (Wildlands League – Ontario, SNAP – Quebec) and Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) Tembec forestry personnel have contributed to the identification and protection of thousands of hectares of prime habitat for wildlife such as woodland and mountain caribou across Canada.

Forestry research

The practice of forest management is constantly evolving as forests are influenced by climate and natural conditions.

Collaborative research to improve forest management practices
Market conditions provide opportunities for the development of new forest products and civil society places ever changing demands on a public resource. Research and the application of new findings into operational practice are key aspects of continuously improving the implementation of forest management. Tembec is an advocate of collaborative research and has been an important catalyst and participant in forest science initiatives in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Activity occurs at three scales – the landscape, forest stand and individual tree levels.

• Large scale forest management and land use planning issues occur at the landscape level. Forest inventory, wood supply modelling and other diagnostic tools used to meet land use and forest management planning requirements are refined.
• The art and science of growing trees is carried out at the stand level. This is critical to meeting forest renewal and wood supply objectives.
• Projects undertaken at the tree level are focused on the biological performance of individual trees. These projects promote the maximum potential return from silviculture activities, while ensuring that fiber produced will retain its value when harvested.

Achievements

We had the foresight to become pioneers in forest certification
Tembec had the foresight to become the first and largest forest products company in Canada to make a company-wide commitment to seek Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification. Working alongside World Wildlife Fund – Canada (WWF) we paved the way for other industry players to adopt FSC standards. Today, Tembec has certified nearly 10 million hectares (25 million acres) of forest it directly manages, which makes us one of the largest producers of FSC products in the marketplace. We’ve also achieved FSC Chain of Custody certification for our lumber, pulp, specialty cellulose, paper and chemical product operations. It’s simply the way we do business.

We work in partnership with key players like WWF – Canada
When the World Wildlife Fund – Canada (WWF) approached Tembec to certify its forests according to the strict standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), we rose to the challenge and took a hands-on approach with field-testing involving thousands of hours of work to make it happen. For us, it was a win-win. FSC certification became a strategic part of our business model, enabling us to improve the practice of forestry, build on our relationships with First Nations, and help ensure well-managed forests for generations to come.

We foster community involvement: Three Nations Ventures
Three Nations Ventures (3NV) – a B.C.-based company comprised mainly of Saulteau, West Moberly and Blueberry River First Nations band members, handles key functions in the log and wood chip yard at Tembec in Chetwynd. After initial training, over thirty employees perform everything from scaling and unloading to rail car shunting and mill maintenance. We support working in partnership with First Nations businesses in the vicinity of our operations because we believe in the strength of these local communities.

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