NEWS RELEASE
For immediate
release: June 7, 2002
Tolko begins forest certification
process in Manitoba
The Pas, Manitoba - Tolko’s commitment
to sustainability and the environment was evidenced recently with
the implementation of forest certification to the internationally
recognized ISO 14001 standard at its Manitoba Woodlands department
in The Pas.
Blair Sullivan, Woodlands Manager, says the Company takes its
responsibility to the environment and sustainability very seriously.
"Our Environmental Policy clearly states that we are committed
to the ‘well-being of future generations through responsible
environmental performance’. This commitment extends to sustainability
as well. We define sustainability as the balancing of economic,
environmental and social responsibility (the triple bottom line),
and we believe we are making good progress toward achieving a
balance of these three goals."
Tolko initiated its sustainability strategy in 1998, and in 2001
Tolko successfully piloted a corporate Environmental Management
System (EMS) at one of its British Columbia divisions. During
2002, the Company will roll out the EMS in its Woodlands departments
throughout the Company and will continue to evaluate other forest
certification systems that have independent third party verification
of environmental performance.
Once successful audits have been completed at Manitoba Woodlands
and implementation to the ISO 14001 standard is complete, the
Division will assess the various certification standards options
available in order to take the next step in fulfilling its environmental
commitment.
Blair concludes, "Any certification system we choose will
include a comprehensive public involvement process which encourages
community input through the formation of a public advisory committee.
This committee is an important voice as part of our social commitment.
Other aspects such as sound forest management practices, conservation
of biodiversity and financial performance address the environmental
and economic balance as part of our sustainability initiatives."
For
more information:
Blair
Sullivan
Woodlands Manager
Phone: 204-623-8541
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