How Resolute supported the development of the communities which they work in 2020
The support includes financial and material support. In 2020, the donations and sponsorships, totaled over $1.1 million, an additional $420,000 toward scholarships, bursaries and research grants.
Resolute is focused on building mutually beneficial relationships in the communities in which they work. They demonstrate this commitment through transparency, information-sharing and active involvement in community life.
The support includes financial and material support. In 2020, the donations and sponsorships – at both the local and corporate levels – totaled over $1.1 million, an additional $420,000 toward scholarships, bursaries and research grants.
Here are some highlights from our 2020 sustainability reporting, prepared following the GRI Standards:
- Supporting organizations overwhelmed by COVID-19
Resolute operations mobilized quickly when the pandemic happened. They provide immediate relief to organizations overwhelmed by increased demand, such as food banks, children’s and seniors’ aid groups, first responders and hospital foundations. Including the corporate donation of C$42,000 to United Way/Centraide Canada’s COVID-19 community response funds, Resolute contributed $270,000 towards COVID-19 response initiatives in 2020.
- Partnering with Indigenous communities
The company recognizes the value of maintaining strong relations with Indigenous communities based on respect, consultation and transparency. A highlight from 2020 is the memorandum of agreement signed by our Ontario woodlands team with Whitesand First Nation. Building on the partnership, the woodlands team donated lumber to repair structures on the band’s traditional lands.
The team at the Ignace (Ontario) sawmill launched a youth training and employment program in partnership with Wabigoon First Nation, contributing C$25,000; and other facilities’ teams made the same with the indigenous communities around them.
- Maintaining dialogue with local stakeholders
In 2020, as in previous years, the company said they’ve met (mostly virtually) with mayors, Members of Parliament, Members of Congress and other elected officials, as well as representatives from chambers of commerce, labor organizations, forestry associations and more.
Their facilities are always on the lookout for novel ways to be of service to communities. To name a few examples in Quebec: The Alma mill helped install water level signage along local rivers for public safety; the Abitibi and Nord-du-Québec woodlands volunteered to maintain cross-country ski trails; and Girardville sawmill and Kénogami mill held drawing contests for employees’ children.
- Connecting with tomorrow’s workforce
The operations are eager to connect with those considering a career in the forest products industry – whether through speaking to high school students, partnering with local institutions on recruitment programs, or supporting employment centers.
- Cheering on our athletes
In February, Resolute was a proud gold sponsor of the Special Olympics Canada 2020 Winter Games. Close to forty volunteers from the Thunder Bay operations (pulp and paper mill, sawmill and Ontario woodlands operations) cheered on athletes in three Resolute-sponsored initiatives.
Resolute said they are always striving to be a positive presence in the operating communities. The employees are instrumental in that effort, admirably representing the company in countless ways and inspiring all people daily.
To learn about Resolute’s commitment to our operating communities, check out The Resolute Blog as well as the community involvement section of our corporate website.
