SUMMER 2024, VOL. 24
The Manitoba Green Advantage Program Strengthening Manitoba’s position as a leader in the green economy
MANITOBA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
SUMMER 2024, VOL. 24
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca
President & CEO Chuck Davidson
CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Director of Marketing & Communications Clara Buelow
I n Manitoba’s ever-evolv- ing business landscape, the convergence of climate change and eco- nomic advancement presents not just challenges but op- portunities. With our prov- ince’s abundant resources in critical minerals, renew- able energy and strategic transportation infrastructure investments, Manitoba is positioned to lead in the emerging green economy. At the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), we under- stand that embracing the green economy is essential for Manitoba’s continued economic prosperity. The economic benefits of reduc- ing our carbon footprint are evident across sectors, from pioneering clean energy solutions to transformative agricultural practices. Despite these promising strides, a no- table segment of Manitoba’s business community has yet to fully integrate environmen- tal considerations into their strategic frameworks.
To bridge this gap, the MCC is excited to have received funding from the federal government through Prairies- Can to develop the Manitoba Green Advantage Program. This initiative is aimed to strengthen Manitoba’s posi- tion as a leader in the green economy and provide crucial support to small businesses as they navigate the transition towards sustainability. This edition of MBiz Maga- zine celebrates the businesses and community organizations leading the charge towards a sustainable future — those who are shaping tomorrow’s business landscape today. I invite the business community to join the path towards a greener and more prosperous future for Manitoba. Together, we can work to harness the potential of the green economy, drive innovation, foster growth and champion the businesses that make Manitoba the best place to live and work. ■
Director of Business Development & Member Relations Brent Hutton
THE FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com
To advertise, call 204-697-7390 Lindsey Ward Photography Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied Design Tammy Mitchell MBiz Magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. President and CEO Darren Murphy VP, Revenue and Business Development Michele Prysazniuk Director, FP Features Charlene Adam charlene.adam@freepress.mb.ca Editor Jennifer McFee Writers Sherry Kaniuga Wendy King Kristin Marand Jennifer McFee
To advertise, call 204-697-7390
3 SUMMER 2024
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
Featured in this issue:
8
Setting a Baseline for Sustainability 18
Manitoba's Critical Minerals Industry 26
Brandon Business Aims to Exceed Sustainability Standards 42
Manitoba's Clean Energy Future
THE CHAMBER NETWORK
Since 1931, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) has stood as champions of business in Manitoba, uniting a network of 65 local chambers and nearly 10,000 member organizations. We advocate for sustainable growth, vibrant communities and entrepreneurial success, making an impact across the province. While the MCC focuses on provincial issues, local chambers bridge the gap, connecting us to local business needs at every corner of the province. TOGETHER, WE: • Deliver a consistent, influential message. • Drive grassroots policymaking by harnessing insights from our broad membership and with officials at all levels of government and industry leaders to shape impactful policies. • Offer valuable programs and services to fortify Manitoba’s business community and support member growth.
LEARN MORE AT JOINTHECHAMBER.CA
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SUMMER 2024
As we celebrate 25 years of advocacy and service, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization invites the business community to join us! Let’s work together
to create economic opportunity, revitalize Winnipeg’s downtown, and honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92.
Learn more about our Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn Project.
scoinc.mb.ca
5 SUMMER 2024
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE INITIATIVES
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE INITIATIVES A t the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we advo- cate for strategic investments and innovative ap- proaches that promote economic growth. We also offer a variety of different initiatives and services designed to meet the needs of the business community. THE MANITOBA GREEN ADVANTAGE: The Manitoba Green Advantage (MGA) is a project that will strengthen Manitoba’s position as a leader in the green economy. With near-zero emission electricity and an abundance of critical minerals, Manitoba is a province with an abundance of green investment opportunities. Phase 1 will map Manitoba’s green economy roadmap and Phase 2 includes a granting initiative for local companies. THE DIGITAL MANITOBA INITIATIVE: The Digital Manitoba Initiative (DMI) offers programs built to empower businesses to get the training, tools and ex- pert support they need to transform their operations and thrive in today’s market. Our current offering, the Digital Services Program, connects businesses with a highly vetted and experienced service provider to deliver one of the fol- lowing services: Business Technology Assessment, Digital Legal Services or Cybersecurity Audit. Learn more at digitalmanitobainitiative.com THE MANITOBA MINERAL DEVELOPMENT FUND: The Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) is a $20-million provincial fund administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce that provides funding for northern economic development and mining projects that create Indigenous partnerships, increase local employment and stimulate investment in northern Manitoba. Learn more at mmdf.ca ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS: Economic Development Tours are a great way to get out of the city and build connections and partnerships with com- munities in northern and rural Manitoba. These two-day tours are packed with meetings hosted by local chamber and economic development leaders, connecting tour participants with elected officials and Indigenous leaders. Delegates also tour local businesses and attractions.
DELOITTE BREAKFAST (from left to right) • Paul Provost, president, 6P Marketing • Beverlie Stuart, chair, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce board | vice-president, business development and community initiatives, Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology • Dawn Desjardins, chief economist, Deloitte Canada • Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce • Elisabeth Saftiuk, vice-president, policy and government relations, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
MANITOBA GREEN ADVANTAGE ANNOUNCEMENT (from left to right) •Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada •Dennis Cunningham, manager of environmental sustainability, Assiniboine Credit Union •Christa Rust, program director, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Manitoba Green Advantage •Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
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MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN ACTION
PROVINCIAL BUDGET REVIEW BREAKFAST (from left to right) • Rick Préjet, chair, Manitoba Pork Council • Geeta Tucker, president and CEO, Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba • Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance • Catherine Kroeker-Klassen, chair, Manitoba Egg Farmers • Alison Kirkland, past chair, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce | CEO, Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada • Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce • Paul Provost, president, 6P Marketing
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
UPCOMING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS Register today at jointhechamber.ca. • Gimli & Selkirk – June 19-20 • Churchill – July 3-4 • Portage la Prairie & Neepawa – Sept. 24-25 • Brandon – Oct. 24-25 Connect with the MCC team at jointhechamber. ca to learn more about how these initiatives can support your business.
WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP BREAKFAST (from left to right) • Elisabeth Saftiuk, vice-president, policy and government relations, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce • Max Cashton, CEO, Manitoba Women's Enterprise Inc. • Alison Kirkland, past chair, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce | CEO, Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada • Bonnie Chwartacki, board chair, Manitoba Women's Enterprise Centre • Debra Jonasson-Young, executive director, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship at Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba • Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
7 SUMMER 2024
MANITOBA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
GOING GREEN: MANITOBA’S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
M ore than 95 per cent of the electricity generated in Manitoba comes from a renewable source: hydro, making the province a leader in clean energy development. However, Manitoba still imports 70 per cent of its energy for transportation and heating in the form of fossil fuels. In accordance with national green- house gas emissions reduction targets, Manitoba is moving towards a cleaner energy future with ambitious goals of having a net-zero power grid by 2035 and being carbon neutral by 2050. Manitoba has unique advantages for harnessing green energy, includ- ing freshwater resources that support hydro and hydrogen production, along with conditions that support the in- corporation of wind turbines and solar panels. In addition, the province has biomass feedstocks (crops that can be used as fuel or converted into other forms of energy) and critical minerals essential for developing clean tech- nologies, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. Efficiency Manitoba, a Crown corporation mandated to sup- port the clean energy transition, is also a benefit. BY KRISTIN MARAND
Regulatory factors driving the push to a low-carbon future include the province’s commitment to meet na- tional emissions reduction targets and new national building codes. Trending technologies in the clean energy space include ground and air source heat pumps, geothermal heating, the use of hydrogen in transportation, and carbon capture and storage. As more businesses and people make choices and changes to become more efficient and less reliant on fossil fuels, there will be anticipated cost sav- ings, job creation and other economic advantages. Through collaboration and consultation with governments, NGOs, businesses and Indigenous groups, the clean energy transition in Manitoba is set to position the province as a pros- perous leader driving change. In the following pages, key stakehold- ers — including Minister of Environment and Climate Change Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba Hydro-Electric board chair Ben Graham, Efficiency Manitoba CEO Colleen Kuruluk and Business Council of Manitoba's president and CEO Bram Strain — share their insights on Manitoba’s clean energy future and the tangible benefits it will bring.
Manitoba has unique advantages for harnessing green energy, including freshwater resources that support hydro and hydrogen production, along with conditions that support the incorporation of wind turbines and solar panels.
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SUMMER 2024
Built for You Built to Last
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9 SUMMER 2024
MANITOBA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE CONT.
LEVERAGING RESOURCES
Bram Strain: “Manitoba has a distinct advantage because our hydro is green and renewable, and it is how we start everything we do. Whether you’re starting a manufacturing process, a goods and services company or an insurance company, whatever you do, everything starts from a green place. There are some really good natural advantages in Manitoba that we absolutely need to take advantage of and the world needs to know about.”
Colleen Kuruluk: “ Energy efficiency is increasingly being viewed as a ‘first fuel.’ Even though energy ef- ficiency reduces the amount of en- ergy you use, it can also be seen as a source of supply for homes and businesses that Manitoba Hydro can leverage, along with other forms of energy provision and pro- duction. Technically speaking, the cleanest or most sustainable form of energy is a unit you don’t need to produce.”
Tracy Schmidt: “Between Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba, Crown corporations designed to support a clean energy transition, there’s a lot of opportunity to find efficiencies to reduce our greenhouse gas emis- sions and footprint. We also have a world-class wind regime, excel- lent solar resources, significant biomass feedstock to support hy- drogen production and a natural advantage in our critical mineral resource sector, which is going to help build green technology.”
Ben Graham: “There’s a targeted focus on not just the capacity that we can provide but also the reliability of that system. Manitoba Hydro is investing a lot into the future and creating even greater efficiency within our existing infrastructure. There’s been a real look at what wind power can generate. It’s a very cost-effective and readily available source of energy. And as battery technology advances, the ability to store energy will become even greater.” – board chair, Manitoba Hydro-Electric
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
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Testing and monitoring groundwater supports my desire to help hog farmers be more sustainable.
Manitoba hog farmers are leaders in environmental best practices.
Scott Dick, P.Ag. , Agra-Gold Consulting, Landmark, MB
MANITOBA HOG FARMERS ARE GOING GREEN Today’s hog barns are an example of sustainability in action. Thanks to technological advances, lights, fans, and heating and cooling systems use significantly less energy than they once did. Similar advancements in electronic water and feeding equipment ensure pigs are well-fed while reducing the amount of wasted water and feed. These technological advancements not only minimize the sector’s carbon footprint, but also cut down on the cost of production allowing producers to reinvest in their barns.
MANURE: A VALUABLE ORGANIC FERTILIZER
The adoption of improved manure management practices have turned hog manure from a waste product into a valuable organic fertilizer that helps renew nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, allowing farmers to grow healthy and nutritious food. Each year, farmers engage professional agrologists to test soils and develop a plan for manure application dependent on crops to be grown on the land. This manure management planning ensures that manure is applied at a rate that will best help the crops grow, without wasting any valuable organic fertilizer. According to Statistics Canada, about 90 percent of hog manure in Manitoba is injected under the soil surface or incorporated into the soil, the highest rate in Canada. This not only helps prevent nutrient run-off and mitigate odour and greenhouse gas emissions, but also ensures that important nutrients are applied to the roots of the plants where they best enhance crop growth. Sustainable manure management helps minimize the carbon footprint of not only Manitoba’s hog sector, but Manitoba’s agriculture sector as well, reducing the need to purchase and transport synthetic fertilizers.
manitobapork.com/environment
MANITOBA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE CONT.
Tracy Schmidt: “We’re collaborating with a variety of stakeholders and partners to reach our sustainability goals. We work closely with the business sector through the Merit Fund. We’re also very proud of our collaborations with Indigenous communities to support energy improvements and fuel switching. We’re working with rural municipalities and an organization called Eco-West to support climate resiliency, reduce emissions and expand our electric vehicle infrastructure. We will continue working closely with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, which is doing great work in increasing education and collaboration opportunities across the business sector.”
– Minister of Environment and Climate Change
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
COLLABORATIONS
Ben Graham: “We’re working closely with the Government of Manitoba on an energy policy and the Public Utilities Board. We’ll be speaking to Manitobans throughout this transi- tion process. We’ll try to get as many Indigenous Manitobans involved in this consultative process as pos- sible to ensure everyone has a voice on how we make this transition to green power beneficial to everyone across the province.” Colleen Kuruluk: “Everything we do is collaboration. We have a network of delivery partners — everything from an insulation contractor to an energy auditor or a specialized professional doing energy model- ling on buildings. Energy efficiency is delivered more effectively via us working closely with these partners.
sure that we’re making the best use of our resources. There is a ton of work going on in the logistics field, investing in fuel efficiency, drag reduction and anything they can do to use less fuel and lower the cost of freight, resulting in lower cost of goods for consumers. The provincial government just talked about an Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence, which is going to help with electric buses. We have the largest bus manufacturer in North America investing a lot of money into hy- drogen cells and electric buses. We also need to forge true partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure future natural resource deals include and benefit everyone — not just in royalties and jobs but most importantly in ownership.”
With the Manitoba Métis Federation, we’ve funded an energy advocate and work in partnership on sev- eral initiatives. We also have an Indigenous energy-efficiency work- ing group to ensure we’re recogniz- ing and responding to the needs of the communities accessing our programs. For our business custom- ers, we work with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and both the Manitoba and Winnipeg Chambers of Commerce. And, for at- tracting new customers to Manitoba, we work super closely with CentrePort, Business and Economic Development (Province of Manitoba) and Yes! Winnipeg.” Bram Strain: “We need to do an inventory of what’s available and what best practices are, making
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SUMMER 2024
12 SUMMER 2024
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13 SUMMER 2024
MANITOBA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE CONT.
Colleen Kuruluk: “We want to ensure people think of energy efficiency first. Energy is invisible, so it’s a bit of a marketing and communications challenge, but we’re up for it. For our business customers, we can help make a commitment to and the benefits from sustainability visible for attracting and retaining talent or communicating to a customer base.”
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
Ben Graham: “We need to really involve the business community in key deci- sions. In Europe, they’re placing tariffs on non-green imports from other coun- tries. Considering where we’re starting from, Manitoba is in a great position to leverage those types of tariff positions because we can export green energy- produced products.” Tracy Schmidt: “We have to make the adoption of low- or zero-carbon alterna- tives more accessible and affordable. We want to ensure that as we head into this CHALLENGES
clean energy transition, that it’s a just transition that brings Manitobans along and meets them where they’re at.” Bram Strain: “Some of the carbon tax money is not going back to incentivize the large producers, the people that can really make a difference, for instance, the logistics industry. Everybody’s getting a carbon tax back equally, and it’s not being invested into reduction. Manitoba does not get enough ‘prior learning credit’ for investments in hydro.”
– CEO, Efficiency Manitoba
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SUMMER 2024
WINNIPEG GOLDEYES
Programs and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in businesses. LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND REDUCE YOUR MAINTENANCE COSTS.
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15 SUMMER 2024
MANITOBA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE CONT.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS Ben Graham: “With our current im- port of natural gas, a lot of money
While an initial investment in clean en- ergy and technologies may seem daunting, the benefits are immeasurable. You can be a better corporate citizen by eliminat- ing toxic substances from your production stream. By reducing emissions, you can avoid carbon-related impacts and penal- ties, while lowering your regulatory costs. Reducing waste has a great return on in- vestment, and there are myriad provincial and federal tax credits and incentives for businesses to choose green options. There has never been a better time to consider the switch to cleaner and more efficient energy sources. ■
We will be able to attract invest- ments and export highly valuable commodities.” Colleen Kuruluk: “The most direct advantage is bill savings. When you implement energy efficiency, you get bill savings immediately. From a commercial customer’s perspective, it’s a guaranteed return on investment, and that return persists for the life of the installed measure. Efficiency Manitoba’s programs and incen- tives for business customers can be found at efficiencymb.ca/ business.”
leaves the province. With every new renewable energy developed in Manitoba, all that money will be spent within the province. There will be substantially more jobs across the province to meet these new needs.” Tracy Schmidt: “Clean energy provides all sorts of economic, environmental and health benefits, and reaching net-zero will bring those advantages to Manitoba in perpetuity. Manitoba has an op- portunity to become a trendsetter.
Bram Strain: “Businesses can benefit greatly from increased efficiency; there are benefits to the company — financially, environmentally and socially. It is also very much a demand of clients and consumers.” – president and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
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SUMMER 2024
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17 SUMMER 2024
SUSTAINABILITY
A new environmentally focused project is poised to help strengthen Manitoba’s role as a leader in the green economy. On March 1, 2024, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce launched the Manitoba Green Advantage (MGA) initiative to help bolster Manitoba’s role in the green economy.
CHRISTA RUST PROGRAM DIRECTOR
SARAH DUVAL PROGRAM MANAGER
SUSTAINABILITY SETTING A BASELINE FOR BY JENNIFER MCFEE
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Program director Christa Rust recognizes the importance of pro- moting Manitoba as a leader in the transition to net-zero. She also un- derstands the importance of provid- ing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them to assess and plan for a greener future. “The first phase of the initiative focuses on developing a roadmap to identify both strengths and growth opportunities for Manitoba in the green economy,” Rust explains. “All this is made possible with critical funding from PrairiesCan and support of the province.” She notes that the initiative aims to bring together business and community leaders to develop the data-driven strategy. Program manager Sarah Duval explains the details of the granting program, which is the second phase of the initiative. “MGA will provide 60 SMEs with up to $10,000 each in financial grants, which will identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations,” Duval says. “These grants will help business- es develop an understanding of where they’re at when it comes to sustainability and empower them to invest in smart green initiatives.” Rust points to Statistics Canada data from the first quarter of 2024 indicating that only 7.2 per cent of Manitoba businesses with 20 to 99 employees currently have commit- ments to net-zero carbon emissions. “This is significantly lower than in neighbouring prairie provinces,
reduction strategies.” A net-zero economy is achieved when the total amount of green- house gases emitted is balanced by an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. “For business, this means funda- mentally overhauling their opera- tions, products and supply chains,” Rust says. “To achieve this balance, compa- nies must engage in research and innovation, investing in renewable energy and sustainable materi- als. When a complete reduction of emissions is not feasible, adopting carbon offsets can serve as a viable alternative.” Business leaders can enhance operations by assessing environ- mental impacts, setting ambitious reduction targets and embedding sustainability throughout their busi- ness models.
where 17.4 per cent of similar busi- nesses in Saskatchewan and 14.5 per cent in Alberta have such commit- ments,” she says. “Comparisons aside, in order to achieve our national targets and mitigate the growing impacts of cli- mate change, we all need to engage in the net-zero economy.” The recent Manitoba Business Outlook Survey further highlights that Manitoba businesses need substantial support to transition towards sustainability practices. “Despite growing concerns about climate change, only 45 per cent of Manitoba’s business leaders cur- rently incorporate environmental considerations into their strategic planning,” Rust says. “They specifically need financial support, energy-efficiency programs with incentives and methods to identify cost-effective emissions
Left to right: Jack Winram, executive director, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association; Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada; Dennis Cunningham, manager of environmental sustainability, Assiniboine Credit Union; Christa Rust, program director of MGA, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce; Colleen Kuruluk, CEO, Efficiency Manitoba; Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
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SUSTAINABILITY CONT.
Multiple Manitoba businesses are already on the forefront of sustainability. At NFI Group, sustainability is deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA. NFI Group is the publicly traded parent company of New Flyer Industries, Motorcoach Industries, Alexander Dennis, ARBOC Specialty Vehicles and NFI Parts. Paul Soubry, president and CEO of NFI Group, says the company’s sustainability pledge was originally drafted in 2006 to serve as a foun- dational commitment that shapes organizational values and decisions. “Sustainability is not a tick-the- box or a bolt-on initiative. It is one of our core company values and a fundamental pillar that guides our decisions from long-term strategic
Rust says it’s vital to integrate en- vironmental concerns into business practices for several reasons. “First, it ensures compliance with increasingly stringent regulations, helping companies avoid legal and financial penalties. Second, it aligns with consumer preferences, as more customers prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, thereby enhancing brand reputation and loyalty,” Rust says. “Third, it fosters operational ef- ficiencies and innovations that not only reduce costs but also improve profitability. Moreover, by com- mitting to environmental goals, businesses can position themselves as leaders in sustainability, making them more attractive to investors and future talent.”
Sustainability also serves as a catalyst for driving innovation at NFI, which offers 17 different zero-emission bus and coach models.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
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SUMMER 2024
The transition to a zero-emission economy is here, with public and private transit and coach transportation playing a pivotal role in significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.” – Paul Soubry, president and CEO of NFI Group “
PAUL SOUBRY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NFI GROUP, SAYS SUSTAINABILITY IS A CORE COMPANY VALUE.
workforce,” Soubry says. “We work to ensure consistent two-way communication, and the feedback we receive informs our people strategy and drives action plans to further enhance our work- place culture, foster inclusivity and improve retention of our people — our most valuable assets.” Looking ahead, the company remains focused on developing achievable targets to reduce its impacts on climate change across its value chain while also addressing sustainability within supply chains. “Understanding our current state across all our businesses is an incredibly important first step to really building in a program that will have a positive corporate impact,” Soubry says. “Throughout 2024 and beyond, we continue to pursue investments in a future where our contributions to the environment, society and overall economic well-being are built into our operating model.”
sustainability council made up of leaders from every business division and supported by its sustainabil- ity functional team. This council is accountable for fulfilling respon- sibilities related to its sustainable strategy and program roadmap. To counter challenges along the way — such as navigating complex regu- lations and balancing short-term costs with long-term benefits — NFI takes a collaborative approach. “Before making any significant business decisions, we make sure to understand what environmental, so- cial and governance issues are most impactful to our business and to our stakeholders,” Soubry says. “This allows us to weigh potential benefits against risks and identify opportunities where we can align our business objectives with sus- tainability practices.” At the same time, NFI team mem- bers aim to incorporate sustainability into day-to-day aspects of the job. “Our vision is to drive business suc- cess by engaging and empowering our
planning to our day-to-day opera- tions,” he says. “Having a strong corporate gover- nance framework provides structure to drive our strategic planning and ensures our board of directors is continually updated on our prog- ress. The support and encourage- ment from our board runs unbeliev- ably deep.” Sustainability also serves as a catalyst for driving innovation at NFI, which offers 17 different zero- emission bus and coach models. “The transition to a zero-emission economy is here, with public and pri- vate transit and coach transportation playing a pivotal role in significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution,” Soubry says. “Zero-emission products and ser- vices — including the electrification of transit and coach buses — glob- ally drives technological innova- tion and advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and smart-grid integration.” In 2023, NFI established a
21 SUMMER 2024
SUSTAINABILITY CONT.
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SUMMER 2024
“We are the only credit union in Manitoba that has taken an environmental leadership position — carbon neutral since 2018 and B Corp-certified with one of the highest scores in the world.” – Dennis Cunningham, ACU’s sustainability manager “
also support green and active commuting by having lockers, showers and secure bike storage. “Many of our branches are located near transit or active transportation routes,” Cunningham says. “In 2023, 58 per cent of employee reported being green and active commuters. A decade earlier, 63 per cent of all employees were drive-alone commuters.” Since 2012, ACU has also been measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. “We set annual greenhouse gas reduc- tion targets and use our progress toward the target as part of the calculation of annual bonuses,” Cunningham says. “We also developed a sustainable procure- ment policy that establishes clear guide- lines for ensuring social and environmental criteria are included in all procurement decisions.” With an eye on the environment, ACU has provided $40,000 in the past two years in support for urban reforestation initiatives co-ordinated by Trees Winnipeg. Looking ahead, ACU’s sustainability plans include collaboration with local builders and developers to support deep energy retrofits, passive house and net-zero construction. ACU is also starting the process to mea- sure greenhouse gas emissions from its lending portfolio. As well, it’s building better systems to identify climate change-related physical and transitional risks that may im- pact members and operations. “Climate change represents real and long- term threats to human health, the ecosys- tems we rely on, and demands significant action from government, civil society and business,” Cunningham says. “We are taking these actions to be a responsible business and good corporate citizens.” ■
A green approach is also top of mind at Assiniboine Credit Union, where sustainabil- ity has been locked into corporate strategic plans for several cycles. Dennis Cunningham, ACU’s sustainability manager, notes that “concern of community” is one of the seven co-operative principles. “One of the ways we adhere to this prin- ciple is through our environmental actions,” he says. “At a high level, our strategic plan com- mits us organizationally to achieving annual greenhouse gas emissions targets. These reduction targets can only be achieved through actions like improvements to build- ing energy efficiency, promoting green and active commuting, reducing paper usage, recycling and composting.” ACU includes environmental sustainability in its values-based banking commitment. Since ACU is a certified B Corp — a designa- tion that recognizes social and environmen- tal performance, accountability and trans- parency — its environmental actions play an important part in retaining this certification. “We are the only credit union in Manitoba that has taken an environmental leadership position — carbon neutral since 2018 and B Corp-certified with one of the highest scores in the world,” Cunningham says. “We know our members and the communi- ties we serve appreciate our efforts on this. Our employees also report a strong sense of pride because of our commitment to envi- ronmental sustainability. We know there is value in these actions from market differen- tiation, employee attraction and retention, and organizational efficiency perspectives.” To support sustainability, ACU has incor- porated an extensive waste-management program that includes composting at many of its locations. Energy-efficient branches
< DENNIS CUNNINGHAM, ACU'S SUSTAINABILTY MANAGER
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
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SAFETY SERVICES MANITOBA
“A large component for us is occupational safety training. We provide all the basics for regulatory compliance with upgrading and refresher training,” Janzen says. “That can include the basics of working at heights, operating mobile equipment, safe manufacturing pro- cesses, establishing safety committees in the work- place, developing safety policies and more.” SSM offers a classroom setting, live remote sessions or will send trainers into the workplace. Regularly scheduled and standardized programs are available. SSM is also highly flexible to customize programming. In addition, SSM’s instructors are Safe Work Endorsed and several consultants hold the Canadian Registered Safety Professionals Certification (CRSP). “Our trainers receive ongoing professional develop- ment, and an internal quality assurance program en- sures compliance with safety regulation for all classes and trainers,” Janzen says. As a contractor for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), SSM provides road safety training services including the Responsible Driver Workshop for drivers mandat- ed to receive Driver Improvement and Control training as a result of driving infraction or collision. “We also provide motorcycle licence training for MPI,” he says. “With a fleet of over 50 motorcycles, we offer eight-hour and 20-hour programs in class- room and practical motorcycle operator training every season.” SSM demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the community with free workshops on responsible/ refresher driving for mature drivers and ATV and snowmobile use. They also co-ordinate the Operation Red Nose holiday safe ride service with sponsorship from Manitoba Public Insurance. In addition, SSM co- ordinates the annual Steps for Life fundraiser in aid of families of individuals who have suffered severe work- place injuries. SSM also has a $100,000 investment in the Jubilee Fund in support of their community-based low-interest loans for poverty reduction programs. “Safety Services Manitoba is on a mission of mak- ing Manitobans safer with innovative and responsive safety consulting and training services,” Janzen says. “Our commitment to reducing risks and injuries in workplaces and on the road drives us. We envision that every Manitoban returns home safely every night.” ■ For more information, visit safetyservicesmanitoba. ca or reach out to Safety Services Manitoba at 204-949-1085.
RON JANZEN, SAFETY SERVICES MANITOBA
W hen it comes to safety on the road or in the workplace, a quick response counts — and for 60 years, Safety Services Manitoba has committed to providing a prompt, professional response to businesses and those in need of safety training and consulting. “As Manitoba’s premier safety partner, Safety Services Manitoba offers quality occupational and road safety training and consulting solutions for in- dividuals and businesses,” says Ron Janzen, president and CEO of Safety Services Manitoba (SSM). “When you call our office, you will immediately speak to one of our customer service team members who will help you determine your needs.” SSM’s reach is provincewide across all economic sectors including profit, non-profit, organizational and institutional. “Many businesses are seeking safety service certifi- cation for their employees,” Janzen says. “We work with SAFE Work Manitoba to provide SAFE Work-endorsed programming, which is standardized for the province.” SSM also provides onsite consultancy for companies. “Some businesses use a Total Training Management program, which annually provides unlimited training as a preventative safety program that builds their safety culture year to year,” he says. Occupational health and safety legislation chang- es as technology and business processes evolve in the workplace. SAFETY SERVICES MANITOBA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS BY WENDY KING
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CRITICAL MINERALS
MINING POTENTIAL: DIGGING DEEPER INTO MANITOBA’S CRITICAL MINERALS INDUSTRY BY LINDSEY WARD
From nickel to copper-zinc and lithium to gold, many of Manitoba's richest natural resources remain untapped. The opportunities to dis- cover high-demand critical minerals in Manitoba are as vast as the land they lie beneath. Equally expansive are the ben- efits these explorations can have on the province. Aside from the obvious advantage of promoting sustainable growth, the critical minerals sector has a unique ability to foster economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. "Fifty per cent or more of our province is actually hard rock, an area which we can explore to dis- cover critical minerals," says MaryAnn Mihychuk, president of the Manitoba
and you must get their permits and you must get all the things that they demand,” she says. “But you also need permission from the First Nation. And if you don't get that, your project can't go on." Indigenous people have been involved in exploration and ex- traction for thousands of years. Trappers even founded Manitoba's largest mines in Flin Flon and Bissett, where they helped settlers locate various types of rock, but their involvement dissipated soon afterwards. "After the settlers created the rules, most First Nations have not been engaged in the mineral sector," Mihychuk says. "So they're like, 'How is this going to benefit us? We see
Prospectors and Developers Association (MPDA), a leading voice of the mineral exploration and development sector in Manitoba. "Manitoba has an enormous amount of land that has potential for mineral discovery." Mihychuk, a retired politician and geologist, says Manitoba is under- explored compared to neighbouring provinces like Ontario, which houses similar resources. Creating meaning- ful partnerships with the Indigenous communities where these critical minerals are situated is a crucial part of uncovering them, she says, and there is still work to be done. "Exploration companies have two bosses. You have the province that you must comply with their rules,
Vale Base Metals' T3 headframe in Manitoba
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companies will benefit from utilizing already at-hand assets such as the camps. He says NHCN also can ex- ecute drilling and build roads and is constantly exploring potential ways to work with outside groups. "We need to find a way to create employment and have better invest- ments that will go a long way into developing our nation," Anderson says. "We're not open completely. Not just anyone comes into our ter- ritory. We have a very strong belief that mining companies can be more successful when they work with us. That means utilizing what assets we have that they would require. We're no different than anyone else in the world. We want work." Last year, NHCN signed an Impact and Benefit Agreement with Flying Nickel Mining Corp. to advance the development of the Minago Nickel Project located in the Thompson nickel belt while ensuring environ- mental protection and creating jobs and contract opportunities. NHCN will also see a potentially multi- million-dollar profit in one year alone from Flying Nickel's revenue at Minago since they also own 19.9 per cent of the company's shares.
areas that have not been cleaned up. We're worried about our environ- ment.’ And then you'll have some communities that say we would con- sider it, but we want to become real partners and share in the equity." Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) has successfully fallen into the latter category, having recently secured funding from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) to acquire its own mining camp. MMDF is a $20-million provincial fund administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. The pur- pose of MMDF is to grow the mineral development industry and stimulate economic development in northern Manitoba by providing grant funding to projects that benefit Manitoba’s economy and local communities alike, with a focus on projects related to the mining supply chain. Not only will the camp create doz- ens of jobs and additional revenue streams for the 9,000-person nation, but it will also set the stage for future partnerships with mining companies and critical mineral explorations in the North. Chief Larson Anderson of NHCN strongly believes visiting mining
Chief Larson Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew
"We need to find a way to create employment and have better investments that will go a long way into developing our nation." – Chief Larson Anderson of NHCN
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CRITICAL MINERALS CONT.
region. There are huge opportunities surrounding critical minerals in north- ern Manitoba, and we want to ensure Indigenous communities are part of the critical minerals boom." While environmental concerns will always be a factor in reconciliation, mining companies such as Vale are invested in protecting the North. They currently have a world-class en- vironmental management program to protect the wildlife, land and water quality surrounding their operation, Kennedy says. "We’ve been proactively remediat- ing decommissioned areas within our sites while recycling the byproducts to yield critical minerals like copper and residual nickel," she says. "Our clay-capping operations also work with a local beekeeper to support pollination and revegetation in our tailings area and throughout our operation: last year, we gifted our employees 700 jars of Thompson honey, harvested directly from hives on our site."
agreement includes commitments to regular meetings partnership, pref- erential consideration for qualified NCN businesses and employment through the exploration program, an environmental monitoring program led by NCN and a financial commitment. "It’s the first step towards a broader agreement between Vale Base Metals and the community of NCN that we will be discussing in the coming year. It’s important that northern Manitoba and Indigenous communities benefit economically from critical minerals, creating jobs and prosperity through the mining industry." Kennedy says reconciliation is high on Vale's priority list, and educating current employees is crucial at this stage to keep their ties with northern communities strong. "We’re privileged to have a strong relationship with many Indigenous organizations in Thompson, and we want to deepen our relationships with communities in our surrounding
NHCN's progressive approach and dedication to accountability have helped it gain the respect of the com- panies it has joined forces with so far — while setting an example of what good can come when both parties work together. "We didn't want to be under the same messaging as most First Nations in this country where companies come in, take what they want and leave," Anderson says. "As a First Nation, you have to start considering what you're giving up and what you can try to do to achieve as much as that revenue for your nation." Another neighbouring Cree Nation very recently followed suit, forging a partnership with mining company Vale Base Metals, whose Manitoba operations are based in Thompson. "We formally announced a new exploration agreement with Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), on whose traditional territory we operate," says Stacy Kennedy, Vale’s director of Manitoba operations. The
“
There are huge opportunities surrounding critical minerals in northern Manitoba, and we want to ensure Indigenous communities are part of the critical minerals boom."
– Stacy Kennedy, director, Manitoba operations, Vale
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Vale Base Metals geologists examine core at a remote helicopter-accessed drill site.
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Fifty per cent or more of our province is actually hard rock, an area which we can explore to discover critical minerals." – MaryAnn Mihychuk, president, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association “
tiny footprint," she says. "The last thing we want to do is leave a legacy that's going to cause negative re- percussions to a community or the environment." While the MPDA currently has several "big asks" on their agenda — including a road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg up to the community of Red Sucker that could lead to the potential access of over a million ounces of gold — the Manitoba criti- cal mineral sector's future has seen recent glimmers of hope thanks to growing support from communities like NHCN and the province's current premier, Wab Kinew. The premier was recently in Washington, D.C., speak- ing with American congress people, senators and stakeholder groups about critical mineral opportunities in Manitoba and their technology, defence and EV applications. "Minerals really hold a great op- portunity for investment and wealth creation, both for the First Nations and for all taxpayers," Mihychuk says. "We're excited about the premier and his ability to reach out to his com- munities and his commitment to the critical mineral industry. We're all waiting in huge expectation and anticipation that Manitoba will finally open its doors to exploration." ■
NOA submission. Meanwhile, Minago is potentially one of the lowest carbon-intensity nickel projects in the world. Several initiatives are being considered or taken to minimize the carbon footprint of potential future min- ing operation at Minago. For mining, the company is examining the use of a fully electric mine fleet. For ore and waste processing, the crushing, milling and flotation processes would be powered by renewable Manitoba hydroelectricity. The Agriculture and Resource Development Department (ARDD) has expressed support for the Minago Project, which would supply much- needed Class 1 high-purity nickel to make nickel-lithium batteries used in electric vehicles. The project is expected to have an industry-leading low carbon footprint, lower than 99 per cent of existing global nickel pro- duction, according to a study by Skarn Associates, a metals and mining ESG research company. Mihychuk agrees most of today's operations are transparent with their intentions through publicly published reports and use the latest technology to ensure safety. "We have great scientists, and the way that we manage projects now is environmentally safe — a
Similarly, Anderson says Flying Nickel has also gone above and beyond to address NHCN's past con- cerns with water runoff and poten- tial acidity of the nickel sulphides. Rob Van Drunen, chief operating officer for Flying Nickel and long-time northern Manitoba resident, express- es appreciation for the collaborative approach. “Working with the First Nations and Métis is extremely valuable in creating an environmentally sustain- able, green mine concept. Manitoba has vast untapped mineral resources, and what is often unrecognized is the opportunity to develop skill capac- ity in the communities to fill roles needed for mining,” Van Drunen says. “Flying Nickel continues to work to- wards developing new ways to build a mine, not only environmentally world class but community centric. None of this can happen without the support and direct involvement of First Nation and Métis peoples.” Flying Nickel confirms in com- pany documents that it submitted substantial updates to a 2014 Notice of Alteration (NOA) for its 10,000 tonne-per-day open pit mining operation at Minago and is working closely with all Indigenous rights- holders, including NHCN, where significant input was utilized in the
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