Environmental & social responsibility

 

As physical assets that provide an essential service, our infrastructure businesses have an impact on resources such as water, energy and other raw materials as well as on our employees, customers, investors and the communities we serve. We endeavour to manage that impact responsibly.

In our view, compliance with regulatory obligations, including occupational health and safety (OHS) laws related to employees, contractors and visitors, as the minimum standard. Instead, we strive for best practices in environmental and social responsibility management.

We manage these responsibilities throughout the investment process, which includes:

  • Review and evaluation of possible acquisitions. MPIC's due diligence process includes reviewing of an asset's environmental and OHS risk management as part of our assessment of the broader risk management framework. This includes the use of independent experts to identify issues and obligations related to the investment.
  • Ongoing management. Each asset maintains its own risk management system to manage its obligations and risks. MPIC's ability to control or influence these frameworks depends on our level of ownership or control and the regulatory framework that governs the specific environmental and OHS risks at the asset. Each asset must report to the Board of Directors on risk management, which helps to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements as well as timely identification and resolution of issues.
  • Stakeholder reporting. MPIC reports annually to shareholders on environmental and social responsibility management. This includes a summary of our policies and key responsibilities as well as a statement on regulatory compliance by our assets during the reporting period.

Key environmental and social responsibility factors

MPIC's key environmental and social responsibility factors include resource use, dangerous goods and hazardous materials, gaseous emissions, noise, flora and fauna, heritage, waste storage and handling, environmental monitoring and reporting, occupational health and safety, recruitment and employment compliance, and community and stakeholder relations.

Initiatives at MPIC's businesses

Across our businesses, workplace safety is a priority for all employees and contractors. We also seek to minimize our environmental footprint and to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility.

Cardinal's robust safety and technical training program meets or exceeds the requirements of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. Cardinal’s management team provides sessions on a variety of health and safety topics, reinforced by technical programs relevant to the responsibilities of each employee. In 2009, Cardinal’s 18 employees received a total of 1,403 hours of safety and technical training, an average of 78 hours per employee. In 2009, there was no lost time due to injuries, extending the plant’s 13-year record.

Cardinal’s team is also dedicated to supporting the local community, offering financial support to Cardinal in Bloom, an annual beautification program that it initiated for the town of Cardinal that includes flower baskets and gardens tended by volunteers. Every year, Cardinal contributes to Christmas is for Kids, a holiday celebration for local children, and to the town’s Community Festival Committee, which organizes annual Canada Day and Labour Day festivities. The facility supports local schools, providing two bursaries for high-achieving secondary school students as well as the Science and Technology Award at Benson Public School, to which the facility also donates computers and other educational tools and provides free heat.

Erie Shores conducts comprehensive safety training throughout the year and meets or exceeds the requirements of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. At December 31, 2009, Erie Shores had three employees who received a total of 68 hours of technical and safety training during the year, or an average of approximately 23 hours of training per employee. Additionally, the plant holds regular safety meetings. During the year, there was no lost time due to injuries.

Erie Shores also complies with Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act, which provides for the protection and conservation of the environment, including land, air, wildlife, and social and economic considerations. As part of the site development process, Erie Shores underwent an environmental assessment that formed the basis for the design of the facility and placement of turbines to minimize environmental impact. In 2009, Erie Shores, which has emerged as an important community attraction, contributed funding to the Municipality of Bayham’s Wind Farm Interpretive Centre. The plant manager of Erie Shores serves on a working committee for this Centre and is active in the local business community, including as a member of the Otter Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, during the year Erie Shores held two off-site presentations and hosted 15 facility tours for industry associations, business groups and students. These tours are aimed at building and broadening knowledge of wind power in Canada and promoting the region’s leadership in embracing wind power.

MPIC's hydro power facilities meet or exceed the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Acts in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, where the facilities are located. Operators at each of the sites undergo annual safety training on topics such as first aid and high voltage electricity. In 2009, operators received a total of 250 hours of training, an average of 23 hours per operator. There was no lost time due to injuries.

The hydro power facilities operate in accordance with provincial water management plans where applicable and strive to preserve the quality of the local environment. At the Sechelt facility, for example, operating staff maintain a salmon spawning channel installed in 1997 by ensuring a constant supply of water and removal of debris. Similarly, the Wawatay facility features an engineered nursery channel and tailrace to support the river's local fish populations. All of MPIC's hydro power facilities have earned the federal government’s EcoLogo™ certification, evidence of their high environmental standards and contribution.

Whitecourt meets or exceeds the requirements of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. Whitecourt’s approach to health and safety is comprehensive and directed by a safety committee of representatives from various functional areas of the facility, such as operations, trucking and maintenance. In addition, employees undergo annual training on a range of topics from first aid, fall prevention and working in confined spaces to equipment maintenance and operation. In 2009, Whitecourt’s 33 employees received a total of approximately 903 hours of training, an average of approximately 27 hours per employee. In 2009, there was no lost time due to injuries.

The Chapais plant meets or exceeds the requirements of Quebec’s Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) and complies with the Environment Quality Act. In 2009, Chapais’ 28 employees received approximately 379 hours of training, an average of 14 hours per employee. During the year, there was no lost time due to injuries.