CASCADES : Effectively applying CSR

Internal:

Cascades created a Code of Ethics which is addressed to Directors, managers and employees, who participate in a certification process and on-line training that covers the Code's content and the Company's expectations in this regard. The Code of Ethics sets out the general principles that govern acceptable behaviour in all relationships with customers, suppliers, partners and communities.

Listening to Stakeholders:

In the Fall of 2009, they conducted an on-line survey with approximately 100 people, followed by a large-scale series of direct consultations with dozens of employees, site managers, members of local communities, investors, suppliers, customers, directors and NGO representatives.  Participants responded to their invitation – to reflect on issues such as responsible procurement, product liability, governance and disclosure, as well as the impact of activities on communities and the environment – by outlining specific strategic priorities that could be used to identify the key performance indicators essential to creating their sustainable development plan.

Third Parties:

In the interest of transparency, Cascades also retained the services of a group specialized in corporate responsibility and sustainable development, part of the major auditing firm Deloitte & Touche, for this initial official consultation. Since non-governmental organizations (NGOs) enjoy the highest level of credibility in the eyes of civil society, the Company also decided to have an environmental NGO, Climate for Ideas.org, validate the SD plan development process and the commitments that ensued, in order to benefit from vital advice provided by an independent, neutral third party.