Sustainability
Environmental protection is a priority for both the Board of Directors and leaders at TQM. We support the objectives set out by the Paris Agreement and we recognize that, as a responsible owner and operator, we need to effectively manage and reduce our GHG emissions. TQM also supports Québec government regulations that require natural gas distributors to have RNG represent 5 per cent of the total volume of conventional gas distributed by 2025. While TQM is not mandated to meet this target, it is exploring what it can align to.
Environment
TQM believes that its continued operational success is intrinsically linked to an ongoing effort to reduce the impact of its activities on the environment. As such, the company demonstrates a disciplined environmental approach to develop its natural gas transmission activities in a sustainable manner.
TQM respects all environmental laws and regulations that apply to its activities, as well as all requirements with which the company must comply in this respect.
TQM takes the practical measures required to prevent or to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of its activities. In this regard, the company:
- Ensures that the planning, construction and operations of its facilities are carried out and monitored in a comprehensive way in order to comply with government standards.
- Ensures that its activities are conducted with a view to limiting the intensity of greenhouse gasses attributable to the transmission of natural gas.
- Maintains ongoing communication with environmental specialists to ensure that its employees are trained in the best environmental protection techniques and that they are well aware of the importance of environmental issues.
- Conducts audits, drawing on the expertise of independent specialists in order to identify areas of improvement with respect to government or corporate environmental standards. Consequently, corrective measures required are taken without delay.
Indigenous Relations
Embedded in the lands on which TQM operates are the histories, cultures and traditions of Indigenous communities across Québec. TQM acknowledges that its natural gas transmission footprint is situated within the traditional and unceded lands of the Mohawk, Algonquin, Atikamekw, Abenaki, and Huron-Wendat peoples. We honour and thank the traditional custodians of this land and strive for respectful partnerships with all Indigenous peoples of this province.
TQM understands that the communities along our pipeline may be affected by our development and operations and we believe that by establishing and maintaining a positive, long-term relationship with Indigenous communities, it will be possible for both parties to achieve their respective community and business interests.
The TQM Indigenous Relations Policy is based on three principles: communication, consultation and commitment, and as such, we know it is important to:
- initiate and maintain regular communication throughout the life of a project;
- carry out consultation with the aboriginal communities impacted by a
TQM project; and - follow through on its commitments.
TQM believes its Indigenous Relations Policy must be flexible enough to allow the company to address the social, economic and legal issues of the communities that it impacts. The company respects the diversity of Indigenous cultures, the constitutional rights of Indigenous people and their relationship with the land.