Greenpeace welcomes FSC International mediation process for Resolute Forest Products’ logging operations

17 December 2015 (Toronto) – In response to today’s statement by the Forest Stewardship Council International (FSC) calling for Resolute Forest Products (Resolute) to join a mediation process to resolve its controversial logging operations, Shane Moffatt, Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Canada said:

“We are pleased that FSC has presented a mediation framework and we are ready to work with FSC, Ontario, Quebec and First Nations governments and others on the details to give it the best chance of success. As we have said for a long time, we believe that collaboration is needed to put in place lasting and equitable solutions to resolve Resolute’s controversial operations in critical areas of the Boreal Forest in both provinces.”

Greenpeace urges FSC to extend mediation to Resolute’s operations in northern Ontario, specifically the terminated Caribou Forest certificate.

The need for mediation and a multi-stakeholder solutions process is clear. Over the past two years, an unprecedented four of Resolute’s FSC certificates in Ontario and Quebec, covering more than 8 million hectares of forest, have been suspended or terminated. Its operations in the Caribou Forest in Ontario and Montagnes Blanches Endangered Forest in

Quebec threaten the survival of woodland caribou. This is impacting the company’s ability to effectively promote its products on the international market and several high profile customers voiced serious concerns as a result.

“Solutions to better protect our forests and enrich communities are possible with the good faith efforts of Resolute, workers’ unions, First Nations and provincial governments, and environmental organizations in both Ontario and Quebec. These solutions can support a prosperous forest sector and sustain local economies with good jobs.”

-30-

For more information

Shane Moffatt, Forest Campaigner: 416-432-7145

Link to FSC International statement here: https://ic.fsc.org/en/news/id/1376

NT5