While FSC regrets the suspension, it welcomes the decision as testimony that FSC certification applies rigorous standards within a clear framework of principles and criteria,strong audit processes and clear consequences for failing to meet FSC requirements. These standards are applied across the full range of FSC certificate holders, regardless of the size of the organization.
The three affected forests are Lac St-Jean and Mistassini-Péribonka in Quebec, and Black Spruce& Dog River in Ontario. The major non-conformances and non-compliances relate to indigenous Peoples’ rights, environmental impact, forest benefits,monitoring and assessment, and High Conservation Value forests.
FSC notes the stated commitment of Resolute Forest Products to regain certification of three Canadian certificates that were marked for suspension from January 1, 2014.
In a statement on its website, Resolute said it took the temporary suspensions seriously and remained committed to achieving FSC certification of at least 80% of its forests.
FSC welcomes this statement as a commitment by Resolute to strengthen its performance to regain FSC certification.
For detailed information & audit reports, visit the links below.
- Lac St-Jean Forest http://info.fsc.org/details.php?id=a02400000083G9GAAU&type=certificate
- Mistassini-Peribonka http://info.fsc.org/details.php?id=a0240000005sRJGAA2&type=certificate
- Black Spruce & DogRiver http://info.fsc.org/details.php?id=a0240000007ThhUAAS&type=certificate
Contact:
Francois Dufresne
President, FSC Canada
E: f.dufresne@ca.fsc.org
T: 514-394-1137