Montreal, Thursday, May 20, 2010 - Metro Inc.
announced today that it has adopted a policy with a view to offer
its customers fresh and frozen wild and farmed seafood products
from sustainable fisheries. This policy will be gradually
implemented starting in September 2010, and will be in effect in
all its supermarkets and discount stores across Quebec and Ontario
by June 2011.
"Metro acknowledges that sustainable fisheries and the preservation
of natural resources are vital for future generations. The adoption
of a sustainable fisheries policy is consistent with our corporate
responsibility approach," declared Robert Sawyer, Executive
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Metro Inc. ."This
initiative is proof that we want to go beyond the role of
distributor and become an actor in sustainable development."
Starting in September 2010, Metro will stop selling a number of
threatened species and will change its product labelling. Metro
will train store employees to prepare them to answer customers'
questions regarding sustainable fisheries products. Metro will also
rely on labelling and practical advice to inform its customers and
raise their awareness.
Objective analysis
To ensure its decisions are based on objective analysis of fished
species, Metro has developed a balanced policy that first takes
into account official scientific opinions, but also the points of
view of all stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and
suppliers.
Moreover, to add credence to its analysis of the issues related to
sustainable fisheries, Metro has consulted renowned independent
experts, including Jean-Claude Brêthes, professor at the Institut
des sciences de la mer of the Université du Québec à Rimouski. "In
any decision related to sustainable fisheries, it is important to
rely on peer-reviewed scientific information, as is the case with
MSC certification or the official scientific reports published by
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as this provides the
assurance of solid data," states Mr. Brêthes.
Four core criteria
Metro's sustainable fisheries policy consists in four supply
criteria:
1. Procurement will be limited to species and fishing areas whose
renewal is ensured given their individual stocks and catch
rates.
2. Fisheries and aquafarms supplying Metro must prove that they use
sustainable fishing methods.
3. The supply chain from the fishing area to the consumer must be
documented to allow for informative and transparent
labelling.
4. Metro's decisions will take into account local economic
issues.
All Metro suppliers will have to sign a code of conduct attesting
to their commitment.
"In trying to constantly improve, we are committing to updating our
species-specific diagnosis, based on the latest facts and
scientific reports. We will favour suppliers who make tangible
progress toward the sustainable management of their activities, and
who will encourage recognized standards such as the Marine
Stewardship Council (MSC). We will also continue to work with
independent experts," specified Mr. Sawyer.
By no longer selling threatened species, Metro hopes to help the
recovery of fish stocks and the conservation of ocean diversity.
The Company will report on regular basis on its commitment. Metro's
sustainable fisheries policy is available at
http://www.metro.ca/corpo/responsabilite/peche-durable-politique.en.html.
About Metro Inc.
With annual sales of over $11 billion and over 65,000 employees,
Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in
Québec and Ontario, where it operates a network of more than 600
food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, GP,
Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the
Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.
- 30 -
Source:
Marie-Claude Bacon
Director, Corporate Affairs
Metro Inc.
514-643-1086
mbacon@metro.ca
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