Union Gas Limited

Environment (Social and Green)

At Union Gas, we are committed to conducting our business in an environmentally responsible way, and with a focus on partnering to build vibrant communities. We do this by striving to: 

• Enhance our current relationships and develop new relationships while building Union Gas as a Partner with First Nations and Métis communities;
• Ensure consultation on pipeline and operation’s projects are culturally appropriate and conducted at the key time in a project's life cycle;
• Use available traditional ecological and knowledge-based studies in our environmental preparation for construction and maintenance projects.

Bkejwanong Eco-Keepers, Walpole Island First Nations

The Bkejwanong Eco-Keepers (BEK) program is a summer environmental education and work experience for the youth of the Walpole Island First Nation. Through the program, students at the high school and post-secondary level work with biologists, researchers and environmentalists who are studying the rare flora and fauna that are part of the diverse ecosystem of the southwestern Ontario island on the north shore of Lake St. Clair, at the mouth of the St. Clair River.

The program aims to expose participants to a broad range of career and educational opportunities in the environmental field. It is also designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to take part in Species at Risk stewardship programs, which improve the habitat and life of species at risk on Walpole Island. One of the program’s goals is to empower the youth of the Walpole Island First Nation to be positive role models and give back to their community.

In 2011, Union Gas awarded the BEK program a $10,000 grant as part of the company’s Centennial celebration.

"Without the support of good corporate neighbours such as Union Gas, our summer program would be very limited," said Joyce Johnson, executive director of the Walpole Island Heritage Centre.

The Centennial Signature grant was one of 10 handed out across the province to support charitable and non-profit projects focused on environmental education, conservation and research.

As Lindsay Boyd, director municipal and aboriginal affairs at Union Gas, explains: "We believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow. That means supporting young people and being environmental stewards. Through our grant to the Bkejwanong Eco-Keepers, we are doing both."