Photo: Forest fire in B.C.
In 2021, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, experienced a series of devastating extreme weather events. From wildfires during the summer months to extreme flooding during the fall, many communities in these regions were deeply impacted and are still recovering from the effects. We know that climate change has resulted in extreme temperatures, and the likelihood of droughts and floods, all of which have impacts on our employees, communities, operations, supply chains and customers. During these extreme weather events, Teck steps up to partner with governments, communities and charitable organizations to support those in need while also managing impacts to our business.
Wildfire Relief Efforts
From April 1 to September 30, 2021, over 860,000 hectares of land were burned in B.C. as a result of extreme wildfires.1 The effects of the wildfires resulted in multiple communities receiving evacuation orders, including towns in the vicinity of our Highland Valley Copper Operations in B.C., including Lytton, Logan Lake and Merritt. The wildfires also impacted regional supply chains due to freight rail suspensions.
We partnered with local governments, emergency providers and community stakeholders in the Thompson-Nicola region to support residents and facilitate the coordination needed for a safe evacuation. Teck also supported employees that lived within the area of evacuation orders and engaged directly with Indigenous communities to support relief efforts. Additionally, Teck donated $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross and $50,000 to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) to provide food, clothing and temporary accommodation for evacuees, and support the rescue and relocation of pets and farm animals in affected regions.
Flood Relief Efforts
After a difficult summer, B.C. experienced unprecedented levels of rain during the fall that resulted in devastating flooding and mudslides in many regions. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, with thousands more properties on evacuation alerts or orders.
In response, Teck reached out to all levels of government to find opportunities to support local families and communities, as well as offering equipment and expertise to support restoration of supply chains impacted by damaged and destroyed transportation infrastructure. We prioritized a province-wide response including donations of $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross and $50,000 to the BC SPCA, and then worked directly with the First Nations Emergency Services Society, First Nations Health Authority, Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society and other local organizations to provide support to local communities and Indigenous Peoples whose traditional territories Teck operates in at our Highland Valley Copper Operations. In addition, all emergency relief efforts made by Teck employees were matched through our Team Teck Community Giving Program.
Learn more about our approach to Business Ethics, our approach to Relationships with Communities and Indigenous Peoples, and our approach to Climate Change on our website.
