Churchill Polar bear adventure, Canada

Planet

The ground team based in Churchill, Manitoba put social responsibility at the very core of who they are and how they do business. They are recognized as a Certified B Corporation™. This means they work hard to leave a positive impact on travellers,, employees and on the communities where they operate.

To achieve this certification, they constantly review their environmental track record and goals, ensure transparency in their self-reporting, and balance profits with social and environmental good.

CARBON REDUCTION:
They have committed to converting our touring Tundra Buggy fleet from diesel to zero-emission propulsion by 2030. By making the conversion, we will be avoiding an estimated 15.74 tCO2e per Tundra Buggy each year. The Tundra Buggies follow a strict trail network to protect the ecosystem, The buggies are also fitted with a grey water management system, so that not one drop of water or waste touches the tundra. They have instigated a recycling program in the town of Churchill and only use disposable food containers and utensils.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE
Canada’s North is home to many species of arctic wildlife that rely on a pristine environment. They travel responsibly to protect these fragile natural habitats, to benefit local communities and to preserve and celebrate the customs and traditions of the places visited.

They were the first major sponsor of Polar Bears International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of polar bears through research and education. Since 2002, they have maintained Platinum Level sponsorship and continue to work with PBI on a number of conservation initiatives and programs. They also partner with Raincoast Conservation Foundation, supporting their Cetacean Conservation Research Program.

They provide a platform for education about the wildlife and issues affecting Canada’s north. Their world-class guides and drivers offer an experience with a wealth of contemporary and traditional knowledge.

Also, through a partnership with Polar Bears International (PBI) and Explore.org, they are able to share polar bears and beluga whales with people around the world through the poalr bear and beluga cams.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
They employ as many Canadian and local-to-the-North staff and guides and utilize as many local suppliers as possible. (73% of staff are from Manitoba).

They invest in communities where they operate by hiring locally, buying locally and supporting local causes. They also work closely with the Town of Churchill, Manitoba Conservation and Climate and Parks Canada to define, develop and implement policies for Churchill’s tourism industry.

EMPLOYMENT, EXCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
They value their team of employees and endeavour to foster a positive working culture with high employee morale. They are inclusive, employ a diverse workforce, employees receive profit sharing incentives and have staff participate in a yearly planning session where they are engaged in decisions that affect our business. 50% of the management team are women, 13% of staff have a disability and 11% are from Indigenous communities.

CORPORATE GIVING
They have formed partnerships with charitable organizations that focus on supporting three main causes: people living with disabilities, investing in the communities where we operate, and conservation and wildlife.