10 commitments to sustainability – A collaborative effort

Port Saint John is a member of AiVP – an organization with a mission to improve relations between cities and ports by promoting dialogue and cooperation. AiVP created the 10 commitments for sustainable action in 2018 to be used as a framework for the sustainable development of port cities. Each one of the commitments is connected to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.As a member Port with AiVP, we are also working towards these 10 commitments, but we couldn’t be successful without the collaboration of our Port partners. In recognition of all the great sustainability work happening around our Port, we have highlighted one organization for each one of the 10 commitments to show how we can achieve even more when working together. To read Part one of this series featuring commitments 1-3, click here.

Commitment #7: Quality Food For All – Canpotex 

Canpotex is one of the top Canadian exporters. Each year, Canpotex markets and delivers approximately 13 million MT of Saskatchewan potash to customers around the world.  These customers rely on potash as a fertilizer to replenish soil nutrients to help grow stronger, more resilient, and higher-yielding crops – and ultimately more food - for the world’s growing population.    Contributing to global food security from the centre of the Canadian prairies is no easy feat. For Canpotex, however, it’s possible because of its innovative and reliable supply chain, which includes dedicated potash railcars, specialized port terminal facilities on the east and west coasts of North America, and several dedicated ocean vessels. The terminal at Port Saint John is an integral part of this delivery system and supply chain infrastructure.    "This innovative logistics system allows Canpotex to deliver high-quality potash in the quantities and grades farmers need in time for their crops’ growing season – in short, this potash helps nourish the world," says Gord McKenzie, President and CEO, Canpotex.   Canpotex’s commitment to food security also extends to the community of Saint John. Since 2018, it has partnered with the United Way of Saint John, Kings & Charlotte to support child hunger initiatives. In 2020, Canpotex committed $30,000 over three years to support the Bee Me Kidz project, providing a nutritious breakfast to over 500 families. Sustainable Development Goals: 2 - Zero Hunger, 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing

Commitment #8: Port City Interface – Place Fort LaTour 

Place Fort La Tour, located on Harbour Passage on the Bay of Fundy, commemorates 5700+ years of ceremonial, trade and industrial activity in this special place. The site of treachery, intrigue, and a memorable battle in early Acadian times, Place Fort La Tour’s structures and experiences are evocative of these stories and a current day meeting place, much as it has always been. "Place Fort La Tour is a very important part of New Brunswick's historical and cultural preservation. This historic place will allow us to develop and deliver in-person interpretation on the history of First Nations, Francophone and the early English settlers through experiential programming, festivals, cultural events, and hands-on programming" says Heather Kamerman, General Manager, Place Fort La Tour. Sustainable Development Goals: 4 - Quality Education, 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

Commitment #9: Health and Life Quality – Eastern Charlotte Waterways 

Established in 1993, Eastern Charlotte Waterways is a not-for-profit, environmental resource and research center which aims to collaborate with like-minded organizations to promote community well-being through sound environmental health. To understand the sound impact of cruise, shipping and smaller vessels, ECW has long-term sound monitoring sites, including the Port Saint John Harbour. The other two sites include southeast of Grand Manan Island and off Point Lepreau. "Monitoring the underwater sound levels associated with an industrialized Port is key to ensuring the overall sustainability of the Bay of Fundy," says Donald Killorn, Executive Director, ECW. Sustainable Development Goals: 13 - Climate Action, 14 - Life Below Water

Commitment #10: Protecting Biodiversity – The Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick 

Downstream-migrating juvenile Atlantic salmon from the Tobique River, part of the endangered population in our region, must travel approximately 300 river km before reaching the river exit in the Saint John Harbour. Along the way, they must also pass three hydropower reservoirs and generating stations. The Canadian Rivers Institute at UNB Fredericton is currently undertaking research to better understand juvenile Atlantic salmon migration strategies, led by Hilary MacLean. "Our hope is that the findings of this study will not only help to implement effective downstream passage at other dams in the system, but also help towards restoring Atlantic salmon to its historic range” says Hilary MacLean, M.Sc. Candidate at UNB.Sustainable Development Goals: 13 - Climate Action, 14 - Life Below Water