Quebec pension manager Batirente has called on three Canadian airlines to prepare sustainability reports in line with the international standards of the Global Reporting Initiative.

As of Feb.6, according to the shareholder resolution database maintained by the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE), Batirente has filed resolutions calling for Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reports at Air Canada, Transat and Westjet.

The resolution notes that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the aviation sector has increased significantly in recent years, rising 17 per cent in Canada between 1999 and 2003, according to Environment Canada.

The resolution also notes that traveling by air produces 140g of CO2 per passenger, compared with 100g for an equivalent distance by car.

In the resolution with Air Canada, Batirente states that shareholders have been unable to obtain information from the company on its environmental performance targets and indicators.  "They deplore also the company's decision to not disclose its GHG emissions level and its reduction strategy, notably in declining to participate in the Carbon Disclosure Project."

On WestJet, Batirente notes that the company has renewed its fleet and is using less energy-intensive aircraft, but it does not report the existence of any environmental policy, performance targets or performance indicators. "The absence of a senior management committee responsible for environmental issues leads to fears that these stakes are not given sufficient consideration," states the resolution.

Information on the shareholder proposals is available at SHARE's shareholder resolution database at:

http://www.share.ca/en/shareholderdb

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