Compass Group Canada takes a leading role in sustainable seafood purchasing
Vancouver, BC: Canadian consumers can soon make sustainable seafood choices at their workplace, college or university, hospital, entertainment facility or even at a remote camp managed by Compass Group Canada beginning June 1.
This groundbreaking opportunity is thanks to a new seafood purchasing policy from Compass Group Canada in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise Program. As a first result, a quarter million pounds of unsustainable Atlantic cod will be replaced annually by more sustainably fished Alaskan Pollock.
The Ocean Wise program welcomes Compass Group Canada as its national founding partner to expand the program across Canada. Sea Choice Canada will also be involved in implementing the policy through public education and consumer outreach at food service outlets.
"As the Canadian leader in food and support services, we are proud to embrace a sustainable seafood policy that will support the health of our oceans. Our purchasing shift can make a significant impact and it is clearly the right thing for us to do."
Jack MacDonald, CEO of Compass Group Canada and ESS North America.
"Overfishing is THE number one problem facing the world's oceans. With over 90% of ocean animals longer than 6 feet now gone, and with most ocean fisheries on the brink of collapse within the next 25 years, it is a major problem that we must respond to. Compass Group Canada has done just that by committing to source sustainable seafood alternatives in partnership with the Ocean Wise program. As the largest food service provider in Canada they are proving that change is possible and they will most certainly be seen as leaders in their field."
Dr. John Nightingale, President, Vancouver Aquarium
"Our partnership with Ocean Wise began with Simon Fraser University becoming the founding university partner in 2007. As we are now positioned to implement nationally, we understand that success includes new purchasing standards, internal compliance mechanisms, chef training and consumer education and awareness. We are pleased to have both Ocean Wise and Sea Choice supporting and guiding us to achieve our mutual goal of supporting the health of our oceans."
Laurie Brager, Director of Sustainability
Full implementation of the new policy is planned for September 30, 2008.
Ocean Wise sustainable seafood assessments are based on recommendations and research by leading marine conservation organizations such as Monterey Bay Aquariums’ Seafood Watch Program and Sea Choice Canada. Ocean Wise assists its partner’s source sustainable seafood alternatives. These choices are highlighted on partner menus by the Ocean Wise logo.
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a self-supporting, non-profit association dedicated to effecting the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, conservation practices, education, research, and direct action.
Compass Group Canada is the leading contract food and support services company in Canada with 22,000 associates working throughout the country, and annual managed revenues of $1.2 billion. Its Canadian head office is located in Mississauga, Ontario. Compass Group Canada is the recipient of the 2007 Company of the Year, Foodservice and Hospitality Pinnacle award. The company was also designated a 2008 GTA Top 50 Employer. Its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC was ranked 13th largest employer by Fortune Magazine in 2007. It has worldwide revenues of $20.2 billion (Can).
For more information, please visit:
http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise
Contacts:
Cindy Harris Kent Hurl
Director of Communications Public Relations
Compass Group Canada Vancouver Aquarium
cindy.harris@compass-canada.com kent.hurl@vanaqua.org
905.568.4636 x432 604.659.3752