A Strategic Mandate in Social Performance and Community Relations

Davie, Canada’s largest shipyard, is undergoing a major transformation of its Lévis facilities with a clear ambition to become a leader in social responsibility. In this context, Transfert Environnement et Société was engaged to support Davie’s team in strengthening community relations and to provide strategic advice on best practices for local coexistence.

Key Deliverables

The mandate focused on several components, including:

  • A social sensitivity assessment of the surrounding area and the issues related to increased operations
  • The development of a structured and equitable community investment framework
  • The creation of a citizen liaison committee in collaboration with local stakeholders
  • The rollout of an internal and external pre-consultation process for the shipyard modernization projects

Transfert also provided targeted, ongoing support in community communications, organized information and consultation activities, and offered strategic guidance on managing social and environmental issues linked to operations and projects.

Some of the key deliverables included:

  • A social risk and sensitivity analysis to inform strategic decisions
  • Templates and summaries for public meetings and the liaison committee, including operating procedures and community concerns
  • A structured consultation plan with internal workshops and thematic meetings within the committee
  • The organization and facilitation of public information and consultation sessions
  • Tools to improve issue and complaint management
  • A benchmarking analysis of best coexistence practices for construction sites
  • Short, practical training sessions on social acceptability and social performance

Project Team

Transfert assembled a high-caliber multidisciplinary team for this mandate, led by Marc-Olivier Fortin, with the support of Alexandra Boileau, Partner and Vice President, Operations, and Laurie Jeanne Beaudoin, Project Manager. Senior experts were also called upon to advise and guide Davie’s team, including Justine Simard, Urban Planner and Senior Advisor, and Cédric Bourgeois, Founding Partner and Vice President, Strategy and Communications.

The Transfert Effect: Tangible Results

With Transfert’s support, Davie strengthened its social performance in meaningful ways. The shipyard established a liaison committee recognized by residents for its credibility and transparency, integrated social and environmental considerations into its daily operations and modernization projects, and reinforced its relationships with neighbors and local stakeholders.

By adopting a proactive approach to communication and public participation, Davie’s team set itself apart. This mandate reflects Transfert’s ability to help organizations achieve exemplary social performance through listening, thoroughness, and innovation.

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