Activity Report 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE GENERAL MANAGER
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Members, Partners and Collaborators,
It is with great pride and sincere gratitude that we present this annual report, which marks a pivotal moment in the history of our organization. The past year has been rich in achievements and emotions, demonstrating our collective commitment and our ability to reinvent ourselves.
First, we celebrated our organization's 20th anniversary, a milestone that illustrates the sustainability and positive impact of our mission. Since its founding, our organization has evolved to meet the needs of our members and society, while remaining true to its core values.
This year also involved a significant transition in our leadership. Following the retirement of Jean Duchesneau, who brilliantly led the organization for seven years, Jean-François Richard took over as the new General Manager. The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge Jean's exemplary commitment and the solid foundation he left, which will continue to inspire our future actions.
In terms of results, we are proud to announce that we have achieved all the collection objectives we set for 2024. These achievements reflect the commitment of our teams and the trust of our partners.
Among our notable honours, being certified as an Elite Employer represents a significant achievement. This recognition illustrates our determination to place our employees at the centre of our priorities by creating an inclusive, stimulating and rewarding work environment.
We also began implementing our ambitious strategic plan for 2024-2028. This plan charts a new direction for our organization, with a particular focus on modernizing our governance, continuously improving our internal processes, and strengthening communication with our stakeholders. These initiatives aim to strengthen our impact, efficiency and trusting relationships with our partners.
Finally, this year, we renewed our commitment to the National Used Oil and Antifreeze Advisory Council (NUOMAAC) and the Used Oil Management Association of Canada (UOMA Canada). This partnership with our Canadian colleagues provides a place to exchange where we can share best practices for recycling oils and other oily products, and identify areas for improvement to standardize service to our members. This harmonization of services to our shared members represents a real challenge in the Canadian regulatory environment, where there are 10 provincial regulations on the recycling of oils and other designated products. 2024 was an important year for this collaboration, as NUOMAAC integrated Automotive Material Stewardship (AMS) into the Canadian Advisory Committee, making NUOMAAC a Canada-wide exchange platform.
As we turn the page on this exceptional year, we want to express our gratitude to each and every one of you. Your efforts, dedication and unwavering support have been essential in achieving these important steps.
Together, we will continue to build on these successes to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We are confident that through our shared vision and our ability to innovate we will continue to build on our growth and success.
2024 in Numbers
SOGHU OPERATIONS
SOGHU OPERATIONS
Mission
A non-profit organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC that manages, on behalf of its members, a program for the collection, processing and awareness of end-of-life products under its jurisdiction, in an efficient and responsible manner from an economic, environmental and social perspective, all in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The objective of the program is to give a second life to used mechanical maintenance products and contribute to environmental protection efforts.
Vision
SOGHU aims to be recognized by its members, the competent authorities and its employees, both in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, as the leader as a manager of a collection, processing and awareness program related to the end-of-life products under its governance, as a result of its efficiency and continuous innovation, with the objective of ensuring the achievement of government, social and environmental objectives.
SOGHU PERFORMANCE
SOGHU PERFORMANCE
SOGHU Oil (in litres)
SOGHU Oil Filters (in units)
SOGHU Containers (litres or units)
SOGHU Antifreeze (Glycol) (in litres)
Board of Directors
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1 Paul Granda
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2 Jean-François Richard
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3 Chris Leary
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4 Guy Bélanger
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5 Carol Montreuil
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6 Paul Lefebvre
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7 Martin Rivard
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8 François Gingras
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9 Jean Duchesneau
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10 Pierre Buzaré
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11 L. Pierre Comtois
- David Bois
- Philippe Dussault
- Ridha Ferjani
- Pierre-Yves Larose
- Loulia Kouchaji
Not in the photo:
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND WORKING COMMITTEES
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND WORKING COMMITTEES
Board members play a key role in our success. Their commitment extends beyond Board meetings; they also contribute their expertise to various Working Committees. These committees, created to further analyze issues directly related to our strategic planning, support senior management and strengthen the organization's governance. Their mandates and meeting frequency are adapted to meet specific needs. Here is an overview of our 5 committees and some of their initiatives for 2024.
Attendance of Committees
Board of Directors
- Guy Bélanger4/5
- David Bois1/5
- Pierre Buzaré5/5
- L. Pierre Comtois3/5
- Philippe Dussault5/5
- Ridha Ferjani5/5
- François Gingras5/5
- Loulia Kouchaji4/5
- Pierre-Yves Larose5/5
- Paul Lefebvre5/5
- Carol Montreuil5/5
- Martin Rivard5/5
- Jean-François Richard5/5
- Marylène Rochefort1/5
Governance
- Pierre Comtois3/3
- Jean Duchesneau3/3
- Philippe Dussault1/3
- François Gingras3/3
- Paul Granda3/3
- Carol Montreuil3/3
- Jean-François Richard3/3
Communications
- Guy Belanger2/2
- François Gingras1/2
- Jean-François Richard2/2
- Martin Rivard2/2
Audit and Finance
- Pierre Buzaré2/2
- Pierre-Yves Larose2/2
- Paul Lefebvre2/2
- Jean-François Richard2/2
Human Resources
- François Gingras-
- Carol Montreuil-
Collection Incentives
- Jean-Charles Dumais-
- François Gingras-
- Pierre-Yves Larose-
- Paul Lefebvre-
- Carol Montreuil-
- Jean-François Richard-
INFORMATION, AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
INFORMATION, AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
20 Candles for SOGHU
2024 was the 20th anniversary of SOGHU: 20 years of giving a second life to used mechanical maintenance products. In total, over 20 years, SOGHU has given a second life to:
1.2 billion
litres of oil
22 million
litres of antifreeze (glycol)
58,813 tons
of filters
38,423 tons
of plastic and aerosol containers
This is no small feat! To mark 20 years of operations, a plan was implemented through various initiatives, including the creation of a temporary graphic signature featuring the 20th anniversary.
In addition, four of our key partners each offered us a video testimonial, which circulated widely on social media, highlighting our valuable collaboration. A sincere thank you to Veolia, RPM Eco, Laurentide Environment, and ReGNR for their trust. We look forward to many more shared achievements.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Transition to a New General Manager
In 2024, SOGHU appointed Jean-François Richard as General Manager. After seven years with the organization as Controller, he succeeded Jean Duchesneau, who had held the position since 2017.
Through his professionalism and attention to detail, Jean Duchesneau ensured a flawless transition over several months, ensuring the continuity of our mission and respecting our five corporate values.
Jean-François Richard's strategic vision and commitment to operational excellence were exactly what the situation required, considering that a new strategic plan was implemented at the same time he began his new role.
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Appointment of a Director of Administration and Partnerships
In November 2024, a new position was created and filled within SOGHU: Director of Administration and Partnerships. Alexandra Verner joined the organization and took over the development, management and strengthening of the company's strategic and operational partnerships.
The creation of this position is directly linked to the achievement of strategic objectives, including the establishment of lasting collaborations with several key industry stakeholders. Alexandra's more than 10 years of experience in waste management is a notable asset to our organization.
With the launch of our 2024-2028 strategic plan, 2024 was an important year for SOGHU. Structured around four major areas—finance, communications, innovation and governance—this plan establishes a clear vision for the coming years. A series of objectives were established and then prioritized, allowing us to begin certain initiatives in the second half of 2024. Here are some examples.
New and Ongoing Collaborations for Better Management of Used Products
In 2024, we increased opportunities to build business relationships with sectors that were previously less represented within SOGHU. The goal was to better understand how these stakeholders dispose of their used products in their respective sectors, specifically through our participation in events in the field and the development of new strategic partnerships. Here are some examples of events we participated in for 2024.
- Salon du Camion Lourd de Québec - tradeshow
- Congrès du Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec (CIFQ) - conference
- Expo Champs, par la Société d'agriculture Saint-Hyacinthe - tradeshow
- Congrès annuel de l'Association minière du Québec (AMQ) - conference
- As members:
- L'Association des propriétaires de machinerie lourde du Québec (APMLQ)
- L'Association minière du Québec (AMQ)
- Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec (CIFQ)
Elite Employer
At SOGHU, we believe our employees are at the centre of our success. Consequently, we were very proud to be certified as an Elite Employer in 2024. This certification demonstrates that our organization strives to provide a stimulating, collaborative and rewarding work environment where everyone can thrive.
Just as we implement initiatives to effectively manage the collection and processing of targeted products, this same approach is also applied within our team. A team that is committed to contributing to environmental protection. Congratulations to our entire team on this great accomplishment!
It doesn't belong there! (Ça va pas là) Campaign
In 2024, the It doesn't belong there! (Ça va pas là) advertising campaign continued its rollout with three videos aimed at raising awareness among the general public and users of mechanical maintenance products about the importance of properly disposing of their used products and returning them to a SOGHU Collection Facility.
The messages were broadcast during high-profile events, such as the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières and Québec Remparts hockey games, reaching an engaged and targeted audience. In addition, a major YouTube campaign and several Facebook campaigns effectively reached mechanic enthusiasts.
This multi-platform strategy helped strengthen the reach of SOGHU's mission by focusing on concrete messages that remind people of the right collection practices, delivered in a humorous tone by our spokesperson, Dany "Babu" Bernier.
National Used Oil and Antifreeze Advisory Council (NUOMAAC) and the Used Oil Management Association of Canada (UOMA Canada)
The National Used Oil and Antifreeze Advisory Council (NUOMAAC)'s mission is to promote collaboration, harmonization and continuous improvement of collection and processing programs across Canada for used oils, filters, containers and antifreeze. Made up of members of the Used Oil Management Association of Canada (UOMA Canada), this council aims to strengthen the responsible management of these products for the benefit of the environment and the circular economy.
In 2024, Automotive Materials Stewardship (AMS) joined UOMA Canada. This addition marked an important step in unifying national efforts for effective and sustainable automotive materials management.
"SOGHU is delighted that AMS is joining UOMA Canada. We look forward to sharing best practices, exploring opportunities to work closely with our Ontario colleagues, and building stronger relationships with all our members."
AMS is an industry-led, non-profit organization that collects and recycles antifreeze, oil filters and used oil containers in Ontario on behalf of producers. In addition to supporting regulatory compliance, AMS actively contributes to promoting a circular economy.
SOGHU's Involvement in Consultation Committees and Collective Initiatives
SOGHU is actively involved in various consultation committees to contribute to the improvement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and promote better environmental practices. This participation demonstrates its commitment to acting not only as a recognized management organization, but also as a socially responsible stakeholder.
SOGHU is notably a member of the Table de concertation des organismes de gestion agréés du Québec (TOQ), a committee established by the Conseil Patronal de l'Environnement du Québec (CPEQ). This committee promotes dialogue between various EPR organizations and the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). In 2024, the monthly meetings provided an opportunity to raise issues related to current regulations and propose concrete courses of action for improvement.
SOGHU also sits on the Table de concertation en environnement et véhicules routiers du Québec (TCEVRQ), where SOGHU's General Manager has been President of the committee since July 2024. This committee brings together several influential organizations such as the AMVOQ, CAA, CCPQ, AIA Canada, the Canadian Tire Dealers Association and Innoviste. It aims to promote the transition to a more sustainable transportation sector by addressing issues related to vehicles, the environment and technological innovation.
SOGHU also values its educational and community role through socially-oriented partnerships. In line with previous years, it continued its collaboration with the Quebec network of the CFER, which promotes sustainable development while training young people in the realities of the job market. New in 2024: CFER representatives took part in the annual SOGHU Golf Tournament, where they raised awareness among participants about the importance of recycling hazardous materials and their own contribution to this process.
Through its involvement in these bodies and partnerships, SOGHU reaffirms its role as a committed partner serving the community, the environment and the next generation.
BOARD MEMBERS
BOARD MEMBERS
SOGHU's strength lies largely in the commitment of its members, who actively contribute to our mission. Their dedicated involvement, particularly through their presence on our Board of Directors and committees, ensures solid governance while guiding our actions. Their expertise is essential to maintaining our focus on achieving the objectives of our strategic plan. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our members for their ongoing commitment and valuable contribution to SOGHU's success.
COLLECTION FACILITIES
COLLECTION FACILITIES
Across Quebec, we can count on our strong network of registered SOGHU Collection Facilities. They play a vital role in serving the public and small generators by accepting used mechanical maintenance products at their locations. Offering this service free of charge to residents is a concrete environmental gesture, demonstrating their commitment to contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Quebec. We want to thank them for their valuable collaboration across the province.
- 1 Bas-Saint-Laurent: 88
- 2 Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: 59
- 3 Capitale-Nationale: 96
- 4 Mauricie: 36
- 5 Estrie: 71
- 6 Montreal and Laval: 131
- 7 Outaouais: 59
- 8 Abitibi-Témiscamingue: 52
- 9 Côte-Nord: 30
- 10 Nord-du-Québec: 19
- 11 Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine: 43
- 12 Chaudière-Appalaches: 109
- 13 Laval: 16
- 14 Lanaudière: 51
- 15 Laurentides: 61
- 16 Montérégie: 110
- 17 Centre-du-Québec: 53
