About us

Well established in its community and proud to be part of it, the social dimension plays an important role for the organization. When it was founded in 1985, jobs were scarce in the region. Developing a business became an essential alternative for Mario Bilodeau, its founder. His goal was not only to create a job for himself, but also to create jobs for his loved ones. Over the years, this desire to provide work for people in his community led to the development of various trades within the company and the expansion of its product offering. Today, the company employs more than 85 people.

In March 2020, this concern resurfaced with a vengeance. The government's announcement that non-essential businesses would be closed due to the spread of COVID-19 came as a shock to the organization's leaders, especially Mario. For him, it was inconceivable to send workers home. Management analyzed the various options and activated their networks of contacts to find new opportunities. Within a few days, part of the production lines were converted and staff were trained to manufacture protective equipment. Nearly 40 people, or half of the workforce, returned to work to indirectly support healthcare workers during those few months of 2020.

The well-being of employees is paramount on a daily basis. Workstations are adjusted individually to reduce health risks. In the same vein, various equipment has been purchased and even developed to facilitate and make the various tasks to be performed safer. A range of schedules is also offered to workers to accommodate different family situations.

BILODEAU Canada is an active corporate citizen in its community. Our team members are involved in various committees and round tables. We are particularly proud of the involvement of Samuel Bilodeau, one of our shareholders, as a member of the board of directors of the Fondation de la Faune du Québec. Each year, we support several causes, such as the Dolbeau Hospital Foundation, of which Mario Bilodeau was honorary president in 2020, and, since 2019, the Make-A-Wish Foundation | Children's Wishes Canada.

The material

The preference for Canadian wild fur is the best expression of the organization's environmental policies. We are proud to transform and promote this natural and biodegradable material. This is especially true given that Canadian government regulations guarantee its renewable nature. The mechanisms put in place to monitor the evolution of different wildlife populations allow, among other things, the development of management plans that regulate harvesting for each species. In the case of vulnerable species, quotas restrict harvesting and even prohibit it in certain areas. In other words, government oversight promotes the control of wildlife populations. It makes available for trapping only the portion that exceeds critical population thresholds. The goal is to maintain long-term ecological balance.

BILODEAU Canada adheres to and contributes to compliance with the laws, standards, and regulations in force in Quebec and Canada. First, we ensure that we purchase furs that comply with regulations and that sellers hold permits and/or other authorizations attesting to this compliance.

Second, we contribute to the promotion of good trapping practices, including those known as humane trapping. As part of our mission to inform the public, we welcome nearly 10,000 visitors annually to our facilities through the Bilodeau Canada Universe. The goal is to introduce people to our industry and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. Emphasis is placed on the importance of complying with regulations and using good trapping practices.

The manufacturing

Innovation and creativity are among the company's strengths. In recent years, several projects inspired by the concepts of the circular economy and eco-design have been carried out. These different concepts are linked to that of sustainable development.

Eco-design

More specifically, eco-design aims to optimize the use of virgin (new) materials. Our design software allows us to optimize pattern placement and reduce waste from cutting textiles. For furs, our artisans' expertise allows us to optimize cutting. They use various techniques, such as splicing, to reduce waste.

Completely eliminating waste from production lines seems impossible. To ensure that we optimize the use of materials, we regularly collect and analyze them. A team is then tasked with finding ways to reduce waste or reuse these scraps. Several solutions have been found. These have made it possible to recycle, reprocess, and market this material. Over the years, this approach has led to the establishment of strategic commercial partnerships and increased the organization's competitiveness. It has greatly contributed to making the BILODEAU Canada brand a leader in its sector.

The search for alternatives to synthetic fibers is also one of the organization's concerns. Products such as wool, felt, and milkweed lining have been developed. All of these initiatives can also be grouped under the umbrella of eco-design.

Circular economy

The principles of circularity are used to solve various problems. The example of scraps mentioned above is one such example.

Another example is the sawdust

we use to dry hides. Our approach allows us to optimize the use of 7 to 8 tons of sawdust annually. The first loop of circularity is achieved when we purchase our sawdust. It comes from a company that reconditions residues from the hardwood (flooring) industry. A second loop is achieved at the end of the sawdust's useful life. When it is no longer usable for dressing furs,

it is sent to a farmer who recycles it as a soil amendment.

In the same vein, when we purchase skins or whole animals from trappers, we work to maximize the use of different parts. The fur and leather are processed to make coats, hats, boots, mittens, etc. The bones, teeth, and claws are collected and sold for use in handicrafts or the film industry. The carcass is sold as bait to trappers and sometimes to sled dog breeders. When the skins are brushed, the hair is collected to make wool and other by-products. Ultimately, we strive to make use of the entire animal, while respecting its origins.

The company is a for-profit organization. Although profit-making is part of its mission, it seeks to strike a balance with other considerations. Competition in the fashion industry is very aggressive. In the 1990s, the opening of borders to international trade profoundly transformed this sector. In addition, repeated attacks on the use of fur and the promotion of synthetic materials in the fashion industry have profoundly changed consumer habits.

Several countries with lower labor standards and wages, such as China and India, have taken over this sector. The company is therefore looking for ways to reduce its production costs and remain competitive. It invests part of its profits in research and development.

Over the years, the company has embraced the concept of sustainable development. This has enabled the organization to grow and position itself as a leader in its sector. For us, sustainable development is more than a concept; it is a way to review and rethink our practices. It allows us to innovate and position ourselves in different markets. It emerged naturally in our company, which was concerned with caring for its people and the environment. It has enabled us to save money, but also to make economic gains.