The following Principles of Business Conduct provide the foundation for the Code:
- Doing what is right;
- Respecting the rights of others;
- Obeying the law;
- Maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of information;
- Avoiding conflicts of interest; and
This Code has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and applies to the Company and its controlled subsidiaries.
Employees must not only consider whether they are in compliance with this Code, but also how their decisions and actions will appear to an outside party. The perception of wrongdoing is potentially as damaging as an actual breach of ethics. Therefore, it is essential that employees not only conduct Company business according to high ethical standards, but also be seen to do so
RESPONSIBILITY
This Code outlines a framework of guiding principles. As with any statement of policy, the exercise of judgment is required in determining the applicability of this Code to each individual situation. It is every employee’s responsibility to read and understand the Code and comply with the Code in both letter and spirit. Follow the law wherever you are and in all circumstances. Never engage in behavior that may harm the reputation of the Company.
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
Doing What is Right
To be ethical is to know the difference between right and wrong, and to do what is right. Before taking any action employees must always ask the following questions:
- is it legal?
- is it fair?
- is it right?
Where an employee is uncertain about the ethics or legality of any planned action, it is his or her responsibility to consult with a supervisor, manager or Board Chair as appropriate or seek advicefrom any of the sources listed in this Code.
Respecting the Rights of Others
Employee Rights
Management makes decisions regarding hiring and promotion of employees on the basis of merit and in accordance with human rights legislation.
Employees have the right to pursue their careers at the Company free from discrimination based on any ground, including age, sex, race, colour, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, language, marital status, family status, pregnancy or childbirth, sexual orientation, disability or political belief
- No personal relationship between an employee and any other employee shall be permitted to compromise, or appear to compromise, the principles defined by this Code.
Company Property
Company assets may only be used for business purposes. Employees of the Company have responsibility to ensure that the Company assets are put to good use. All persons entrusted with managerial or supervisory responsibility are responsible for ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures and controls are put in place to safeguard these assets.
Obeying the Law
The Company operates within a complex framework of federal, provincial and municipal laws.In addition to USA laws, the Company is also subject to the laws and regulations of foreign countries in which it does business. Employees are expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations of USA and any other country where the Company carries on business. Unlawful conduct will not be tolerated, even when the intent is to further corporate objectives. Employees are encouraged to seek advice from the CEO or the CFO if they are unclear about laws relatingto their work.
No employee shall create or condone the creation of a false record. No employee shall destroy or condone the destruction of a record, except in accordance with the Company policies.
Maintaining Integrity and Confidentiality of Information
The integrity of the Company’s corporate records and financial reporting is critical to its corporate success. All assets, liabilities and transactions must be accurately and completely reported in the books and supported by necessary documentation. No asset, liability or transaction is to be concealed from management, the Board, or the Company’s internal or external auditors.
All transactions must be authorized and executed in accordance with the Company’s policies and the instructions of management. Appropriate accounting and financial policies, procedures, controls and audit processes must be maintained.
Confidentiality of Information -
Many employees have access to corporate information that is sensitive or confidential. Information such as trade secrets, technical information, employee records, payroll records, client information, company strategies, financial and competitive information is all confidential. Release of such information is potentially harmful to the Company, employees and clients. In some cases it is illegal. Employees must use extreme care when dealing with confidential or sensitive information. As a general rule, such information shallnot be released to anyone inside or outside of the Company who is not authorized or legally entitled to receive it. The disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or proprietary information to external entities (other than approved auditors, lawyers) must be authorized by a Director of the Company and should be limited to those who have a strict “need-to-know”. Any disclosure to these external entities must be made subject to the completion of a confidentiality agreement restricting the recipient from disclosing or using the information in an unauthorized manner.
Conflicts
A conflict of interest arises when an employee must choose between the Company’s best interests and his or her own. Any situation where an employee’s judgment may be compromised,where he or she shows undue favoritisms to any party or where he or she receives a benefit of some kind is potentially a conflict of interest. All employees must strive to avoid situations that create a conflict, create the appearance of a conflict, or have the potential to create a conflict. If any of these situations occur, employees are responsible for disclosing and, where appropriate, taking action to remedy the conflict of interest. In most instances, such disclosures should be made by an employee to his or her immediate supervisor.
