EMPLOYMENT EQUITY POLICY

Canada today is a place of increasing diversity with people of different ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical abilities, lifestyles, values and personal interests living, learning and working together. Understanding and valuing this diversity in our clients, partners and reflecting it in our workplace are key to the success of our company.

The primary purpose of employment equity is to ensure that employees and job applicants - but particularly women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities - are provided with opportunities for employment and advancement consistent with their proven skills and abilities. The intent is to identify and remove any systemic or unintentional discriminatory practices contained within the company’s employment practices and procedures.We are committed to maintaining a workplace where the terms and conditions of employment are equitable, non-discriminatory and free from barriers. We are committed to building a skilled and balanced workforce where opportunities are provided on the basis of merit, and where all employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute positively toward the Company's goals.

As a consequence, our workforce should move to one that is more representative of the available skilled and qualified labour pool available in our region and as well, is representative of our customers.

All of our employees play a role in achieving employment equity. With the employees’ support and help, we will demonstrate leadership in our industry by creating a workplace climate in which employees advance, achieve and contribute regardless of age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, sex, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Our employment equity objectives are to:

• Raise employees’ awareness, understanding and appreciation of the diversity that characterizes our employees and customers.
• Help our companies ensure fairness to all employees (present and future) while making the best use of all available and qualified resources.
• Review our human resources policies and practices to ensure that they are free from discriminating words and actions.
• Make accommodations to the point of undue hardship for employees.
• Work at removing physical and attitudinal barriers.
•  Participate in community activities/organizations that support and promote the principles of employment equity.
• Monitor our progress toward an equitable workplace.