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Business records and communications often become public through legal or regulatory investigations or
the media. We should avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, legal conclusions or inappropriate
characterizations of people and companies. This applies to communications of all kinds, including email
and informal notes or interoffice memos. Records should be retained and destroyed in accordance with
the Corporation's records retention policy.
XIV.
Use of E-Mail and Internet Services
E-Mail systems and Internet services are provided to help us do work. Incidental and occasional personal
use is permitted, but never for personal gain or any improper purpose. You may not access, send or
download any information that could be insulting or offensive to another person, such as sexually explicit
messages, cartoons, jokes, unwelcome propositions, ethnic or racial slurs, or any other message that could
be viewed as harassment. Also remember that "flooding" our systems with junk mail and trivia hampers
the ability of our systems to handle legitimate company business and is prohibited.
Your messages (including voice mail) and computer information are considered company property and
you should not have any expectation of privacy. Unless prohibited by law, the company reserves the right
to access and disclose this information as necessary for business purposes. Use good judgment, and do
not access, send messages or store any information that you would not want to be seen or heard by other
individuals.
Violation of these policies may result in disciplinary actions up to and including discharge from the
Corporation.
XV.
Political Activities and Contributions
We respect and support the right of our directors, officers, employees, consultants, and non-employees to
participate in political activities. However, these activities should not be conducted on Corporation time
or involve the use of any Corporation resources. Directors, officers, employees, consultants, and non-
employees will not be reimbursed for personal political contributions.
We may occasionally express our views on local and national issues that affect our operations. In such
cases, Corporation funds and resources may be used, but only when permitted by law and by our strict
Corporation guidelines. The Corporation may also make limited contributions to political parties or
candidates in jurisdictions where it is legal and customary to do so. The Corporation may pay related
administrative and solicitation costs for political action committees formed in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations. No employee, consultant or non-employee may make or commit to political
contributions on behalf of the Corporation without the approval of the Chief Executive Officer or Senior
Vice President, Finance and, in the case of directors, without the approval of the Board.
XVI.
Gifts and Entertainment
Business gifts and entertainment are customary courtesies designed to build goodwill among business
partners. These courtesies include such things as meals and beverages, tickets to sporting or cultural
events, travel, accommodation and other merchandise or services. In some cultures they play an
important role in business relationships. However, a problem may arise when such courtesies
compromise – or appear to compromise – our ability to make objective and fair business decisions. The
same rules apply to directors, officers, employees, consultants, and non-employees offering gifts and
entertainment to our business associates.
