mila-ai4h/AIMS.au huggingface dataset:
[SID_223] Remediation of Loss of Income As BioNorth has not yet identified any instances of forced labour or child labour in its activities or supply chains, measures to remediate the loss of income to the most vulnerable families that results from measures taken to eliminate the use of forced labour or child labour, have not been required
[SID_223] Training Understanding and complying with our policies and procedures outlined in our policy manuals is a condition of working at BioNorth
[SID_223] All new hires must acknowledge that they have read and understood BioNorths policies
[SID_223] In addition to our new hire orientation training on the contents of BioNorths policy manual, our Employment Age and Young-Worker Safety Policy contains additional responsibilities for employees under the age of 25
[SID_223] Participate and complete all provided young worker training
[SID_223] Ask for additional training if you do not feel confident completing your task
[SID_223] Follow all workplace health and safety policies and procedures
[SID_223] Work safely always and never endangering themselves or others
[SID_223] Report all real and potential workplace hazards and/or unsafe conditions
[SID_223] Wear personal protective equipment when required
[SID_223] Prevention of Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Violence
[SID_223] BioNorths has developed a process for employees to report matters relating to bullying, harassment and violence
[SID_223] All applicable compliant procedures and follow-up processes are clear
[SID_223] Assessing Our Effectiveness The effectiveness of BioNorths policies and processes will be periodically evaluated
[SID_223] Consultation & Governance Process In preparing this report, BioNorth engaged with its joint-venture partners and departments responsible for establishing and monitoring its policies and procedures
[SID_223] Approval and Attestation This report was approved pursuant to subparagraph 11(4)(b)(ii) of the Act by the Board of Directors of BioNorth Holdings Limited partnership
[SID_223] In accordance with the requirements of the Act, and in particular section 11 thereof, I attest that I have reviewed the information contained in this report for the entity listed above
[SID_223] Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, I attest that the information in this report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects, for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above
[SID_223] ______________________________ Mitchell Zulinick CEO BioNorth Services Ltd May 30, 2024 I have the authority to bind BioNorth Holdings Limited Partnership
[SID_224] Rustica Foods 10301, rue Colbert Montral (Qubec) Canada, H1J 2G5 Email: smorgante@rusticafoods.com
[SID_224] Date: May 22, 2024
[SID_224] To Whom It May Concern
[SID_224] Subject: Attestation of Approval for Report Bill S-211
[SID_224] To whom it may concern
[SID_224] I, Sonia Morgante one of the governing bodies of Rustica Foods, hereby affirm and attest that we have thoroughly reviewed and approved the contents of the Report
[SID_224] The report encompasses all necessary evaluations, analyses, and recommendations pertinent to its scope
[SID_224] After careful consideration and due diligence, we confirm that the report accurately reflects the findings and complies with our standards and objectives
[SID_224] Please consider this letter as a formal approval and endorsement of the Bill S-211 report for, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act for the financial year ending November 30th, 2023
[SID_224] Sincerely
[SID_224] Sonia Morgante Director of Human Resource On behalf of the Governing Body Rustica Foods
[SID_224] BILL S-211 An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff This report is made pursuant to Bill S-211, outlining the approach and initiatives by Rustica Foods Inc and joint entities to identify and address the risks of forced labour and child labour in its business operations and supply chains during the financial year commencing December 1st, 2022, and ending November 30th, 2023
[SID_224] Rusticas Group Structure Rustica Foods has a rich professional history in food production, transportation and warehousing
[SID_224] We take pride in our Company Code of Conduct on Combating Child Labor and Forced Labor in Supply Chains
[SID_224] In summary, to support this important initiative, our Code of Conduct contains the following
[SID_224] Prohibition of Child Labor
[SID_224] Our company strictly prohibits the use of child labor
[SID_224] No person under the legal working age (as defined by federal and provincial laws) shall be employed by the company
[SID_224] Age Verification
[SID_224] Adequate documentation (such as birth certificates or government-issued IDs) must be maintained to prove workers' age
[SID_224] Any discrepancies or concerns regarding age verification are promptly addressed
[SID_224] Working Hours and Conditions
[SID_224] We adhere to legal working hours limits and ensure that workers, including young workers, do not work excessive hours
[SID_224] Young workers (if legally allowed) must not be engaged in hazardous work or work that jeopardizes their health, safety, or education
[SID_224] We provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees
[SID_224] Reporting and Whistleblower Protection
[SID_224] Any suspicion or evidence of child labor is reported immediately
[SID_224] We encourage workers and stakeholders to report violations without fear of retaliation
[SID_224] Whistleblower protection mechanisms are in place to safeguard those who report violations
[SID_224] Supply Chain Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
[SID_224] Child labor risk assessments are part of our due diligence process
[SID_224] Significant questions related to their qualifications as a main supplier are inquired in our form (TR-FO-04) Supplier Approval Program
[SID_224] Agencies for temporary workers
[SID_224] Any agency we recruit for temporary work must ensure steps are taken to align with the requirements of Bill S-211
[SID_224] Risk Assessment Internal Assessment: Annual review of existing policies and procedures related to labor practices
[SID_224] Human Resources
[SID_224] Background or reference checks are conducted for new hires
[SID_224] Examination is made of the background of all staff as appropriate to their position, considering candidates' access to sensitive areas of the facility and the degree to which they will be supervised
[SID_224] Agency recruiters
[SID_224] Letter acknowledging their commitment to our standards Conducted interviews with relevant departments
[SID_224] Quality
[SID_224] GFSI yearly audits for suppliers Procurement
[SID_224] Training with the procurement department to ensure proper documentation is completed prior to approving the supplier
[SID_224] Production
[SID_224] Transparency in the production department is presented as to whether the conduct of employees is in adherence to the policies (Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Human Resource policy)
[SID_224] Evaluations are done on a yearly basis to ensure employees are treated fairly, and complaints are managed appropriately
[SID_224] Supplier Engagement Rustica requests information on their labor policies and due diligence processes
[SID_224] TR-FO-04 section (9) is dedicated to their CODE OF CONDUCT DISCLOSURE
[SID_224] (Prohibit the placement of children and forced labor in all sectors of the supply chain)
[SID_224] This section confirms their engagement to the Bill S-211 Remediation
[SID_224] Non-compliance may result in termination of the business relationship (Supplier)
[SID_224] Reference to the Remediation Policy
[SID_224] Training
[SID_224] Annual and ongoing training in the review of company policies, including awareness campaigns
[SID_224] Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Quality Department
[SID_224] The Quality Department has measures in place with a monthly KPI containing a score card to ensure the supplier policy is effective
[SID_224] Human Resources Department
[SID_224] Regular meetings with staff and their supervisors
[SID_224] Employee engagement surveys
[SID_224] Absenteeism Rate
[SID_224] Turnover Ratio
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Table of Contents Introduction
[SID_227] Steps to Prevent and Reduce Risks of Forced Labour and Child Labour
[SID_227] Structure, Activities and Supply Chains
[SID_227] Governance, Policies and Due Diligence
[SID_227] Oversight
[SID_227] Policies
[SID_227] Supplier Policy
[SID_227] Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
[SID_227] Whistleblower Protections
[SID_227] Additional Due Diligence Measures
[SID_227] Assessing and Managing Our Risk
[SID_227] Remediation Measures
[SID_227] Training
[SID_227] Assessment of Efficiency
[SID_227] Introduction This report (the Report) is produced by The Lion Electric Company (Lion Electric or the Company or our or we) for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (the Reporting Period) and sets out the steps taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used at any step of the production of goods, in Canada or elsewhere, or of goods imported into Canada by the Company
[SID_227] This Report constitutes the first report prepared by the Company pursuant to the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (Canada) (the Act) and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act
[SID_227] Note that while Company is the only entity within the Companys corporate group required to file a report under the Act, the infor- mation provided herein generally applies to all entities the Company controls
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Steps to Prevent and Reduce Risks of Forced Labour andChild Labour As a responsible company and corporate citizen, we are dedicated to acting ethically and conducting our affairs with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism
[SID_227] In general terms, we took the following steps during the Reporting Period, to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour or child labour in our activities and supply chains
[SID_227] implemented a Supplier Policy, which includes, among others, requirements aimed at monitoring and preventing forced labour or child labour risks in our supply chains
[SID_227] updated our model supply agreement, which now requires our new suppliers, or those entering into new commitments with us, to adhere to our Supplier Policy
[SID_227] conducted due diligence on certain potential suppliers before entering into contracts, taking into account various criteria including forced labour or child labour risks
[SID_227] Details of the above actions are set out in this Report
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Structure, Activities and Supply Chains The Company is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Quebec)
[SID_227] The Companys common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LEV
[SID_227] The Companys head and registered office is located at 921 chemin de la Riviere-du-Nord, Saint-Jerome, Quebec, Canada, J7Y 5G2
[SID_227] Lion Electrics business focuses on the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of all-electric medium and heavy- duty urban vehicles (EV)
[SID_227] Each Lion Electric vehicle is purpose-built for electric and entirely designed and assembled in-house, with its own chassis, truck cabin or bus body, proprietary battery technology with modular energy capacity and Lion software integration
[SID_227] For certain specialized truck applications, Lion Electric has also established partnerships and other relationships with third-party suppliers to enable it to offer to its clients a variety of vehicle configurations, upfit equipment options and applications which range from classic boxes for box trucks to other specialized applications such as all-electric ambulances and utility trucks
[SID_227] Since 2023, Lion Electric manufactures its own battery modules and packs that integrate battery cells sourced from third-party suppliers
[SID_227] Lion Electric also complements its product offering with various services available on site at Lion Electrics Experience Centers including sales support, full-service training, charging infrastructure assistance and maintenance support
[SID_227] As of April 18, 2024, the Company had approximately 1,150employees in Canada and the United States across all functions, including manufacturing, vehicle research & development, sales & marketing, service, corporate andadministrative
[SID_227] Lion Electrics products are available to purchase in Canada and in the United States and are distributed by truck and rail, either directly to Lion Electrics customers or to the third-party upfitters Lion Electric partners with
[SID_227] Lion Electric has adopted a sales model that is generally based on direct-to-customer sales tailored for EVs, thereby generally avoiding reliance on third-party dealerships whenever possible
[SID_227] Lion Electrics products are manufactured in Canada and the United States
[SID_227] The Company has a vehicle manufacturing facility located in Saint-Jerome, Quebec, where a majority of the vehicles sold by the Company are produced, and a manufacturing facility located in Joliet, Illinois to address the increasing demand for Made in America zero-emission vehicles
[SID_227] Lion Electric also has a battery plant and Innovation Center situated in Mirabel, Quebec, which is currently being used for various purposes such as a testing and certification center for vehicles and batteries, a pre-delivery in- spection site, a showroom and delivery center, and as warehousing space, in order to leverage space available and optimize operational efficiency
[SID_227] Finally, Lion Electric has additional facilities across Canada and the United States which mainly serve as Lion Electrics Experience Centers strategically located in key markets
[SID_227] Lion Electrics supply chain consists of suppliers provi ding battery cells, battery packs, modules, vehicle parts and components, and raw materials such as aluminum, steel, composite, non-ferrous metals (such as copper) as well as other materials and minerals used to manu- facture lithium-ion batteries and certain other parts and components of Lion Electrics vehicles
[SID_227] In certain cases, Lion Electric has entered into long-term contractual arrangements with suppliers with respect to the supply of certain key components of its vehicles, including, lithium-ion batteries and cells
[SID_227] The Company strives to obtain components from multiple sources whenever possible
[SID_227] However, some of the components used in Lion Electrics vehicles, including key battery systems components, are purchased from a single source sup- plier or limited source suppliers
[SID_227] Lion Electric currently does business with approximately 1,600 direct suppliers located in 17 countries
[SID_227] The majority of Lion Electrics suppliers are located in Canada and the United States
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Governance, Policies and Due Diligence Processes Oversight Lion Electrics board of directors (the Board) is respon- sible for the overall stewardship of the Company and overseeing the management of the Companys business and affairs
[SID_227] The Board has delegated to its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversight of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, inclu ding monitoring of the Companys environmental, social and governance (ESG) plan, practices, related policies, and disclosure with respect to same as well as moni- toring and ensuring compliance with the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code)
[SID_227] The Audit Committee and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors also oversee certain elements pertaining to ESG-related matters and disclosures, including assisting the Board with the monitoring of compliance with the Code
[SID_227] For additional information regarding the Companys governance and ESG matters, PLEASE REFER TO OUR WEBSITE: ir.thelionelectric.com
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Policies We are committed to responsible business conduct and human rights protection and to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings, and we strive to require the same from our supply chain partners
[SID_227] In support of such commitment, Lion Electric has put in place several codes and policies that address international human rights standards, including the risk of forced and child labour in its supply chain
[SID_227] These codes and policies are reviewed annually by theCompany
[SID_227] Supplier Policy The Supplier Policy of the Company (the Supplier Policy) sets standards of ethical conduct which Lion Electric requires of its suppliers when they do business with or on behalf of Lion Electric
[SID_227] The Supplier Policy details our expectations of suppliers in respect of hu- man rights, labour, employment practices, integrity and business ethics, and more
[SID_227] Notably, the Supplier Policy specifically includes provisions prohibiting child labour and forced labour, and requires our suppliers to comply with specific hiring and employment practices that are aimed at promoting fair and ethical work conditions
[SID_227] The Supplier Policy further requires suppliers to identify risks and actual adverse human rights impacts related to their activities and take appropriate steps to reduce such risks and remedy any impact directly caused, or contributed to, by their activities or through business relationships
[SID_227] While we require our suppliers to implement the Supplier Policys requirements in a manner that is both appro- priate and proportional to the nature and scale of their business, as well as the goods and services they provide, we expect them to reflect these requirements in their own supply chains and go beyond legal compliance to advance in social and environmental responsibility and business ethics
[SID_227] We require our new suppliers, or those or those en- tering into new commitments with us, to contractually adhere to, and comply with, the Supplier Policy, either Governance, Policies and Due Diligence Processes through a standalone certification or through our model supply agreement
[SID_227] Our model supply agreement further includes a right for Lion Electric to perform audits, which may include requests for information, site visits, employee interviews and review of records
[SID_227] The Supplier Policy includes a mechanism for anyone who believes that a supplier has engaged in illegal, unethical or otherwise improper conduct, or conducted any other activity in violation of the Supplier Policy to report such conduct using LionElectrics Whistleblower Line
[SID_227] Lion Electric strongly encourages anyone witnessing such practices to speak up and demands that suppliers prohibit any retaliation against any person for reporting, in good faith, contraventions of the Supplier Policy or for filing a complaint or testifying, assisting, or partici- pating in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing conducted by a government enforcement agency
[SID_227] If the expectations or requirements of the Supplier Policy are not met by our suppliers, the business relationships may be reviewed, and corrective action pursued, or alternatively, terminated
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Policies Whistleblower Protections We have established robust whistleblower procedures, through our Whistleblower Policy, our Supplier Policy and our Code, all of which contain provisions encou raging anyone to report wrong-doings or suspected wrong-doings confidentially and anonymously (if so desired) without fear of victimization, subsequent discrimination, or disadvantage
[SID_227] These policies offer several methods for reporting violations, including our Human Resources and Legal departments, and a confidential Whistleblower Line available on our website
[SID_227] Lion Electric is committed to deal with any report expeditiously, investigate thoroughly and if necessary, take remedial measures in a timely manner
[SID_227] Lion Electric will also further examine and implement the means of ensuring that such wrongdoings can be prevented infuture
[SID_227] Additional Due Diligence Measures To effectively manage risks associated with its supply chain, including risks related to forced labour and child labour, Lion Electric employed the following measures
[SID_227] Completing due diligence on key potential suppliers based on publicly available information and due diligence requests, including manufacturing plans and country of origin information
[SID_227] Negotiating strong contractual provisions with our suppliers, including adherence to the Supplier Policy and audit rights (allowing us to perform, as needed, independent or unannounced audits); and
[SID_227] Performing site visits of certain of our new and current suppliers which allow individuals conducting these visits to report on business practices and quality standards
[SID_227] Governance, Policies and Due Diligence Processes Code of Business Conduct and Ethics The Code applies to all directors, officers, and emplo yees of the Company without exception
[SID_227] All business partners, contractors, consultants, service providers and suppliers of the Company are held, where appro- priate, to the standards of this Code to the same extent as employees of the Company and are expected to en- force policies and/or practices that are consistent with the Code, and all new suppliers, or those entering into new commitments with us, are expected to confirm, in writing, through their contract with Lion Electric or otherwise, that they agree to and will comply with the terms of the Code
[SID_227] Our Code provides a set of ethical standards to guide everyone to whom it applies and constitutes condi- tions of employment or engagement and continuing relationship with the Company
[SID_227] The Code helps focus the Board and management of the Company on areas of ethical risk, provides guidance to the employees of the Company to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues, provides mechanisms to report unethical conduct through our Whistleblower Policy, and helps to foster a culture of honesty and accountability
[SID_227] The Code details the guidelines of expected conduct in numerous areas including compliance with laws, rules and regulations
[SID_227] The Code is available on our website at ir.thelionelectric.com
[SID_227] If the expectations or requirements of the Code are not met by our suppliers, the business relationships may be reviewed, and corrective action pursued, or alternatively, terminated
[SID_227] 2023 Forced Labor Report Assessing and Managing Our Risk Remediation Measures Training Assessment of Efficiency We use a risk-based approach to assess and manage risks of forced labour and child labour in our supply chain
[SID_227] When there are doubts that one of our suppliers or potential suppliers is not respecting our policies or commitments, the supplier will be further investigated in order to clarify any concerns and act where appropriate
[SID_227] We remain committed to further developing and conti nuously refining our policies, procedures, and programs as we learn more about the risks in our supply chain and ways to mitigate them
[SID_227] To assess the effectiveness of actions related to ensuring that forced labour and child labour are not being used in our business and supply chains, we commit to
[SID_227] monitor and annually review compliance with theAct and report the results internally to the LionElectric management team; and
[SID_227] regularly review the content of the Code and Supplier Policy to ensure it is current and fit forpurpose
[SID_227] Lion Electric is committed to providing remediation for any confirmed instances of forced or child labour in its supply chain should such an event arise
[SID_227] During the Reporting Period, Lion Electric did not identify, nor was it alerted to, any instances of forced labour or child labour in its supply chain
[SID_227] Therefore, there has not been any opportunities to provide remediation during the Reporting Period