Many companies have developed Codes of Conduct as
part of their due diligence. In some cases it is only applicable to managers
who deal regularly with confidential information and are also, by the
nature of their jobs, more likely to encounter conflicts of interest and
ethical dilemmas.
One of our company’s most valued assets is its
reputation for integrity and honesty. The reputation of Horizon Utilities
Corporation can be impaired when the interests of a board director
or employee conflicts with, or even appear to conflict with, the interests
of Horizon Utilities. A conflicting interest is a financial or other interest, whether
direct or indirect, which may affect - or might reasonably be thought
by others to affect – an employee’s or board director’s
judgment or conduct in matters involving Horizon Utilities.
Each of us has a commitment to conduct ourselves,
and our business transactions, in accordance with the highest ethical
standards. Horizon Utilities Corporation has chosen to use our Code of
Conduct to enshrine our Corporate Values. The Code defines the “HUC
way” of doing business. The Code of Conduct applies to all personal
business relationships with outside individuals, companies and organizations.
Horizon Utilities employees and board directors should protect the interests of Horizon Utilities
and their own reputation by acting in accordance with the law, established
Horizon Utilities values and their own good consciences, and avoiding personal transactions
or situations in which their own interests conflict with, or might appear
to conflict with those of Horizon Utilities.
This policy translates our Corporate Values into a single
document that defines Horizon Utilities Corporation’s way of doing
business. It applies to employees at all levels.
As a general rule, board directors, officers and senior
management will complete an additional “Conflict of Interest”
questionnaire annually.
All employees are responsible for complying with the Code
of Conduct.
Senior management and certain employees involved with specific
internal controls will be requested to sign off on the Code annually.
Independent contractors, consultants and agents working
for or on behalf of Horizon Utilities Corporation will also be asked
to acknowledge the principles and policies of the Code that are applicable
to their work.
All employees are obliged to understand the Code of Conduct
policy and raise with their supervisor, manager or vice-president any
issues or conduct that may violate or be perceived to violate this Code
of Conduct. Board members are obliged to bring issues forward to the Corporate
Secretary.
Horizon Utilities Corporation is committed to providing
value to employees, its shareholder, the community in which it does business
and all other stakeholders. Employees fulfill this commitment while upholding
the highest level of ethical conduct and meeting Horizon Utilities’ responsibilities
as a good corporate citizen.
We value people who build relationships
based on trust, integrity and mutual respect.
In all workplace interactions, the principles of respect
and dignity are paramount. Horizon Utilities actively enforces its harassment or discrimination
policies. We practice the principle of equal employment opportunity without
regard to: race, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical disability
or political affiliation.
Employees, officers and members of the Board of Directors
are committed to conducting their business affairs in the best interests
of Horizon Utilities by dealing with customers, suppliers, contractors, competitors,
existing and potential business partners and other Horizon Utilities employees in a
manner that avoids a conflict of interest, either real, perceived or potential.
Any employee who is in doubt if a conflict exists, is expected
to report and discuss the potential conflict with a member of the senior
management team of Horizon Utilities.
We value people who recognize their responsibility
to balance the corporate financial goals with environmental protection
and public interest.
Horizon Utilities employees carry out our commitment to provide value
to our shareholder while conducting themselves with honesty and integrity
in all business relationships.
We exercise good business judgment in extending business
courtesies and never offer or accept bribes, favours or kickbacks to secure
a business transaction.
Horizon Utilities is committed to meeting or exceeding all environmental
legislation and regulatory obligations and to contribute to municipal
economic development and the improvement of the natural environment.
Horizon Utilities employees have a collective responsibility to protect
the Corporation’s assets from fraud and theft and ensure records
are accurate, timely and complete.
Information is a key asset of the Corporation. Horizon Utilities employees
are required to safeguard Horizon Utilities’ proprietary and confidential information,
as well as proprietary information entrusted to Horizon Utilities by customers, suppliers
or business partners.
We value people who contribute to a safe
and healthy environment.
The Corporation and Horizon Utilities employees bear equal responsibility
for workplace health and safety, and are committed to following the spirit
as well as the letter of Ontario health and safety legislation in ensuring
a safe workplace.
Horizon Utilities employees undertake to protect the public interest with
health and safety standards and programs that meet or exceed industry
standards and applicable government codes, standards and regulation.
We value people who enhance our corporate
reputation and image.
Horizon Utilities believes that being a good corporate citizen is an important
measure of our success as a company. We give back to the communities in
which Horizon Utilities employees live and work by focusing on activities that make
a meaningful difference (Hamilton Utilities’ Corporate Social Responsibility Program
– Conservation & Alternative Energy)
Horizon Utilities employees are encouraged to contribute time and talent
to community causes.
Employees wishing to do volunteer work during working hours must receive
approval from his or her supervisor, and realize that this approval may
not necessarily be forthcoming. Volunteer work, which may in some way
conflict with an employee’s job or Horizon Utilities’ Code of Conduct also
must be discussed with his or her supervisor.
The review and co-ordination of the policy will reside
in Corporate Services. Management will be informed by Corporate Services
annually or every second year, as required, to initiate the sign-off process.
It is the responsibility of management to make this
policy known to all employees in their department, and it is the responsibility
of the Corporate Secretary to make this policy known and sign-off attained
from the Board of Directors.
Each President or departmental Vice President is
responsible for determining which employees are required to sign-off on
the Code, over and above officers and senior management of the corporation.
Most usually employees involved in purchasing from or dealing with outside
companies where Horizon Utilities buys goods and services, contractors relationships,
consultants and financial institutions. (Internal Control functions of
Horizon Utilities)
