Scotiabank Group is committed to the spirit and principles embodied in the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), and extends that commitment to our operations outside of Canada. These principles reflect international standards in human rights practices with respect to both employees and customers, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Any new policies or policy changes are subject to a rigorous review by stakeholders and experts in human rights.

Our Guidelines for Business Conduct describe the standards of behaviour required of all employees regarding the equitable treatment of all members of our workforce.

Scotiabank supports the exclusion of child labour in its operations, as defined by the ILO Convention No. 138, as well as the prevention of forced and compulsory labour, consistent with the principles stated in ILO Convention No. 29, Article 2. In countries where child labour and forced labour are evident, Scotiabank’s higher standards of operating serve as a model for industry in those locations.

Complaints and Complaints Resolution
Employees are encouraged to address concerns relating to human rights issues with their managers through the Bank’s Chain of Communication, a policy and process that is posted across all Bank workplaces. The process offers a variety of channels, including a confidential channel, and access to the Bank’s human rights experts who are also trained in conflict resolution.

These concerns are tracked and monitored through a centralized case management system from which trend reports are generated. In the past two years, Scotiabank received nine formal complaints of discrimination (eight in 2007), and all of these complaints have been investigated and dismissed. The Bank takes discrimination concerns very seriously, and has developed a working relationship with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, aimed at resolving concerns early.

In compliance with the Canada Labour Code, the Bank does not tolerate any retaliatory action against employees for bringing a complaint or concern to the Bank’s attention. Through the Guidelines for Business Conduct, employees are expressly prohibited from retaliating against any other employee who has raised concerns or complaints in good faith.

Human Rights Training and Awareness
Scotiabank Group conducts training and education designed to ensure our employees fully understand their rights and obligations with respect to human rights and discrimination. Our security employees are aware of, and respect, Bank policy on human rights, discrimination and harassment. During annual training and operational conferences held by and for our security team, aspects of employee rights are addressed formally in co-operation with the Bank’s human rights experts.