Supplier Code of Conduct
INTRODUCTION
Bell continuously strives to deal with suppliers who are leaders in their industries and are willing to
demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development by adopting labour and human rights,
ethics, health and safety and environmental principles. Bell is committed to sourcing responsibly and
considers all activities in its supply chain that fuel conflicts or lead to human rights abuses as
unacceptable.
Consistent with the application of Bell’s sustainability principles, the Supplier Code of Conduct (‘’Code’’)
outlines the company’s expectations regarding the sustainability practices of its suppliers. By adopting
this Code, Bell aims at minimizing legal, financial, reputational, privacy, security, ethical, and health and
safety risks and promoting sustainable development.
In all their activities, suppliers must conduct business in full compliance with the laws, rules and
regulations of the countries in which they operate and with the laws, rules and regulations of any other
jurisdiction that is applicable to them. Suppliers are encouraged to go beyond legal compliance, drawing
upon internationally recognized standards as indicated in each subsection of this Code, in order to
advance the objectives of social and environmental responsibility. When the country’s laws and
international standards address the same issues, we expect that the highest standards to be applied.
A- MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Suppliers shall take all reasonable measures to monitor compliance with this Code and to promptly
correct any non-compliance. In this regard, suppliers should establish a management system whose
scope is in line with the principles of this Code and in accordance with international standards such as
ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 and SA8000. The management system should be
designed to ensure the following elements:
1. Compliance with applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements related to the supplier’s
operations and products
2. Conformance with this Code
3. Identification and mitigation of operational risks related to this Code and continuous improvement
The management system may contain elements such as: company commitment and policy towards
corporate social and environmental responsibilities, identification of the management accountability and
responsibility, legal and customer requirements, risk assessment and management, improvement
objectives with implementation plans and measures, training programs, audits and assessments;
compliance assessment, documentation and records and supplier responsibility.
B- LABOUR AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Suppliers are expected to uphold the human rights 1 of workers, and to treat them with dignity and respect
in compliance with internationally accepted standards as defined in the United Nations Guiding Principles
on Business and Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental
Principles and Rights at Work, other ILO conventions,2 and regional or national legislation governing
working conditions.
1) Freely Chosen Employment3
Forced, bonded (including debt bondage) or indentured labour, involuntary or exploitative prison labour,
slavery or trafficking of persons shall not be used. This includes transporting, harbouring, recruiting,
transferring or receiving persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction or fraud for labour or
services. There shall be no unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement in the facility in
1
Universal Declaration of Human Rights General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
2
See the References section for the list of ILO codes and standards referred to here.
3
In accordance with ILO conventions 29 and 105 (Forced labour).
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addition to unreasonable restrictions on entering or exiting company-provided facilities. As part of the
hiring process, workers must be provided with a written employment agreement in a language the worker
can understand. All work shall be voluntary and workers shall be free to leave work at any time or to
terminate their employment. Employers and agents shall not hold or otherwise destroy, conceal,
confiscate or deny access by employees to their identity or immigration documents, such as government-
issued identification, passports or work permits. Workers shall not be required to pay employers’ or
agents’ recruitment fees or other related fees for their employment.
2) Young Workers4
Child labour shall not be used in any stage of manufacturing. The term “child” refers to any person under
the age of 15, or under the age of completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for
employment in the country, whichever is greatest. The use of legitimate workplace learning programs,
which comply with all laws and regulations, is supported. Workers under the age of 18 (Young Workers)
shall not perform work that is likely to jeopardize their health or safety, including night shifts and overtime.
Suppliers shall protect students’ rights by providing appropriate and reasonable accommodations.
3) Working hours
Working hours shall not exceed the maximum set by local law. Where there are no applicable laws in the
jurisdiction in which they operate, a workweek shall not be more than 60 hours per week, including
overtime, except in emergency or unusual situations. Workers shall be allowed at least one day off every
seven days.
4) Wages and Benefits
Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws, including those relating to
minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits to an adequate standard of living. Where
no wage law exists, it is expected that workers be paid at least the minimum local industry standard.
Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted. For each pay period, workers
shall be provided with a timely and understandable wage statement that includes sufficient information to
verify accurate compensation for work performed. All use of temporary, dispatch and outsourced labour
shall be within the limits of the local law.
5) Humane Treatment
Suppliers shall provide their employees with a workplace free of harsh and inhumane treatment including
any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse
of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment. Disciplinary policies and procedures in
support of these requirements shall be clearly defined and communicated to workers.
6) Non-Discrimination5
Suppliers shall be committed to provide a workplace free of harassment and unlawful discrimination.
Suppliers shall not engage in discrimination based on race, colour, age, gender, sexual orientation,
gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political
affiliation, union membership, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, medical test results
or marital status in hiring and employment practices such as wages, promotions, rewards, and access to
training. Suppliers are encouraged to provide reasonable accommodation for religious practices. In
addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests or physical exams that
could be used in a discriminatory way.
7) Freedom of Association and collective bargaining6
Suppliers shall respect and uphold the rights of workers to freely join labour unions, seek representation
and join workers’ councils in accordance with local laws, and to bargain collectively. Workers and/or their
representatives shall be able to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management
regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisals,
intimidation or harassment.
4
In accordance with ILO Convention 138 & Recommendation 146 (Minimum Age).
5
In accordance with ILO conventions 100 and 111 and recommendations 90 and 111 (Equal remuneration and Discrimination).
6
In accordance with ILO conventions 87 and 98 (Freedom of Association and Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining).
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C- ETHICS
1) Business Integrity
The highest standards of integrity are to be upheld in all business interactions. Suppliers shall have a
zero-tolerance policy to prohibit any and all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement.
Suppliers shall not offer or accept bribes, kickbacks or other unlawful incentives to/from their business
partners, and governmental employees and officials. Suppliers are expected not to offer to Bell
employees, either directly or indirectly, gifts, favours, gratuities, hospitality or any other kind of personal
benefit resulting from the business relationship.
2) No Improper Advantage
Bribes, kickbacks or other means of obtaining undue or improper advantage, either directly or indirectly,
shall not to be promised, offered, authorized, given or accepted. This prohibition covers promising,
offering, authorizing, giving or accepting anything of value, either directly or indirectly through a third
party, in order to obtain or retain business, direct business to any person, to influence governmental
employee or official, or otherwise gain an improper advantage. Monitoring and enforcement procedures
shall be implemented to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.
Bell does not permit facilitation payments to be made, even if they may be legal in a particular jurisdiction.
Facilitation payments are typically small, unofficial payments, made to secure or expedite the
performance of a routine government action by a government employee or official, such as providing
routine police protection or processing permits. Suppliers are expected to refrain from placing Bell team
members in a position where they are, or may be perceived to be, in breach of this Code.
3) Disclosure of Information
All business dealings shall be transparently performed and accurately reflected on suppliers’ business
books and records. Information regarding participant labour, health and safety, environmental practices,
business activities, structure, financial situation, privacy and security breaches and performance is to be
disclosed in accordance with applicable regulations and prevailing industry practices. Falsification of
records or misrepresentation of conditions or practices in the supply chain is prohibited. Suppliers shall
disclose information regarding business activities when requested by Bell.
4) Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights are to be respected; transfer of technology and know-how is to be done in a
manner that protects intellectual property rights and complies with applicable laws. Customer and supplier
information are to be safeguarded in accordance with Bell’s standards and requirements. Suppliers shall
make only appropriate use of confidential information and ensure that all employees’ and business
partners’ privacy, intellectual property and other proprietary rights are protected.
5) Fair Business, Anti-Spam, Advertising and Competition
Suppliers shall comply with all applicable legislation relating to fair business practices, antitrust standards,
anti-spam, competition standards and advertising.
6) Protection of Identity and Non-Retaliation
Programs that ensure confidentiality, anonymity and protection of supplier and employee whistleblowers
are to be maintained. Suppliers should communicate the process for their personnel to be able to raise
any concerns without fear of retaliation.
7) Privacy & Information Security
Where Supplier handles sensitive information belonging to Bell Companies, its customers or its
employees, Supplier must strictly comply with all applicable privacy laws in the jurisdiction in which they
operate, as well as the contractual obligations set forth in the agreement. Bell reserves the right to assess
and monitor suppliers’ practices regarding information security protection. Supplier must notify Bell
immediately of all actual or suspected privacy breaches, information security incidents or loss of Bell’s
data and the supplier must assist Bell in managing consequences from such events.
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8) Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Suppliers must adhere to principles of responsible development and use of AI technologies, and to
applicable international standards. They must comply with applicable laws and regulations governing the
use of AI technologies in the jurisdictions in which they operate, and have in place adequate controls that
seek to ensure compliance by their suppliers. Among the principles of responsible development and use
of AI technologies Suppliers must follow are human oversight and monitoring, implementation of
adequate security safeguards, transparency, fairness and equity, safety of AI use and misuse,
accountability, validity and robustness, and user education and training.
9) Background Checks
Supplier shall implement industry standard measures, including criminal background checks, to ensure
that no individual with an offense or alleged offense involving conduct that is inconsistent with their
responsibilities, or is otherwise unacceptable given their role in relation to the work to be performed for
Bell, will be allowed to perform such work.
10) Community Engagement
Suppliers are encouraged to engage and invest in the communities in which they live, work and serve to
promote social and economic development.
11) Supplier Diversity
Suppliers are encouraged to promote, identify and integrate diversity amongst their suppliers, in addition
to workers. Diversity programs to boost the representation of women, Indigenous People, LGBT, and
visible minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are expected to be implemented and continually
improved.
D- HEALTH and SAFETY
Legislation
Suppliers are expected to comply with the international, regional and national health and safety standards
applicable to the Suppliers’ business activities such as ISO 45001 Guidelines on Occupational Safety and
Health.
Suppliers shall comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and all applicable regulations and
perform all services in a diligent manner in respect of health and safety matters.
1) Occupational Safety
Suppliers shall ensure that their employees and any person present on or near the workplace are
protected against potential occupational health and safety hazards resulting from the Suppliers' business
activities. Potential for exposure to safety hazards are to be identified, assessed, and controlled through
proper design, engineering and administrative controls, preventative maintenance and safe work
procedures (including lockout-tagout) and ongoing safety training.
Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by these means, workers are to be provided with
appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment and educational materials about risks to
them associated with these hazards.
2) Industrial Hygiene
Suppliers shall ensure that all products supplied to Bell or used on its premises are in compliance with all
applicable workplace hazardous material information standards (i.e.: WHMIS in Canada). Worker
exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents is to be identified, evaluated, and controlled
according to the hierarchy of controls. Potential hazards are to be eliminated or controlled through proper
design, engineering and administrative controls. When hazards cannot be adequately controlled by such
means, workers are to be provided with and use appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective
equipment. Protective programs shall include educational materials about the risks associated with these
hazards. Material Safety Data Sheets must be available in English and French for all controlled products
supplied to Bell or used on Bell's premises.
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3) Physically Demanding Work
Worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and
heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks is to be
identified, evaluated and controlled by providing appropriate equipment and measures.
4) Machine Safeguarding
Production equipment and other machinery shall be evaluated for safety hazards. Physical guards,
interlocks and barriers are to be provided and properly maintained where machinery presents an injury
hazard to workers.
5) Sanitation, Food and Housing
When applicable, workers are to be provided with ready access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and
sanitary food preparation, storage, and eating facilities. Worker dormitories provided by the Supplier or a
labour agent are to be maintained to be clean and safe, and provided with appropriate emergency egress,
hot water for bathing and showering, adequate lighting, heat, ventilation, individually secured
accommodations for storing personal and valuable items and reasonable personal space along with
reasonable entry and exit privileges.
6) Health and Safety Communication
Suppliers shall provide workers with appropriate workplace health and safety information and training in
the language of the worker or in a language the worker can understand for all identified workplace
hazards that workers are exposed to, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical, fire,
and physical hazards. Health and safety-related information shall be clearly posted in the facility or placed
in a location identifiable and accessible by workers. Training should be provided to all workers prior to the
beginning of work and regularly thereafter. Supplier shall systematically evaluate its health and safety
performance through appropriate audits and report progress.
E- ENVIRONMENT
Legislation
Suppliers shall comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, guidelines, codes of practices, orders and
agreements entered into with government authorities relating to the protection and conservation of the
environment. Suppliers shall obtain, maintain and report on all environmental permits, approvals, licences
and registration as required under environmental legislation.
Policies and practices
Suppliers shall have knowledge of the environmental impacts associated with their business activities and
where appropriate, implement policies, programs and employee training to address, in particular but not
limited to, the following matters:
1) Pollution Prevention and Resource Reduction
Emissions and discharges of pollutants and generation of waste of all types are to be minimized or
eliminated at the source or by practices such as adding pollution control equipment; modifying production,
maintenance and facility processes; or by other means. The use of natural resources, including water,
fossil fuels, minerals and virgin forest products, is to be minimized by practices such as modifying
production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, recycling or
other means.
2) Hazardous Substances
Chemicals and other materials posing a hazard to humans or the environment are to be identified, labeled
and managed to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse and disposal.
3) Solid Waste
Suppliers are expected to implement a systematic approach to identify, manage, reduce, and responsibly
dispose of or recycle solid waste (non-hazardous).
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4) Air Emissions
Air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, particulates, ozone-depleting chemicals
and combustion by-products generated from operations are to be characterized, routinely monitored,
controlled and treated as required prior to discharge.
5) Materials Restrictions
Suppliers shall adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements regarding prohibition
or restriction of specific substances in products and manufacturing.
6) Water Management
Suppliers are expected to implement a water management program that documents, characterizes, and
monitors water sources, use and discharge; seeks opportunities to conserve water; and controls channels
of contamination. When applicable, all wastewater generated by Bell and managed by suppliers are to be
characterized, monitored, controlled, and treated prior to discharge or disposal.
7) Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Bell encourages suppliers to take measures to reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions generated
by their operations, products and services. To ensure a transparent approach, energy consumption and
all relevant scope 1 and 2 elements are expected to be tracked and documented at the facility and/or
corporate level. Participants are encouraged to improve energy efficiency and to minimize their energy
consumption and GHG emissions.
F- RESPONSIBLE SOURCING OF MINERALS
Suppliers of tangible products that contain “Conflict Minerals” (as defined below) shall be committed to
demonstrate that they have in place the appropriate due diligence controls over Conflict Minerals in their
supply chain to ensure that their products are “DRC Conflict Free” (as defined below).
As used in this Section F, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:
“Conflict Minerals Rule” means the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission promulgated under Section 13(p) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Conflict Minerals” means (A) columbite-tantalite (coltan), cassiterite, gold, wolframite, or their
derivatives, which are limited to tantalum, tin and tungsten, or (B) any other mineral or its derivatives
determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be financing conflict in the Covered Countries.
“Covered Countries” means the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries defined
under the Conflict Minerals Rule as the countries that share an internationally recognized border with the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (an “Adjoining Country”).
“DRC Conflict Free” means that a product does not contain Conflict Minerals necessary to the
functionality or production of that product that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups (as
defined under the Conflict Minerals Rule), in any of the Covered Countries. Conflict Minerals obtained
from recycled or scrap sources are considered to be DRC Conflict Free.
In addition to Conflict Minerals, suppliers of tangible products that contain cobalt should exercise a strict
due diligence regarding the way the mineral is sourced. Cobalt contained in products should not come
from artisanal mines that do not meet minimum health and safety standards. In addition to that, purchase
transactions of these minerals shall not benefit in any way to groups guilty of human rights violation.
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G- BUSINESS CONTINUITY
1) Business Continuity Plan
Suppliers are expected to have and maintain a disaster recovery and business continuity plan addressing
critical operations associated with the work to be performed for Bell.
2) Emergency Preparedness
Potential emergency situations and events including, but not limited to, the structural integrity of the
supplier’s facilities, fire risk, flooding risk, power supply continuity risk, and other risks which could
reasonably be expected, are to be identified and assessed, and their impact minimized by implementing
emergency plans and response procedures including: emergency reporting, employee notification and
evacuation procedures, worker training and drills, appropriate fire detection and suppression equipment,
clear and unobstructed egress, adequate exit facilities and recovery plans. Such plans and procedures
shall focus on minimizing harm to life, the environment and property
H- SUPPLIER ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING
Bell reserves the right to assess and monitor on an ongoing basis the Supplier’s practices regarding this
Code. Supplier may be required complete a self-assessment questionnaire.
Bell or a third party designated by Bell may also conduct onsite audits of selected Supplier facilities that
provide products or services to Bell. Onsite audits may include a review of relevant Supplier records,
policies and work practices as well as inspection of the facilities for compliance with this Code.
In case of observed non-compliance with this Code, Supplier will take all reasonable measures to meet
the standards described in this Code in a diligent manner.
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REFERENCES
The following standards and codes were used in preparing this Code and may be a useful source of
additional information. Bell is committed to continuously review this Code to ensure it is updated as
needed to align with current industry practices and requirements.
International Instruments
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
ILO International Labor Standards
Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems: ILO-OSH 2001
United Nations Convention Against Corruption
International Best Practices and Voluntary Standards
Eco Management & Audit System
Responsible Business Alliance
Ethical Trading Initiative
ISO 14001
ISO 27001
ISO 45001
ISO 50001
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict- Affected and
High Risk Areas
SA (SA8000)
United Nations Global Compact
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (Responsible Minerals Initiative)
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
BCE Corporate Responsibility information
CONTACTS
For questions or comments relative to this Code: rp@bell.ca
To report concerns and potential or actual www.clearviewconnects.com
misconduct that violate this Supplier Code of
or
Conduct, (requests are handled by an independent
administrator - ClearView Strategic Partners Inc. on Tel: 1 866 298-2942
a completely anonymous basis):
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