Ethics and Integrity

Our commitment to business ethics and integrity is reflected in our focus on continuously improving our governance policies and practices, and establishing clear systems to ensure accountability, risk management and control are embedded across our business.

In our daily activities, we face a variety of issues. Establishing clear, consistent and simple modes of behaviour on ethics and integrity helps us deal professionally with issues as they arise, ensure we do the right thing, maintain a positive image in all aspects of our business, while encouraging an innovative spirit among employees and enhancing shareholder value.

Our Code of Business Conduct (PDF), corporate governance policies, our Board Diversity Policy, and environmental, health and safety policies frame our values and commitments to delivering responsibly.

The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. While not a signatory to the UNGC, our approach to delivering responsibly is aligned with these UNGC principles.

The Code of Business Conduct

Our Code of Business Conduct (PDF) – available in French and English – communicates our values and principles. It reflects our commitment to engaging with our stakeholders with trust and integrity and the importance of maintaining a positive reputation in all aspects of our business.

The Code applies to our employees, directors and officers. We expect everyone working on our company’s behalf, including consultants, agents, suppliers and business partners, to obey the law and adhere to high ethical standards. 

Anti-Corruption Policy

CN believes that clean business is sustainable business and is committed to using only ethical and legal business practices. Corruption hinders CN’s ability to develop and maintain long-term, fair, mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers, customers and business partners.

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure legal compliance and prevent illicit activities which are counter to CN’s ethical culture and would harm CN’s reputation and business.

This policy applies to all employees of Canadian National Railway Company and its subsidiaries, including contract employees.

 Learn more about our Anti-Corruption Policy (PDF)

Training and Awareness

The Code of Business (PDF) is an important part of our commitment to the highest standards of ethical business conduct and reflects what CN stands for. It addresses matters such as conflicts of interest, anti-corruption, health and safety, environment, and human rights. In 2015, we launched web-based training on the Code to managers across the Company. As well, we provide "Our Obligations" training to managers in Canada, which includes a review of our Human Rights Policy, Harassment-Free Environment Policy, Accommodation Guidelines and Employment Equity Policy. We also train our human resources staff on their roles and responsibilities related to human rights and employment equity legislation, guidelines, and policies.

On an annual basis, management reports to the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee of the Board on the implementation of the Code and on any material breaches by employees. Over the past year we have not had any material breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Reporting Violations

Find out how to report violations.