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 uncompromising standards and adherence to integral and ethical behaviour ensures that we deal professionally with issues as they arise, always do the right thing, maintain a positive image in all aspects of our business, and encourage an innovative spirit among employees while 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.
Human Rights
Our Policy
Our commitment to uphold internationally recognized human rights is anchored by our Human Rights Policy, which includes the Declaration on Fundamental Principles & Rights at Work by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
We support the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights endorsed by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2011.
Our Human Rights Policy, our Supplier Code of Conduct and approach to delivering responsibly are aligned with these principles.
In addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations, our Human Rights Policy is also brought to life through various established company-wide policies, including:
- Safety Policy
- Anti-corruption Policy
- Harassment-free Policies
- Employment Equity Policy
- Protection of Personal Information Policy
- Information Security Policy
- Workplace Violence Prevention Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Workplace Alcohol and Drug Prevention Policy
- Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
- Supplier Code of Conduct
These policies and standards define how we operate. Through training, awareness and on-the-job coaching, we work with our employees and business partners to pursue the highest standards in all our activities. For more information, please refer to our Human Rights Policy.
Due Diligence Assessments
We conduct high level due diligence assessments across our value chain to proactively identify, address and mitigate potential human rights related issues.
Last year, our high level review consisted of management level interviews and desktop review covering employees, suppliers, customers and community groups. Through the process, we identified nine human rights related issue areas where we are focusing our efforts. These include: health and safety, diversity, indigenous people, discrimination and harassment, forced labour and child labour, work hours, wages and benefits, freedom of association, and community engagement.
Mitigation Measures
The management of human rights is embedded in our business, including through:
a) employment policies and standards covering topics related to diversity, equal opportunities, health and safety, labour conditions and discrimination and harassment;
b) supplier standards and audits that ensure we promote human rights in our supply chain, which is part of the vendor management program;
c) community engagement practices through environmental and social impact assessments as well as outreach programs that create positive societal impacts;
d) Indigenous People programs aimed at building positive and sustainable relationships and partnership; and,
e) Union agreements focused on fair and respectful work conditions.
In 2023, no material human rights violations were reported. As a result, no sites are currently under mitigation plans and no remediation action has been necessary.
Grievance Mechanisms
Requests, concerns, and disclosures of misconduct can be reported through a variety of channels defined in our Code. These include our Law Department, Human Resources Centre, CN Police, and Ombudsman, who plays an integral role in ensuring equitable resolutions of concerns. We also have a confidential general CN telephone hotline.