As a fundamental operating principle, Procept strives to respect human rights wherever we do business. We are committed to doing no harm, to avoiding infringing on the human rights of others, and to addressing adverse human rights impacts where they may be caused, contributed by, or linked to our activities.

We will:

• Seek to avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through our own activities, and address such impacts if they do occur in a timely and appropriate manner;
• Seek to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts that are directly related to our operations, products and services through our business relationships;
• If we identify that we have caused or contributed to adverse human rights impacts, provide for or cooperate in their remediation through legitimate processes; and,
• Continue to look for ways to support the promotion of human rights within our operations and our sphere of influence.
   

Where local legislation differs from our policy, our operations in those countries must comply with the most restrictive requirements, aligned with the intent of this policy.

Our commitment is guided by the principles set forth in Canadian human rights legislation, as well as in the following international standards:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
• The United Nations Global Compact
• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises;
• ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
   

Non-Discrimination

We respect each individual’s human rights and are committed to providing equality and fairness to all and not discriminating on the grounds of age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, caste, sex and sexual orientation, or gender reassignment. Such discrimination will not be tolerated. We will be resolute in upholding human rights in everything we do and will not tolerate such discrimination in others. Ignorance and inaction do not constitute excuses for discrimination. (See our Diversity Policy at https://procept.com/diversity-policy)

Child Labour & Forced Labour

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced/bonded labour in any aspect of our operations, including services provided by suppliers.

Freedom of Association & Collective Bargaining

We respect our employees’ right to join, form or not to join a labour union without fear of reprisal, intimidation or harassment. Where employees are represented by a legally recognized union, we are committed to establishing a constructive dialogue with their freely-chosen representatives. We are committed to bargaining in good faith with such representatives.

Health, Safety & the Environment

We believe that all injuries and occupational illnesses, as well as safety and environmental incidents are preventable, and our goal for all of them is zero. We also do not tolerate workplace harassment or bullying. Our commitments are set forth in our Health & Safety Policy (https://procept.com/health-and-safety-policy) and our Environmental Policy (https://procept.com/environmental-policy).

Working Conditions

We treat all employees fairly and honestly regardless of where they work. All staff will have a written contract of employment, with agreed terms and conditions, including notice periods on both sides. All staff are entitled to reasonable rest breaks, access to toilets, rest facilities and potable water, and holiday leave in accordance with the legislation of the country where they work. All employees are provided with appropriate job skills training.

Fair Compensation

We negotiate compensation for our staff that is equal to or higher than the prevailing industry wage and that is at least a “living wage”. We will only do business with vendors who pay employees similarly.

Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

We recognize, respect, and value the importance of indigenous peoples’ culture, heritage and traditional rights and support initiatives to protect their heritage and rights.

Remediation

We place importance on the provision of effective remedy wherever human rights impacts occur through our grievance mechanisms. We continue to build the awareness and knowledge of our employees and workers on human rights, including labour rights, by encouraging them to speak up, without retribution, about any concerns they may have, including through our grievance channels. We are committed to increasing the capacity of our management to effectively identify and respond to concerns. We also promote the provision of effective grievance mechanisms by our suppliers.