Codes of Ethics
CODES OF ETHICS AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICYSection 1 – Purpose
Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. requires and encourages directors, officers, and employees to observe and practice high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. The employees and representatives of the corporation must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It is the intent of Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. to adhere to all laws and regulations that apply to the corporation and the underlying purpose of this policy is to support the corporation’s goal of legal compliance. The support of all corporate staff is necessary to achieving compliance with various laws and regulations.
Section 2 – Reporting Violations
If any director, officer, staff or employee reasonably believes that some policy, practice, or activity of Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. is in violation of law, a written complaint must be filed by that person with the Board Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson.
Section 3 – Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false shall be subject to civil and criminal review.
Section 4 – Retaliation
Said person is protected from retaliation only if she/he brings the alleged unlawful activity, policy, or practice to the attention of Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. and provides the Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. with a reasonable opportunity to investigate and correct the alleged unlawful activity. The protection described below is only available to individuals that comply with this requirement. Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. shall not retaliate against any director, officer, staff or employee who in good faith, has made a protest or raised a complaint against some practice of Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. or of another individual or entity with whom Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. has a business relationship, on the basis of a reasonable belief that the practice is in violation of law, or a clear mandate of public policy. Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. shall not retaliate against any director, officer, staff or employee who disclose or threaten to disclose to a supervisor or a public body, any activity, policy, or practice of Hoofcare Essentials Foundation Inc. that the individual reasonably believes is in violation of a law, or a rule, or regulation mandated pursuant to law or is in violation of a clear mandate of public policy concerning the health, safety, welfare, or protection of the environment.
Section 5 – Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations shall be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Section 6 – Handling of Reported Violations
The Board Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson shall notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports shall be promptly investigated by the Board and its appointed committee and appropriate corrective action shall be taken if warranted by the investigation. This policy shall be made available to all directors, officers, staffs or employees and they shall have the opportunity to ask questions about the policy.