Signature of the UN Women's Empowerment
Principles
MONTREAL, June 10, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank
is proud to present its first Report on Environmental, Social
and Governance Advances (ESG Report) for the year 2019. The report
is intended for all Bank stakeholders. It outlines the Bank's
commitments and achievements in sustainable development as well as
its key performance indicators.
The 2019 ESG report is available at
nbc.ca/socialresponsibility.
A few highlights
- In 2019, the Board of Directors approved a sustainable
development framework and set of guiding principles that inspire
our thoughts and actions.
- National Bank became a founding signatory of the UN Principles
for Responsible Banking. It is one of the first North American
financial institutions to make this commitment.
- National Bank Investments became a signatory of the UN
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a driving force behind
responsible investing.
- Our employees have created a Positive Impact Environment squad
as well as a network of eco-ambassadors across the Bank. Members
encourage their colleagues to participate in Bank activities and
initiatives for the environment.
- As part of its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint,
the Bank has stopped purchasing single-use water bottles.
- With four issues of sustainable bonds in 2019, totalling nearly
$1.2 billion, the Bank was able to
finance or refinance, in whole or in part, a number of
sustainability projects.
- The Bank reaffirmed its role as a generalist donor, with tens
of millions of dollars donated to help the community, including
nearly $13 million in corporate
donations.
Signature of the UN Women's Empowerment Principles
The Bank also announced that it has become a signatory of the UN
Women's Empowerment Principles, which promote gender equality in
the workplace, marketplace and community. This initiative
encourages companies to review their existing policies and
practices to help women participate fully in economic life.
Human Rights Statement
National Bank's Human Rights Statement has been published
online. This document sets out the Bank's commitments to respecting
human rights and freedoms, including its commitment to creating and
maintaining a safe, healthy work environment that is free from all
forms of discrimination, harassment and intimidation.
COVID-19: National Bank's commitment to its employees
As a responsible employer, National Bank is doing everything it
can to help its employees during these uncertain times. It recently
published a document outlining the measures it has adopted to
protect employees' health and help them deal with the COVID-19
pandemic.
About National Bank of Canada
With $317 billion in assets as at April 30, 2020, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms
one of Canada's leading integrated
financial groups. It has more than 26,000 employees in
knowledge-intensive positions and has been recognized numerous
times as a top employer and for its commitment to diversity. Its
securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA).
Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social
media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
SOURCE National Bank of Canada