alinea’s whistleblower policy

1.1 Purpose

The following Whistleblower Policy has been established to provide guidance to Alinea International employees and sub-contractors on how to deal with known or suspected improper conduct within the organization. The objectives of this Policy are to:

Create awareness of the Policy and available whistleblower protections
Act as a reference guide to potential whistleblowers wishing to make a disclosure
Define the structure of the whistleblower system, including reporting and investigation procedures, whistleblower protections, and confidentiality, among others
Improve the communication and transparency in the processes associated with whistleblowing and assure protection against derogatory consequences, namely reprisals and detrimental action
Complement the current communication channels between employees, sub-contractors and immediate managers, and hierarchical channels flowing to the President and Senior Management team
Provide guidance to all parties involved in either whistleblowing or whistleblower protection.

1.2 Scope

Alinea requires all employees and sub-contractors to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. All employees and sub-contractors of Alinea are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations of Canada and the countries where we operate. Any allegations of known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources will be dealt with in accordance with this Policy, and reasonable steps will be taken to protect those who come forward with allegations. Alinea’s Whistleblower Policy covers both internal and external whistleblowing, and establishes the controls and procedures for dealing with allegations of malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is intended to encourage employees and sub-contractors to report known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources and to enable Alinea’s Senior Management team to address and correct inappropriate action. It is the responsibility of all Board of Directors’ members, the Senior Management team, employees and sub-contractors to report concerns about known or suspected malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is applicable to all employees and sub-contractors of Alinea International.

1.3 Reporting Procedures

Alinea recognizes the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. Our internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect and prevent malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. As detailed in Alinea’s Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals, employees and sub-contractors are encouraged to share complaints and/or concerns regarding ethical or legal violations with their immediate managers. If the employee or sub-contractor is not comfortable speaking with their immediate manager or is not satisfied with the response, they are encouraged to speak with the Gatineau or Calgary Office Managers, the Vice Presidents or, as required, the Chief Financial Officer. All members of the Senior Management team are required to report complaints and/or concerns about suspected ethical or legal violations in writing to Alinea’s Ethics Committee who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints and/or concerns. In the event that the complaint and/or concern is about the President, it should be raised by the employee or sub-contractor to their immediate manager or the Ethics Committee who will determine how the investigation will proceed. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures will be taken if warranted by the investigation. Alinea’s Ethics Committee is responsible for acknowledging receipt of the suspected violation and notifying the whistleblower of the outcome of the investigation. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Personal grievances or complaints related to employment are not covered under Alinea’s Whistleblowing Policy. For cases such as this, employees and sub-contractors are advised to first refer to Alineas Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals when considering a disclosure under the Whistleblowing Policy. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

1.4 Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure reprisals are not made against the whistleblower. Alinea is committed to safeguarding the identity of the whistleblower and to protecting the whistleblower against detrimental action taken in reprisal for allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. The Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring whistleblowers are protected from direct and indirect detrimental action, and that the culture of the workplace is supportive of suspected allegations being made. Any employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

1.5 Review

Alinea is committed to implementing ‘best practice’ policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources (as defined by this Policy) and the management and protection of whistleblowers making allegation(s). This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets the objectives of relevant legislation and remains effective for Alinea, and may be changed at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. For allegations of fraud, securities law, or human rights concerns, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the Company’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Company’s Ethics Committee directly.

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A Tradition Rooted in History

Branded as the “Ancient Vietnamese Village,” Duong Lam has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists in recent years. Each year, it welcomes an average of 120,000–130,000 visitors, including 6,000–7,000 from abroad.

In the quiet village of Duong Lam, near Hanoi, tradition lives on in every roasted pork roll. Villagers share a story passed down through generations—when King Ngo Quyen triumphed at the Battle of Bach Dang River in 938, he and his soldiers celebrated with roasted pork, cooked on a simple bamboo pole. That same dish, rich in history and flavor, has remained a proud specialty of Duong Lam ever since.

For centuries, the villagers have perfected the art of roasting pork, infusing it with the fragrant essence of guava leaves, honey, and basil. The result is a delicacy with crispy golden skin, tender meat, and an aroma that lingers in the air, drawing visitors from afar. But more than just a meal, it is a taste of history—a symbol of a heritage passed down through generations.

Modernizing Tradition for Food Safety

Each day, the local roasting facility produces nearly half a ton of roasted pork, serving around 1,000 diners. If food safety measures are consistently followed, 30,000 customers per month can savor a dish crafted with care and tradition. However, behind the inviting flavors lies a hidden risk. The SAFEGRO project team, dedicated to ensuring sustainable and safe food for all, understands that even the most cherished culinary traditions must meet modern safety standards.

Dr. To Lien Thu, a SAFEGRO food safety expert, has nearly 30 years of experience in Vietnam’s food safety sector.

While most of the village sleeps, in the early morning hours Dr. To Lien Thu and the SAFEGRO team are already at work. They stand alongside Mrs. Huong and her husband, Mr. Luong, the dedicated couple who prepare the roasted pork rolls. Observing, guiding, and supporting them, the team helps implement safer food handling practices to protect both tradition and the health of their customers.

Dr. To Lien Thu, who has dedicated almost 30 years to promoting food safety, advised the producers: “You must reorganize the warehouse, repair the meat processing area by re-paving the floor, and create a slope for proper drainage. A dedicated cabinet for tools and spices is needed to prevent cross-contamination. Workers should use clean towels and improve hygiene practices. More stainless steel sinks must be installed, and wooden meat cutting boards should be replaced along with stainless steel tables for better sanitation.”

Previously, pork was prepared on wooden boards placed on a cement floor worn with cracks and peeling. These imperfections harbored bacteria, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. “Many bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Staphylococcus aureus can cause foodborne disease, leading to dizziness, vertigo, diarrhea, and vomiting, and even hospitalization” Dr. Thu explained.

Without proper changes, the reputation of a beloved tradition could be threatened by invisible dangers.

Before SAFEGRO’s intervention: Previously, pork was prepared on wooden boards placed on a cement floor worn with cracks and peeling. These imperfections harbored bacteria, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. After SAFEGRO’s intervention: The floor has now been renovated, paved with shiny tiles and sloped for proper drainage—ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for food preparation.

After working with SAFEGRO, the couple not only committed to improving food safety but also began upgrading their equipment and facilities. The floor has now been renovated, paved with shiny tiles and sloped for proper drainage—ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for food preparation.

From this secure space, roasted pork is distributed to weddings attended by hundreds and to famous restaurants in Duong Lam, where foreign guests often visit to experience local specialties. The improvements made are not just about compliance; they are about preserving a legacy.

By ensuring safe food production practices, SAFEGRO helps protect the tradition of Duong Lam’s roasted pork. Generations to come will continue to earn their livelihoods from this craft, and tourists from all over the world can enjoy its rich flavors without worry. When tradition and food safety go hand in hand, the taste of history can endure forever.

Dr. Thu and the SAFEGRO team, working through the night together, appreciate that their efforts were making a real difference in the spirit of International Development Week (February 2–8, 2025) by “Building a Better World Together.”

SAFEGRO, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International in partnership with the University of Guelph, embodies this commitment. By improving food safety in Vietnam, they are not only protecting local communities but also contributing to a healthier world for all.

SAFEGRO provides food safety training to production households in Duong Lam, with a special focus on those led by women. Roasted pork is one of more than 100 traditional food processing and production establishments in Duong Lam Ancient Village, where women play a vital role. Currently, SAFEGRO is working to support and provide technical guidance on safe food handling for home-based production establishments owned by women. This is a concrete step toward empowering women in the field of food safety in Vietnam.