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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Nguyen Thi Dong, a trader at Thuong Thanh Market in Vietnam, has spent over 20 years selling chickens. In the early days of her business, she, along with many other traders, relied on traditional tools that were far from hygienic. The wooden tables used to display meat would often rot, compromising product quality. Even after switching to cement tables with tiles, hygiene issues persisted. The gaps between the tiles trapped meat scraps, fat, and dirt, making cleaning difficult and failing to maintain proper food safety standards.

Ms. Dong in Thuong Thanh market, holding the maple leaf certificate to honor her contributions to SAFEGRO activities and to promote safer food in Vietnam.

With funding from Global Affairs Canada, the SAFEGRO project has brought significant improvements to food safety at Thuong Thanh Market. Thanks to this support, traders like Ms. Dong now use stainless steel tables, which are far easier to clean and lack the gaps that previously accumulated dirt. The introduction of clean, white plastic cutting boards, aprons, and hair-covering hats has significantly changed traders’ habits—no more touching their hair with meat-stained hands.

The impact of SAFEGRO goes beyond just providing physical upgrades to the market; it has also fostered a positive shift in the community’s food safety culture. In addition to improving the hygiene of the sales area, SAFEGRO has added community value by raising awareness of food safety. Ms. Dong and her fellow traders have been spreading this valuable knowledge to their customers, offering advice on properly preserving meat and preparing hygienic dishes. This important step helps connect traders with consumers and fosters a more positive food safety culture.

Ms. Dong emphasized this transformation: “I always guide my customers on the best ways to prepare and preserve chicken dishes. I often end my advice with a reminder: always remember food safety!”

Right to Food for a Better Life and a Brighter Future

Happy smiles of traders in markets in Hanoi, where SAFEGRO operates.

The work of SAFEGRO at Thuong Thanh Market is part of a broader vision of ensuring that food represents diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety. Greater diversity of nutritious food should be accessible in fields, markets, and on family’s tables for everyone’s benefit. SAFEGRO actively contributes to this vision by enhancing food safety and promoting responsible practices at the grassroots level. Clean and safe food markets like Thuong Thanh ensure not only healthier food but also contributes to the sustainable use of resources, benefiting both people and the environment.

This wholistic approach by SAFEGRO has successfully bridged the gap between traders and customers, helping create a safe, civilized, and trustworthy trading environment. The transformation in food safety at Thuong Thanh Market has ultimately improved the quality of life and health of the community.

To expand this impact, SAFEGRO has also deployed food safety interventions in other local retail and wholesale markets, including Kim Quan, Van Duc, Mia, Minh Khai (in the Hanoi area), and Binh Dien (in the Ho Chi Minh City area). This broader implementation ensures that more communities across Vietnam benefit from the improved food safety standards that have proven effective at Thuong Thanh.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Xiem, a member of the Kim Quan Market Management Board, highlighted the results:

“With the SAFEGRO Project, we have easily identified hazards, changed behaviors, and developed a greater awareness of food safety. Our traders are equipped with resources to help ensure food safety along the entire value chain, from production to final consumption. As part of the Market Management Board, I will work harder to raise awareness, enforce regulations, and monitor the food safety practices of business households in the market, contributing to building a system that provides safe and sustainable food for the community.”

As the quality of life in Vietnam continues to improve, people’s concerns have shifted from having enough food to eat to focusing on ensuring that their food is safe and healthy. This shift aligns well with SAFEGRO’s ongoing mission to enhance food safety practices and ensure everyone has access to safe food.

On the occasion of World Food Day 2024, SAFEGRO, with Canada’s support, reaffirms its mandate to ensure that Vietnamese people have the right to safe food for a better life and a brighter future.