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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On November 2 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Health held a ceremony to announce the establishment of the Food Safety Risk Assessment Center (VFSA), the first of its kind in Vietnam. This center is dedicated to assessing food safety risks, providing scientific evidence for management, and proposing effective solutions to enhance food safety nationwide.

The center’s launch is a milestone achievement of the SAFEGRO project, which is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International in partnership with the University of Guelph. SAFEGRO empowers Vietnam to have better access to safe and affordable food, with an emphasis on supporting poor farmers and women.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen emphasized the importance of food testing as Vietnam modernizes. He pointed out that the expanding food market brings risks of poisoning and health issues for consumers, requiring strict and effective controls.

Brian G. Bedard, Director of Food Safety and Animal Health at Alinea International, presented at the International Food Control Conference in Hanoi.

Within the framework of the project, SAFEGRO has provided substantial support to strengthen Vietnam’s food safety risk assessment capabilities. This includes financial backing and Canadian expert speakers for the International Food Control Conference 2024 which promotes global standards for risk-based food safety.

Vietnamese policymakers from key ministries of Vietnam visited China Food Safety Risk Assessment Center and attended the China International Food Safety and Quality Conference.

Through the project’s support, SAFEGRO participants have conducted a gap analysis of Vietnam’s food safety risk assessment system and organized a national workshop that highlighted the need for a center like the VFSA. The project also fosters international collaboration, facilitating a study tour to the China Food Safety Risk Assessment Center.

In addition, SAFEGRO has delivered training in both chemical and microbial risk assessment with internationally recognized instructors, aligning Vietnam’s practices with global standards. To further enhance capacity, SAFEGRO has supported the creation of a national network of trained food safety risk assessors, and its commitment to the VFSA was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the launch event.

Currently, many countries around the world have adopted risk assessment-based food safety management. However, in Vietnam, we have limited opportunities to learn about risk assessment, so I find this course very necessary. After completing it, we can build a network of risk assessment experts, provide essential data, and support government agencies in managing food safety more effectively.’

- - Luu Ngoc Phuong from the Reference Testing & Agrifood quality services center (RETAQ), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Phuong also believes that the knowledge and skills gained from the course will not only help address discrepancies in international food safety standards but also enhance Vietnam’s food exports by better meeting the safety requirements of global markets.

During the ceremony, Dr. Tran Cao Son, Deputy Director of the National Institute for Food Control and Head of the new Center, outlined a vision for 2030. This vision includes focusing on resource development, investing in the VFSA’s infrastructure, building a comprehensive database, and conducting risk assessments. These efforts aim to contribute to the development of standards and regulations.

SAFEGRO commits to stand shoulder by shoulder with VFSA to protect public health and boost consumer confidence in food safety.

A video of the news from the National Assembly TV with English subtitle can be found here: