Taking an ethical stand
UNGC Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
The TELUS Ethics policy states that we do not support any form of dishonesty, including bribery, kick-backs and extortion, either directly or indirectly through an agent or third party. As noted under Principle 1, our Ethics policy is updated annually and all team members must complete ethics training each year.
Our 2011 policy update was conducted in conjunction with a review of current literature and legislation regarding anti-bribery and corruption legislation, including the UK Bribery Act of 2010 to ensure we align with all requirements. The TELUS Code of Conduct for Business Sales (internal document) also states that TELUS team members either working abroad or dealing with foreign officials in Canada must comply with laws in Canada and elsewhere prohibiting bribery and corruption. For example, Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act prohibits any loan, reward, advantage or benefit “of any kind” to induce an official to use his position to influence the decisions of a foreign state. If any team member has reason to think that a colleague is involved in any bribery, corruption or fraudulent schemes with respect to a customer, he or she must also report this immediately to a leader. Any such activity is contrary to our business practices, our Ethics policy and this Code of Conduct, and could have significant consequences for the individuals involved as well as the company. Our new Supplier Code of Conduct also stipulates that our suppliers are expected to refrain from engaging in any form of corruption, including bribes, kickbacks and extortion.