EX-99.5 6 dex995.htm BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. CODE OF BUSINESS CODUCT AND ETHICS Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Code of Business Coduct and Ethics

Exhibit 99.5

Brookfield

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

 

 

 

 

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

August 2009


CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

Table of Contents

 

 

 

     Page

SUMMARY OF THE CODE

   1

EXPLANATION OF THE CODE

   2

BUSINESS ETHICS AND PRACTICES

  

Protecting the Company’s Assets and Resources

   3

Policy Regarding E-Mail, the Internet, Telephones and Other Forms of Communication

   3

Responding to Media, Public and Other Inquiries and Other Public Forums for Disclosure

   3

Conflicts of Interest, Fiduciary Duties and Personal Behaviour

   5

Board Seats on Other Companies

   6

Corporate Opportunities

   6

Confidential Information

   6

Accuracy of Books and Records

   7

Accounting, Auditing or Disclosure Concerns

   8

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  

Discrimination and Harassment-Free Environment

   8

Safe Working Conditions

   9

LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

  

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

   10

Securities Laws and Insider Trading

   10

Fair Dealing

   11

GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

  

Gifts to Persons

   12

Dealing with Foreign Public Officials

   12

Gifts from Persons

   13

Political Donations

   14

Staff Meals and Department Entertainment

   14

Failure to Comply With Gifts and Entertainment Requirements

   14

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE

  

Statement of Compliance

   14

Reports and Complaints

   15

Treatment of Reports and Complaints

   15

Internal Contact Information

   16

Disciplinary Action for Code Violations

   17

Waivers

   17

LEGAL NOTICE

   18

Appendix A – STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

   A1

 

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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

To all Directors, Officers and Employees of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) applies to the directors, officers and employees of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and all of its subsidiaries that are not publicly traded entities (collectively, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “company”). Codes of conduct of non-publicly traded subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. may coexist with the Code; so long as the provisions of such codes do not conflict with the Code.

It has always been our policy that all of our activities should be conducted with the highest standards of honesty and integrity and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. In varying degrees, as a director, officer or employee of the company, you represent us in your dealings with others, whether they be other employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, governments or the general public. In addition, all directors, officers and employees of the company must always observe their fiduciary duties when dealing with investment management clients or related activities. In this regard, you must avoid engaging in any activity that could result in an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, and avoid any action that may be perceived as a breach of trust.

We expect each of you as directors, officers and employees to conduct your dealings on behalf of the company in accordance with this policy. So that there can be no doubt as to what is expected of each of you in this regard, the Board of Directors of the company (the “Board”) has endorsed this Code, which is to be followed by each of our directors, officers and employees.

SUMMARY OF THE CODE

As a director, officer or employee, when acting on behalf of the company you are expected to:

 

1.

Protect the company’s assets, and use them properly and with care for the benefit of the company, and not for personal use.

 

2.

Use e-mail, the internet, telephone and other forms of communication provided by the company appropriately, which means primarily for business-related purposes.

 

3.

Not speak on behalf of the company unless authorized to do so.

 

4.

Avoid situations in which your personal interests conflict or might conflict with the interests of the company.

 

5.

Always observe your fiduciary duties when dealing with investment management clients or related activities.

 

6.

In the case of officers and employees of the company, obtain permission before joining the board of directors of another company.

 

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7.

Not take personal opportunities discovered by using property of the company or in your role with the company.

 

8.

Protect the confidentiality of the company’s “non-public information”.

 

9.

Help ensure that the company’s books and records are complete and accurate.

 

10.

Help ensure that the company provides accurate and fair public disclosure.

 

11.

Investigate and report any accounting, auditing or disclosure concerns.

 

12.

Be committed to the prevention of workplace discrimination and harassment.

 

13.

Be committed to ensuring the health and safety of fellow employees, officers and directors.

 

14.

Know and comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to your position.

 

15.

Not trade in the company’s securities or any other company’s securities if you possess material “non-public information”.

 

16.

Deal fairly with the company’s customers, suppliers and competitors.

 

17.

Not offer gifts or other benefits to persons, including public officials and political parties, that might influence or be perceived as influencing a business decision.

 

18.

Not accept expensive gifts or other benefits from persons doing or seeking to do business with the company.

 

19.

Not incur unreasonable costs for permitted staff meals and pre-approved department entertainment.

EXPLANATION OF THE CODE

The Code prescribes the minimum moral and ethical standards of conduct required of all the company’s directors, officers and employees. Violations of the Code can have severe consequences and will result in the appropriate discipline being taken, up to and including discharge where warranted by the circumstances.

An explanation of each of the rules is set forth below. If you have questions regarding the application of any rule or about the best course of action in a particular situation, you should seek guidance from your supervisor. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, senior financial officers and directors should seek guidance from the company’s Chairman who shall consult, as appropriate, with the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board.

 

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BUSINESS ETHICS AND PRACTICES

PROTECTING THE COMPANYS ASSETS AND RESOURCES

Company assets are to be used only for the purposes of fulfilling your corporate responsibilities.

The company’s assets are meant for business use, not for personal use. We all have a responsibility to protect and safeguard the company’s assets from loss, theft, misuse and waste.

The company’s property should never be used for personal gain, and you should not allow the company’s property to be used for illegal activities. If you become aware of theft, misuse or waste of our assets or funds or have any questions about your proper use of them, you should speak with your supervisor. However, if you feel uncomfortable approaching your supervisor with your concern, you may contact the company’s Chief Internal Auditor.

Misappropriation of the company’s assets is a breach of your duty to the company and may be an act of fraud against the company. Taking the company’s property from our facilities without permission may be regarded as theft and could result in dismissal. In addition, carelessness or waste of the company’s assets may also be a breach of your duty to the company and could result in dismissal.

The company’s assets include all memos, notes, lists, records and other documents (and copies of each of these) that you make or compile relating to the company’s business. All of these are to be delivered to the company promptly after your employment ceases, or at any time that the company requests.

POLICY REGARDING E-MAIL, THE INTERNET, TELEPHONES AND OTHER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION

Use the company’s various forms of communication properly and appropriately.

We provide our employees with access to e-mail, the internet, telephones and other forms of communication for business purposes, and while we understand the need for limited and occasional use of these tools for personal purposes, this use should not be excessive or cause detriment to the company. Internet use must be conducted in a professional manner. For example, accessing internet sites containing obscene or offensive material, or sending e-mails that are derogatory or harassing to another person or group of people or chain e-mails, is inappropriate. In addition, employees must be vigilant to ensure that the network security is maintained through the appropriate use of passwords.

RESPONDING TO MEDIA, PUBLIC AND OTHER INQUIRIES AND OTHER PUBLIC FORUMS FOR DISCLOSURE

As a public company it is important to ensure our communications to the investing public are: a) timely, factual and accurate; and b) consistent and broadly disseminated in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

 

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When we provide information on the company’s operational strategies, financial results or other material information, we must ensure the information is accurate and that it is an appropriate time to “go public” with that information. These are legal obligations governed by securities regulators and stock exchanges in Canada and the U.S. and there are serious consequences for improper disclosure.

As a result, there are significant implications for how we respond to enquiries from the media, financial analysts, securities regulators or stock exchanges and how we present the company publicly at events and conferences. Our Corporate Disclosure Policy and Disclosure Procedures provide detailed guidelines for communicating with the public and are available on our website at: www.brookfield.com, under Corporate Info / Conduct Guidelines. Specific disclosure rules that all employees are expected to follow are summarized on the following page.

Material information

Employees may be in possession of material information relating to the business and affairs of the company that would reasonably be expected to result in a significant change in the market price or value of the company’s securities, or that would reasonably be expected to have significant influence on a reasonable investor’s investment decisions (“Material Information”). Quarterly and annual financial information, significant acquisitions and dispositions, changes in business and operations are examples of Material Information. Employees are prohibited from disclosing any Material Information outside the company except to company advisors who need to know the Material Information and who are required to keep it confidential in accordance with confidentiality obligations. Particular care should be taken in responding to enquiries from outside the company, speaking in public or communicating in other public forums to ensure that Material Information is not selectively disclosed, as outlined below.

Employees who become aware of information or company developments that appear to be material must immediately disclose that information to their immediate supervisor or the head of the business unit, who will in turn notify a member of our Disclosure Committee. In addition, if previously undisclosed Material Information has been inadvertently disclosed to any person not bound by a confidentiality obligation, this information must be broadly disclosed via a press release. In this situation, employees should advise their immediate supervisor or business unit head. Appendix A of the company’s Corporate Disclosure Policy sets out a detailed list of what constitutes Material Information.

Media, financial, regulatory and stock exchange enquiries

Do not speak on behalf of the company unless authorized to do so. We have professionals who are trained and qualified as spokespersons to release information to the public, and corporate legal counsel who are authorized to communicate with regulators and stock exchanges. If you receive a request from outside the company to speak on its behalf, and you are not authorized to do so, refer the request to the head of your business unit or forward the request to the Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications.

Participation in conferences and industry events

Employees who participate as speakers at conferences, industry events and other public forums must exercise extreme caution to ensure that what they present or say in response to questions is not material or selective disclosure. Approval for speaking engagements should be sought from your unit head prior to participating in a conference or other industry event. If previously

 

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undisclosed Material Information has been inadvertently disclosed in a public forum, this information must be broadly disclosed immediately via a press release. If you think this may have occurred, you should contact the Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations and Communications or the head of your business unit who will notify a member of the Disclosure Committee.

Chat rooms

Employees are prohibited from participating in investment-related chat rooms and other chat rooms in which the company and its business are or could be topics of conversation.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, FIDUCIARY DUTIES AND PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR

Avoid situations in which your personal interests conflict, might conflict or might appear to conflict with the interests of the company.

As an employee, officer or a director, we expect that you will act honestly and ethically and in the best interests of the company by avoiding conflicts of interest in your personal and professional relationships. While we respect your right to manage your personal affairs and investments and we do not wish to intrude on your personal life, employees should place the company’s interest in any business transaction ahead of any personal interest or gain – officers and employees are also required to act in compliance with the company’s Personal Trading Policy.

As an employee, officer or director, you may have a conflict of interest if you are involved in any activity that prevents you from performing your duties to the company properly, or that may create a situation that would affect your judgment or ability to act in the best interests of the company. For example, no employee should have a significant interest in a business, whether directly, through a family member or personal acquaintance, that supplies goods or services to, or secures goods or services from, the company, without receiving approval of his or her supervisor. Directors should refer to the company’s Charter of Director Expectations for guidance on potential conflict of interest situations.

To avoid conflicts of interest, you should identify potential conflicts when they arise and notify your supervisor if you are unsure whether a relationship or transaction poses a conflict or appears to pose a conflict. Your supervisor will be able to clear or resolve certain conflicts, or will be able to contact someone else who can. Directors should consult with the Chairman of the Board.

Always observe your fiduciary duties to investment management clients.

You must always observe your fiduciary duties when dealing with investment management clients or related activities. In this regard, you must avoid engaging in any activity that could result in an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, and avoid any action that may be perceived as a breach of trust. In particular, care and advice must be sought from senior management in respect of the allocation of investment opportunities.

 

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Your personal behaviour, both inside and outside of work, should be consistent with and reinforce a positive public image of the company.

Your personal behaviour should be consistent with and reinforce a positive public image of the company. It is essential that you consider how all of your actions, both inside and outside the company, might appear and that you use good judgment in all your personal and business dealings outside your role with the company. You should refrain from activities at work and outside of work that could hurt the company’s reputation or good name and that could undermine the relationship of trust between you and the company. Employees who have acted in a manner that is unbecoming, that could adversely affect the company’s reputation or good name and that compromises the relationship of trust between the company and the employee may be disciplined up to and including termination by the company in its discretion.

BOARD SEATS ON OTHER COMPANIES

If you are an officer or employee of the company, obtain permission before you join the board of directors of another company.

Serving as a director of another company, even one in which the company has an interest, may create a conflict of interest. Being a director or serving on a standing committee of some organizations, including government agencies, may also create a conflict.

Before accepting an appointment to the board or a committee of any organization, officers and employees must receive written approval from the company’s Chairman.

Officers and employees are permitted, however, to serve on boards of charities or non-profit organizations or in private family businesses that have no relation to the company and its businesses. Prior approval is not required for these types of situations. If you hold a position with a charity or non-profit organization and if you speak publicly for the entity, you should ensure that you are seen as speaking on behalf of the entity or as an individual, and not on behalf of the company.

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

Do not take personal opportunities that are discovered through the use of property or information of the company or through your role with the company.

As an employee, officer or director, you are prohibited from taking for yourself opportunities that you discover through the use of the company’s property, information or position; from using company property, information or position for personal gain; and from competing with the company.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Protect the confidentiality of “non-public information” concerning the company.

Information is considered to be public if it has been disclosed in an annual report, annual information form, management information circular, press release, interim report, supplemental

 

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information or on the publicly accessible areas of the company’s web site. “Non-public information” is information that is not generally available to the investing public through a press release, disclosure to shareholders or widely reported media coverage. The circulation of rumors, or “talk on the street”, even if accurate, is not considered public disclosure. The most common example of “material non-public information” is information about earnings or financial performance that has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Except where it is authorized or legally required, all directors, officers and employees must keep confidential, and not use for themselves or other persons including relatives or friends, all information concerning the company or its business that is not generally available to the investing public.

The obligation to keep certain information confidential applies both during appointment or employment with the company, and after termination of appointment, or employment, including on retirement.

Please also refer to the guidelines for responding to enquiries and participating in public forums, set out on page 3 of this Code.

Protect the confidentiality of “non-public information” about customers, clients, investees and others.

We also respect confidentiality of information regarding other companies clients and investees. If you learn of confidential information about another company client or investee in the course of your position, you should protect it the same way that you would protect confidential information about our company. Data protection and privacy laws that affect the collection, use and transfer of personal customer, client and investee information are rapidly changing areas of law, and you should consult with your supervisor if you have any questions regarding appropriate uses of such information.

Disclosure of confidential information can be harmful to the company and could be the basis for legal action against the company and/or the employee, officer or director responsible for the disclosure. For more information, you should refer to the company’s Corporate Disclosure Policy and Disclosure Procedures.

ACCURACY OF BOOKS AND RECORDS

Ensure that the books and records of the company are complete and accurate.

The books and records of the company must reflect in reasonable detail all its transactions in a timely and accurate manner in order to, among other things, permit the preparation of accurate financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All assets and liabilities of the company must be recorded as necessary to maintain accountability for them.

All business transactions must be properly authorized. All transactions must be supported by accurate documentation in reasonable detail and recorded properly. The recorded value for assets must be compared to the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action taken with respect to any differences.

 

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No information may be concealed from the auditors, the internal audit function, the Audit Committee or the Board.

In addition, it is unlawful to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any independent public or certified accountant who is auditing our financial statements.

ACCOUNTING, AUDITING OR DISCLOSURE CONCERNS

Provide accurate and fair public disclosure.

We are required to provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and other Canadian securities regulators, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NYSE Euronext, as well as in other public communications made by the company. All employees who are responsible for the preparation of the company’s public disclosures, or who provide information as part of the process, have a responsibility to ensure that disclosures and information are made honestly, accurately and in compliance with the company’s disclosure controls and procedures.

We all have a responsibility to report to our supervisor, or in accordance with the Reports and Complaints section of this Code, good faith questions and concerns regarding accounting, auditing or disclosure matters. Complaints and concerns related to such matters include, among others, actions involving:

 

(a)

fraud or deliberate errors in the preparation, maintenance, evaluation, review or audit of any financial statement or financial record;

 

(b)

deficiencies in, or noncompliance with, internal accounting controls;

 

(c)

misrepresentation or false statements to or by a senior officer or accountant regarding a matter contained in the financial records, financial reports or audit reports; or

 

(d)

deviations from full and fair reporting of the company’s financial condition.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT-FREE ENVIRONMENT

The company has zero tolerance for workplace discrimination and harassment, and all directors, officers and employees must be committed to preventing an inhospitable work environment.

The company is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The company will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.

All directors, officers and employees are expected to contribute to ensuring a safe and respectful environment, free from discrimination and harassment where high value is placed on

 

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equity, fairness and dignity. Complaints of discrimination or harassment will be taken seriously and will be investigated. Any employee found to be harassing or discriminating against another individual, or any employee who knowingly condones the discrimination or harassment of another individual, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Discrimination is the denial of opportunity, through differential treatment of an individual or group. It does not matter whether or not discrimination is intentional; it is the effect of the behaviour that is important.

Harassment is a form of discrimination which involves unwelcome and offensive comments, conduct, gestures or contact based on or related to prohibited grounds covered by human rights legislation. Harassment occurs when the behaviour concerned is likely to be offensive, embarrassing or humiliating; might, on reasonable grounds, be perceived as placing a condition on employment, its terms or continued employment; and/or has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, threatening, hostile or offensive work environment. Harassment may occur in a variety of ways and may, in some circumstances, be unintentional. Regardless of intent, such conduct is not acceptable and may also constitute a violation of human rights legislation. Harassment covers a wide range of conduct, including, for example, display of material that may be considered offensive or derogatory; embarrassing, humiliating or improper remarks, suggestions or jokes; leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures; practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety or negatively affect performance; innuendoes or taunts; physical force or unwanted physical contact; unwanted sexual flirtations, advances, requests or invitations; verbal abuse or threats; bullying; and physical or sexual assault.

Prohibited grounds of discrimination or harassment include, but are not limited to: race, gender, sexual orientation, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, family status, citizenship status, veteran status, age, ancestry, pregnancy or disability.

No officer or employee may harass another employee, customer, vendor, supplier, visitor or any other person on the company’s premises or while doing its business regardless of location.

SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS

We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees.

We all have the right to work in an environment that is safe and healthy. In this regard, you must:

 

  (a)

comply strictly with the letter and spirit of applicable occupational, health and safety laws and the public policies they represent;

 

  (b)

follow work instructions or procedures on health and safety laws;

 

  (c)

not engage in illegal or dangerous behaviors; and

 

  (d)

not possess or use weapons or firearms or any type of combustible materials in the company’s facilities or at the company-sponsored functions unless you are authorized by the company or the law to do so.

 

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The company has zero tolerance for acts of violence, threats of violence, acts of intimidation and hostility towards another person or group of persons. Promptly report to your supervisor or in accordance with the Reports and Complaints section of this Code, any accident, injury or unsafe equipment, practices or conditions, violent behavior or weapons possession.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

Know and comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to your position.

Many of the company’s activities are subject to complex and changing laws, rules and regulations. Ignorance of the law is not, in general, a defense to an action for contravention. We expect directors, officers and employees to make every reasonable effort to become familiar with laws, rules and regulations affecting their activities and to exert due diligence in complying with these laws, rules and regulations and, to ensure that those individuals reporting to them are also aware of these laws, rules and regulations. Our objective is to restrict willful or negligent violations of these laws, rules and regulations.

We will make information concerning applicable laws, rules and regulations available to directors, officers and employees. If there is any real or apparent conflict between this Code and company policies or any applicable laws, rules or regulations, you should comply with the most restrictive requirement. If you have any doubts as to the applicability of any law, you should refer the matter to your supervisor who may obtain advice from the company’s internal legal counsel.

The company’s policy is to meet or exceed all applicable governmental requirements regarding its activities. As an officer or employee, you must be aware of the applicable governmental requirements and report any violations thereof to your supervisors or in accordance with the Reports and Complaints section of this Code. Similarly, no director, officer or employee may enter into any arrangement contrary to applicable requirements or laws.

SECURITIES LAWS AND INSIDER TRADING

Do not trade in the company securities if you possess material “non-public information” or during a blackout period if it applies to you. If you have material information about a company with which the company does business that is not known to the investing public, you should not buy or sell securities of that company until after the information has become public.

Information about the company is “material”:

 

(a)

if publicly known, results in or would reasonably be expected to result in a significant change in the market price or value of any the company securities; or

 

(b)

if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder or investor would consider it important in making a decision to buy, sell or hold the company securities.

 

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If you are not sure whether information is material or “non-public”, consult with the company’s internal legal counsel for guidance before engaging in any transaction in the company securities.

You are also prohibited from disclosing material “non-public information” about the company to other people, such as relatives or friends, who may trade on the basis of the information. Securities laws also prohibit trades made on the basis of these “tips”. In addition, you should not trade in puts and calls relating to the company securities.

For more information on insider trading, please refer to the company’s Corporate Disclosure Policy, Disclosure Procedures and Personal Trading Policy, copies of which are available from the Corporate Secretary.

FAIR DEALING

Deal fairly with the company’s customers, suppliers and competition.

You must endeavour to deal fairly with securityholders, the company’s customers, clients, investees, suppliers, competitors and employees, and observe your fiduciary duties with investment management clients and related activities. You should not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.

GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

You must use your best judgment in giving or receiving gifts and do so only in limited circumstances and in full compliance with this Code.

The offer and acceptance of gifts or other benefits to or from persons with whom the company is conducting business or could be expected to conduct business with is prohibited, unless this is done for legitimate business purposes and is approved in advance.

Individual business units of the company are required to develop and implement specific guidelines and procedures in relation to gifts and entertainment in a manner that is consistent and appropriate to the particular circumstances of the individual business unit. All such guidelines and procedures must be consistent with this Code. All such guidelines and procedures are to be filed with the Chief Internal Auditor of the company.

The company frequently awards professional engagements that result in the payment of large fees to service providers such as investment banks, professional advisors and others. As a result, gifts and other benefits offered to or by directors, officers and employees may be seen as an inappropriate “thank you” for past business or as an attempt to influence future business.

 

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GIFTS TO PERSONS – OTHER THAN FOREIGN PUBLIC OFFICIALS OR POLITICAL DONATIONS

Directors, officers and employees must not offer gifts or other benefits to persons, including public officials and charities, that might influence or be perceived as influencing a business decision.

You may not give any gifts or other benefits with a value in excess of your business unit’s pre-determined amount (as more particularly described in your business unit’s gifts and entertainment policy) without first obtaining prior written approval from you supervisor.

Officers and employees whose duties permit them to do so, such as employees in marketing, may offer modest gifts, entertainment or other benefits to persons (other than foreign government officials) who have a business relationship with the company. The benefits must be given in accordance with generally accepted ethical business practices. For example, it is acceptable to take a customer to dinner but it is not acceptable to give cash to a customer.

All requests for corporate gifts to charities and other non-profit organizations located in Canada should be referred to the Corporate Secretary or the President of the Brookfield Partners Foundation. We encourage officers and employees of the company to become involved in charitable or other non-profit organizations on their own behalf, but not as a representative of the company.

DEALING WITH FOREIGN PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Do not make promises, payments or authorize any gifts of anything of value on behalf of the company, whether directly or indirectly, to foreign officials to obtain or retain business or to secure an advantage.

The giving of gifts or other benefits to public officials or to charities associated with a public official or to other parties who may do business with the company, may be perceived to be a “bribe” or other means to influence a decision in our favour, no matter how innocent the gift may be. Many countries, states and local jurisdictions have laws restricting gifts (e.g., meals, entertainment, transportation, lodging or other things of value) that may be provided to government officials. In addition, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (“FCPA”) has very serious provisions against bribery, including the payment, or promise of payment, of anything of value to foreign officials (including any person employed by or representing a foreign government, officials of a foreign political party, officials of public international organizations and candidates for foreign office). Payment made indirectly through a consultant, contractor or other intermediary is also prohibited. Under no circumstances may you offer anything of value to a government official for the purpose of influencing the recipient to take or refrain from taking any official action, or to induce the recipient to conduct business with the company. All company officers and employees worldwide must abide by the FCPA in addition to local laws.

In addition to prohibiting bribery, the FCPA requires proper record-keeping and the establishment and maintenance of internal controls. The FCPA prohibits the mischaracterization or omission of any transaction on a company’s books or any failure to maintain proper accounting controls that result in such a mischaracterization or omission. The purpose of these provisions is to prevent publicly-traded companies from concealing bribes and to discourage

 

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fraudulent accounting practices. All transactions involving public officials must be recorded completely and accurately so that the purpose and amount of any such payment is clear. No undisclosed or unrecorded funds or assets of the company should be established for any purpose. False, misleading, or artificial entries should never be made in the books and records of the company for any reason.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the FCPA, before you have any dealings with foreign public officials, you should refer the matter to your supervisor who may obtain advice from the company’s internal legal counsel.

GIFTS FROM PERSONS

Directors, officers and employees must not accept gifts or other benefits from persons doing or seeking to do business with the company except as provided in this Code.

It is clearly improper for any director, officer or employee of the company to solicit or encourage or receive bribes or other any payments, contributions, gifts or favours that could influence your or another person’s decisions regardless of the nature or dollar amount of those benefits. Further, as these benefits are most likely offered to you in your capacity as a director, officer or employee, they are therefore the property of the company and are to be turned over to it unless you reimburse the company for the value of the benefit. Entertainment such as meals and tickets to sporting events are considered gifts and benefits.

Notwithstanding the above, it is acceptable to accept modest gifts, entertainment or other benefits from persons doing or seeking to do business with the company, provided the benefits are given in accordance with generally accepted business practices. It is important for the company to maintain good relationships with a number of business professionals and other individuals and an appropriate level of social entertainment will often promote an ease of dealing between people.

For example, a pair of tickets to a baseball game may be accepted from a person with whom the company conducts business, particularly if the person accompanies you to the game. However, it is not usually appropriate to accept a trip from a person to attend a sporting event in another city. If there is a specific business purpose for the trip, which may be the case in limited circumstances, the trip must be pre-approved by the head of the employee’s department.

Directors, officers and employees should also show appropriate restraint when being entertained. For example, it would be inappropriate to order excessively expensive wine or liqueurs at a dinner.

All gifts or other benefits received which could reasonably be expected to have a value in excess of your business unit’s pre-determined amount must immediately be reported in writing to the individual within the entity in which you are working who has been designated by the business unit leader to receive this information.

No gifts or other benefits with a value in excess of your business unit’s pre-determined amount are to be accepted without prior written approval by the individual within the entity in which you are working who has been designated by the business unit leader to receive this information.

 

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Each leader of a business unit will advise his/her employees what criteria will be used to approve exceptions to this policy.

Business unit policies may provide that gifts or benefits may be retained or accepted by an employee if the employee reimburses the company for the value of the gift or benefit.

POLITICAL DONATIONS

Directors, officers and employees must not offer gifts or other benefits to political parties that might influence, or be perceived as influencing, a business decision.

There are very specific laws which regulate political donations in Canada, the United States and in many other countries. For example, in Canada there are limits on the dollar amount of political donations and these limits are calculated on a consolidated group basis. As such, in order to ensure that we do not breach the law regarding political donations in any country, all political donations must be approved in advance by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Secretary. Any donation or benefit to a public official or political party must be in accordance with this Code. We encourage you to become involved in political activity acting on your own behalf outside of business hours, but not as a representative of the company.

STAFF MEALS AND DEPARTMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Permitted staff meals and approved department entertainment are governed by your business unit’s policy.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS

Employees who do not comply with the requirements set out above will be required to reimburse the company for the value of any gifts or benefits they receive on behalf of the company.

In addition, violations of the company’s policies or legal and regulatory requirements in this regard could result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal without notice or payment in lieu of notice depending upon the severity of the violation.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Upon commencement of employment, each director, officer and employee of the company will be provided with a copy of the Code and will be required to sign an acknowledgement in the form of the Statement of Compliance which is attached as Appendix A hereto, or certify the company’s electronic Statement of Compliance through the company’s web-based compliance program.

 

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The Code and your business unit’s related policies are intended to serve as a guide for your own actions and decisions and for those of your co-workers.

REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS

As an employee, if you believe that a violation of the Code or any law, rule or regulation has been or is likely to be committed by you or someone else who is a representative of the company, you have an obligation to promptly report the relevant information to your supervisor, since your supervisor will generally be in the best position to resolve the issue. However, if you feel uncomfortable approaching your supervisor with your concern, or if you have any specific or general questions, you may contact the company’s Chief Internal Auditor.

If you believe it is inappropriate to raise your complaint or report of a violation with either your supervisor or the Chief Internal Auditor, you can write to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee (for issues related to accounting controls, auditing or disclosure) or the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee (for all other types of issues such as harassment or discrimination, misuse of the internet, conflicts of interest or inappropriate gift giving or receiving). Contact information for the Chief Internal Auditor and these Chairpersons is set out on page 16 of this Code.

Directors should promptly report violations to the Chairperson of the Board, or to the relevant committee Chairperson, as set out on page 16 of this Code.

Directors, officers and employees can raise concerns either orally or in writing, except that reports to the Chairpersons of the Board and its committees can only be made in writing.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with these types of questions or concerns is: When in doubt, ask.

If you are not comfortable with any of the above options, you can also call the Brookfield Asset Management Ethics Hotline at 1-800-665-0831 (in North America).

Our Ethics Hotline is managed by an independent third party called the Network and provides an 800 number which any employee can call anonymously to report suspected unethical, illegal or unsafe behaviour. The Ethics Hotline is available toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

TREATMENT OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS

Confidentiality of reported violations will be maintained to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate review and subject to law. You may make a report anonymously, in which case you should write a letter and include as specific details as possible, including back-up documentation where feasible, in order to permit adequate investigation of the concern or conduct reported. Vague, non-specific or unsupported allegations are inherently more difficult to pursue.

 

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The party receiving the complaint must make a record of its receipt, document how the situation was dealt with and file a report with the company’s Chief Internal Auditor. The Chief Internal Auditor will retain all such reports, but will also maintain a separate log that will track the receipt, investigation and resolution of reported complaints specifically related to accounting controls, auditing and disclosure matters. Based on this log, the Chief Internal Auditor will periodically compile a comprehensive summary of all of these types of complaints and the corrective actions taken and will bring the summary to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee for his or her review, since the Chairperson of the Audit Committee is ultimately responsible for the company’s compliance with the accounting, auditing and disclosure-related aspects of the Code.

The Chief Internal Auditor will also bring any other complaints or reported violations that are not related to accounting controls, auditing or disclosure but are significant to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee who will, if considered appropriate, report these to the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

Retaliation is prohibited. We want you to know that we will not discharge, demote or suspend you if you, in good faith, bring forward concerns about actual or potential violations of laws, rules or regulations, or the Code. However, we reserve the right to discipline you if you make an accusation without a reasonable, good faith belief in the truth and accuracy of the information or if you knowingly provide or make false information or accusations. “Good faith” does not mean that you have to be right – but it does mean that you must believe you are providing truthful information.

If you believe that you have been unfairly or unlawfully retaliated against, you may file a complaint with your supervisor or the company’s Chief Internal Auditor. If you are a director, an officer or an employee and you believe your complaint concerning retaliations cannot be appropriately addressed by your supervisor or the Chief Internal Auditor, you should file a report with the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

INTERNAL CONTACT INFORMATION

 

Chief Internal Auditor

 

Governance and Nominating

Committee Chairperson

 

Audit Committee

Chairperson

Mr. Rui Senos

 

Corporate Audit Services

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

39 Wynford Drive

Don Mills, Ontario

M3C 3K5

 

Mr. Frank J. McKenna

 

TD Bank Financial Group

P.O. Box 1, TD Centre

66 Wellington St. W.

4th Floor, TD Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5K 1A2

 

Mr. Marcel R. Coutu

 

Canadian Oil Sands Limited

2500 First Canadian Centre

350 – 7th Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta

T2P 3N9

Telephone: 416-510-5825

 

rsenos@brookfield.com

 

Telephone: 416-982-2909

 

frank.mckenna@td.com

 

Telephone: 403-218-6222

 

marcel_coutu@cos-trust.com

 

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DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR CODE VIOLATIONS

We will impose discipline for each Code violation that fits the nature and particular facts of the violation. If you fail to comply with laws or regulations governing the company’s businesses, this Code or any other the company policy or requirement, you may be disciplined up to and including immediate termination, and if warranted, legal proceedings may be brought against you.

WAIVERS

Waivers of the Code for employees may be granted only in writing by the company’s Chief Internal Auditor and its internal legal counsel. Any waiver of the Code for the company’s officers or directors may only be made in writing by the Board or the Governance and Nominating Committee and will be promptly disclosed to shareholders to the extent required by law, regulation or stock exchange requirement.

 

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LEGAL NOTICE

This Code serves as a reference to you. The company reserves the right to modify, suspend or revoke this Code and any and all policies, procedures, and programs in whole or in part, at any time. The company also reserves the right to interpret and amend this Code and these policies in its sole discretion as it deems appropriate. Any amendments to the Code will be disclosed and reported as required by law.

Neither this Code, these policies nor any statements made by any employee of the company, whether oral or written, confer any rights, privileges or benefits on any employee, create an entitlement to continued employment at the company, establish conditions of employment, or create an express or implied employment contract of any kind between employees and the company. In addition, all employees should understand that this Code does not modify their employment relationship, whether at will or governed by a written contract.

This Code is also posted on our web site, www.brookfield.com under Corporate Info / Corporate Governance. The version of the Code on our web site may be more current and up-to-date and supersedes any paper copies, should there be any discrepancy between paper copies and what is posted online.

 

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  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

APPENDIX A

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

 

 

All directors, officers and employees must complete this Statement of Compliance or certify the company’s electronic Statement of Compliance through the company’s web-based compliance program.

I have reviewed and am familiar with Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (the “company”) for directors, officers and employees.

I hereby agree to comply with the Code, including its provisions for non-disclosure of information both during and after appointment or employment.

To the best of my knowledge, I am not involved in any situation that conflicts or might appear to conflict with the Code.

I also agree to notify my supervisor, the Chief Internal Auditor of the company, or in the case of directors, the Chairperson of the Board, immediately of any change that might adversely affect my compliance with the Code.

 

           
Name:          
     (Please print)     
Company:          
   
Position Title:          
   
Branch/Department:          
   
Location:          
Date and Signature:               
     (mm/dd/yy)

 

   (Signature)

 

    

 

A1