40-F

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 40-F

o REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 Commission File Number 001-15144

TELUS Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

British Columbia, Canada

(Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

4812

(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable))

7h Floor – 510 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia  V6B 0M3, Canada
(604) 697-8044

(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor
New York, New York 10011

(212) 590-9200

(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code) of agent

for service in the United States)

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

(Title of Class)

For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:

x Annual information form      x Audited annual financial statements

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of December 31, 2017:

594,573,092 Common Shares

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). If “Yes” is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.

Yes o 82- No x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Emerging Growth Company o

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

o

†The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

The annual report on Form 40-F shall be incorporated by reference into or as an exhibit to, as applicable, each of the following of the Registrant’s Registration Statements under the Act: Form S-8 (File No. 333-125486), Form F-3 (File No. 333-186874), and Form F-10 (File No. 333-213497).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	1
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE	1
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT	1
CODE OF ETHICS	2
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	2
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS	3
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS	3
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE	3
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES FROM NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RULES	3
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS	4
EXHIBIT INDEX	5
SIGNATURES	6

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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on the evaluation by TELUS Corporation (“TELUS” or the “Registrant”) as of December 31, 2017 of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision of the Audit Committee, including the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) are effective to a reasonable level of assurance to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

It should be noted that while TELUS’ Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe that TELUS’ disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective, they do not expect that TELUS’ disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The report of management on our internal control over financial reporting is located under the heading “Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in our audited consolidated financial statements, which are filed as Exhibit 99.4 to this annual report on Form 40-F, and is incorporated by reference herein.

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting is located under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our audited consolidated financial statements, which are filed as Exhibit 99.4 to this annual report on Form 40-F, and is incorporated by reference herein.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the above evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this annual report on Form 40-F that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

TELUS has a separately designated standing Audit Committee.  The current members of the Audit Committee are Bill MacKinnon (Chair), Kathy Kinloch, Sabi Marwah, Claude Mongeau, David Mowat and Marc Parent.  All members of the Audit Committee are “independent” as such term is defined under applicable securities laws and applicable New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of TELUS has determined that Bill MacKinnon, the Audit Committee Chair, is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined by U.S. securities laws and “independent” as noted

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above.  The information contained under the heading “Audit Committee” on page 19 of TELUS’ year-end 2017 Annual Information Form, filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F, is incorporated by reference herein.

CODE OF ETHICS

The Registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct (the “Code”) that applies to all directors, officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and employees.  The Code has been posted on the Registrant’s Internet website at https://www.telus.com/en/about/policies-and-disclosures/code-of-ethics-and-conduct.  The Code is also available to any person, upon request, without charge by contacting TELUS Investor Relations by telephone at 1-800-667-4871 or by mail at 510 W. Georgia Street, 8th Floor, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 0M3. The Board amended the code in February 2018 to make minor clarifications to existing provisions.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table is a summary of billing by Deloitte LLP, as external auditor of TELUS (the “External Auditor”), during the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 (all amounts are in Canadian dollars):

Type of work	$ (millions)	%
Audit fees(1)	5.016	91.9
Audit-related fees(2)	0.133	2.4
Tax fees(3)	0.045	0.8
All other fees(4)	0.268	4.9
Total	5.462	100.0

(1)Includes fees for services rendered by the External Auditor in relation to the audit and review of our financial statements and in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings.

(2)Includes fees for translation services rendered by the External Auditor in relation to the audit or review of our financial statements that were not part of audit fees.

(3)Relates to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(4)Includes fees for services rendered by the External Auditor that were not in relation to the audit or review of our financial statements, such as privacy data insights and the Telecom pricing gazette.

The following table is a summary of billing by the External Auditor, during the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (all amounts are in Canadian dollars):

Type of work	$ (millions)	%
Audit fees(1)	4.138	92.2
Audit-related fees(2)	0.133	3.0
Tax fees(3)	0.017	0.4
All other fees(4)	0.197	4.4
Total	4.485	100.0

(1)Includes fees for services rendered by the External Auditor in relation to the audit and review of our financial statements and in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings.

(2)Includes fees for translation services rendered by the External Auditor in relation to the audit or review of our financial statements that were not part of audit fees.

(3)Relates to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(4)Includes fees for services rendered by the External Auditor that were not in relation to the audit or review of our financial statements, such as the community investment impact measurement and privacy data insights.

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All requests for non-prohibited audit, audit-related and non-audit services provided by the External Auditor and its affiliates to TELUS are required to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee of the Board.  To enable this, TELUS has implemented a process by which all requests for services involving the External Auditor are routed for review by the VP Risk Management and Chief Internal Auditor to validate that the requested service is a non-prohibited service and to verify that there is a compelling business reason for the request.  If the request passes this review, it is then forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer for further review.  Pending the Chief Financial Officer’s affirmation, the request is then presented to the Audit Committee for its review, evaluation and pre-approval or denial at its next scheduled quarterly meeting.  If the timing of the request is urgent, it is provided to the Audit Committee Chair for his review, evaluation and pre-approval or denial on behalf of the Audit Committee (with the Audit Committee’s review at the next scheduled quarterly meeting).  Throughout the year, the Audit Committee monitors the actual versus approved expenditure for each of the approved requests. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Audit Committee did not approve any of the fees captioned in the table above subject to waiver of pre-approval provisions set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Registrant has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The information provided under the heading “Commitments and contingent liabilities - Contractual obligations as at December 31, 2017” set forth on page 53 of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed as Exhibit 99.4 to this annual report on Form 40-F, is incorporated by reference herein.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES FROM NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RULES

A summary of significant ways in which corporate governance practices followed by TELUS differ from the corporate governance practices required to be followed by U.S. domestic companies under the New York Stock Exchange’s Listing Standards (disclosure required by section 303A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual) is available on the Registrant’s corporate governance website at https://www.telus.com/en/about/investor-relations/corporate-governance/statement-of-our-governance-practices

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UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS

A.Undertaking

The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the SEC staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the SEC staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.

B.Consent to Service of Process

A Form F-X signed by the Registrant and its agent for service of process was previously filed with the SEC.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form 40-F:

Exhibit
Number	Document
99.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
99.2	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
99.3	Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017, dated February 8, 2018
99.4	Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis
99.5	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
99.6	Amended 2018 Code of Ethics and Conduct

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

Registrant:TELUS Corporation

By:	“Monique Mercier”
	Monique Mercier
	Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Legal and Governance Officer
Date:	February 8, 2018

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EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1:

Certification

I, Darren Entwistle, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of TELUS Corporation;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The issuer’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 8, 2018.

“Darren Entwistle”

Darren Entwistle

President and Chief Executive Officer

Certification

I, Doug French, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of TELUS Corporation;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The issuer’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 8, 2018.

“Doug French”

Doug French

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2:

Certifications

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, each of the undersigned officers of TELUS Corporation (“TELUS”) hereby certifies that to his knowledge, (a) the annual report for the period ended December 31, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (b) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of TELUS.

Date: February 8, 2018.

“Darren Entwistle”

Darren Entwistle

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 8, 2018.

“Doug French”

Doug French

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.3

Exhibit 99.3:

Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017, dated February 8, 2018

[previously filed on SEDAR]

TELUS Corporation

Annual Information Form for the year ended
December 31, 2017

February 8, 2018

1.CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains forward-looking statements about expected events and the financial and operating performance of TELUS Corporation. The terms TELUS, the Company, we, us and our, refer to TELUS Corporation and, where the context of the narrative permits or requires, its subsidiaries.

Forward-looking statements include any statements that do not refer to historical facts. They include, but are not limited to, statements related to our objectives and our strategies to achieve those objectives, our targets, outlook, updates, and our multi-year dividend growth program. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words assumption, goal, guidance, objective, outlook, strategy, target and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as aim, anticipate, believe, could, expect, intend, may, plan, predict, seek, should, strive and will.

By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions, including assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. These assumptions may ultimately prove to have been inaccurate and, as a result, our actual results or events may differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in other TELUS filings include, but are not limited to, the following:

·Competition including: our ability to continue to retain customers through an enhanced customer service experience, including through the deployment and operation of evolving wireless and wireline networks; the ability of industry competitors to successfully launch their respective platforms and to combine a mix of residential local voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), long distance, high-speed Internet access (HSIA) and, in some cases, wireless services under one bundled and/or discounted monthly rate, along with their existing broadcast or satellite-based TV services; the success of new products, new services and supporting systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) services for Internet-connected devices; continued intense rivalry across all services among wireless and wireline telecommunications companies, cable-TV providers, other communications companies and over-the-top (OTT) services, which, among other things, places pressures on current and future average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU), cost of acquisition, cost of retention and churn rate for all services, as do customer usage patterns, flat-rate pricing trends for voice and data, inclusive rate plans for voice and data and availability of Wi-Fi networks for data; mergers and acquisitions of industry competitors; pressures on high-speed Internet and TV ARPU and churn rate resulting from market conditions, government actions and customer usage patterns; residential and business network access line (NAL) losses; subscriber additions and retention volumes, and associated costs for wireless, TV and high-speed Internet services; and our ability to obtain and offer content on a timely basis across multiple devices on wireless and TV platforms at a reasonable cost.

·Technological substitution including: reduced utilization and increased commoditization of traditional wireline voice local and long distance services from impacts of OTT applications and wireless substitution, a declining overall market for paid TV services, including as a result of content piracy and signal theft and as a result of a rise in OTT direct to consumer video offerings and virtual multichannel video programming distribution platforms; the increasing number of households that have only wireless and/or Internet-based telephone services; potential wireless ARPU declines as a result of, among other factors, substitution to messaging and OTT applications; substitution to increasingly available Wi-Fi services; and disruptive technologies such as OTT IP services, including Network as a Service in the business market, that may displace or re-rate our existing data services.

·Technology including: subscriber demand for data that may challenge wireless networks and spectrum capacity levels in the future and may be accompanied by increases in delivery cost; our reliance on information technology and our need to streamline our legacy systems; technology options, evolution paths and roll-out plans for video distribution platforms and telecommunications networks (including broadband initiatives, such as fibre to the premises (FTTP), wireless small-cell deployment, 5G wireless and availability of resources and ability to build out adequate broadband capacity); our reliance on wireless network access agreements, which have facilitated our deployment of wireless technologies; choice of suppliers and those suppliers’ ability to maintain and service their product lines, which could affect the success of upgrades to, and evolution of, technology that we offer; supplier concentration and market power for network equipment, TELUS TV® and wireless handsets; the performance of wireless technology; our expected long-term need to acquire additional spectrum capacity through future spectrum auctions and from third parties to address increasing demand for data; deployment and operation of new wireline broadband networks at a reasonable cost and availability and success of new products and services to be rolled out on such networks; network reliability and change management; self-learning tools and automation that may change the way we interact with customers; and uncertainties around our strategy to replace certain legacy wireline networks, systems and services to reduce operating costs.

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·Capital expenditure levels and potential outlays for spectrum licences in spectrum auctions or from third parties, due to: our broadband initiatives, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre; our ongoing deployment of newer wireless technologies, including wireless small cells to improve coverage and capacity and prepare for a more efficient and timely evolution to 5G wireless services; utilizing acquired spectrum; investments in network resiliency and reliability; subscriber demand for data; evolving systems and business processes; implementing efficiency initiatives; supporting large complex deals; and future wireless spectrum auctions held by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Our capital expenditure levels could be impacted if we do not achieve our targeted operational and financial results.

·Regulatory decisions and developments including: the potential of government intervention to further increase wireless competition; the CRTC wireless wholesale services review, in which it was determined that the CRTC will regulate wholesale GSM-based domestic roaming rates and the setting of such rates charged to wireless service providers (WSPs); the Governor in Council’s order to the CRTC to reconsider whether Wi-Fi networks should be considered a home network for WSPs seeking mandated roaming; future spectrum auctions and spectrum policy determinations, including the recently announced repurposing of 600 MHz spectrum (and including limitations on established wireless providers, proposed spectrum set-aside that favours certain carriers and other advantages provided to new and foreign participants, and the amount and cost of spectrum acquired); restrictions on the purchase, sale and transfer of spectrum licences; the impact of the CRTC’s wireline wholesale services review, with a formal review of rates for wholesale FTTP access still to be commenced for TELUS; disputes with certain municipalities regarding rights-of-way bylaws; and other potential threats to unitary federal regulatory authority over telecommunications, including provincial wireless legislation; the potential impacts of the CRTC’s decision to require pro-rated refunds when customers terminate their services; the CRTC’s proposed phase-out of the local service subsidy regime and corresponding establishment of a broadband funding regime to support the enhancement of high-speed Internet services focusing on underserved areas in Canada; the impact of the review of the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s new Creative Canada policy framework announced on September 28, 2017; the CRTC’s consultation and report on distribution models of the future; vertical integration in the broadcasting industry resulting in competitors owning broadcast content services, and timely and effective enforcement of related regulatory safeguards; the review of the Copyright Act scheduled to begin in early 2018; the federal government’s stated intention to review the Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act as announced in the March 22, 2017 federal budget; TELUS’ applications for renewal of its broadcasting distribution licences; the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation; and restrictions on non-Canadian ownership and control of TELUS Common Shares and the ongoing monitoring and compliance with such restrictions.

·Human resource matters including: recruitment, retention and appropriate training in a highly competitive industry, and the level of employee engagement.

·Operational performance and business combination risks including: our reliance on legacy systems and ability to implement and support new products and services and business operations in a timely manner; our ability to implement effective change management for system replacements and upgrades, process redesigns and business integrations (such as our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, complete divestitures or establish partnerships in a timely manner, and realize expected strategic benefits, including those following compliance with any regulatory orders); the implementation of complex large enterprise deals that may be adversely impacted by available resources, system limitations and degree of co-operation from other service providers; our ability to successfully manage operations in foreign jurisdictions; information security and privacy breaches, including data loss or theft of data; intentional threats to our infrastructure and business operations; and real estate joint venture re-development risks.

·Business continuity events including: our ability to maintain customer service and operate our networks in the event of human error or human-caused threats, such as cyberattacks and equipment failures that could cause various degrees of network outages; supply chain disruptions; natural disaster threats; epidemics; pandemics; political instability in certain international locations; and the completeness and effectiveness of business continuity and disaster recovery plans and responses.

·Ability to successfully implement cost reduction initiatives and realize planned savings, net of restructuring and other costs, without losing customer service focus or negatively affecting business operations. Examples of these initiatives are: our operating efficiency and effectiveness program to drive improvements in financial results, including the future benefits of the immediately vesting transformative compensation initiative; business integrations; business product simplification; business process outsourcing; offshoring and reorganizations, including any full-time equivalent (FTE) employee reduction programs; procurement initiatives; and real estate rationalization. Additional revenue and cost efficiency and effectiveness initiatives will continue to be assessed and implemented.

·Financing and debt requirements including: our ability to carry out financing activities, and our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent.

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·Ability to sustain our dividend growth program through 2019. This program may be affected by factors such as the competitive environment, economic performance in Canada, our earnings and free cash flow, our levels of capital expenditures and spectrum licence purchases, acquisitions, the management of our capital structure, and regulatory decisions and developments. Quarterly dividend decisions are subject to assessment and determination by our Board of Directors (Board) based on the Company’s financial position and outlook. Shares may be purchased under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) when and if we consider it opportunistic, based on the Company’s financial position and outlook, and the market price of TELUS shares. There can be no assurance that our dividend growth program or any NCIB will be maintained, not changed and/or completed through 2019.

·Taxation matters including: interpretation of complex domestic and foreign tax laws by the tax authorities that may differ from our interpretations; the timing of income and deductions, such as tax depreciation and operating expenses; changes in tax laws, including tax rates; tax expenses being materially different than anticipated, including the taxability of income and deductibility of tax attributes; elimination of income tax deferrals through the use of different tax year-ends for operating partnerships and corporate partners; and tax authorities adopting more aggressive auditing practices, for example, tax reassessments or adverse court decisions impacting the tax payable by us.

·Litigation and legal matters including: our ability to successfully respond to investigations and regulatory proceedings; our ability to defend against existing and potential claims and lawsuits, including intellectual property infringement claims and class actions based on consumer claims, data, privacy or security breaches and secondary market liability; and the complexity of legal compliance in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, including compliance with anti-bribery and foreign corrupt practices laws.

·Health, safety and the environment including: lost employee work time resulting from illness or injury, public concerns related to radio frequency emissions, environmental issues affecting our business including climate change, waste and waste recycling, risks relating to fuel systems on our properties, and changing government and public expectations regarding environmental matters and our responses.

·Economic growth and fluctuations including: the state of the economy in Canada, which may be influenced by economic and other developments outside of Canada, including potential outcomes of yet unknown policies and actions of foreign governments; future interest rates; inflation; unemployment levels; effects of fluctuating oil prices; effects of low business spending (such as reducing investments and cost structure); pension investment returns, funding and discount rates; and Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rates.

These risks are described in additional detail in Section 9 - General trends, outlook and assumptions and Section 10 - Risks and risk management in our 2017 Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A). Those descriptions are incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement but are not intended to be a complete list of the risks that could affect the Company.

Many of these factors are beyond our control or our current expectations or knowledge. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. Except as otherwise indicated in this document, the forward-looking statements made herein do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or special items or any mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or other business combinations or transactions that may be announced or that may occur after the date of this document.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this document describe our expectations and are based on our assumptions as at the date of this document and are subject to change after this date. Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

This cautionary statement qualifies all of the forward-looking statements in this document.

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2.TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page reference
				Incorporated by reference from the 2017 annual
Item			Annual Information Form	Management’s discussion and analysis 1	Financial statements 1
1	CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		2
2	TABLE OF CONTENTS		5
3	CORPORATE STRUCTURE
	3.1	Name, address and incorporation	6
	3.2	Intercorporate relationships	6
4	GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
	4.1	Three-year history	6	6, 14, 16, 35 & 38
5	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
	5.1	Who we are	10
		(a)Organization	10	28
		(b)Our strategy	10	14
		(c)Business overview	10	6, 20, 29, 35, 55 & 64
		(d)Competition	10	20
		(e)Corporate social responsibility	10	92
		(f)Employee relations	11	22
	5.2	Risk factors	11	72
	5.3	Regulation	11	68
6	DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS		11		Note 13, pg. 40
7	DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
	7.1	General description of capital structure	12	25
	7.2	Constraints	13	68 & 82
	7.3	Ratings	14	47 & 49
8	MARKET FOR SECURITIES
	8.1	Trading price and volume	16
	8.2	Prior sales	16		Note 26, pg. 63
9	DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
	9.1	Name, occupation and security holding	17
	9.2	Cease trade orders, bankruptcies, penalties or sanctions	18
10	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS		19	90	Note 29, pg. 67
11	INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS		19
12	TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR		19
13	MATERIAL CONTRACTS		19
14	INTERESTS OF EXPERT		19
15	AUDIT COMMITTEE		19
16	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION		21
APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEE			22

(1) As filed on SEDAR on February 8, 2018

Each Section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (2017 annual MD&A), referred to in this Annual Information Form (AIF) are incorporated by reference and filed on SEDAR at sedar.com. For greater certainty, notwithstanding references to TELUS’ information circular, consolidated financial statements, sustainability report and the telus.com website, these documents and website are not incorporated into this AIF.

In this AIF, except where otherwise indicated, all references to dollars or $ are to Canadian dollars.

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3.CORPORATE STRUCTURE

3.1Name, address and incorporation

TELUS was incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) (the B.C. Company Act) on October 26, 1998, under the name BCT.TELUS Communications Inc. (BCT). On January 31, 1999, pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act among BCT, BC TELECOM Inc. (BC TELECOM) and the former Alberta-based TELUS Corporation (TC), BCT acquired all of the shares of BC TELECOM and TC in exchange for common shares and non-voting shares of BCT, and BC TELECOM was dissolved. On May 3, 2000, BCT changed its name to TELUS Corporation and in February 2005, the Company transitioned under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), successor to the B.C. Company Act. On February 4, 2013, in accordance with the terms of a court approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), TELUS exchanged all of its issued and outstanding Non-Voting Shares into Common Shares on a one-for-one basis. On April 16, 2013, TELUS subdivided its Common Shares on a two-for-one basis.

TELUS maintains its registered office at Floor 7, 510 West Georgia, Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.) and its executive office at Floor 23, 510 West Georgia, Vancouver, B.C.

3.2Intercorporate relationships and TELUS subsidiaries

Up until October 1, 2017, TELUS’ wireless and wireline businesses were primarily operated through TELUS Communications Company (TCC). TCC was a partnership organized under the laws of B.C. whose partners were TELUS Communications Inc. (TCI) and TELE-MOBILE Company (TELE-MOBILE).  The partners of TELE-MOBILE were TCI and 1219723 Alberta ULC (Albertaco). On June 29, 2017, TELE-MOBILE was wound up and all of its partnership assets were distributed to TCI and Albertaco as co-owners in proportion to their partnership interests. Therefore, as of June 29, 2017, the partners of TCC were TCI and Albertaco.

Due to an internal reorganization on October 1, 2017, Albertaco was wound-up. TCI became the sole remaining partner of TCC, thereby causing TCC to cease to exist. TCI became the owner of all the assets and assumed all liabilities previously held by TCC and Albertaco. Therefore, as of October 1, 2017, TELUS’ wireless and wireline businesses are now primarily operated through TCI.

TCI is the only subsidiary that owned assets constituting more than 10% of the consolidated assets of TELUS and that generated sales and operating revenues that exceed 10% of the consolidated sales and operating revenues of TELUS for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, all of the assets, sales and operating revenues of TELUS’ other subsidiaries (other than TCI), together do not exceed 20% of TELUS’ total consolidated assets or 20% of TELUS’ total consolidated sales and operating revenues as at December 31, 2017.

The following organization chart sets forth the relationships between the major subsidiaries, as well as their respective jurisdictions of incorporation or establishment and TELUS ownership as at December 31, 2017.

4.GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS

4.1Three-year history

During the three-year period ended on December 31, 2017, we continued to advance our national growth strategy, guided by our six strategic imperatives and our corporate priorities.

Focusing relentlessly on growth markets of data, IP and wireless

External wireless revenues and wireline data revenues were $11.8 billion in 2017, up by $622 million or 5.6% from 2016. The results for 2016 had increased by $469 million or 4.4% from 2015. In total, 2017 external wireless revenues and wireline data revenues have grown by 10.2% since 2015. Wireless and wireline data revenues combined represented 89% of TELUS’ consolidated revenues in 2017, up from 87% in 2016, and 86% in 2015.

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The trend in wireless network revenue reflects growth in both our ARPU and subscriber base. This growth was partially offset by a general decline in wireless equipment revenue, reflecting higher per-unit subsidies and lower retention volumes. Data network revenue increased in 2017 reflecting a number of factors including a larger proportion of higher-rate plans in the revenue mix, including the new Premium Plus plans launched in June 2016; a larger proportion of customers selecting plans with larger data buckets or periodically topping up their data buckets; growth in the subscriber base; a higher postpaid subscriber mix; and increasing data usage from data-intensive devices. Voice network revenue decreased due to the increased adoption of unlimited nationwide voice plans and continued but moderating substitution to data services. For further detail on our wireless growth trends, see Section 5.4 - Wireless segment of our 2017 annual MD&A.

The trend of increasing wireline service revenue reflects growth in high-speed Internet and enhanced data services, business process outsourcing services, TELUS Health revenues, and TELUS TV revenues, and is partly offset by declining wireline voice revenues and equipment revenues. The increases in Internet and TV service revenues are being generated by subscriber growth and higher Internet revenue per customer from upgrades to faster speeds and larger data usage rate plans. The trend of increasing TELUS Health revenues has been driven by organic growth and through acquisitions. Growth rates of business process outsourcing services reflect acquisition growth and moderating organic growth. The trend of declining wireline voice revenues is due to technological substitution, greater use of inclusive long distance coupled with lower long distance minutes used, and continuing increased competition in the small and medium-sized business market, as well as impacts of the economic slowdown in previous quarters, particularly in Alberta, which were more prominent in the business markets for voice. For further detail on our wireline growth trends, see Section 5.5 - Wireline segment of our 2017 annual MD&A.

For a review of the events and conditions that influenced our general development during 2017, and how our business has continued to evolve, please see Section 1.2 - The environment in which we operate, Section 2.2 - Strategic imperatives, as well as progress on our corporate priorities in Section 3 - Corporate priorities of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Providing integrated solutions that differentiate TELUS from our competitors

In 2015, we further expanded our clear and simple approach, providing customers with improved visibility to their data usage, we launched plans allowing customers to access real-time rating information, receive notifications when they are at or approaching billing thresholds and control usage through our data manager (accessible through our website or app in order to improve billing transparency), and allow customers to add data top-ups when desired to have a set rate for additional usage.

In 2015, we launched improved roaming plans for U.S. travel for businesses and consumers. Our consumer product, called Easy Roam®, allows our subscribers to access their domestic plan while roaming for a flat fee per 24 hours. For businesses, we introduced Roam Ready U.S. ®, a feature that offers competitive, flat-fee rates for voice, text and data; only when the service is used. These changes improve billing transparency and respond to our customers’ desire to use their devices anywhere, any time.

In 2015, we stopped charging the incoming short messaging service (SMS) fee for our wireless customers roaming outside Canada. Our customers can now receive unlimited incoming text messages free of charge while travelling abroad.

In 2015, we expanded the offerings of our TELUS IoT Marketplace, an online space offering a suite of turnkey IoT solutions for Canadian businesses to include 53 more solutions and 23 new partners. For example, we partnered with Jasper Technologies Inc. to implement the TELUS Control Centre, a self-service platform aimed at simplifying the deployment and management of IoT services by offering automated device provisioning, real-time diagnostics, integrated billing and cost-management features. Furthermore, in September 2015, we introduced the TELUS Global IoT Connectivity Platform, which enables businesses to scale their IoT operations globally. Through a network of more than 70 carriers, we can offer a global SIM card that delivers connectivity in nearly every country around the world. With respect to applications, we have established a presence within the transportation sector with our Fleet Complete and GEOTrac Fleet solutions, which offer businesses productivity gains and cost efficiency

In early 2015, we redesigned our TV packaging to provide our customers with more choice and flexibility, allowing them to select from a wide variety of theme packs, or customize their own, at competitive pricing. On March 1, 2016, we launched new Lite basic TV plans on both our Optik and satellite-TV services, offering another choice to customers seeking basic channel services at lower prices. These new plans, as well as our existing offers of small theme packs, align with the intent of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to provide greater customer choice and more freedom for Canadian viewers to subscribe to their channels of choice.

In 2015, we launched TELUS Business Connect®, an integrated business communications solution for small businesses across Canada. This cloud-based solution provides businesses with a full suite of communications tools for both office and mobile use, including an automated attendant, call routing, teleconferencing, video-conferencing, toll-free numbers and a wireless backup for office Internet access. Business Connect provides users with a single number across their mobile phone, tablet, desk phone and computers through VoIP technology.

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In late 2015, we announced the expansion of our cloud portfolio with the offer of a full suite of managed infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions that include public, private and hybrid cloud options. This expansion of our cloud portfolio, paired with our Internet data centres (IDCs) and expertise in managed services, allows us to meet the growing IT demands of Canadian businesses that are being driven by mobile, social, Internet of Things (IoT) and big data applications, as well as their growing IT security concerns.

In 2015, we announced a free public Wi-Fi service available to both TELUS and non-TELUS customers at more than 8,000 hotspots across B.C. and Alberta. Since early 2014, we have been actively expanding our public Wi-Fi network by working with thousands of businesses and many major sports and entertainment venues. This public Wi-Fi service is part of our network strategy of deploying small cells that integrate seamlessly with our 4G wireless network.

In 2016, we began offering high-speed Internet access over wireless LTE to customers in select rural areas in our Western wireline markets, a significant speed and experience upgrade from dial-up Internet.

We launched Optik TV® 4K in mid-2016 and were the first carrier in Western Canada to offer 4K programming to customers with an Optik TV 4K set-top box. Those customers who also have a Netflix Premium subscription can stream Netflix 4K content directly through their 4K set-top box.

In 2016, we launched Premium Plus wireless plans — allowing customers to get more affordable high-end devices, which results in a greater subsidy but higher ARPU over time, and further extended Easy Roam to over one hundred international destinations.

In 2016, we made a significant investment in our corporate stores, transforming over one hundred locations to a new “digital life” format, featuring connected accessories and devices, and opening five “Connected Experience” flagship-style stores. These stores showcase TELUS’ innovative products and services and strategically align to evolving retail needs and user experiences.

Growth continued for TELUS International in 2016, TELUS’ global business process outsourcing (BPO) company. TELUS International now has more than 25,000 employees around the world, including in Canada, the United States, Europe, Central America and the Philippines and handles over 175 million BPO transactions annually via voice, email, chat, social media and back-office support across the telecommunications, utilities, high-tech, gaming, finance, retail, e-commerce, travel and logistics and healthcare industries.

Building national capabilities across data, IP, voice and wireless

In 2015, we acquired 21 AWS-3 wireless spectrum licences in the AWS-3 spectrum auction and the residual spectrum licences auction for $1.5 billion, as well as 122 wireless spectrum licences in the 2500 MHz spectrum auction for $479 million. The AWS-3 spectrum is well suited for delivering both coverage and added capacity in urban and rural environments. The 2500 MHz spectrum is ideal for carrying large amounts of data, making it especially valuable in urban centres, and complements TELUS’ existing low band spectrum, which is able to penetrate farther into buildings and elevators and also travels farther in rural areas. The general deployment of the 2500 MHz spectrum licences into our network commenced in late 2015. We plan to utilize other spectrum licences purchased in recent years in combination with unlicensed supplementary spectrum, as network and device ecosystems evolve.

In 2015, we announced a $1 billion investment in the city of Edmonton to connect more than 90% of homes and businesses directly to our fibre-optic network over the next six years. In October 2015, we announced a $1 billion investment in the city of Vancouver to connect the majority of homes and businesses directly to our fibre-optic network over the next five years. As the networks are launched, local residents and businesses will have access to faster Internet speeds. These investments are part of our broader fibre-optic strategy to bring our fiber network to communities across B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec.

In 2016, we concluded a spectrum licence assignment and rationalization agreement with Xplornet Communications Inc., a Canadian-based broadband Internet provider. Under this agreement, we transferred 3500 MHz fixed wireless access spectrum licences in select secondary and tertiary regions, as well as monetary consideration, in exchange for Xplornet’s 2300 MHz spectrum licences in similar regions. This spectrum licence exchange will allow for more robust mobile and fixed wireless broadband access for Canadians, as each party in the transaction can more effectively utilize these licences within its respective network. The 2300 MHz spectrum has a robust ecosystem of network infrastructure and devices, and complements our existing 2300 MHz spectrum holdings in Montreal, Quebec City and key markets in Western Canada, giving us use of the spectrum in this band in nearly every market.

Partnering, acquiring and divesting to accelerate the implementation of our strategy and focus our resources on core business

In 2015, we announced the closure of the remaining 59 Black’s Photography retail stores across Canada by August 2015. Technological innovations have changed the way Canadians take and share photographs, with fewer of them using retail photo outlets. As a result, we determined that Black’s was not core to our future operations. We sold the Black’s trademark and online and mobile businesses to Les Pros de la Photo (Les Pros), a Quebec-based photo imaging company, effective August 4, 2015. As a result, Les Pros will carry forward the Black’s brand.

In 2015, we announced that the TELUS Garden real estate joint venture, in which TELUS is a 50% partner and Westbank Projects Corp. is the other partner, had issued $225 million of 3.4% green bonds, secured by the office tower,

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due in 2025. This is the first time in North America that green mortgage bonds have been used to support real estate financing. Proceeds of the issuance were primarily used to retire short-term construction financing for the office tower.

In 2015, we announced the opening of the TELUS Garden™ office tower in Vancouver. The office tower houses our new global headquarters, as well as other tenants. The TELUS Garden development in the heart of downtown Vancouver includes a 24-storey office tower, as well as a 53-storey residential condominium tower built to LEED gold standards. In March 2016, the Canada Green Building Council awarded leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) platinum certification to our office tower. This is the highest LEED rating a building can receive, demonstrating our commitment to technological innovation and environmental stewardship. In partnership with Westbank Projects Corp., the one-million-square-foot TELUS Garden development includes 450,000 square feet of office space, 65,000 square feet of retail space, and a 53-storey residential tower that was officially opened in June 2016.

In 2016, we partnered with Microsoft and Avanade, a leading global provider of innovative digital business and technology services in the Microsoft ecosystem, to offer Skype for Business. Powered by TELUS, Skype for Business offers a full suite of enterprise-grade communication and collaboration tools that includes voice and video calls, instant messaging and online meetings. This service is delivered as a fully managed private cloud solution over our network of intelligent Internet data centres located across Canada, and is available through a single interface on almost all devices.

In 2016, the Company announced an agreement with BCE Inc. (“BCE”), pursuant to which we would acquire a portion of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s (“MTS”) postpaid wireless subscribers and dealer locations in Manitoba, dependent on the successful completion of BCE’s acquisition of MTS, and subject to regulatory approvals. On February 15, 2017, BCE announced that it had received approval from the Competition Bureau and on April 1, 2017, we acquired certain assets of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS) from BCE Inc. These assets included postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and rights to 15 retail locations in Manitoba. Pursuant to this acquisition, in the second quarter of 2017, we commenced the migration of postpaid wireless subscribers to TELUS. The final price of the transactions with BCE Inc. will vary depending upon the actual number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers acquired; such final determination will happen by March 31, 2018. We currently estimate we will migrate 74,000 postpaid subscribers by that date.

In 2016, we announced the completion of an agreement with Baring Private Equity Asia (Baring Asia), under which it has acquired a 35% non-controlling interest in TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (TELUS International), a global provider of customer service, information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing services.

During the past three years, we continued to advance our position in healthcare information management with the following acquisitions:

·In 2015, we completed our acquisition of Medesync, a company whose certified EMR product will bring a bilingual web-based interface to our EMR portfolio in Quebec. Medesync uses cloud-based and mobile technologies to provide physicians with access to EMR from any computer or mobile device.

·In 2016, TELUS acquired the Canadian business operations of Nightingale Informatix Corp., including its customer base and proprietary EMR software.

·In 2016, TELUS acquired the business operations of Osler Systems Management, including its customer base and proprietary EMR software.

Going to market as one team under a common brand, executing a single strategy

Our team works together to implement our top corporate priority: putting customers first, as we strive to consistently deliver exceptional client experiences and become the most recommended company in the markets we serve. The Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) annual reports have indicated the successful results of this strategy.

In the December 2015 CCTS report for the 12-month period ended July 31, 2015, TELUS had the lowest number of complaints among national wireless carriers at 4.7% of total complaints submitted to the CCTS. Complaints related to Koodo Mobile® increased by 1.7% from 2014, while Public Mobile achieved a 57% reduction in complaints compared to 2014. With only 1.8% and 0.6% of the total complaints, respectively, Koodo Mobile and Public Mobile continued to lead their peer group of national carrier flanker brands with the lowest number of complaints submitted to the CCTS in 2015.

In the November 2016 CCTS report for the 12-month period ended July 31, 2016, TELUS once again received the fewest customer complaints among all national carriers. TELUS, Koodo® and Public Mobile were the subjects of 7.0%, 2.5% and 0.6% of the total customer complaints submitted to the CCTS, respectively, or 10.1% of total customer complaints in the aggregate. In addition, we recorded the lowest postpaid churn among our peers of 0.95% in 2016.

Investing in internal capabilities to build a high-performance culture and efficient operation

On August 10, 2015, Darren Entwistle resumed the role of President and CEO and Dick Auchinleck was named independent Chair of the Board. Darren and Dick have both agreed to serve in these capacities on a long-term basis.

We incur incremental, non-recurring restructuring and other costs with the objectives of improving our operating efficiency and effectiveness and addressing the ongoing decline in profitability in certain areas of our business. In 2015, our restructuring and other costs totaled $226 million, increasing from $75 million in 2014, mainly reflecting our initiative to reduce approximately 1,500 net full-time positions over several quarters beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015, as well as the closure of Black’s Photography retail stores and real estate rationalization. In 2016, we incurred $479 million

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of restructuring and other costs which includes the $305 million immediately vesting transformative compensation program.  In 2017, we incurred $139 million of restructuring and other costs.

5.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

5.1Who we are

TELUS is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, providing a wide range products and services, including wireless and wireline voice and data. Data services include: Internet protocol (IP); television; hosting, managed information technology, security and cloud-based services; healthcare solutions; business process outsourcing; and security solutions. In 2017, we generated $13.3 billion in revenue and had 13 million subscriber connections. This included 8.9 million wireless subscribers, 1.7 million high-speed Internet subscribers, 1.3 million wireline residential network access lines, and 1.1 million TELUS TV subscribers.

(a)Organization

Please see Section 5 - Discussion of Operations of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference and describes our operating segments — wireless and wireline.

(b)Our strategy

Please see Section 2 - Core business and strategy of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(c)Business overview

Please see Section 4 - Capabilities of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference which describes our principal markets, products and services and our distribution channels.

Our assets and resources, including employees, brand and distribution methods, tangible properties (such as our telecommunications networks and network facilities), intangible properties (such as brand and wireless spectrum licences) and an overview of foreign operations are discussed in Section 4.2 - Operational resources in the 2017 annual MD&A.

Intellectual property, which we own or which we have been granted the right to use, is an essential asset for TELUS. Intellectual property enables us to be known and recognized in the marketplace through our brand style, trade dress, domain names and trademarks. It protects our know-how and software, systems, processes and method of doing business through copyrights, patents and information treated as confidential. It also helps us to increase our competitiveness by fostering an innovative work environment. Each form of intellectual property is important to our success. For instance, the TELUS brand plays a key role in product positioning and our Company’s reputation. TELUS aims to maximize the value of TELUS’ intangible assets in the areas of innovation and invention by ensuring that they are adequately used, protected and valued. To protect our intellectual property assets, we rely on a combination of legal protections afforded under copyright, trade-mark, patent and other intellectual property laws as well as contractual provisions under licensing arrangements. Further information on recognized tangible and intangible properties can be found in Section 8.1 Critical accounting estimates in the 2017 annual MD&A.

For revenue and other financial information on the two most recently completed financial years with respect to our wireless and wireline businesses, see Section 5.4 Wireless segment and Section 5.5 Wireline segment in the 2017 annual MD&A.

An overview of the Canadian economic environment and the telecommunications industry can be found in Section 1.2 The environment in which we operate and Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions in the 2017 annual MD&A. Seasonal trends that have impacted us are described in Section 5.2 Summary of consolidated quarterly results, trends and fourth quarter recap and in Section 5.4 Wireless segment in the 2017 annual MD&A.

(d)Competition

Please see Sections 4.1 - Principal markets addressed & competition and 10.2 - Competition of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(e)Corporate social responsibility and environment

We are committed to following sustainable and responsible business practices and to making decisions that balance economic growth with social and environmental benefits. More information about corporate social responsibility at TELUS can be found in our Sustainability Report at sustainability.telus.com.

TELUS has a strong foundation of sustainability governance which supports our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible corporate citizenship. We deliver on our future friendly brand promise and care for the planet our children will inherit by managing the environmental impact of the technology solutions we provide to Canadians. TELUS’ values are reflected in our Environmental Policy and our commitment to:

·Fulfill our environmental compliance obligations which include legal requirements and voluntary requirements endorsed by our senior leaders;

·Protect the environment and prevent pollution using standards, procedures or other controls and by minimizing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, and spills and releases;

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·Continually improve the Environmental Management System to enhance environmental performance through establishing environmental and sustainability objectives, targets, and programs, regularly reviewing performance with senior management, and disclosing our performance in TELUS’ Sustainability Report which can be found at sustainability.telus.com;

·Build an environmentally future friendly culture through education and communication where the importance of environmental protection and sustainability is respected at all levels of the organization, dialogue and sharing of ideas are encouraged and supported, team members including contractors performing work on behalf of TELUS understand and embrace their roles and responsibilities related to the Environmental Policy and the Environmental Management System, and team members engage, collaborate with and learn from stakeholders including customers, suppliers, investors, regulators, industry members and the public in order to minimize any adverse impact on the environment.

Our environmental objectives, targets and performance are monitored and reported yearly through our Sustainability Report. Compliance with applicable environmental legislation and regulations does not, and is not expected to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, net income or competitive position. However, environmental legislation and regulation and its interpretation is constantly evolving, which we expect will continue in the future. The Company monitors changes closely and modifies its practices where necessary and appropriate. A detailed report of our environmental risk mitigation activities can be found in our Sustainability Report and concerns related to the environment can be found in Section - 10.10 Health, safety and environment in the 2017 annual MD&A.

The Company’s properties and neighbouring sites, particularly those in areas of long-term industrial use, may have had historic uses, or may have current uses, in the case of neighbouring sites, which may affect our properties and require further study or remedial measures. The Company allocates budget on a yearly basis to monitor and manage properties with known environmental impacts and utilizes a risk matrix based on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment methodology to prioritize funding. The Company cannot provide assurance that all environmental liabilities have been identified or that all remedial measures will be effective.

Guided by our inspiring social purpose, our team is committed to giving where we live and helping our fellow citizens in need. We believe in a harmonious relationship between our company, our team and the health and prosperity of our communities. By harnessing the power of our technology, we are bridging digital divides, enabling remarkable health outcomes, caring for the planet our children will inherit, advancing educational opportunities for our future leaders and keeping people safe in our digital world with programs like TELUS WISE (WISE Internet and Smartphone Education). Through this free educational program, we are empowering Canadian families with the tools and knowledge to stay and secure safe while online. Thanks to the passion of our team and the trust of our customers, we are championing social change to build a more compassionate world and creating extraordinary outcomes. We accomplish this through a range of initiatives, such as the TELUS Days of Giving®, TELUS Match, TELUS Rewards, Internet and Mobility for Good programs and community sponsorships, as well as grants to local not-for-profit organizations through local community boards, both domestically and internationally. Details about our community investment program can be found at community.telus.com.

(f)Employee relations

Please see Section 4.2 - Operational resources of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

5.2Risk factors

Please see Section 10 - Risks and risk management of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

5.3Regulation

Please see Sections 9.4 - Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings and 10.4 - Regulatory Matters of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

6.DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The dividends per Common Share declared with respect to each quarter by TELUS, during the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, are shown below:

Quarter ended 1	2017		2016		2015
March 31	$	0.48	$	0.44	$	0.40
June 30	$	0.4925	$	0.46	$	0.42
September 30	$	0.4925	$	0.46	$	0.42
December 31	$	0.5050	$	0.48	$	0.44
Total	$	1.97	$	1.84	$	1.68

(1)Paid on or about the first business day of the next month.

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Our shareholders received a total of $1.97 per share in declared dividends in 2017, an increase of 7.1% from 2016. Our Board reviews the dividend rate quarterly. Our quarterly dividend rate will depend on an ongoing assessment of free cash flow generation and financial indicators including leverage, dividend yield and payout ratio. On February 7, 2018, a first quarter dividend of $0.5050 per share was declared, payable on April 2, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018. The first quarter dividend for 2018 reflects a cumulative increase of $0.025 per share from the $0.48 per share dividend paid in April 2017, consistent with our multi-year dividend growth program.

We first announced our dividend growth program in May 2011. In May 2016, we announced our intention to target ongoing semi-annual dividend increases, with the annual increase in the range of 7 to 10% from 2017 through to the end of 2019, thereby extending the policy first announced in May 2011. Notwithstanding this target, dividend decisions will continue to be subject to our Board’s assessment and the determination of our financial position and outlook on a quarterly basis. Our Board’s assessments have resulted in 12 semi-annual dividend increases from 2011 to 2017, with annual increases being approximately 7-10%. Our long-term dividend payout ratio guideline is 65 to 75% of prospective net earnings per share. See Section 7.5- Liquidity and capital resources measures of our 2017 Annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.  Based on dividends announced as of February 8, 2018, and 595 million shares outstanding at December 31, 2017, dividend declarations would total approximately $1.20 billion in 2018, before taking into account any Common Shares purchased and cancelled under our 2018 NCIB. There can be no assurance that we will maintain a dividend growth program through 2019.

7.DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE

7.1 General description of capital structure

The authorized capital of TELUS consists of 4,000,000,000 shares, divided into: (1) 2,000,000,000 Common Shares without par value; (2) 1,000,000,000 First Preferred shares without par value, issuable in series and; (3) 1,000,000,000 Second Preferred shares without par value, issuable in series. The Common Shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Common Shares

Subject to the prior rights of the holders of First Preferred shares and Second Preferred shares, the Common Shares are entitled to participate with respect to the payment of dividends as declared by the Board and the distribution of assets of TELUS on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TELUS.

The holders of the Common Shares are entitled to receive notice of, attend, be heard and vote at any general meeting of the shareholders of TELUS on the basis of one vote per Common Share held. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to vote by a separate resolution for each director rather than a slate.

The Common Shares are subject to constraints on transfer to ensure our ongoing compliance with the Canadian ownership and control requirements of the Telecommunications Act and the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians) under the Broadcasting Act as noted on page 13 & 14.

Please see Sections 9.4 - Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings and 10.4 - Regulatory Matters of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As of February 8, 2018 there are not any preferred shares outstanding.

First Preferred shares

The First Preferred shares may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each series comprising the number of shares, and having attached thereto the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions which the Board determines by resolution and subject to filing an amendment to the Notice of Articles and Articles of TELUS. No series of First Preferred shares may have attached thereto the right to vote at any general meeting of TELUS or the right to be convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares. Except as required by law, the TELUS holders of the First Preferred shares as a class are not entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at any meeting of the shareholders of TELUS. The First Preferred shares rank prior to the Second Preferred shares and Common Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TELUS.

Second Preferred shares

The Second Preferred shares may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each series comprising the number of shares, and having attached thereto the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions, which the Board determines by resolution and subject to filing an amendment to the Notice of Articles and Articles of TELUS. No series of Second Preferred shares may have attached thereto the right to vote at any general meeting of TELUS or the right to be convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares. Except as required by law, the holders of the Second Preferred shares as a class are not entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at any meeting of the shareholders of TELUS. The Second Preferred shares rank, subject to the prior rights of the holders of the First Preferred shares, prior to the Common Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TELUS.

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Shareholder rights plan

We first adopted a shareholder rights plan in March 2000, which expired on March 20, 2010. The Board adopted a substantially similar shareholder rights plan (Rights Plan) on March 12, 2010 (Effective Date), which was ratified by shareholders of both share classes at the May 2010 annual and special meeting. On May 9, 2013, the holders of the Common Shares approved the amendment of, and reconfirmation of, the Rights Plan, which among other things, reflected the elimination of the Non-Voting Share class from TELUS’ authorized share structure, and at the annual general meeting held on May 5, 2016, the holders of the Common Shares approved the reconfirmation of the Rights Plan. The Rights Plan has a term expiring upon the conclusion of the Company’s annual meeting in 2019.

Under the current Rights Plan, TELUS issued one right (Right) in respect of each Common Share outstanding as at the Effective Date. The Rights Plan has a term of just over nine years, subject to shareholder confirmation every three years. Each Right, other than those held by an Acquiring Person (as defined in the Rights Plan) and certain of its related parties, entitles the holder in certain circumstances following the acquisition by an Acquiring Person of 20% or more of the Common Shares of TELUS (otherwise than through the “Permitted Bid” requirements of the Rights Plan) to purchase from TELUS $320 worth of Common Shares for $160 (i.e. at a 50% discount) respectively.

Normal course issuer bid and shelf prospectus

Please see Section 4.3 - Liquidity and capital resources of our 2017 annual MD&A which is hereby incorporated by reference.

7.2Constraints

Canadian ownership and control requirements

Certain subsidiaries of TELUS Corporation are Canadian carriers, holders of radio authorizations and holders of broadcasting licences, and are required by the Telecommunications Act (Canada) (Telecommunications Act) and the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians) issued pursuant to the Broadcasting Act (Canada) (Broadcasting Act) to be Canadian-owned and controlled. Under the Telecommunications Act, a Canadian carrier, such as TCI is considered to be Canadian-owned and controlled if:

(i)not less than 80% of the members of its board of directors are individual Canadians;

(ii)Canadians beneficially own not less than 80% of its voting interests; and

(iii)it is not otherwise controlled in fact by persons who are not Canadians.

Substantially the same rules apply in relation to broadcasting undertakings but an additional requirement set out in the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians) is that the chief executive officer of a company that is a licensed broadcasting undertaking must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. TELUS Corporation has filed with the CRTC the requisite documentation affirming TCI’s status as a Canadian carrier. We further intend that TCI will remain controlled by TELUS Corporation and that it will remain “Canadian” for the purposes of Canadian ownership requirements.

The Canadian Telecommunications Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations (Ownership and Control Regulations), made pursuant to the Telecommunications Act, further provide that in order for a company that holds shares in a carrier (carrier holding corporation) to be considered Canadian, not less than 66-2/3% of the issued and outstanding voting shares of that company must be beneficially owned by Canadians and that such company must not otherwise be controlled in fact by non-Canadians. To the best of our knowledge, Canadians beneficially own and control in the aggregate not less than 66-2/3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of TELUS Corporation and TELUS Corporation is not otherwise controlled in fact by non-Canadians. For the purposes of these regulations, “Canadian” means among other things:

(i)a Canadian citizen who is ordinarily resident in Canada;

(ii)a permanent resident of Canada who is ordinarily resident in Canada and has been so for not more than one year after the date he or she was eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship;

(iii)a corporation with not less than 66-2/3% of the issued and outstanding voting shares of which are beneficially owned and controlled by Canadians and which is not otherwise controlled in fact by non-Canadians; or

(iv)a pension fund society the majority of whose members of its board of directors are individual Canadians, and that is established under applicable federal legislation or any provincial legislation relating to the establishment of pension fund societies.

The Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians) provides a similar definition of “Canadian” but also includes a “qualified corporation” which can be a subsidiary corporation whose parent corporation or its directors do not exercise control or influence over any programming decisions of the subsidiary corporation where

(a)Canadians beneficially own and control less than 80 per cent of the issued and outstanding voting shares of the parent corporation and less than 80 per cent of the votes,

(b)the chief executive officer is a non-Canadian, or

(c)less than 80 per cent of the directors of the parent corporation are Canadian.

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On August 10, 2017, in response to levels of foreign ownership of shares exceeding 20% and in order to meet the requirements of a “qualified corporation” in accordance with the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians), the Board appointed an independent programming committee to make all programming decisions relating to its licensed broadcasting undertakings.

The Ownership and Control Regulations provide Canadian carriers and carrier holding corporations, such as TELUS Corporation, with the time and ability to rectify ineligibility resulting from insufficient Canadian ownership of voting interests. Under the Ownership and Control Regulations, such corporations may refuse the subscription, issuance, transfer or purchase of voting interests, if necessary, to ensure that they and their subsidiaries remain eligible under such legislation. For such purposes, in particular but without limitation, a company may, in accordance with the provisions contained in the Ownership and Control Regulations:

(i)refuse to accept any subscription for voting shares;

(ii)refuse to allow any transfer of voting shares to be recorded in its share register;

(iii)suspend the rights of a holder of voting shares to vote at a meeting of its shareholders; and

(iv)sell, repurchase or redeem excess voting shares.

To ensure that TELUS Corporation remains Canadian and that any subsidiary of TELUS Corporation, including TCI, is and continues to be eligible to operate as a Canadian carrier under the Telecommunications Act, to be issued radio authorizations under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) (Radiocommunication Act), or to be issued broadcasting licences under the Broadcasting Act, provisions substantially similar to the foregoing have been incorporated into the Articles of TELUS Corporation permitting its directors to make determinations to effect any of the foregoing actions.

In addition, TELUS has systems in place to monitor the level of Canadian ownership of its Common Shares. For registered shareholders and shares trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, a reservation and declaration system requires non-Canadian purchasers of Common Shares to obtain a reservation number from our transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Trust Company and to declare whether or not the purchaser is a Canadian or non-Canadian. For Common Shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange, non-Canadian ownership is monitored by utilizing the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation’s SEG-100 Account program. All TELUS Common Shares held by non-Canadians must be transferred to this account (no reservation application is required).

The Telecommunications Act was amended in June 2012 to remove foreign ownership restrictions for telecommunications common carriers that hold less than a 10% share of the total Canadian telecommunications services revenues. This change was made to enable non-Canadian owned entities to start up or acquire Canadian carriers that hold less than a 10% share of total Canadian telecommunications services revenues. However, given that TELUS and its affiliates exceed this 10% threshold, we remain subject to the pre-existing Canadian ownership and control restrictions outlined above. Canadian ownership requirements for licensees under the Broadcasting Act remain unchanged.

See Section 10.4 Regulatory matters in the 2017 annual MD&A for further details related to regulation generally and specifically in relation to Canadian ownership requirements applicable to Canadian common carriers (Restrictions on foreign ownership).

7.3Ratings

The following information relating to our credit ratings is provided as it relates to our financing costs, liquidity and operations. Additional information relating to credit ratings is contained in Section 7.5 - Liquidity and capital resource measures to Section 7.8 - Credit ratings in the 2017 annual MD&A.

Credit ratings are important to our borrowing costs and ability to obtain short-term and long-term financing and the cost of such financing. Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an independent measure of the credit quality of an issue of securities and are indicators of the likelihood of payment and of the capacity of a company to meet its financial commitment on the rated obligation in accordance with the terms of the rated obligation. A reduction in the current rating on our debt by rating agencies, particularly a downgrade below investment grade ratings or a negative change in ratings outlook could adversely affect our cost of financing and our access to sources of liquidity and capital. We believe our investment grade credit ratings, coupled with our efforts to maintain constructive relationships with banks, investors and credit rating agencies, continue to provide TELUS with reasonable access to capital markets. In addition, credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when we compete in certain markets and when we seek to engage in certain transactions including transactions involving over-the-counter derivatives. As at December 31, 2017, TCI is a party to an agreement expiring in December 2018, with an arm’s-length securitization trust associated with a major Schedule I bank, under which TCI is able to sell an interest in certain trade receivables up to a maximum of $500 million. TCI is required to maintain at least a BB credit rating by DBRS Ltd. (DBRS) or the securitization trust may require the sale program to be wound down.

The rating agencies regularly evaluate TELUS and TCI, and their ratings of our long-term and short-term debt are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength as well as factors not entirely within our control, including conditions affecting the telecommunications industry generally, and the wider state of the economy. The Company’s credit ratings are outlined in the chart below. Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities and do not address the market price or suitability of a specific security for a particular investor. In addition, real or

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anticipated changes in the rating assigned to a security will generally affect the market value of that security. There can be no assurance that a rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency in the future.

Credit rating summary	DBRS Ltd.	Standard & Poor’s Rating Services	Moody’s Investor Services	FitchRatings
TELUS Corporation
Notes	BBB (high)	BBB+	Baa1	BBB+
Commercial paper	R-2 (high)	A-2	P-2	—
TELUS Communications Inc.
Debentures	BBB (high)	BBB+	—	BBB+

Institution	Rating
DBRS	The DBRS® long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories, other than “AAA” and “D”, also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. A “BBB” rating denotes adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
S&P	A S&P issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P’s view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default. An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Moody’s	Moody’s long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa”. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. A Moody’s rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely rating direction over the medium term. A stable outlook indicates a low likelihood of a rating change over the medium term. A negative, positive or developing outlook indicates a higher likelihood of a rating change over the medium term.

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Institution

Rating

Fitch

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns and insurance companies are generally assigned issuer default ratings (“IDRs”). IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The “threshold” default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts, although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms. In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below “B”.

As is common practice, during the last two years, each of the above-noted credit rating agencies charged TELUS for their rating services which include annual surveillance fees covering our outstanding long-term and short-term debt securities, in addition to one-time rating fees for certain agencies when debt is initially issued. We reasonably expect that such payments will continue to be made for rating services in the future.

8.MARKET FOR SECURITIES

8.1 Trading Price and Volume

TELUS’ Common Shares are listed on the TSX under the symbol “T” and on the NYSE under the symbol “TU”. Monthly share prices and volumes for 2017 are listed below:

	TSX – Common Shares			NYSE – Common Shares
Month	High($)	Low($)	Volume	High ($U.S.)	Low ($U.S.)	Volume
January	44.40	42.62	22,143,208	33.89	31.68	6,766,085
February	44.41	42.78	22,998,397	33.88	32.50	9,417,036
March	43.55	42.22	24,710,278	32.63	31.28	7,972,364
April	45.50	42.93	16,971,631	33.73	32.06	8,521,200
May	46.29	44.66	20,716,744	34.28	32.56	8,573,325
June	46.07	44.10	29,196,046	34.84	32.94	10,184,736
July	45.54	44.18	17,398,577	36.39	34.04	9,082,686
August	46.10	44.38	16,734,378	36.77	34.87	9,434,710
September	45.29	43.30	17,141,906	36.94	35.64	7,369,181
October	47.80	44.60	17,400,847	37.26	35.47	8,502,403
November	48.94	46.20	21,006,148	38.50	36.12	9,962,181
December	48.88	47.20	18,503,361	38.03	36.75	6,602,754

8.2 Prior Sales

On March 6, 2017, under a short form base shelf prospectus filed on August 30, 2016, with securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States, TELUS completed two debt offerings: 1) a US$500 million offering of 3.70% notes due September 15, 2027; and 2) a $325 million offering consisting of 4.70% Notes, Series CW, due March 6, 2048.

Please refer to TELUS Corporation 2017 year-end audited consolidated financial statements - Note 26(b) TELUS Corporation Notes for details on our past debt offerings.

In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company has the capability to issue commercial paper with maturities of less than 12 months. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had $1,140 million of commercial paper outstanding, all of which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$908 million).

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9.DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

9.1 Name, occupation and security holding

Directors

The names, municipalities of residence and principal occupations of the directors of TELUS as at February 8, 2018, the date each such person became a director of TELUS and committee membership are as set out below. Currently, there are 14 directors on the Board. Each was elected at TELUS’ annual general meeting on May 11, 2017, except for Marc Parent who was appointed by the Board on November 7, 2017. Each director’s term of office will expire immediately before the election of directors at the upcoming annual general meeting on May 10, 2018. They have, however, all been nominated for re-election at the upcoming meeting except for John Lacey who has decided to retire and will not be seeking re-election at the 2018 annual general meeting. There will be 13 directors nominated for election to the Board at the 2018 annual general meeting.

Directors of TELUS (Name and municipality of residence)	Director since	Principal occupation
R.H. (Dick) Auchinleck Victoria, B.C.	2003	Chair, TELUS Corporation
Raymond T. Chan 2, 4 Calgary, Alberta	2013	Chair, Baytex Energy Corp. (oil and natural gas corporation)
Stockwell Day 2, 4 – Chair Vancouver, B.C.	2011	Advisor and Consultant
Lisa de Wilde 3,4 Toronto, Ontario	2015	CEO, Ontario Educational Communications Authority (TVO)
Darren Entwistle Vancouver, B.C.	2000	President and Chief Executive Officer, TELUS Corporation
Mary Jo Haddad 2 - Chair Oakville, Ontario	2014	Founder and President, MJH & Associates (strategic leadership and healthcare advisory services)
Kathy Kinloch1 Vancouver, B.C.	2017	President, British Columbia Institute of Technology
John S. Lacey 2, 3 Thornhill, Ontario	2000	Corporate Director
William (Bill) MacKinnon 1 – Chair Toronto, Ontario	2009	Corporate Director
John Manley 3 – Chair, 4 Ottawa, Ontario	2012	President & Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada (previously the Canadian Council of Chief Executives)
Sabi Marwah 1,3 Toronto, Ontario	2015	Senator, Senate of Canada
Claude Mongeau1 Montreal, Quebec	2017	Corporate Director
David Mowat 1, 4 Edmonton, Alberta	2016	President and Chief Executive Officer, ATB Financial
Marc Parent1 Montreal, Quebec	2017	President and Chief Executive Officer, CAE Inc.

(1)Member of Audit Committee

(2)Member of Human Resources and Compensation Committee

(3)Member of Corporate Governance Committee

(4)Member of Pension Committee

All of the directors of TELUS have held the principal occupations set forth above or executive positions with the same companies or firms referred to, or with affiliates or predecessors thereof, for the past five years except as follows:

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Mary Jo Haddad was President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto from 2004 until 2013; Claude Mongeau was President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian National Railway Company from 2010 to 2016; Sabi Marwah was Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank of Nova Scotia from 2008 until 2014.

Executive officers

The name, municipality of residence and principal occupations of each of the executive officers of TELUS, as of February 8, 2018, are as follows:

Executive Officers of TELUS (Name and municipality of residence)	Position held with TELUS
Darren Entwistle Vancouver, B.C.	President and Chief Executive Officer
Doug French Vancouver, B.C.	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Phil Bates Vancouver, B.C.	Executive Vice President, Business Transformation and Operations
Josh Blair Vancouver, B.C.	Chief Corporate Officer and Executive Vice President-TELUS Health, President, Business Solutions West and Chair-TELUS International
David Fuller Toronto, Ontario	Executive Vice President and President, TELUS Consumer and Small Business Solutions
Tony Geheran Vancouver, B.C.	Executive Vice President and President, Broadband Networks
Francois Gratton Montreal, Quebec	Executive Vice President, TELUS Partner Solutions and President, Business Solutions East and TELUS Québec
Stephen Lewis Vancouver, B.C.	Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Sandy McIntosh Toronto, Ontario	Executive Vice President, People and Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer
Monique Mercier Vancouver, B.C.	Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, and Chief Legal and Governance Officer
Eros Spadotto Oakville, Ontario	Executive Vice President, Technology Strategy

All of the executive officers of TELUS have held their present positions or other executive positions with the Company during the past five years or more.

TELUS shares held by directors and executive officers

As at February 1, 2018, the directors and executive officers of TELUS, as a group, beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction over 863,577 Common Shares, which represented approximately 0.15% of the outstanding Common Shares.

9.2 Cease trade orders, bankruptcies, penalties or sanctions

Other than as disclosed below, for the 10 years ended February 8, 2018, we are not aware that any current director or executive officer of TELUS had been a director or executive officer of any issuer which, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt or made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.

·John Manley and Claude Mongeau were directors of Nortel Networks Corporation and Nortel Networks Limited (together, the Nortel Companies) when the Nortel Companies and certain other Canadian subsidiaries initiated creditor protection proceedings under the CCAA in Canada on January 14, 2009. Certain U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions in the United States under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and certain European, Middle Eastern and African subsidiaries made consequential filings in Europe and the Middle East. These proceedings are ongoing. Mr. Manley and Mr. Mongeau resigned as directors of the Nortel Companies on August 10, 2009.

For the 10 years ended February 8, 2018, we are not aware that any current director or executive officer of TELUS had been a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any issuer which was the subject of a cease trade or similar order while that person was acting in that capacity, or was subject to such an order issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and resulted from an event that

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occurred while that person was acting in that capacity, or any order which denied such company access to any exemption under securities legislation for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

10.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

Legal proceedings are described in Section 10.9 - Litigation and legal matters in the 2017 annual MD&A and in the Company’s December 31, 2017, consolidated financial statements Note 29(a) Claims and lawsuits.

From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are assessed fees or fines by securities regulatory authorities in relation to administrative matters, including late filing fees or reporting, which may be considered penalties or sanctions pursuant to Canadian securities regulations but which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous regulatory authorities around the world, and fees, administrative penalties, settlement agreements and sanctions may be categorized differently by each regulator. However, during the most recently completed financial year, the Company is not aware of any material (i) penalties or sanctions imposed against us by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority; (ii) penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against us that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision; or (iii) settlement agreements entered into by us before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority.

11.INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

To the best of our knowledge, there were no directors or executive officers, or any associate or affiliate of a director or executive officer with a material interest in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect us.

12.TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Our transfer agent and registrar is Computershare Trust Company of Canada. Computershare maintains the Company’s registers at 600, 530 - 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 3S8.

13.MATERIAL CONTRACTS

TCI is a party to a three-year agreement (expiry December 31, 2018) with an arm’s-length securitization trust associated with a major Schedule I bank, under which TCI is able to sell an interest in certain of its trade receivables up to a maximum of $500 million. TCI is required to maintain at least a BB credit rating by DBRS Ltd. or the securitization trust may require the sale program to be wound down. The necessary credit rating was exceeded throughout its term. This agreement was amended and restated on October 1, 2017 to reflect the internal corporate reorganization that occurred in relation to TELUS Communications Company.

On May 4, 2016, TELUS entered into a replacement five-year $2.25 billion unsecured credit facility (2016 Credit Facility) with a syndicate of financial institutions. The 2016 Credit Facility replaces TELUS’ previous $2.25 billion facility which would have matured in the second quarter of 2019. The 2016 Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes including the backstop of commercial paper. The material terms of the 2016 Credit Facility are substantively the same as TELUS’ previous credit facility other than an extension of the term to May 2021.

TELUS has also entered into material contracts in connection with various financings, with the most recent financing on March 1, 2017 in relation to the 3.70% Notes due September 15, 2027. The applicable trust indenture and supplemental indenture documents in relation to these notes have been filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The terms of the indenture and supplemental indenture are fully described in our final short form base shelf prospectus dated August 30, 2016 and the terms of the 3.70% Notes are as set forth in the shelf prospectus supplement dated March 1, 2017.

14.INTERESTS OF EXPERT

Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, is the auditor of the Company and is independent within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.

15.AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee of the Company supports the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding the integrity of our accounting and financial reporting, internal controls and disclosure controls, legal and regulatory compliance, ethics policy and timeliness of filings with regulatory authorities, the independence and performance of our external and internal auditors, the management of our risk, credit worthiness, treasury plans and financial policy and whistleblower and complaint procedures. A copy of the Audit Committee’s Terms of Reference is attached as Appendix A to this AIF.

The current members of the Audit Committee are Bill MacKinnon (Chair), Kathy Kinloch, Sabi Marwah, Claude Mongeau, David Mowat and Marc Parent. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent and financially literate

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within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 52-110 “Audit Committees” and the Board has determined that Bill MacKinnon is an audit committee financial expert and has accounting or related financial management expertise. The following lists the relevant education and experience of the members of TELUS’ Audit Committee that is relevant to their role on the committee.

Bill MacKinnon chairs the Audit Committee. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Canada, serving from April 1999, to December 31, 2008. He first joined KPMG Canada in 1971, serving the company in numerous roles of increasing leadership for 37 years, including his membership on the board of directors of each of KPMG Canada, KPMG International and KPMG Americas. Mr. MacKinnon obtained a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from the University of Manitoba in 1967. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds his FCPA designation from the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

Kathy Kinloch has served as the President of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) since January 2014. From 2010 to 2013, she was President of Vancouver Community College, and from 2007 to 2010, she served as the Dean of Health Sciences at BCIT. Kathy was a Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Health for the B.C. government from 2006 to 2007, the Chief Operating Officer of the Fraser Health Authority from 2002 to 2006, and a Vice-President at Surrey Memorial Hospital from 1981 to 2002. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and Honorary Doctorates of Laws from the Royal Roads University.

Sabi Marwah retired as the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) in 2014, a position he held since 2008. As Vice Chairman, Sabi was responsible for many of Scotiabank’s corporate financial and administrative functions and was actively involved in developing the bank’s strategic plans and priorities, including acquisitions both in Canada and internationally. His career with Scotiabank spanned 35 years, during which he held several senior positions including Senior Vice-President and Comptroller and Executive Vice-President. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 1998 and Senior Executive Vice-President and CFO in 2002. Sabi holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics - Honours) from the University of Calcutta, a Master of Economics from the University of Delhi and an MBA (Finance) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Ryerson University in 2012 and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in 2017. In November 2016, Sabi was appointed as a Senator to the Senate of Canada.

Claude Mongeau served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian National Railway Company (CN) from 2010 to 2016. During his 22-year career at CN, he also served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer from 2000 to 2009; Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer from 1999 to 2000, Vice-President, Strategic and Financial Planning from 1995 to 1999, and Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Development from 1994 to 1995. Claude holds a Bachelor in Psychology from the University of Quebec and an MBA from McGill University.

David Mowat is President and CEO of ATB Financial, a position he has held since June 2007. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union from 2000 until 2007. In 2015, he was named chair of the Alberta Royalty Review panel. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. In 2015, he received an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and in 2017 he received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Alberta.

Marc Parent is the President and CEO of CAE Inc., a position he has held since October 2009. Prior to that, he held several leadership positions at CAE since joining in February 2005, including Group President, Simulation Products and Military Training & Services and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. With over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, he has previously held positions with Canadair and Bombardier Aerospace in Canada and the U.S. Marc earned a degree in engineering from École Polytechnique, and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

Audit, audit-related and non-audit services

All requests for non-prohibited audit, audit-related and non-audit services provided by TELUS’ external auditor and its affiliates to TELUS are required to be pre-approved by TELUS’ Audit Committee. To enable this, we have implemented a process by which all requests for services involving the external auditor are routed for review by the VP Risk Management and Chief Internal Auditor to validate that the requested service is a non-prohibited service and to verify that there is a compelling business reason for the request. If the request passes this review, it is then forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer for further review. Pending the Chief Financial Officer’s affirmation, the request is then presented to the Audit Committee for its review, evaluation and pre-approval or denial at its next scheduled quarterly meeting. If the timing of the request is urgent, it is provided to the Audit Committee Chair for his or her review, evaluation and pre-approval or denial on behalf of the Audit Committee (with the full committee’s review at the next scheduled quarterly meeting). Throughout the year, the Audit Committee monitors the actual versus approved expenditure for each of the approved requests.

20

The following table is a summary of billings by Deloitte LLP (Deloitte), as external auditor of TELUS, during each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Year ended December 31, 2017		Year ended December 31, 2016
Type of work	$ millions	%	$ millions	%
Audit fees 1	5.016	91.9	4.138	92.2
Audit-related fees 2	0.133	2.4	0.133	3.0
Tax fees 3	0.045	0.8	0.017	0.4
All other fees 4	0.268	4.9	0.197	4.4
Total	5.462	100.0	4.485	100.0

(1) Includes fees for services rendered by Deloitte in relation to the audit and review of our financial statements and in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings.

(2) Includes fees for translation services rendered by Deloitte in relation to the audit or review of our financial statements that were not part of audit fees.

(3) Relates to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(4) Includes fees for services rendered by Deloitte that were not in relation to the audit or review of our financial statements, such as privacy data insights (2016/2017) and the Telecom pricing gazette (2017).

16.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information relating to TELUS may be found on SEDAR at sedar.com and EDGAR at sec.gov. Additional information regarding directors’ and officers’ remuneration, and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, will be contained in TELUS’ information circular for the annual meeting to be held on May 10, 2018. Additional financial information is provided in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2017. All of the above information can also be found at telus.com.

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APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Board has established an Audit Committee (the “Committee”) to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding the integrity of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting, the Company’s internal controls and disclosure controls, the Company’s legal and regulatory compliance, the Company’s ethics policy and timeliness of filings with regulatory authorities, the independence and performance of the Company’s external and internal auditors, the identification and management of the Company’s risks, the Company’s credit worthiness, treasury plans and financial policy and the Company’s whistleblower and complaint procedures.

1.MEMBERSHIP

1.1The Committee will have a minimum of three members, including the chair of the Committee.  The Board, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, will appoint and remove the members of the Committee by a majority vote.  The members will sit on the Committee at the pleasure of the Board.

1.2The Board, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, will appoint the chair of the Committee from the Committee’s members by a majority vote.  The chair of the Committee will hold such position at the pleasure of the Board.

1.3All members of the Committee will be Independent Directors.

1.4All members of the Committee will be financially literate, as defined in accordance with applicable securities laws and standards of the stock exchanges on which the Company’s securities are listed.

1.5At least one member of the Committee will be an audit committee financial expert, as defined in accordance with applicable securities laws, and at least one member of the Committee will have accounting or related financial management expertise, as defined in accordance with applicable securities laws.

2.MEETINGS

2.1The Committee will meet at least once each quarter and otherwise as necessary.  Any member of the Committee may call meetings of the Committee.

2.2All directors of the Company, including management directors, may attend meetings of the Committee provided, however, that no director is entitled to vote at such meetings and is not counted as part of the quorum for the Committee if he or she is not a member of the Committee.

2.3Notwithstanding section 2.2 above, the Committee will, as a regular feature of each regularly scheduled meeting, hold an in-camera session with the external auditors and separately with the internal auditors, and an in-camera session without management or management directors present at each meeting.  The Committee may, however, hold other in-camera sessions with such members of management present as the Committee deems appropriate.

2.4The Chief Governance Officer or his or her nominee will act as Secretary to the Committee.

2.5The Committee will report to the Board on its meetings and each member of the Board will have access to the minutes of the Committee’s meetings, regardless of whether the director is a member of the Committee.

2.6The external auditors of the Company will receive notice of every meeting of the Committee and may request a meeting of the Committee be called by notifying the chair of the Committee of such request.

3.QUORUM

The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at Committee meetings will be a majority of the members of the Committee.  A quorum once established is maintained even if members of the Committee leave the meeting prior to conclusion.

4.DUTIES

The Board hereby delegates to the Committee the following duties to be performed by the Committee on behalf of and for the Board:

4.1Financial Reporting

Prior to public disclosure, the Committee will review and recommend to the Board, and where applicable, to the boards of the Company’s subsidiaries which are reporting issuers, for approval:

(a)the annual audited consolidated financial statements and interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and those of its subsidiaries that are reporting issuers, as defined in accordance with applicable securities laws;

(b)the interim and annual management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) of the Company and those of its subsidiaries that are reporting issuers, as defined in accordance with applicable securities laws;

(c)earnings press releases and earnings guidance, if any; and

(d)all other material financial public disclosure documents of the Company and those of its subsidiaries that are reporting issuers, including prospectuses, press releases with financial results and the Annual Information Form.

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4.2External Auditors

The external auditors will report directly to the Committee and the Committee will:

(a)appoint the external auditors, subject to the approval of the shareholders, and determine the compensation of the external auditors;

(b)conduct an annual review of the external auditors;

(c)oversee the work of the external auditors and review and approve the annual audit plan of the external auditors, including the scope of the audit to be performed and the degree of co-ordination between the plans of the external and internal auditors. The Committee will discuss with the internal auditors, the external auditors and management, the adequacy and effectiveness of the disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting of the Company and elicit recommendations for the improvement of such controls or particular areas where new or more detailed controls or procedures are desirable.  Particular emphasis will be given to the adequacy of internal controls to prevent, identify or detect fraud, or any payments, transactions or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper;

(d)meet regularly with the external auditors without management present and ask the external auditors to report any significant disagreements with management regarding financial reporting, the resolution of such disagreements and any restrictions imposed by management on the scope and extent of the audit examinations conducted by the external auditors;

(e)pre-approve all audit, audit-related and non-audit services to be provided to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, by the external auditors (and its affiliates), in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The Committee may also delegate the pre-approval of audit, audit-related and non-audit services to any one member of the Committee, provided, however, a report is made to the Committee on any pre-approval of such services at the Committee’s first scheduled meeting following the pre-approval;

(f)annually review the qualifications, expertise and resources and the overall performance of the external audit team and, if necessary, recommend to the Board the termination of the external auditors or the rotation of the audit partner in charge;

(g)at least annually, obtain and review a report by the external auditors describing: the firm’s internal quality-control procedures; any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with such issues; and all relationships between the external auditors and the Company;

(h)annually assess and confirm the independence, objectivity and professional skepticism of the external auditors and require the external auditors to deliver an annual report to the Committee regarding its independence, such report to include disclosure regarding all engagements (and fees related thereto) by the Company and relationships which may impact the objectivity and independence of the external auditors;

(i)require the external auditors to deliver an annual acknowledgement in writing to the Committee that the shareholders, as represented by the Board and the Committee, are its primary client;

(j)review post-audit or management letters, containing recommendations of the external auditors and management’s response;

(k)review reports of the external auditors; and

(l)pre-approve the hiring of employees and former employees of current and former auditors in accordance with applicable securities laws and TELUS policies.

4.3Internal Auditors

The internal auditors will report functionally to the Committee and administratively to the Chief Financial Officer and the Committee will:

(a)review and approve management’s appointment, termination or replacement of the Chief Internal Auditor;

(b)review and consider the annual performance objectives, performance evaluation and compensation treatment of the Chief Internal Auditor;

(c)oversee the work of the internal auditors including reviewing and approving the annual internal audit plan and updates thereto;

(d)review the report of the internal auditors on the status of significant internal audit findings, recommendations and management’s responses and review any other reports of the internal auditors;

(e)review the scope of responsibilities and effectiveness of the internal audit team, its reporting relationships, activities, organizational structure and resources, its independence from management, its credentials and its working relationship with the external auditors; and

(f)review and approve the internal audit charter and updates thereto at a minimum on a biennial basis.

The internal auditors will report quarterly to the Committee on the results of internal audit activities and will also have direct access to the chair of the Committee when the internal auditors determine it is necessary.

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4.4Whistleblower, Ethics and Internal Controls Processes

The Committee will ensure that the Company has in place adequate procedures for:

(a)the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; and

(b)the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

The CEO or CFO will report to the Committee, and the Committee will review such reports, on any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls.  Where the CEO, CFO and/or the Chief Internal Auditor are named in a complaint, the Director of Ethics will speak directly with the Chair of the Committee.

The Committee will review:

(a)annually and recommend to the Board for approval, together with the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, the ethics policy and material changes thereto;

(b)quarterly reports on ethics breaches pertaining to internal controls over financial reporting, including fraud involving management or other employees who have a role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting;

The Chief Internal Auditor will report to the Committee, and the Committee will consider such reports, on the results of the investigation of whistleblower, ethics and internal controls complaints.

4.5Accounting and Financial Management

The Committee will review:

(a)with management and the external auditors, the Company’s major accounting policies, including the impact of alternative accounting policies and key management estimates, risks and judgments that could materially affect the financial results and whether they should be disclosed in the MD&A;

(b)emerging accounting issues and their potential impact on the Company’s financial reporting;

(c)significant judgments, assumptions and estimates made by management in preparing financial statements;

(d)the evaluation by either the internal or external auditors of management’s internal control systems, and management’s responses to any identified weaknesses;

(e)the evaluation by management of the adequacy and effectiveness in the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and internal controls for financial reporting;

(f)audits designed to report on management’s representations on the effectiveness and efficiency of selected projects, processes, programs or departments;

(g)management’s approach for safeguarding corporate assets, data and information systems, the adequacy of staffing of key financial functions and their plans for improvements; and

(h)internal interim and post implementation reviews of major capital projects.

4.6Credit Worthiness, Treasury Plans and Financial Policy

The Committee will review with management:

(a)the Company’s financial policies and compliance with such policies;

(b)the credit worthiness of the Company;

(c)the liquidity of the Company; and

(d)important treasury matters including financing plans.

4.7Legal/Regulatory Matters

The Committee will review:

(a)with management, the external auditors and legal counsel, any litigation, claim or other contingency, including any tax assessment, that could have a material effect upon the financial position or operating results of the Company;

(b)annually, management’s relationships with regulators, and the accuracy and timeliness of filings with regulatory authorities;

(c)quarterly reports from the Chief Legal Officer on compliance with laws and regulations; and

(d)quarterly reports from the Vice-President, Chief Data and Trust Officer (“Chief Compliance Officer”)on legal, privacy and regulatory compliance activities.

4.8Risk Management

The Committee will:

(a)consider reports on the annual enterprise business risk assessment and updates thereto;

(b)except to the extent that responsibility is reserved to the Board or delegated to another Board committee, review management’s implementation of risk policies and procedures, and assess the appropriateness and comprehensiveness of those policies and procedures;

(c)consider reports on security;

(d)consider reports on financial risk management including derivative exposure and policies;

(e)consider reports on tax risk management and governance; and

(f)review other risk management matters from time to time as the Committee may consider suitable or the Board may specifically direct.

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4.9Other

The Committee will review:

(a)the expenses of the Chair of the Board;

(b)significant related party transactions and actual and potential conflicts of interest relating thereto to verify their propriety and that disclosure is appropriate;

(c)the disclosure policy of the Company and recommend any material changes thereto to the Board for approval;

(d)and evaluate, at least once annually, the adequacy of these Terms of Reference and the Committee’s performance, and report its evaluation and any recommendations for change to the Corporate Governance Committee.

The Committee will also have such other duties and responsibilities as are delegated to it and review such other matters as, from time to time, are referred to it by the Board.

5.AUTHORITY

The Committee, in fulfilling its mandate, will have the authority to:

(a)engage and set compensation for independent counsel and other advisors;

(b)communicate directly with the Chief Financial Officer, internal and external auditors, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Legal Officer;

(c)delegate tasks to Committee members or subcommittees of the Committee; and access appropriate funding as determined by the Committee.

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EX-99.4

Exhibit 99.4:

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis

[previously filed on SEDAR]

TELUS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2017

report of management on internal control over financial reporting                                                                                                             

Management of TELUS Corporation (TELUS, or the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

TELUS’ President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer have assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, in accordance with the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Based on the assessment referenced in the preceding paragraph, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2017. In connection with this assessment, no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting were identified by management as of December 31, 2017.

Deloitte LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, audited the Company’s Consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, and as stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, they have expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

/s/ “Doug French”	/s/ “Darren Entwistle”
Doug French	Darren Entwistle
Executive Vice-President	President
and Chief Financial Officer	and Chief Executive Officer
February 8, 2018	February 8, 2018

2

report of independent registered public accounting firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of TELUS Corporation

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of TELUS Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information (collectively referred to as the financial statements).

In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 8, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Those standards also require that we comply with ethical requirements. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. Further, we are required to be independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada and to fulfill our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

An audit includes performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies and principles used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a reasonable basis for our audit opinion.

/s/ “Deloitte LLP”

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

February 8, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

3

report of independent registered public accounting firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of TELUS Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of TELUS Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, of the Company and our report dated February 8, 2018, expressed an unmodified/unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ “Deloitte LLP”

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

February 8, 2018

4

consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income

Years ended December 31 (millions except per share amounts)	Note	2017			2016
OPERATING REVENUES
Service		$	12,478		$	12,000
Equipment		724			725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers		13,202			12,725
Other operating income	7	102			74
		13,304			12,799
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased		5,935			5,631
Employee benefits expense	8	2,595			2,939
Depreciation	17	1,617			1,564
Amortization of intangible assets	18	552			483
		10,699			10,617
OPERATING INCOME		2,605			2,182
Financing costs	9	573			520
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		2,032			1,662
Income taxes	10	553			426
NET INCOME		1,479			1,236
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	11
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges		19			(20		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment arising from translating financial statements of foreign operations		5			5
Change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets		(11		)	—
		13			(15		)
Item never subsequently reclassified to income
Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements		(172		)	—
		(159		)	(15		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		$	1,320		$	1,221
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares		$	1,460		$	1,223
Non-controlling interests		19			13
		$	1,479		$	1,236
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares		$	1,297		$	1,206
Non-controlling interests		23			15
		$	1,320		$	1,221
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE	12
Basic		$	2.46		$	2.06
Diluted		$	2.46		$	2.06
TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic		593			592
Diluted		593			593

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

consolidated statements of financial position

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net		$	509	$	432
Accounts receivable	6	1,623		1,471
Income and other taxes receivable		96		9
Inventories	1(p)	378		318
Prepaid expenses		260		233
Current derivative assets	4(h)	18		11
		2,884		2,474
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	17	11,368		10,464
Intangible assets, net	18	10,658		10,364
Goodwill, net	18	4,217		3,787
Other long-term assets	20	421		640
		26,664		25,255
		$	29,548	$	27,729
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	22	$	100	$	100
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	23	2,460		2,330
Income and other taxes payable		34		37
Dividends payable	13	299		284
Advance billings and customer deposits	24	782		737
Provisions	25	78		124
Current maturities of long-term debt	26	1,404		1,327
Current derivative liabilities	4(h)	33		12
		5,190		4,951
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	25	492		395
Long-term debt	26	12,256		11,604
Other long-term liabilities	27	847		736
Deferred income taxes	10(b)	2,500		2,107
		16,095		14,842
Liabilities		21,285		19,793
Owners’ equity
Common equity	28	8,221		7,917
Non-controlling interests		42		19
		8,263		7,936
		$	29,548	$	27,729
Contingent Liabilities	29

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Directors:

/s/ “William A. MacKinnon”	/s/ “R.H. Auchinleck”
William A. MacKinnon	R.H. Auchinleck
Director	Director

6

consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity

		Common equity
		Equity contributed											Accumulated
		Common Shares (Note 28)											other						Non-
(millions)	Note	Number of shares		Share capital			Contributed surplus			Retained earnings			comprehensive income			Total			controlling interests		Total
Balance as at January 1, 2016		594		$	5,050		$	135		$	2,428		$	59		$	7,672		$	—	$	7,672
Net income		—		—			—			1,223			—			1,223			13		1,236
Other comprehensive income	11	—		—			—			—			(17		)	(17		)	2		(15		)
Dividends	13	—		—			—			(1,091		)	—			(1,091		)	—		(1,091		)
Treasury shares acquired	14(a), 28(b)	(1	)	(45		)	—			—			—			(45		)	—		(45		)
Shares settled from Treasury	14(a), 28(b)	1		44			—			(3		)	—			41			—		41
Share option award net-equity settlement feature	14(d)	—		2			(2		)	—			—			—			—		—
Normal course issuer bid purchase of Common Shares		(4	)	(36		)	—			(129		)	—			(165		)	—		(165		)
Reversal of opening liability for automatic share purchase plan commitment pursuant to normal course issuer bids for Common Shares	28(b)	—		14			—			46			—			60			—		60
Change in ownership interests of subsidiary	1(a), 31(b)	—		—			239			—			—			239			4		243
Balance as at December 31, 2016		590		$	5,029		$	372		$	2,474		$	42		$	7,917		$	19	$	7,936
Balance as at January 1, 2017		590		$	5,029		$	372		$	2,474		$	42		$	7,917		$	19	$	7,936
Net income		—		—			—			1,460			—			1,460			19		1,479
Other comprehensive income	11	—		—			—			(172		)	9			(163		)	4		(159		)
Dividends	13	—		—			—			(1,167		)	—			(1,167		)	—		(1,167		)
Dividends reinvested and optional cash payments		2		71			—			—			—			71			—		71
Share option award net-equity settlement feature	14(d)	1		2			(2		)	—			—			—			—		—
Issue of shares in business combination		2		100			—			—			—			100			—		100
Other		—		3			—			—			—			3			—		3
Balance as at December 31, 2017		595		$	5,205		$	370		$	2,595		$	51		$	8,221		$	42	$	8,263

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

7

consolidated statements of cash flows

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	1,479		$	1,236
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		2,169			2,047
Deferred income taxes	10	430			(42		)
Share-based compensation expense, net	14(a)	17			(2		)
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	15(b),(g)	82			93
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans		(67		)	(71		)
Other		(21		)	29
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	31(a)	(142		)	(71		)
Cash provided by operating activities		3,947			3,219
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences	31(a)	(3,081		)	(2,752		)
Cash payments for spectrum licences		—			(145		)
Cash payments for acquisitions, net	18(b)	(564		)	(90		)
Real estate joint ventures advances and contributions	21(c)	(26		)	(33		)
Real estate joint ventures receipts	21(c)	18			103
Proceeds on dispositions		28			3
Other		(18		)	(9		)
Cash used by investing activities		(3,643		)	(2,923		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	31(b)
Dividends paid to holders of Common Shares	13(a)	(1,082		)	(1,070		)
Purchases of Common Shares for cancellation	28(b)	—			(179		)
Long-term debt issued	26	6,367			5,726
Redemptions and repayment of long-term debt	26	(5,502		)	(4,843		)
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interests	1(a)	(1		)	294
Other		(9		)	(15		)
Cash used by financing activities		(227		)	(87		)
CASH POSITION
Increase in cash and temporary investments, net		77			209
Cash and temporary investments, net, beginning of period		432			223
Cash and temporary investments, net, end of period		$	509		$	432
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF OPERATING CASH FLOWS
Interest paid		$	(539	)	$	(510	)
Interest received		$	7		$	4
Income taxes paid, net		$	(191	)	$	(600	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

8

notes to consolidated financial statements

DECEMBER 31, 2017

TELUS Corporation is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, providing a wide range of telecommunications services and products, including wireless and wireline voice and data. Data services include: Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; healthcare solutions; business process outsourcing; and home security.

TELUS Corporation was incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) on October 26, 1998, under the name BCT.TELUS Communications Inc. (BCT). On January 31, 1999, pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act among BCT, BC TELECOM Inc. and the former Alberta-based TELUS Corporation (TC), BCT acquired all of the shares of BC TELECOM Inc. and TC in exchange for Common Shares and Non-Voting Shares of BCT, and BC TELECOM Inc. was dissolved. On May 3, 2000, BCT changed its name to TELUS Corporation and in February 2005, TELUS Corporation transitioned under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), successor to the Company Act (British Columbia). TELUS Corporation maintains its registered office at Floor 7, 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 0M3.

The terms “TELUS”, “we”, “us”, “our” or “ourselves” are used to refer to TELUS Corporation and, where the context of the narrative permits or requires, its subsidiaries.

Notes to consolidated financial statements		Page
General application
1.	Summary of significant accounting policies	10
2.	Accounting policy developments	19
3.	Capital structure financial policies	26
4.	Financial instruments	28
Consolidated results of operations focused
5.	Segment information	34
6.	Revenue from contracts with customers	35
7.	Other operating income	35
8.	Employee benefits expense	36
9.	Financing costs	36
10.	Income taxes	37
11.	Other comprehensive income	39
12.	Per share amounts	40
13.	Dividends per share	40
14.	Share-based compensation	41
15.	Employee future benefits	44
16.	Restructuring and other costs	51
Consolidated financial position focused
17.	Property, plant and equipment	52
18.	Intangible assets and goodwill	53
19.	Leases	58
20.	Other long-term assets	58
21.	Real estate joint ventures	59
22.	Short-term borrowings	61
23.	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	61
24.	Advance billings and customer deposits	61
25.	Provisions	62
26.	Long-term debt	63
27.	Other long-term liabilities	66
28.	Common Share capital	66
29.	Contingent liabilities	67
Other
30.	Related party transactions	70
31.	Additional statement of cash flow information	71

9

notes to consolidated financial statements

1summary of significant accounting policies

Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars. The generally accepted accounting principles that we use are International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS-IASB) and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

Generally accepted accounting principles require that we disclose the accounting policies we have selected in those instances where we have been obligated to choose from among various accounting policies that comply with generally accepted accounting principles. In certain other instances, including those in which no selection among policies is allowed, we are also required to disclose how we have applied certain accounting policies. In the selection and application of accounting policies we consider, among other factors, the fundamental qualitative characteristics of useful financial information, namely relevance and faithful representation. In our assessment, our required accounting policy disclosures are not all equally significant for us, as set out in the accompanying table; their relative significance for us will evolve over time as we do.

These consolidated financial statements for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, were authorized by our Board of Directors for issue on February 8, 2018.

		Accounting policy requiring a more significant choice among policies and/or a more significant application of judgment
Accounting policy		Yes	No
General application
(a)	Consolidation		X
(b)	Use of estimates and judgments	X
(c)	Financial instruments — recognition and measurement		X
(d)	Hedge accounting		X
Results of operations focused
(e)	Revenue recognition	X
(f)	Government assistance		X
(g)	Cost of acquisition and advertising costs		X
(h)	Research and development		X
(i)	Depreciation, amortization and impairment	X
(j)	Translation of foreign currencies		X
(k)	Income and other taxes	X
(l)	Share-based compensation		X
(m)	Employee future benefit plans	X
Financial position focused
(n)	Cash and temporary investments, net		X
(o)	Sales of trade receivables		X
(p)	Inventories		X
(q)	Property, plant and equipment; intangible assets	X
(r)	Leases		X
(s)	Investments		X

(a)Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all of our subsidiaries, the principal one of which is TELUS Communications Inc., in which we have a 100% equity interest. TELUS Communications Inc. includes substantially all of our wireless and wireline operations.

Our financing arrangements and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries do not impose restrictions on inter-corporate dividends.

On a continuing basis, we review our corporate organization and effect changes as appropriate so as to enhance the value of TELUS Corporation. This process can, and does, affect which of our subsidiaries are considered principal subsidiaries at any particular point in time.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, there was a change in our ownership interest in our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, which encompasses our TELUS International operations, resulting from the issuance of shares to Baring Private Equity Asia for approximately $302 million, exclusive of net transaction costs. We continue to control and consolidate this subsidiary, and the shares it issued to Baring Private Equity Asia are accounted for as a 35% non-controlling interest. Associated with this transaction, an amount equal to 35% of the net book value of the subsidiary has been credited to non-controlling interest in our Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity, and the net balance of the proceeds has been credited to contributed surplus. In connection with the issuance of shares to Baring Private Equity Asia, we have also arranged bank financing in the subsidiary company, as set out in Note 26(f).

(b)Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect: the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the

10

notes to consolidated financial statements

financial statements; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates

Examples of the significant estimates and assumptions that we make, and their relative significance and degree of difficulty, are set out in the graphic at right.

Judgments

Examples of our significant judgments, apart from those involving estimation, include the following:

·Assessments about whether line items are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the primary financial statements and, if not, whether they are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the notes to the financial statements. In the normal course, we make changes to our assessments regarding materiality for presentation so that they reflect current economic conditions. Due consideration is given to the view that it is reasonable to expect differing opinions of what is, and is not, material.

·In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments that affect the timing of the recognition of revenue. See Note 2(b) for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective and have not yet been applied, but which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of revenue and the classification of revenues presented as either service or equipment revenues.

·We must make judgments about when we have satisfied our performance obligations to our customers, either over a period of time or at a point in time. Service revenues are recognized based upon customers’ access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure; we believe that this method faithfully depicts the transfer of the services, and thus the revenues are recognized as the services are made available and/or rendered. We consider our performance obligations arising from the sale of equipment to have been satisfied when the equipment has been delivered to, and accepted by, the end-user customers (see (e) following).

·Principally in the context of revenue-generating transactions involving wireless handsets, we must make judgments about whether third-party re-sellers that deliver equipment to our customers are acting in the transaction as principals or as our agents. Upon due consideration of the relevant indicators, we believe that the decision to consider the re-sellers to be acting, solely for accounting purposes, as our agents is more representative of the economic substance of the transactions, as we are the primary obligor to the end-user customers. The effect of this judgment is that no equipment revenue is recognized upon the transfer of inventory to third-party re-sellers.

·The decision to depreciate and amortize any property, plant, equipment and intangible assets that are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis, as we believe that this method reflects the consumption of resources related to the economic lifespan of those assets better than an accelerated method and is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying use of those assets.

·The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments that affect the financial statement disclosure of information regularly reviewed by our

11

notes to consolidated financial statements

chief operating decision-maker used to make resource allocation decisions and to assess performance (segment information, Note 5). A significant judgment we make is in respect of distinguishing between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, such distinction having been significantly affected by the convergence and integration of our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations. Less than one-half of the operating expenses included in the segment performance measure currently reported to our chief operating decision-maker are direct costs; judgment, largely based upon historical experience, is applied in apportioning indirect costs which are not objectively distinguishable between our wireless and wireline operations.

Through December 31, 2015, our judgment was that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations had not experienced sufficient convergence to objectively make their respective operations and cash flows practically indistinguishable. The continued build-out of our technology-agnostic fibre-optic infrastructure, in combination with converged edge network technology, has significantly affected this judgment, as has the commercialization of fixed-wireless solutions.

It has become increasingly impractical to objectively distinguish between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise. Our judgment as to whether these operations can continue to be judged to be individual components of the business and discrete operating segments may change.

The increasing impracticality of objectively distinguishing between our wireless and wireline cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise, is evidence of their increasing interdependence; this may result in the unification of the wireless cash-generating unit and the wireline cash-generating unit as a single cash-generating unit for impairment testing purposes in the future. As our business continues to evolve, new cash-generating units may develop.

·The view that our spectrum licences granted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will likely be renewed; that we intend to renew them; that we believe we have the financial and operational ability to renew them; and thus, that they have an indefinite life, as discussed further in Note 18(d).

·In connection with the annual impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill, there are instances in which we must exercise judgment in allocating our net assets, including shared corporate and administrative assets, to our cash-generating units when determining their carrying amounts. These judgments are necessary because of the convergence that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations have experienced to date, and because of our continuous development. There are instances in which similar judgments must also be made in respect of future capital expenditures in support of both wireless and wireline operations, which are a component of the determination of recoverable amounts used in the annual impairment testing, as discussed further in Note 18(e).

·In respect of claims and lawsuits, as discussed further in Note 29(a), the determination of whether an item is a contingent liability or whether an outflow of resources is probable and thus needs to be accounted for as a provision.

(c)Financial instruments — recognition and measurement

In respect of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments, we have adopted the following policies:

	Accounting classification
Financial instrument	Fair value through net income 1, 2	Loans and receivables	Available- for-sale 3	Other financial liabilities	Part of a cash flow hedging relationship 3
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable		X **
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint ventures		X **
Short-term obligations				X **
Accounts payable				X **
Provisions				X **
Long-term debt				X **
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	X *
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 4			X ***
Foreign exchange derivatives	X *				X
Share-based compensation derivatives	X *				X

*Will be classified as fair value through net income upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).

**Will be classified as amortized cost upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).

***On an investment-by-investment basis, will be classified as either fair value through net income or fair value through other comprehensive income upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).

12

notes to consolidated financial statements

(1)Classification includes financial instruments held for trading. Certain qualifying financial instruments that are not required to be classified as held for trading may be classified as held for trading if we so choose.

(2)Unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments are included in net income.

(3)Unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments classified as available-for-sale, or the effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments held for hedging, are included in other comprehensive income.

(4)Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are classified as available-for-sale. In respect of investments in securities for which the fair values can be reliably measured, we determine the classification on an investment-by-investment basis at the time of initial recognition.

·Trade receivables that may be sold to an arm’s-length securitization trust are accounted for as loans and receivables. We have selected this classification as the benefits of selecting the available-for-sale classification were not expected to exceed the costs of selecting and implementing that classification.

·Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are accounted for as available-for-sale. We have selected this classification as we believe that it better reflects management’s investment intentions.

·Derivatives that are part of an established and documented cash flow hedging relationship are accounted for as held for hedging. We believe that classification as held for hedging results in a better matching of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument with the risk exposure being hedged.

In respect of hedges of anticipated transactions, hedge gains/losses are included with the expenditure and are expensed when the transaction is recognized in our results of operations. We have selected this method as we believe that it results in a better matching of the hedge gains/losses with the risk exposure being hedged.

Derivatives that are not part of a documented cash flow hedging relationship are accounted for as held for trading and thus are measured at fair value through net income.

·Regular-way purchases or sales of financial assets or financial liabilities (purchases or sales that require actual delivery of financial assets or financial liabilities) are recognized on the settlement date. We have selected this method as the benefits of using the trade date method were not expected to exceed the costs of selecting and implementing that method.

·Transaction costs, other than in respect of items held for trading, are added to the initial fair value of the acquired financial asset or financial liability. We have selected this method as we believe that it results in a better matching of the transaction costs with the periods in which we benefit from the transaction costs.

(d)Hedge accounting

General

We apply hedge accounting to the financial instruments used to: establish designated currency hedging relationships for certain U.S. dollar-denominated future purchase commitments and debt repayments, as set out in Note 4(a) and (d); and fix the compensation cost arising from specific grants of restricted stock units, as set out in Note 4(f) and discussed further in Note 14(b).

Hedge accounting

The purpose of hedge accounting, in respect of our designated hedging relationships, is to ensure that counterbalancing gains and losses are recognized in the same periods. We have chosen to apply hedge accounting as we believe this is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying transactions.

In order to apply hedge accounting, a high correlation (which indicates effectiveness) is required in the offsetting changes in the risk-associated values of the financial instruments (the hedging items) used to establish the designated hedging relationships and all, or a part, of the asset, liability or transaction having an identified risk exposure that we have taken steps to modify (the hedged items). We assess the anticipated effectiveness of designated hedging relationships at inception and their actual effectiveness for each reporting period thereafter. We consider a designated hedging relationship to be effective if the following critical terms match between the hedging item and the hedged item: the notional amount of the hedging item and the principal amount of the hedged item; maturity dates; payment dates; and interest rate index (if, and as, applicable). As set out in Note 4(i), any ineffectiveness, such as would result from a difference between the notional amount of the hedging item and the principal amount of the hedged item, or from a previously effective designated hedging relationship becoming ineffective, is reflected in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Financing costs if in respect of long-term debt, as Goods and services purchased if in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated future purchase commitments or as Employee benefits expense if in respect of share-based compensation.

Hedging assets and liabilities

In the application of hedge accounting, an amount (the hedge value) is recorded in the Consolidated statements of financial position in respect of the fair value of the hedging items. The net difference, if any, between the amounts recognized in the determination of net income and the amounts necessary to reflect the fair value of the designated cash

13

notes to consolidated financial statements

flow hedging items recorded in the Consolidated statements of financial position is recognized as a component of Other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11.

In the application of hedge accounting to the compensation cost arising from share-based compensation, the amount recognized in the determination of net income is the amount that counterbalances the difference between the quoted market price of our Common Shares at the statement of financial position date and the price of our Common Shares in the hedging items.

(e)Revenue recognition

General

We earn the majority of our revenues (wireless: network revenues (voice and data); wireline: data revenues (which include: Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; business process outsourcing; certain healthcare solutions; and home security) and voice revenues) from access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure. The majority of the balance of our revenues (wireless equipment and other) arises from providing services and products facilitating access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure.

We offer complete and integrated solutions to meet our customers’ needs. These solutions may involve deliveries of multiple services and products that occur at different points in time and/or over different periods of time; as referred to in (b), this is a significant judgment for us. As appropriate, these multiple element arrangements are separated into their component accounting units, consideration is measured and allocated among the accounting units based upon their relative fair values (derived using Company-specific objective evidence) and our relevant revenue recognition policies are then applied to the accounting units. (We estimate that approximately two-thirds of our revenues arise from multiple element arrangements.) A limitation cap restricts the consideration allocated to services or products currently transferred in multiple element arrangements to an amount that is not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. A new revenue accounting standard, which has not yet been applied but must be adopted by January 1, 2018, prohibits the use of a limitation cap, as discussed further in Note 2.

When we receive no identifiable, separable benefit for consideration given to a customer (e.g. discounts and rebates), the consideration is recorded as a reduction of revenue rather than as an expense.

Multiple contracts with a single customer are normally accounted for as separate arrangements. In instances where multiple contracts are entered into with a customer in a short period of time, the contracts are reviewed as a group to ensure that, as with multiple element arrangements, their relative fair values are appropriate.

Lease accounting is applied to an accounting unit if it conveys to a customer the right to use a specific asset but does not convey the risks and/or benefits of ownership.

Our revenues are recorded net of any value-added and/or sales taxes billed to the customer concurrent with a revenue-generating transaction.

Voice and data

We recognize revenues on an accrual basis and include an estimate of revenues earned but unbilled. Wireless and wireline service revenues are recognized based upon access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure and upon contract fees.

Advance billings are recorded when billing occurs prior to provision of the associated services; such advance billings are recognized as revenue in the period in which the services are provided. Similarly, and as appropriate, upfront customer activation and connection fees are deferred and recognized over the average expected term of the customer relationship.

We use the liability method of accounting for the amounts of our quality of service rate rebates that arise from the jurisdiction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

The CRTC has established a mechanism to subsidize local exchange carriers, such as ourselves, that provide residential basic telephone service to high cost serving areas. The CRTC has determined the per network access line/per band subsidy rate for all local exchange carriers. We recognize the subsidy on an accrual basis by applying the subsidy rate to the number of residential network access lines we provide in high cost serving areas, as discussed further in Note 7. Differences, if any, between interim and final subsidy rates set by the CRTC are accounted for as a change in estimate in the period in which the CRTC finalizes the subsidy rate.

Other and wireless equipment

We recognize product revenues, including amounts related to wireless handsets sold to re-sellers and customer premises equipment, when the products are both delivered to and accepted by the end-user customers, irrespective of which supply channel delivers the product. With respect to wireless handsets sold to re-sellers, we consider ourselves to

14

notes to consolidated financial statements

be the principal and primary obligor to the end-user customers. Revenues from operating leases of equipment are recognized on a systematic and rational basis (normally a straight-line basis) over the term of the lease.

Non-high cost serving area deferral account

In an effort to foster competition for residential basic service in non-high cost serving areas, the concept of a deferral account mechanism was introduced by the CRTC in 2002 as an alternative to mandating price reductions. We use the liability method of accounting for the deferral account. We discharge the deferral account liability by undertaking qualifying actions. We recognize the amortization (over a period no longer than three years) of a proportionate share of the deferral account as qualifying actions are completed. Such amortization is included as a component of government assistance in Other operating income, as set out in Note 7.

(f)Government assistance

We recognize government assistance amounts on an accrual basis as the subsidized services are provided or as the subsidized costs are incurred. As set out in Note 7, government assistance amounts are included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

(g)Cost of acquisition and advertising costs

The total cost of wireless equipment sold to customers and any commissions and advertising and promotion costs related to initial customer acquisition are expensed as incurred; the cost of equipment we own that is situated at customers’ premises and associated installation costs are capitalized as incurred. Costs of acquiring customers that are expensed are included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Goods and services purchased, with the exception of amounts paid to our employees, which are included as Employee benefits expense. Costs of advertising production, advertising airtime and advertising space are expensed as incurred.

See Note 2(b) for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which we will apply commencing with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of costs of acquiring customers.

(h)Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed unless development costs meet certain identifiable criteria for capitalization. Capitalized development costs are amortized over the life of the related commercial production, or in the case of serviceable property, plant and equipment, are included in the appropriate property group and are depreciated over the group’s estimated useful life.

(i)Depreciation, amortization and impairment

Depreciation and amortization

Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as determined by a continuing program of asset life studies. Depreciation includes amortization of assets under finance leases and amortization of leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are normally amortized over the lesser of their expected average service life or the term of the lease. Intangible assets with finite lives (intangible assets subject to amortization) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are reviewed at least annually and adjusted as appropriate. As referred to in (b), the use of a straight-line basis of depreciation and amortization is a significant judgment for us.

Estimated useful lives for the majority of our property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation are as follows:

	Estimated useful lives 1
Network assets
Outside plant	17 to 40 years
Inside plant	4 to 25 years
Wireless site equipment	5 to 7 years
Balance of depreciable property, plant and equipment	3 to 40 years

(1)The composite depreciation rate for the year ended December 31, 2017, was 5.0% (2016 — 5.0%). The rate is calculated by dividing depreciation expense by an average of the gross book value of depreciable assets over the reporting period.

Estimated useful lives for the majority of our intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

	Estimated useful lives
Wireline subscriber base	25 years
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests	4 to 10 years
Software	2 to 10 years
Access to rights-of-way and other	5 to 30 years

15

notes to consolidated financial statements

Impairment — general

Impairment testing compares the carrying values of the assets or cash-generating units being tested with their recoverable amounts (the recoverable amount being the greater of an asset’s or a cash-generating unit’s value in use or its fair value less costs to sell); as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. Impairment losses are immediately recognized to the extent that the carrying value of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Should the recoverable amounts for impaired assets or cash-generating units subsequently increase, the impairment losses previously recognized (other than in respect of goodwill) may be reversed to the extent that the reversal is not a result of “unwinding of the discount” and that the resulting carrying values do not exceed the carrying values that would have been the result if no impairment losses had been previously recognized.

Impairment — property, plant and equipment; intangible assets subject to amortization

The continuing program of asset life studies considers such items as the timing of technological obsolescence, competitive pressures and future infrastructure utilization plans; these considerations could also indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset were not considered to be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recorded.

Impairment — intangible assets with indefinite lives; goodwill

The carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are periodically tested for impairment. The frequency of the impairment testing is generally the reciprocal of the stability of the relevant events and circumstances, but intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill must, at a minimum, be tested annually; we have selected December as our annual test date.

We assess our intangible assets with indefinite lives by comparing the recoverable amounts of our cash-generating units to their carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives allocated to a cash-generating unit, but excluding any goodwill allocated to a cash-generating unit). To the extent that the carrying value of a cash-generating unit (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives allocated to the cash-generating unit, but excluding any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit) exceeds its recoverable amount, the excess amount would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives.

Subsequent to assessing intangible assets with indefinite lives, we assess goodwill by comparing the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units to their carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to a cash-generating unit). To the extent that the carrying value of a cash-generating unit (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit) exceeds its recoverable amount, the excess amount would first be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of goodwill and any remainder would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying values of the assets of the cash-generating unit on a pro-rated basis.

(j)Translation of foreign currencies

Trade transactions completed in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the time of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the statement of financial position date, with any resulting gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs, as set out in Note 9. Hedge accounting is applied in specific instances, as discussed further in (d) preceding.

We have foreign subsidiaries that do not have the Canadian dollar as their functional currency. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of these foreign subsidiaries’ accounts into Canadian dollars subsequent to January 1, 2010, the date of our transition to IFRS-IASB, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11.

(k)Income and other taxes

We follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes; as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax and accounting bases of assets and liabilities, and also for any benefits of losses and Investment Tax Credits available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes that are more likely than not to be realized. The amounts recognized in respect of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based upon the expected timing of the reversal of temporary differences or the usage of tax losses and the application of the substantively enacted tax rates at the time of reversal or usage.

We account for any changes in substantively enacted income tax rates affecting deferred income tax assets and liabilities in full in the period in which the changes are substantively enacted. We account for changes in the estimates of tax balances for prior years as estimate revisions in the period in which changes in the estimates arise; we have selected

16

notes to consolidated financial statements

this approach as its emphasis on the statement of financial position is more consistent with the liability method of accounting for income taxes.

Our operations are complex and the related tax interpretations, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some tax matters in question that result in uncertain tax positions. We only recognize the income tax benefit of an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of the position will result in that benefit being realized. We accrue an amount for interest charges on current tax liabilities that have not been funded, which would include interest and penalties arising from uncertain tax positions. We include such charges in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

Our research and development activities may be eligible to earn Investment Tax Credits, for which the determination of eligibility is a complex matter. We only recognize Investment Tax Credits when there is reasonable assurance that the ultimate determination of the eligibility of our research and development activities will result in the Investment Tax Credits being received, at which time they are accounted for using the cost reduction method, whereby such credits are deducted from the expenditures or assets to which they relate, as set out in Note 10(c).

(l)Share-based compensation

General

When share-based compensation vests in its entirety at one future point in time (cliff vesting), we recognize the expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. When share-based compensation vests in tranches (graded vesting), we recognize the expense using the accelerated expense attribution method. An estimate of forfeitures during the vesting period is made at the date of grant of such share-based compensation; this estimate is adjusted to reflect actual experience.

Restricted stock units

In respect of restricted stock units without market performance conditions, as set out in Note 14(b), we accrue a liability equal to the product of the number of vesting restricted stock units multiplied by the fair market value of the corresponding Common Shares at the end of the reporting period (unless hedge accounting is applied, as set out in (d) preceding). Similarly, we accrue a liability for the notional subset of our restricted stock units with market performance conditions using a fair value determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. The expense for restricted stock units that do not ultimately vest is reversed against the expense that was previously recorded in their respect.

Share option awards

A fair value for share option awards is determined at the date of grant and that fair value is recognized in the financial statements. Proceeds arising from the exercise of share option awards are credited to share capital, as are the recognized grant-date fair values of the exercised share option awards.

Share option awards that have a net-equity settlement feature, as set out in Note 14(d), are accounted for as equity instruments. We have selected the equity instrument fair value method of accounting for the net-equity settlement feature as it is consistent with the accounting treatment afforded to the associated share option awards.

(m)Employee future benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

We accrue amounts for our obligations under employee defined benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets. The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the accrued benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimates of salary escalation and the retirement ages of employees. In the determination of net income, net interest for each plan, which is the product of the plan’s surplus (deficit) multiplied by the discount rate, is included as a component of Financing costs, as set out in Note 9.

An amount reflecting the effect of differences between the discount rate and the actual rate of return on plan assets is included as a component of employee defined benefit plan re-measurements within Other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11 and Note 15. We determine the maximum economic benefit available from the plans’ assets on the basis of reductions in future contributions to the plans.

On an annual basis, at a minimum, the defined benefit plan key assumptions are assessed and revised as appropriate; as referred to in (b), these are significant estimates for us. When the defined benefit plan key assumptions fluctuate significantly relative to their immediately preceding year-end values, actuarial gains (losses) arising from such significant fluctuations are recognized on an interim basis.

17

notes to consolidated financial statements

Defined contribution plans

We use defined contribution accounting for the Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan and the British Columbia Public Service Pension Plan, which cover certain of our employees and provide defined benefits to their members. In the absence of any regulations governing the calculation of the share of the underlying financial position and plan performance attributable to each employer-participant, and in the absence of contractual agreements between the plans and the employer-participants related to the financing of any shortfall (or distribution of any surplus), we account for these plans as defined contribution plans in accordance with International Accounting Standard 19, Employee Benefits.

(n)Cash and temporary investments, net

Cash and temporary investments, which may include investments in money market instruments that are purchased three months or less from maturity, are presented net of outstanding items, including cheques written but not cleared by the related banks as at the statement of financial position date. Cash and temporary investments, net, are classified as a liability in the statement of financial position when the total amount of all cheques written but not cleared by the related banks exceeds the amount of cash and temporary investments. When cash and temporary investments, net, are classified as a liability, they may also include overdraft amounts drawn on our bilateral bank facilities, which revolve daily and are discussed further in Note 22.

(o)Sales of trade receivables

Sales of trade receivables in securitization transactions are recognized as collateralized short-term borrowings and thus do not result in our de-recognition of the trade receivables sold.

(p)Inventories

Our inventories primarily consist of wireless handsets, parts and accessories (totalling $320 million (2016 — totalling $266 million)) and communications equipment held for resale. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined on an average cost basis. Previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed if there is a subsequent increase in the value of the related inventories. Costs of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, totalled $1.95 billion (2016 — $1.84 billion).

(q)Property, plant and equipment; intangible assets

General

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are recorded at historical cost, which for self-constructed property, plant and equipment includes materials, direct labour and applicable overhead costs. For internally developed, internal-use software, the historical cost recorded includes materials, direct labour and direct labour-related costs. Where property, plant and equipment construction projects are of sufficient size and duration, an amount is capitalized for the cost of funds used to finance construction, as set out in Note 9. The rate for calculating the capitalized financing cost is based on our weighted average cost of borrowing experienced during the reporting period.

When we sell property, plant and/or equipment, the net book value is netted against the sale proceeds and the difference, as set out in Note 7, is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

Asset retirement obligations

Provisions for liabilities, as set out in Note 25, are recognized for statutory, contractual or legal obligations, normally when incurred, associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment (primarily certain items of outside plant and wireless site equipment) when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of the assets; as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. The obligations are measured initially at fair value, which is determined using present value methodology, and the resulting costs are capitalized as a part of the carrying value of the related asset. In subsequent periods, the liability is adjusted for the accretion of discount, for any changes in the market-based discount rate and for any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. The capitalized asset retirement cost is depreciated on the same basis as the related asset and the discount accretion, as set out in Note 9, is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

(r)Leases

Leases are classified as finance or operating depending upon the terms and conditions of the contracts. See Note 2 for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective, but which we will apply in fiscal 2019 and which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of operating lease expenses and their recognition in the Consolidated

18

notes to consolidated financial statements

statement of financial position, as well as their classification in both the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

Where we are the lessee, asset values recorded under finance leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected use. Obligations recorded under finance leases are reduced by lease payments net of imputed interest.

(s)Investments

We account for our investments in companies over which we have significant influence using the equity method of accounting, whereby the investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted to recognize our share of earnings or losses of the investee companies and any earnings distributions received. The excess of the cost of an equity investment over its underlying book value at the date of acquisition, except for goodwill, is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets to which the excess cost is attributed.

Similarly, we account for our interests in the real estate joint ventures, discussed further in Note 21, using the equity method of accounting. Unrealized gains and losses from transactions with (including contributions to) the real estate joint ventures are deferred in proportion to our remaining interest in the real estate joint ventures.

We account for our other investments as available-for-sale at their fair values unless they are investment securities that do not have quoted market prices in an active market or do not have other clear and objective evidence of fair value. When we do not account for our available-for-sale investments at their fair values, we use the cost basis of accounting, whereby the investments are initially recorded at cost and earnings from those investments are recognized only to the extent received or receivable. The costs of investments sold or the amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings are determined on a specific-identification basis.

Unless there is a significant or prolonged decline in the value of an available-for-sale investment, the carrying values of available-for-sale investments are adjusted to their estimated fair values, and the amount of any such adjustment is included in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income as a component of other comprehensive income. When there is a significant or prolonged decline in the value of an investment, the carrying value of any such investment accounted for using the equity, available-for-sale or cost method is reduced to its estimated fair value, and the amount of any such reduction is included in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

2accounting policy developments

(a)Initial application of standards, interpretations and amendments to standards and interpretations in the reporting period

In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board released Amendments to IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows as a part of its Disclosure Initiative. The amendments are required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2017; we applied them commencing with the year ended December 31, 2016, as set out in Note 31(b), and such application has had no material effect on our financial performance or disclosure.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle are required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, and such application has had no effect on our financial performance or disclosure.

(b)Standards, interpretations and amendments to standards not yet effective and not yet applied

·IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with retrospective application. The new standard includes a model for the classification and measurement of financial instruments, a single forward-looking “expected loss” impairment model and a reformed approach to hedge accounting. We will make an accounting policy choice relative to impairment, and we will be using the lifetime expected credit loss approach. Based upon current facts and circumstances, we do not expect our financial performance or disclosure to be materially affected by the application of the standard.

·IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, such date reflecting the one-year deferral approved by the International Accounting Standards Board on July 22, 2015; we are retrospectively applying the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked on this joint project to clarify the principles for the recognition of revenue. The new standard was released in May 2014 and supersedes existing standards and interpretations, including IAS 18, Revenue. In April 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board issued Clarifications to IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, clarifying application of some of the more complex aspects of the standard.

19

notes to consolidated financial statements

The effects of the new standard and the materiality of those effects will vary by industry and entity. Like many other telecommunications companies, we are materially affected by its application, as set out in (c) following, primarily in respect of the timing of revenue recognition, the classification of revenues, and the capitalization of costs of obtaining a contract with a customer (as defined by the new standard).

Revenue — timing of recognition; classification

The timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenues as either service revenues or equipment revenues will be affected, since the allocation of consideration in multiple element arrangements (solutions for our customers that may involve deliveries of multiple services and products that occur at different points in time and/or over different periods of time) will no longer be affected by the current limitation cap methodology.

The effects of the timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenue are expected to be most pronounced in our wireless results. Although the measurement of the total revenue recognized over the life of a contract will be largely unaffected by the new standard, the prohibition of the use of the limitation cap methodology will accelerate the recognition of total contract revenue, relative to both the associated cash inflows from customers and our current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). The acceleration of the recognition of contract revenue relative to the associated cash inflows will also result in the recognition of an amount reflecting the resulting difference as a contract asset. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during periods of sustained growth in the number of wireless subscriber connection additions, assuming comparable contract-lifetime per unit cash inflows, revenues would appear to be greater than under the current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). Wireline results arising from transactions that include the initial provision of subsidized equipment or promotional pricing plans will be similarly affected.

Costs of contract acquisition; costs of contract fulfilment — timing of recognition

Similarly, the measurement of the total costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment over the life of a contract will be unaffected by the new standard, but the timing of recognition will be. The new standard will result in our wireless and wireline costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, to the extent that they are material, being capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of a contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during periods of sustained growth in the number of customer connection additions, assuming comparable per unit costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, absolute profitability measures would appear to be greater than under the current practice (immediately expensing such costs).

Implementation

With a view to enhancing the clarity, comparability and utility of our financial information post-implementation of the standard, we will apply the standard retrospectively, subject to permitted and elected practical expedients. We are using the following practical expedients provided for in, and transitioning to, the new standard:

·No restatement for contracts that were completed as at January 1, 2017, or earlier.

·No restatement for contracts that were modified prior to January 1, 2017. The aggregate effect of all such modifications will be reflected when identifying satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations and the transaction prices to be allocated thereto and when determining the transaction prices.

·No disclosure of the aggregate transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfulfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations for periods ending prior to January 1, 2018.

For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we are using the following practical expedients provided for in the new standard:

·No adjustment of the contracted amount of consideration for the effects of financing components when, at the inception of the contract, we expect that the effect of the financing component is not significant at the individual contract level.

·No deferral of contract acquisition costs when the amortization period for such costs would be one year or less.

·When estimating minimum transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfulfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations, exclusion of amounts arising from contracts originally expected to have a duration of one year or less, as well as amounts arising from contracts in which we may recognize and bill revenue in an amount that corresponds directly with our completed performance obligations.

20

notes to consolidated financial statements

For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we must also make incremental judgments in respect of the new standard:

·In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments about how to determine the transaction prices and how to allocate those amounts amongst the associated performance obligations. It is our judgment that, where applicable, it is most appropriate to use a contract’s minimum transaction price (the “minimum spend” amount required in a contract with a customer) as the contract’s transaction price as it best reflects the enforceable rights and obligations of the contract. The contract’s transaction price is allocated based upon the stand-alone selling prices of the contracted equipment and services included in the minimum transaction price.

·We compensate third-party re-sellers and our employees for generating revenues, and we must exercise judgment as to whether such sales-based compensation amounts are costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers that should be capitalized. We believe that compensation amounts tangentially attributable to obtaining a contract with a customer, because the amount of such compensation could be affected in ways other than by simply obtaining the contract, should be expensed as incurred; compensation amounts directly attributable to obtaining a contract with a customer should be capitalized and subsequently amortized on a systematic basis, consistent with the satisfaction of our associated performance obligations.

Judgment must also be exercised in the capitalization of costs incurred to fulfill revenue-generating contracts with customers. Such fulfilment costs are those incurred to set up, activate or otherwise implement services involving access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure that would not otherwise be capitalized as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

·In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board released IFRS 16, Leases, which is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, and which supersedes IAS 17, Leases. We are currently assessing the impacts and transition provisions of the new standard; however, we are currently considering applying the new standard retrospectively, effective January 1, 2019. The International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked together to modify the accounting for leases, generally by eliminating lessees’ classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and, for IFRS-IASB, introducing a single lessee accounting model.

The most significant effect of the new standard will be the lessee’s recognition of the initial present value of unavoidable future lease payments as lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial position, including those for most leases that would currently be accounted for as operating leases. Both leases with durations of 12 months or less and leases for low-value assets may be exempted.

The measurement of the total lease expense over the term of a lease will be unaffected by the new standard. However, the new standard will result in the timing of lease expense recognition being accelerated for leases which would currently be accounted for as operating leases; the International Accounting Standards Board expects that this effect may be muted by a lessee having a portfolio of leases with varying maturities and lengths of term, and we expect that we will be similarly affected. The presentation on the statement of income and other comprehensive income required by the new standard will result in most non-executory lease expenses being presented as amortization of lease assets and financing costs arising from lease liabilities, rather than as a part of goods and services purchased; reported operating income would thus be higher under the new standard.

Relative to the results of applying the current standard, although actual cash flows will be unaffected, the lessee’s statement of cash flows will reflect increases in cash flows from operating activities offset equally by decreases in cash flows from financing activities. This is the result of the payments of the “principal” component of leases that would currently be accounted for as operating leases being presented as a cash flow use within financing activities under the new standard.

Implementation

As a transitional practical expedient permitted by the new standard, we do not expect to reassess whether contracts are, or contain, leases as at January 1, 2019, using the criteria of the new standard; as at January 1, 2019, only contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17, Leases and IFRIC 4, Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, will be a part of the transition to the new standard. Only contracts entered into (or changed) after January 1, 2019, will be assessed for being, or containing, leases applying the criteria of the new standard.

21

notes to consolidated financial statements

(c)Impacts of application of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, will affect the fiscal 2017 comparative amounts to be reported in our fiscal 2018 Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2017 (billions except per share amounts)	As currently reported			IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	$	12.5		$	(1.2	)	$	11.3
Equipment	0.7			1.3			2.0
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13.2			0.1			13.3
Other operating income	0.1			—			0.1
	13.3			0.1			13.4
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	5.9			*			5.9
Employee benefits expense	2.6			*			2.6
Depreciation	1.6			—			1.6
Amortization of intangible assets	0.6			—			0.6
	10.7			*			10.7
OPERATING INCOME	2.6			0.1			2.7
Financing costs	0.6			—			0.6
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2.0			0.1			2.1
Income taxes	0.5			*			0.5
NET INCOME	1.5			0.1			1.6
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(0.2		)	—			(0.2		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
Non-controlling interests	*			—			*
	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
Non-controlling interests	*			—			*
	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	$	2.46		$	0.15		$	2.61
Diluted	$	2.46		$	0.15		$	2.61

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

22

notes to consolidated financial statements

The effects of the transition to IFRS 15 on the line items in the preceding table are set out below:

	Amount of IFRS 15 effects (increase (decrease) in billions except per share amounts)
	Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
				Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
Year ended December 31, 2017						Total
Operating revenues
Service	$	(1.2	)	$	—	$	(1.2	)
Equipment	$	1.3		$	—	$	1.3
Goods and services purchased	$	*		$	*	$	*
Employee benefits expense	$	—		$	*	$	*
Income taxes	$	*		$	*	$	*
Net income attributable to:
Common Shares	$	0.1		$	*	$	0.1
Net income per Common Share
Basic	$	0.11		$	0.04	$	0.15
Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.04	$	0.15
				Previously, costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were expensed as incurred. The new standard requires that such costs be capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of the contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. This has the effect of reducing the costs recognized in the period arising from contracts with customers entered into during the period, offset by the amortization of capitalized costs arising from contracts with customers entered into in previous periods.
	Previously, a “limitation cap” constrained the recognition of revenue in a multiple element arrangement to an amount that was not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. The new standard requires that amounts contingently billable and collectible in the future are to be recognized currently as revenue to the extent we have currently satisfied our performance obligations to the customer; this is the new standard’s most significant effect on us. For a contract with a customer, this has the effect of allocating more of the consideration to equipment revenue, which is recognized at the inception of the contract, and less to future service revenue.

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

23

notes to consolidated financial statements

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, will affect the fiscal 2017 comparative amounts to be reported in our fiscal 2018 Consolidated statements of financial position as follows:

	December 31, 2017							January 1, 2017
As at (billions)	As currently reported		IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma		Excluding effects of IFRS 15		IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	0.5	$	—		$	0.5	$	0.4	$	—		$	0.4
Accounts receivable	1.6		*			1.6		1.5		*			1.5
Income and other taxes receivable	0.1		—			0.1		—		—			—
Inventories	0.4		*			0.4		0.3		*			0.3
Contract assets **	—		0.8			0.8		—		0.7			0.7
Prepaid expenses	0.3		0.2			0.5		0.2		0.2			0.4
	2.9		1.0			3.9		2.4		0.9			3.3
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11.4		—			11.4		10.5		—			10.5
Intangible assets, net	10.6		—			10.6		10.4		—			10.4
Goodwill, net	4.2		—			4.2		3.8		—			3.8
Contract assets **	—		0.4			0.4		—		0.3			0.3
Other long-term assets	0.4		0.1			0.5		0.6		0.1			0.7
	26.6		0.5			27.1		25.3		0.4			25.7
	$	29.5	$	1.5		$	31.0	$	27.7	$	1.3		$	29.0
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	$	0.1	$	—		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	—		$	0.1
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	2.4		—			2.4		2.4		—			2.4
Dividends payable	0.3		—			0.3		0.3		—			0.3
Advance billings and customer deposits	0.8		(0.1		)	0.7		0.8		(0.2		)	0.6
Provisions	0.1		—			0.1		0.1		—			0.1
Current maturities of long-term debt	1.4		—			1.4		1.3		—			1.3
	5.1		(0.1		)	5.0		5.0		(0.2		)	4.8
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	0.5		—			0.5		0.4		—			0.4
Long-term debt	12.3		—			12.3		11.6		—			11.6
Other long-term liabilities	0.8		—			0.8		0.7		—			0.7
Deferred income taxes	2.5		0.4			2.9		2.1		0.4			2.5
	16.1		0.4			16.5		14.8		0.4			15.2
Liabilities	21.2		0.3			21.5		19.8		0.2			20.0
Owners’ equity	8.3		1.2			9.5		7.9		1.1			9.0
	$	29.5	$	1.5		$	31.0	$	27.7	$	1.3		$	29.0

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

**Will be measured at and classified as amortized cost upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in (a).

24

notes to consolidated financial statements

The effects of the transition to IFRS 15 on the line items in the preceding table are set out below:

	Amount of IFRS 15 effects (increase (decrease) in billions)
	Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
							Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
											Total
As at	Dec. 31, 2017			Jan. 1, 2017			Dec. 31, 2017		Jan. 1, 2017		Dec. 31, 2017			Jan. 1, 2017
Current assets
Accounts receivable	$	*		$	*		$	—	$	—	$	*		$	*
Inventories	$	*		$	*		$	—	$	—	$	*		$	*
Contract assets, net	$	0.8		$	0.7		$	—	$	—	$	0.8		$	0.7
Prepaid expenses and other	$	—		$	—		$	0.2	$	0.2	$	0.2		$	0.2
Non-current assets
Contract assets, net	$	0.4		$	0.3		$	—	$	—	$	0.4		$	0.3
Other long-term assets	$	—		$	—		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.1		$	0.1
Advance billings and customer deposits	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)	$	—	$	—	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)
Deferred income taxes	$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.4		$	0.4
Common equity
Retained earnings	$	1.0		$	0.9		$	0.2	$	0.2	$	1.2		$	1.1
							Previously, costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were expensed as incurred. The new standard requires that such costs be capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of the contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Increases in the amount of costs capitalized in the period arising from contracts with customers entered into during the period are offset by the amortization of capitalized costs arising from contracts with customers entered into in previous periods.
	Previously, a “limitation cap” constrained the recognition of revenue in a multiple element arrangement to an amount that was not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. The new standard requires that amounts contingently billable and collectible in the future are to be recognized currently as revenue to the extent we have currently satisfied our performance obligations to the customer; this is the new standard’s most significant effect on us. The difference between the revenue recognized currently and the amount currently collected/collectible is recognized on the statement of financial position as a contract asset. The contract asset recorded at January 1, 2017, represents revenues that will not have been reflected at any time in our periodic results of operations, but, absent the transition to the new standard, would have been; the effect of this “pulling forward” of revenues is expected to be somewhat muted by the composite ongoing inception, maturation and expiration of millions of multi-year contracts with our customers.

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, will affect the fiscal 2017 comparative amounts to be reported in our fiscal 2018 Consolidated statement of cash flows as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2017 (billions)	As currently reported			IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2.2			—			2.2
Deferred income taxes	0.4			*			0.4
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	0.1			—			0.1
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Other	(0.1		)	*			(0.1		)
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(0.1		)	(0.1		)	(0.2		)
Cash provided by operating activities	$	3.9		$	—		$	3.9

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

25

notes to consolidated financial statements

3capital structure financial policies

General

Our objective when managing capital is to maintain a flexible capital structure that optimizes the cost and availability of capital at acceptable risk.

In the management of capital and in its definition, we include common equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income), long-term debt (including long-term credit facilities, commercial paper backstopped by long-term credit facilities and any hedging assets or liabilities associated with long-term debt items, net of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income), cash and temporary investments, and short-term borrowings arising from securitized trade receivables.

We manage our capital structure and make adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of our telecommunications infrastructure. In order to maintain or adjust our capital structure, we may adjust the amount of dividends paid to holders of Common Shares, purchase Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids, issue new shares, issue new debt, issue new debt to replace existing debt with different characteristics, and/or increase or decrease the amount of trade receivables sold to an arm’s-length securitization trust.

During 2017, our financial objectives, which are reviewed annually, were unchanged from 2016. We believe that our financial objectives are supportive of our long-term strategy.

We monitor capital utilizing a number of measures, including: net debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA*) — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio; coverage ratios; and dividend payout ratios.

Debt and coverage ratios

Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs is calculated as net debt at the end of the period divided by 12-month trailing EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs. This measure, historically, is substantially similar to the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities. Net debt and EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs are measures that do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS-IASB and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The calculation of these measures is set out in the following table. Net debt is one component of a ratio used to determine compliance with debt covenants.

As at, or for the 12-month periods ended, December 31 ($ in millions)	Objective	2017		2016
Components of debt and coverage ratios
Net debt 1		$	13,422	$	12,652
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs 2		$	4,913	$	4,708
Net interest cost 3		$	567	$	566
Debt ratio
Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs	2.00 – 2.504	2.73		2.69
Coverage ratios
Earnings coverage 5		4.6		4.0
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage 6		8.7		8.3

(1)Net debt is calculated as follows:

As at December 31	Note	2017			2016
Long-term debt	26	$	13,660		$	12,931
Debt issuance costs netted against long-term debt		73			67
Derivative (assets) liabilities, net		93			20
Accumulated other comprehensive income amounts arising from financial instruments used to manage interest rate and currency risks associated with U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (excluding tax effects)		5			(34		)
Cash and temporary investments, net		(509		)	(432		)
Short-term borrowings	22	100			100
Net debt		$	13,422		$	12,652

* EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of our business, and it is also utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.

26

notes to consolidated financial statements

(2)   EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs is calculated as follows:

Years ended December 31	Note	2017		2016
EBITDA	5	$	4,774	$	4,229
Restructuring and other costs	16	139		479
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs		$	4,913	$	4,708

(3)Net interest cost is defined as financing costs, excluding employee defined benefit plans net interest, recoveries on long-term debt prepayment premium and repayment of debt, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis (expenses recorded for long-term debt prepayment premium, if any, are included in net interest cost).

(4)Our long-term objective range for this ratio is 2.00 — 2.50 times. The ratio as at December 31, 2017, is outside the long-term objective range. We may permit, and have permitted, this ratio to go outside the objective range (for long-term investment opportunities), but we will endeavour to return this ratio to within the objective range in the medium term, as we believe that this range is supportive of our long-term strategy. We are in compliance with our credit facilities leverage ratio covenant, which states that we may not permit our net debt to operating cash flow ratio to exceed 4.00:1.00 (see Note 26(d)); the calculation of the debt ratio is substantially similar to the calculation of the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities.

(5)Earnings coverage is defined as net income before borrowing costs and income tax expense, divided by borrowing costs (interest on long-term debt; interest on short-term borrowings and other; long-term debt prepayment premium), and adding back capitalized interest.

(6)EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage is defined as EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs, divided by net interest cost. This measure is substantially similar to the coverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities.

Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs was 2.73 times as at December 31, 2017, up from 2.69 one year earlier. The increase in net debt increased the ratio by 0.16, which was largely offset by growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs, which decreased the ratio by 0.12. The earnings coverage ratio for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, was 4.6 times, up from 4.0 times one year earlier. Higher borrowing costs reduced the ratio by 0.1 and higher income before borrowing costs and income taxes increased the ratio by 0.7. The EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage ratio for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, was 8.7 times, up from 8.3 times one year earlier. Growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs increased the ratio by 0.4.

Dividend payout ratio

The dividend payout ratio presented is a historical measure calculated as the sum of the last four quarterly dividends declared per Common Share, as recorded in the financial statements, divided by the sum of basic earnings per share for the most recent four quarters for interim reporting periods (divided by annual basic earnings per share if the reported amount is in respect of a fiscal year). The dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings presented, also a historical measure, differs in that it excludes the gain on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, net gains and equity income from real estate joint ventures, provisions related to business combinations, immediately vesting transformative compensation expense, long-term debt prepayment premium and income tax-related adjustments.

For the 12-month periods ended December 31 ($ in millions)	Objective	2017		2016
Dividend payout ratio	65%–75% 1	80	%	89	%
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings		80	%	77	%

(1)Our objective range for the dividend payout ratio is 65%—75% of sustainable earnings on a prospective basis; we currently expect that we will be within our target guideline on a prospective basis within the medium term. Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares is calculated as follows:

12-month periods ended December 31	2017			2016
Net income attributable to Common Shares	$	1,460		$	1,223
Gain and net equity income related to real estate redevelopment project, after income taxes	(1		)	(16		)
Gain on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes	—			(13		)
Provisions related to business combinations, after income taxes	(22		)	15
Immediately vesting transformative compensation expense, after income taxes	—			224
Income tax-related adjustments	21			(17		)
Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares	$	1,458		$	1,416

27

notes to consolidated financial statements

4financial instruments

(a)Risks — overview

Our financial instruments, and the nature of certain risks to which they may be subject, are set out in the following table.

	Risks
			Market risks
Financial instrument	Credit	Liquidity	Currency	Interest rate	Other price
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable	X		X
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint venture				X
Short-term obligations		X	X	X
Accounts payable		X	X
Provisions (including restructuring accounts payable)		X	X		X
Long-term debt		X	X	X
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	X		X	X
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 1			X		X
Foreign exchange derivatives 2	X	X	X
Share-based compensation derivatives 2	X	X			X

(1)Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are measured at fair value if those fair values can be reliably measured.

(2)Use of derivative financial instruments is subject to a policy which requires that no derivative transaction is to be entered into for the purpose of establishing a speculative or leveraged position (the corollary being that all derivative transactions are to be entered into for risk management purposes only) and sets criteria for the creditworthiness of the transaction counterparties.

Derivative financial instruments

As set out in Note 1(d), we apply hedge accounting to financial instruments used to establish hedge accounting relationships for U.S. dollar-denominated transactions and to fix the cost of some share-based compensation. We believe that our use of derivative financial instruments for hedging or arbitrage assists us in managing our financing costs and/or lessening the uncertainty associated with our financing or other business activities. Uncertainty associated with currency risk (see (d) following for explanation of how such risk arises and the extent of the risk exposure that we manage) and other price risk (see (f) following for explanation of how such risk arises and the extent of the risk exposure that we manage) is lessened through our use of foreign exchange derivatives and share-based compensation derivatives that effectively swap currency exchange rates and share prices from floating rates and prices to fixed rates and prices. When entering into derivative financial instrument contracts, we seek to align the cash flow timing of the hedging items with that of the hedged items. The effects of the risk management strategy and its application are set out in (i) following.

(b)Credit risk

Excluding credit risk, if any, arising from currency swaps settled on a gross basis, the best representation of our maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk, which is a worst-case scenario and does not reflect results we expect, is set out in the following table:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	509	$	432
Accounts receivable	1,623		1,471
Derivative assets	24		17
	$	2,156	$	1,920

Cash and temporary investments, net

Credit risk associated with cash and temporary investments is managed by ensuring that these financial assets are placed with: governments; major financial institutions that have been accorded strong investment grade ratings by a primary rating agency; and/or other creditworthy counterparties. An ongoing review evaluates changes in the status of counterparties.

Accounts receivable

Credit risk associated with accounts receivable is inherently managed by the size and diversity of our large customer base, which includes substantially all consumer and business sectors in Canada. We follow a program of credit evaluations of customers and limit the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary.

28

notes to consolidated financial statements

As at December 31, 2017, the weighted average age of customer accounts receivable was 26 days (2016 — 26 days) and the weighted average age of past-due customer accounts receivable was 60 days (2016 — 61 days). Accounts are considered to be past due (in default) when the customers have failed to make the contractually required payments when due, which is generally within 30 days of the billing date. Any late payment charges are levied at an industry-based market or negotiated rate on outstanding non-current customer account balances.

		2017							2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Note	Gross		Allowance			Net 1		Gross		Allowance			Net 1
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
Less than 30 days past billing date		$	909	$	(5	)	$	904	$	908	$	(11	)	$	897
30-60 days past billing date		185		(8		)	177		185		(9		)	176
61-90 days past billing date		60		(8		)	52		44		(9		)	35
More than 90 days past billing date		67		(22		)	45		80		(25		)	55
	6	$	1,221	$	(43	)	$	1,178	$	1,217	$	(54	)	$	1,163

(1)Net amounts represent customer accounts receivable for which an allowance had not been made as at the dates of the Consolidated statements of financial position.

We maintain allowances for lifetime expected credit losses related to doubtful accounts. Current economic conditions (including forward-looking macroeconomic data), historical information (including credit agency reports, if available), reasons for the accounts being past due and line of business from which the customer accounts receivable arose are all considered when determining whether to make allowances for past-due accounts. The same factors are considered when determining whether to write off amounts charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts against the customer accounts receivable; amounts that had been written off from the allowance for doubtful accounts but were still subject to enforcement activity as at December 31, 2017, were $298 million (2016 — $231 million). The doubtful accounts expense is calculated on a specific-identification basis for customer accounts receivable above a specific balance threshold and on a statistically derived allowance basis for the remainder. No customer accounts receivable are written off directly to the doubtful accounts expense.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	54		$	52
Additions (doubtful accounts expense)	54			58
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(66		)	(65		)
Other	1			9
Balance, end of period	$	43		$	54

Derivative assets (and derivative liabilities)

Counterparties to our share-based compensation cash-settled equity forward agreements and foreign exchange derivatives are major financial institutions that have been accorded investment grade ratings by a primary credit rating agency. The total dollar amount of credit exposure under contracts with any one financial institution is limited and counterparties’ credit ratings are monitored. We do not give or receive collateral on swap agreements and hedging items due to our credit rating and those of our counterparties. While we are exposed to the risk of potential credit losses due to the possible non-performance of our counterparties, we consider this risk remote. Our derivative liabilities do not have credit risk-related contingent features.

(c)Liquidity risk

As a component of our capital structure financial policies, discussed further in Note 3, we manage liquidity risk by:

·maintaining a daily cash pooling process that enables us to manage our available liquidity and our liquidity requirements according to our actual needs;

·maintaining an agreement to sell trade receivables to an arm’s-length securitization trust (Note 22);

·maintaining bilateral bank facilities (Note 22) and syndicated credit facilities (Note 26(d),(f));

·maintaining a commercial paper program (Note 26(c));

·maintaining an in-effect shelf prospectus;

·continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows; and

·managing maturity profiles of financial assets and financial liabilities.

Our debt maturities in future years are as disclosed in Note 26(g). As at December 31, 2017, we could offer $1.2 billion of debt or equity securities pursuant to a shelf prospectus that is in effect until April 2018 (2016 — $2.2 billion). We believe that our investment grade credit ratings contribute to reasonable access to capital markets.

29

notes to consolidated financial statements

We closely match the contractual maturities of our derivative financial liabilities with those of the risk exposures they are being used to manage.

The expected maturities of our undiscounted financial liabilities do not differ significantly from the contractual maturities, other than as noted below. The contractual maturities of our undiscounted financial liabilities, including interest thereon (where applicable), are set out in the following tables:

	Non-derivative									Derivative
	Non-interest					Construction		Composite long-term debt
As at December 31, 2017	bearing financial		Short-term			credit facilities commitment 2		Long-term debt 1		Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged 3					Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1			(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2018	$	2,232	$	103		$	67	$	1,928	$	(1,188	)	$	1,206	$	(545	)	$	557	$	4,360
2019	40		—			—		1,531		(44		)	46		—			—		1,573
2020	19		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,501
2021	76		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,558
2022	18		—			—		1,913		(44		)	46		—			—		1,933
Thereafter	16		—			—		11,430		(1,591		)	1,679		—			—		11,534
Total	$	2,401	$		103	$	67	$	19,762	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	(545	)	$	557	$	22,459
								Total (Note 26(g))					$	19,876

(1)Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2017.

(2)The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2019.

(3)The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2017. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

	Non-derivative								Derivative
As at	Non-interest				Construction		Composite long-term debt
December 31,	bearing				credit facilities		Long-term		Currency swap agreement							Currency swap agreement
2016	financial		Short-term		commitment 2		debt1		amounts to be exchanged 3							amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings1		(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		Other		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2017	$	1,949	$	1	$	93	$	1,832	$	(634	)	$	634	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	3,872
2018	227		102		—		750		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,079
2019	16		—		—		1,498		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,514
2020	9		—		—		1,447		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,456
2021	9		—		—		1,711		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,720
Thereafter	5		—		—		11,584		(930		)	921		—		—			—		11,580
Total	$	2,215	$	103	$	93	$	18,822	$	(1,656	)	$	1,647	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	21,221
							Total					$	18,813

(1)Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2016.

(2)The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2018.

(3)The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2016. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

(d)Currency risk

Our functional currency is the Canadian dollar, but certain routine revenues and operating costs are denominated in U.S. dollars and some inventory purchases and capital asset acquisitions are sourced internationally. The U.S. dollar is the only foreign currency to which we have a significant exposure.

Our foreign exchange risk management includes the use of foreign currency forward contracts and currency options to fix the exchange rates on a varying percentage, typically in the range of 50% to 75%, of our domestic short-term U.S. dollar-denominated transactions and commitments and all U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper. Other than in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, we designate only the spot element of these instruments as the hedging item; the forward element is wholly immaterial; in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, we designate the forward rate.

As discussed further in Note 26(b) and (f), we are also exposed to currency risk in that the fair value or future cash flows of our U.S. Dollar Notes and our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility U.S. dollar borrowings could fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. Currency hedging relationships have been established for the related semi-annual interest payments and the principal payment at maturity in respect of the U.S. Dollar Notes; we designate only the spot element of these instruments as the hedging item; the forward element is wholly immaterial. As the functional currency of our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary is the U.S. dollar, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates affecting its borrowings are reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment within other comprehensive income.

30

notes to consolidated financial statements

(e)Interest rate risk

Changes in market interest rates will cause fluctuations in the fair values or future cash flows of temporary investments, construction credit facility advances made to the real estate joint venture, short-term obligations, long-term debt and interest rate swap derivatives.

When we have temporary investments, they have short maturities and fixed interest rates and as a result, their fair values will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates; absent monetization prior to maturity, the related future cash flows will not change due to changes in market interest rates.

If the balance of short-term investments includes dividend-paying equity instruments, we could be exposed to interest rate risk.

Due to the short-term nature of the applicable rates of interest charged, the fair value of the construction credit facilities advances made to the real estate joint venture is not materially affected by changes in market interest rates; the associated cash flows representing interest payments will be affected until such advances are repaid.

As short-term obligations arising from bilateral bank facilities, which typically have variable interest rates, are rarely outstanding for periods that exceed one calendar week, interest rate risk associated with this item is not material.

Short-term borrowings arising from the sales of trade receivables to an arm’s-length securitization trust are fixed-rate debt. Due to the short maturities of these borrowings, interest rate risk associated with this item is not material.

All of our currently outstanding long-term debt, other than commercial paper and amounts drawn on our credit facilities (Note 26(d), (f)), is fixed-rate debt. The fair value of fixed-rate debt fluctuates with changes in market interest rates; absent early redemption, the related future cash flows will not change. Due to the short maturities of commercial paper, its fair value is not materially affected by changes in market interest rates, but the associated cash flows representing interest payments may be affected if the commercial paper is rolled over.

Amounts drawn on our short-term and long-term credit facilities will be affected by changes in market interest rates in a manner similar to commercial paper.

(f)Other price risk

Long-term investments

We are exposed to equity price risk arising from investments classified as available-for-sale. Such investments are held for strategic rather than trading purposes.

Share-based compensation derivatives

We are exposed to other price risk arising from cash-settled share-based compensation (appreciating Common Share prices increase both the expense and the potential cash outflow). Certain cash-settled equity swap agreements have been entered into that fix the cost associated with our estimate of TELUS Corporation restricted stock units which are expected to vest and are not subject to performance conditions (Note 14(b)).

(g)Market risks

Net income and other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, could have varied if the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rate and our Common Share price varied by reasonably possible amounts from their actual statement of financial position date amounts.

The sensitivity analysis of our exposure to currency risk at the reporting date has been determined based upon a hypothetical change taking place at the relevant statement of financial position date. The U.S. dollar-denominated balances and derivative financial instrument notional amounts as at the statement of financial position dates have been used in the calculations.

The sensitivity analysis of our exposure to other price risk arising from share-based compensation at the reporting date has been determined based upon a hypothetical change taking place at the relevant statement of financial position date. The relevant notional number of Common Shares at the statement of financial position date, which includes those in the cash-settled equity swap agreements, has been used in the calculations.

Income tax expense, which is reflected net in the sensitivity analysis, reflects the applicable statutory income tax rates for the reporting periods.

31

notes to consolidated financial statements

Years ended December 31	Net income						Other comprehensive income						Comprehensive income
(increase (decrease) in millions)	2017			2016			2017			2016			2017			2016
Reasonably possible changes in market risks 1
10% change in C$: US$ exchange rate
Canadian dollar appreciates	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(15	)	$	(4	)	$	(16	)	$	(5	)
Canadian dollar depreciates	$	1		$	1		$	15		$	6		$	16		$	7
25% 2 change in Common Share price 3
Price increases	$	(8	)	$	(8	)	$	13		$	16		$	5		$	8
Price decreases	$	14		$	8		$	(13	)	$	(16	)	$	1		$	(8	)

(1)These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in net income and/or other comprehensive income generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in net income and/or other comprehensive income may not be linear. In this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the amount of net income and/or other comprehensive income is calculated without changing any other factors; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

The sensitivity analysis assumes that we would realize the changes in exchange rates; in reality, the competitive marketplace in which we operate would have an effect on this assumption.

No consideration has been made for a difference in the notional number of Common Shares associated with share-based compensation awards made during the reporting period that may have arisen due to a difference in the Common Share price.

(2)To facilitate ongoing comparison of sensitivities, a constant variance of approximate magnitude has been used. Reflecting a twelve-month data period and calculated on a monthly basis, the volatility of our Common Share price as at December 31, 2017, was 7.0% (2016 — 13.1%).

(3)The hypothetical effects of changes in the price of our Common Shares are restricted to those which would arise from our share-based compensation awards that are accounted for as liability instruments and the associated cash-settled equity swap agreements.

(h)Fair values

General

The carrying values of cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable, short-term obligations, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and certain provisions (including restructuring provisions) approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values are determined directly by reference to quoted market prices in active markets.

The carrying values of our investments accounted for using the cost method do not exceed their fair values. The fair values of our investments accounted for as available-for-sale are based on quoted market prices in active markets or other clear and objective evidence of fair value.

The fair value of our long-term debt is based on quoted market prices in active markets.

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments we use to manage our exposure to currency risk are estimated based on quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar financial instruments or on the current rates offered to us for financial instruments of the same maturity, as well as discounted future cash flows determined using current rates for similar financial instruments of similar maturities subject to similar risks (such fair value estimates being largely based on the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar forward exchange rate as at the statement of financial position dates).

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments we use to manage our exposure to increases in compensation costs arising from certain forms of share-based compensation are based on fair value estimates of the related cash-settled equity forward agreements provided by the counterparty to the transactions (such fair value estimates being largely based on our Common Share price as at the statement of financial position dates).

The financial instruments that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition and the level within the fair value hierarchy at which they are measured are set out in the following table.

					Fair value measurements at reporting date using
					Quoted prices in active markets for identical items				Significant other observable inputs				Significant unobservable inputs
	Carrying value				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Assets
Foreign exchange derivatives	$	4	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	4	$	10	$	—	$	—
Share-based compensation derivatives	20		7		—		—		20		7		—		—
Available-for-sale portfolio investments	41		62		—		—		41		62		—		—
	$	65	$	79	$	—	$	—	$	65	$	79	$	—	$	—
Liabilities
Foreign exchange derivatives	$	108	$	30	$	—	$	—	$	108	$	30	$	—	$	—
Share-based compensation derivatives	—		3		—		—		—		3		—		—
Starting interest rate derivatives	1		—		—		—		1		—		—		—
	$	109	$	33	$	—	$	—	$	109	$	33	$	—	$	—

32

notes to consolidated financial statements

Derivative

The derivative financial instruments that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition are set out in the following table.

	2017								2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Designation	Maximum maturity date	Notional amount		Fair value and carrying value		Price or rate		Maximum maturity date	Notional amount		Fair value and carrying value		Price or rate
Current Assets 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFH2	2018	$	110	$	2	US$1.00: C$1.24		2017	$	263	$	7	US$1.00: C$1.30
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFT3	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	8	—		US$1.00: C$1.28
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar revenues	HFT3	2018	$	71	1		US$1.00: C$1.25		2017	$	4	—		US$1.00: C$1.34
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH2	2018	$	73	14		$	40.91	2017	$	6	1		$	41.00
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH2	2018	$	124	1		US$1.00: C$1.24		2017	$	191	3		US$1.00: C$1.32
					$	18						$	11
Other Long-Term Assets 1
Derivatives used to manage
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH2	2019	$	63	$	6	$	45.46	2018	$	69	$	6	$	40.77
Current Liabilities 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFH2	2018	$	376	$	14	US$1.00: C$1.30		2017	$	69	2		US$1.00: C$1.38
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar revenues	HFT 3	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	124	5		US$1.00: C$1.34
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH2	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	65	3		$	45.76
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH2	2018	$	1,036	18		US$1.00: C$1.28		2017	$	422	2		US$1.00: C$1.35
Interest rate risk associated with planned refinancing of debt maturing	HFH 2	2018	$	300	1		2.14%, GOC 10-year term		—	—		—		—
					$	33						$	12
Other Long-Term Liabilities 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH2	2027	$	1,910	$	76	US$1.00: C$1.32		2027	$	1,036	21		US$1.00: C$1.32

(1)Derivative financial assets and liabilities are not set off.

(2)Designated as held for hedging (HFH) upon initial recognition (cash flow hedging item); hedge accounting is applied.

Unless otherwise noted, hedge ratio is 1:1 and is established by assessing the degree of matching between the notional amounts of hedging items and the notional amounts of the associated hedged items.

(3)Designated as held for trading (HFT) upon initial recognition; hedge accounting is not applied.

Non-derivative

Our long-term debt, which is measured at amortized cost, and the fair value thereof, are set out in the following table.

	2017				2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Carrying value		Fair value		Carrying value		Fair value
Long-term debt (Note 26)	$	13,660	$	14,255	$	12,931	$	13,533

33

notes to consolidated financial statements

(i)Recognition of derivative gains and losses

The following table sets out the gains and losses, excluding income tax effects, arising from derivative instruments that are classified as cash flow hedging items and their location within the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

Credit risk associated with such derivative instruments, as discussed further in (b), would be the primary source of hedge ineffectiveness. There was no ineffective portion of derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedging items for the periods presented.

		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income						Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion) (Note 11)
		(effective portion) (Note 11)							Amount
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016			Location	2017			2016
Derivatives used to manage currency risk
Arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases		$	(23	)	$	(12	)	Goods and services purchased Financing costs	$	(5	)	$	(9	)
Arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt	26(b)-(c)	(109		)	(54		)		(146		)	(20		)
		(132		)	(66		)		(151		)	(29		)
Derivatives used to manage other price risk
Arising from changes in share-based compensation costs	14(b)	24			19			Employee benefits expense	17			8
		$	(108	)	$	(47	)		$	(134	)	$	(21	)

The following table sets out the gains and losses arising from derivative instruments that are classified as held for trading and that are not designated as being in a hedging relationship, and their location within the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

		Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Location	2017		2016
Derivatives used to manage currency risk	Financing costs	$	3	$	(2	)

5segment information

General

Operating segments are components of an entity that engage in business activities from which they earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses related to transactions with the other component(s)), the operations of which can be clearly distinguished and the operating results of which are regularly reviewed by a chief operating decision-maker to make resource allocation decisions and to assess performance.

As at December 31, 2017, we do not currently aggregate operating segments, and thus our reportable segments as at December 31, 2017, are also wireless and wireline. The wireless segment includes network revenues (mobile data and mobile voice) and equipment sales arising from mobile technologies. The wireline segment includes wireline data revenues (which include Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; business process outsourcing; certain healthcare solutions; and home security), voice and other telecommunications services revenues (excluding wireless arising from mobile technologies), and equipment sales. Segmentation is based on similarities in technology (mobile versus fixed), the technical expertise required to deliver the services and products, customer characteristics, the distribution channels used and regulatory treatment. Intersegment sales are recorded at the exchange value, which is the amount agreed to by the parties.

The segment information regularly reported to our Chief Executive Officer (our chief operating decision-maker) through December 31, 2017, and the reconciliations thereof to our revenues and income before income taxes, are set out in the following table.

34

notes to consolidated financial statements

Years ended December 31	Wireless				Wireline				Eliminations						Consolidated
(millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017			2016			2017		2016
Operating revenues
External revenues
Service	$	6,994	$	6,569	$	5,484	$	5,431	$	—		$	—		$	12,478	$	12,000
Equipment	505		509		219		216		—			—			724		725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	7,499		7,078		5,703		5,647		—			—			13,202		12,725
Other operating income	36		37		66		37		—			—			102		74
	7,535		7,115		5,769		5,684		—			—			13,304		12,799
Intersegment revenues	43		58		206		194		(249		)	(252		)	—		—
	$	7,578	$	7,173	$	5,975	$	5,878	$	(249	)	$	(252	)	$	13,304	$	12,799
EBITDA 1 contribution	$	3,099	$	2,906	$	1,675	$	1,323	$	—		$	—		$	4,774	$	4,229
CAPEX, excluding spectrum licences 2	$	978	$	982	$	2,116	$	1,986	$	—		$	—		$	3,094	$	2,968

Operating revenues — external (above)	$	13,304	$	12,799
Goods and services purchased	5,935		5,631
Employee benefits expense	2,595		2,939
EBITDA (above)	4,774		4,229
Depreciation	1,617		1,564
Amortization	552		483
Operating income	2,605		2,182
Financing costs	573		520
Income before income taxes	$	2,032	$	1,662

(1)Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of our business, and it is also utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.

(2)Total capital expenditures (CAPEX); see Note 31(a) for a reconciliation of capital expenditures, excluding spectrum licences to cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences reported in the Consolidated statements of cash flows.

Geographical information

We attribute revenues from external customers to individual countries on the basis of the location where the goods and/or services are provided. We do not have significant revenues that we attribute to countries other than Canada (our country of domicile), nor do we have significant amounts of property, plant, equipment, intangible assets and/or goodwill located outside of Canada.

6 revenue from contracts with customers

Accounts receivable

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Customer accounts receivable	4(b)	$	1,221		$	1,217
Accrued receivables — customer		143			131
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4(b)	(43		)	(54		)
		1,321			1,294
Accrued receivables — other		302			177
		$	1,623		$	1,471

7other operating income

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Government assistance, including deferral account amortization		$	32	$	36
Investment income, gain on disposal of assets and other		44		37
Change in business combination-related accrued receivable	18(b)	26		—
Interest income	21(c)	—		1
		$	102	$	74

We receive government assistance, as defined by IFRS-IASB, from a number of sources and include such amounts received in Other operating income.

35

notes to consolidated financial statements

CRTC subsidy

Local exchange carriers’ costs of providing the level of residential basic telephone services that the CRTC requires to be provided in high cost serving areas are greater than the amounts the CRTC allows the local exchange carriers to charge for the level of service. To ameliorate the situation, the CRTC directs the collection of contribution payments, in a central fund, from all registered Canadian telecommunications service providers (including voice, data and wireless service providers) that are then disbursed to incumbent local exchange carriers as subsidy payments to partially offset the costs of providing residential basic telephone services in non-forborne high cost serving areas. The subsidy payments are based upon a total subsidy requirement calculated on a per network access line/per band subsidy rate. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our subsidy receipts were $19 million (2016 — $20 million).

The CRTC currently determines, at a national level, the total annual contribution requirement necessary to pay the subsidies and then collects contribution payments from the Canadian telecommunications service providers, calculated as a percentage of their CRTC-defined telecommunications service revenue. The final contribution expense rate for 2017 was 0.60% and the interim rate for 2018 has been set at 0.54%. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our contributions to the central fund, which are accounted for as goods and services purchased, were $27 million (2016 — $23 million).

Government of Quebec

Salaries for qualifying employment positions in the province of Quebec, mainly in the information technology sector, are eligible for tax credits. In respect of such tax credits, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $7 million (2016 — $6 million).

8employee benefits expense

		2017			2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	Total			Traditional			Transformative compensation (Note 16(c))		Total
Employee benefits expense — gross
Wages and salaries		$	2,594		$	2,548		$	185	$	2,733
Share-based compensation 1	14	128			114			67		181
Pensions — defined benefit	15(b)	82			92			—		92
Pensions — defined contribution	15(f)	88			89			41		130
Other defined benefits	15(g)	—			1			—		1
Restructuring costs 1	16(b)	26			112			—		112
Other		156			153			12		165
		3,074			3,109			305		3,414
Capitalized internal labour costs
Property, plant and equipment		(321		)	(314		)	—		(314		)
Intangible assets subject to amortization		(158		)	(161		)	—		(161		)
		(479		)	(475		)	—		(475		)
		$	2,595		$	2,634		$	305	$	2,939

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2017, $(7) (2016 — $4) of share-based compensation expense (recovery) was included in restructuring costs.

9financing costs

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Interest expense
Interest on long-term debt — gross		$	561		$	538
Capitalized long-term debt interest 1	18(a)	—			(52		)
Interest on long-term debt — net		561			486
Interest on short-term borrowings and other		5			4
Interest accretion on provisions	25	13			12
		579			502
Employee defined benefit plans net interest	15(b), (g)	6			6
Foreign exchange		(5		)	15
		580			523
Interest income		(7		)	(3		)
		$	573		$	520

(1)Long-term debt interest at a composite rate of 3.31% was capitalized to intangible assets with indefinite lives in the comparative period.

36

notes to consolidated financial statements

10income taxes

(a)Expense composition and rate reconciliation

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Current income tax expense
For the current reporting period	$	205		$	506
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(82		)	(38		)
	123			468
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Arising from the origination and reversal of temporary differences	324			(64		)
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future statutory income tax rates	28			(4		)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	78			26
	430			(42		)
	$	553		$	426

Our income tax expense and effective income tax rate differ from those calculated by applying the applicable statutory rates for the following reasons:

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)	2017					2016
Income taxes calculated at applicable statutory rates	$	541		26.6	%	$	444		26.7	%
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future income tax rates	28			1.3		(4		)	(0.2	)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(4		)	(0.2	)	(12		)	(0.8	)
Other	(12		)	(0.5	)	(2		)	(0.1	)
Income tax expense per Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income	$	553		27.2	%	$	426		25.6	%

(b)Temporary differences

We must make significant estimates in respect of the composition of our deferred income tax liability. Our operations are complex and the related income tax interpretations, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some income tax matters in question.

Temporary differences comprising the net deferred income tax liability and the amounts of deferred income taxes recognized in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity are estimated as follows:

(millions)	Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization		Intangible assets with indefinite lives		Partnership income unallocated for income tax purposes			Net pension and share- based compensation amounts			Reserves not currently deductible			Losses available to be carried  forward 1			Other			Net deferred income tax liability
As at January 1, 2016	$	785	$	1,380	$	195		$	(45	)	$	(160	)	$	(3	)	$	3		$	2,155
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	85		77		(200		)	(7		)	12			(3		)	(6		)	(42		)
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			4			—			—			(10		)	(6		)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners’ equity and other	—		—		—			—			—			—			(5		)	(5		)
As at December 31, 2016 2	870		1,457		(5		)	(48		)	(148		)	(6		)	(18		)	2,102
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	348		84		5			(11		)	8			(1		)	(3		)	430
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			(61		)	—			—			4			(57		)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners’ equity and other	3		20		—			—			—			—			(3		)	20
As at December 31, 2017 3	$	1,221	$	1,561	$	—		$	(120	)	$	(140	)	$	(7	)	$	(20	)	$	2,495

(1)We expect to be able to utilize our non-capital losses prior to expiry.

(2)Deferred tax liability of $2,107, net of deferred tax asset of $5 (included in Other long-term assets).

(3)Deferred tax liability of $2,500, net of deferred tax asset of $5 (included in Other long-term assets).

IFRS-IASB requires the separate disclosure of temporary differences arising from the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries and partnerships exceeding their tax base, for which no deferred income tax liabilities have been recognized because the parent is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that it will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In our specific instance, this is relevant to our investments in Canadian subsidiaries and Canadian partnerships. We are not required to recognize such deferred income tax liabilities, as we are in a position to control the timing and manner of the reversal of the temporary differences, which would not be expected to be exigible to income

37

notes to consolidated financial statements

tax, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. We are in a position to control the timing and manner of the reversal of temporary differences in respect of our non-Canadian subsidiaries, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

(c)Other

We have net capital losses, and such losses may only be applied against realized taxable capital gains. We expect to include a net capital loss carry-forward of $NIL (2016 — $4 million) in our Canadian income tax returns. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized the benefit of $4 million (2016 — $NIL) of net capital losses.

We conduct research and development activities, which are eligible to earn Investment Tax Credits. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded Investment Tax Credits of $12 million (2016 — $5 million). Of this amount, $7 million (2016 — $1 million) was recorded as a reduction of property, plant and equipment and/or intangible assets and the balance was recorded as a reduction of Goods and services purchased.

38

notes to consolidated financial statements

11other comprehensive income

																												Item never
																												reclassified
	Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income																											to income
	Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in current period (Note 4(i))																					Change in
	Derivatives used to manage currency risk								Derivatives used to manage other price risk											Cumulative		unrealized fair
(millions)	Gains  (losses) arising			Prior period (gains) losses transferred to net income		Total			Gains (losses) arising		Prior period (gains) losses transferred to net income			Total			Total			foreign currency translation adjustment		value of available-for- sale financial assets			Accumulated other comp. income			Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements			Other comp. income
Accumulated balance as at January 1, 2016						$	6							$	(6	)	$	—		$	43	$	16		$	59
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amount arising	$	(66	)	$	29	(37		)	$	19	$	(8	)	11			(26		)	5		—			(21		)	$	—		$	(21	)
Income taxes	$	(18	)	$	9	(9		)	$	5	$	(2	)	3			(6		)	—		—			(6		)	—			(6		)
Net						(28		)						8			(20		)	5		—			(15		)	$	—		$	(15	)
Accumulated balance as at December 31, 2016						(22		)						2			(20		)	48		16			44
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amount arising	$	(132	)	$	151	19			$	24	$	(17	)	7			26			5		(13		)	18			$	(234	)	$	(216	)
Income taxes	$	(21	)	$	27	6			$	6	$	(5	)	1			7			—		(2		)	5			(62		)	(57		)
Net						13								6			19			5		(11		)	13			$	(172	)	$	(159	)
Accumulated balance as at December 31, 2017						$	(9	)						$	8		$	(1	)	$	53	$	5		$	57
Attributable to:
Common Shares																									$	51
Non-controlling interests																									6
																									$	57

As at December 31, 2017, our estimate of the net amount of existing gains (losses) arising from the unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income and are expected to be reclassified to net income in the next twelve months, excluding income tax effects, is $5 million.

39

notes to consolidated financial statements

12per share amounts

Basic net income per Common Share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Common Shares by the total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per Common Share is calculated to give effect to share option awards and restricted stock units.

The following table presents the reconciliation of the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations. Net income was equal to diluted net income for all periods presented.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017	2016
Basic total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	592
Effect of dilutive securities
Share option awards	—	1
Diluted total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	593

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, no outstanding TELUS Corporation share option awards were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per Common Share.

13dividends per share

(a)Dividends declared

Years ended December 31 (millions
except per share amounts)	2017						2016
	Declared			Paid to			Declared			Paid to
Common Share dividends	Effective	Per share		shareholders	Total		Effective	Per share		shareholders	Total
Quarter 1 dividend	Mar. 10, 2017	$	0.4800	Apr. 3, 2017	$	283	Mar. 11, 2016	$	0.44	Apr. 1, 2016	$	261
Quarter 2 dividend	Jun. 9, 2017	0.4925		Jul. 4, 2017	293		Jun. 10, 2016	0.46		Jul. 4, 2016	274
Quarter 3 dividend	Sep. 8, 2017	0.4925		Oct. 2, 2017	292		Sep. 9, 2016	0.46		Oct. 3, 2016	272
Quarter 4 dividend	Dec. 11, 2017	0.5050		Jan. 2, 2018	299		Dec. 9, 2016	0.48		Jan. 3, 2017	284
		$	1.9700		$	1,167		$	1.84		$	1,091

On February 7, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5050 per share on our issued and outstanding Common Shares payable on April 2, 2018, to holders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018. The final amount of the dividend payment depends upon the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding at the close of business on March 9, 2018.

(b)Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan

We have a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan under which eligible holders of Common Shares may acquire additional Common Shares by reinvesting dividends and by making additional optional cash payments to the trustee. Under this Plan, we have the option of offering Common Shares from Treasury or having the trustee acquire Common Shares in the stock market. We may, at our discretion, offer Common Shares at a discount of up to 5% from the market price under the Plan.

In respect of Common Share dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2017, $58 million (2016 — $59 million) was to be reinvested in Common Shares acquired by the trustee from Treasury (2016 — in the stock market), with no discount applicable.

Under the share purchase feature of the Plan, eligible shareholders can make optional cash payments to purchase our Common Shares at the market price without brokerage commissions or service charges; such purchases are subject to a minimum investment of $100 per transaction and a maximum investment of $20,000 per calendar year.

40

notes to consolidated financial statements

14share-based compensation

(a)Details of share-based compensation expense

Reflected in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Employee benefits expense and in the Consolidated statements of cash flows are the following share-based compensation amounts:

	2017								2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	Employee benefits expense		Associated operating cash outflows			Statement of cash flows adjustment		Employee benefits expense		Associated operating cash outflows			Statement of cash flows adjustment
Restricted stock units 1	(b)	$	83	$	(67	)	$	16	$	81	$	(83	)	$	(2	)
Transformative compensation 2	16(c)	—		—			—		64		(64		)	—
Employee share purchase plan 3	(c)	37		(37		)	—		40		(40		)	—
Share option awards	(d)	1		—			1		—		—			—
		$	121	$	(104	)	$	17	$	185	$	(187	)	$	(2	)

(1)The expense arising from restricted stock units was net of cash-settled equity swap agreement effects (see Note 4(i)). Within employee benefits expense (see Note 8), restricted stock unit expense of $90 (2016 — $77) is presented as share-based compensation and the balance is included in restructuring costs.

(2)As set out in Note 16(c), in 2016 we made immediately vesting, transformative compensation lump-sum payments to substantially all of our existing unionized and non-unionized Canadian-sited workforces. For the unionized and non-unionized workforces, approximately 40% of the after-tax value of such qualifying lump-sum payments was paid in our Common Shares (see Note 28(b)) by way of an employee benefit plan trust.

As a result of our being considered for accounting purposes to control an employee benefit plan trust that was used to effect these Common Share payments, such transactions have been recognized as treasury stock transactions and we have applied the cost method of accounting. As at December 31, 2016, the employee benefit plan trust held no Common Shares.

(3)Employees who received an immediately vesting, transformative compensation lump-sum payment in 2016 contributed a percentage of their payment to the employee share purchase plan consistent with their regular compensation payment, as further described in (c). Our associated employer expense and contributions were $NIL (2016 — $3).

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the associated operating cash outflows in respect of restricted stock units were net of cash inflows arising from the cash-settled equity swap agreements of $14 million (2016 — $9 million). For the year ended December 31, 2017, the income tax benefit arising from share-based compensation was $32 million (2016 — $49 million).

(b)Restricted stock units

General

We use restricted stock units as a form of retention and incentive compensation. Each restricted stock unit is nominally equal in value to one equity share and is nominally entitled to the dividends that would arise thereon if it were an issued and outstanding equity share. The notional dividends are recorded as additional issuances of restricted stock units during the life of the restricted stock unit. Due to the notional dividend mechanism, the grant-date fair value of restricted stock units equals the fair market value of the corresponding equity shares at the grant date. The restricted stock units generally become payable when vesting is complete and typically vest over a period of 33 months (the requisite service period). The vesting method of restricted stock units, which is determined on or before the date of grant, may be either cliff or graded; the majority of restricted stock units outstanding are cliff-vesting. The associated liability is normally cash-settled.

TELUS Corporation restricted stock units

We also award restricted stock units that largely have the same features as our general restricted stock units, but have a variable payout (0% — 200%) that depends upon the achievement of our total customer connections performance condition (with a weighting of 25%) and the total shareholder return on our Common Shares relative to an international peer group of telecommunications companies (with a weighting of 75%). The grant-date fair value of the notional subset of our restricted stock units affected by the total customer connections performance condition equals the fair market value of the corresponding Common Shares at the grant date, and thus the notional subset has been included in the presentation of our restricted stock units with only service conditions. The recurring estimate, which reflects a variable payout, of the fair value of the notional subset of our restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation.

41

notes to consolidated financial statements

The following table presents a summary of outstanding TELUS Corporation non-vested restricted stock units.

Number of non-vested restricted stock units as at December 31	2017	2016
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions
Restricted stock units with only service conditions	3,327,464	3,260,745
Notional subset affected by total customer connections performance condition	154,452	130,234
	3,481,916	3,390,979
Restricted stock units with market performance conditions
Notional subset affected by relative total shareholder return performance condition	463,357	390,703
	3,945,273	3,781,682

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to TELUS Corporation restricted stock units without market performance conditions.

	2017						2016
	Number of restricted stock units 1				Weighted average grant-		Number of restricted stock units 1				Weighted average grant-
Years ended December 31	Non-vested		Vested		date fair value		Non-vested		Vested		date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period
Non-vested	3,390,979		—		$	41.71	3,564,412		—		$	41.42
Vested	—		29,108		$	38.09	—		29,008		$	40.00
Issued
Initial award	1,825,688		—		$	43.56	1,942,446		—		$	39.74
In lieu of dividends	206,715		455		$	43.98	209,027		381		$	41.63
Vested	(1,766,680	)	1,766,680		$	43.73	(2,024,130	)	2,024,130		$	39.31
Settled in cash	—		(1,698,008	)	$	43.63	—		(2,004,126	)	$	39.29
Forfeited and cancelled	(174,786	)	(65,387	)	$	42.88	(300,776	)	(20,285	)	$	35.70
Outstanding, end of period
Non-vested	3,481,916		—		$	41.87	3,390,979		—		$	41.71
Vested	—		32,848		$	41.00	—		29,108		$	38.09

(1)Excluding the notional subset of restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition.

With respect to certain issuances of TELUS Corporation restricted stock units, we have entered into cash-settled equity forward agreements that fix our cost; that information, as well as a schedule of non-vested TELUS Corporation restricted stock units outstanding as at December 31, 2017, is set out in the following table.

Vesting in years ending December 31	Number of fixed-cost restricted stock units	Our fixed cost per restricted stock unit		Number of variable-cost restricted stock units	Total number of non-vested restricted stock units 1
2018	1,792,286	$	40.91	28,951	1,821,237
2019	1,385,734	$	45.46	274,945	1,660,679
	3,178,020			303,896	3,481,916

(1)   Excluding the notional subset of restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units

We also award restricted stock units that largely have the same features as the TELUS Corporation restricted stock units, but have a variable payout (0% — 150%) that depends upon the achievement of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. financial performance and non-market quality-of-service performance conditions.

42

notes to consolidated financial statements

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units.

	2017									2016
	US$ denominated						Canadian $ denominated			US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated
Years ended	Number of restricted stock units				Grant-date		Number of vested restricted	Grant-date		Number of non-vested restricted	Grant-date		Number of restricted stock units			Grant-date
December 31	Non-vested		Vested		fair value		stock units	fair value		stock units	fair value		Non-vested		Vested	fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period
Non-vested	163,785		—		US$	21.90	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Vested	—		—		US$	—	32,299	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Issued — initial award	213,768				US$	26.40	—	$	—	163,785	US$	21.90	32,299		—	$	21.36
Vested	(208	)	208		US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	(32,299	)	32,299	$	21.36
Exercised	—		(208	)	US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Forfeited and cancelled	(2,559	)	—		US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Outstanding, end of period
Non-vested	374,786		—		US$	24.45	—	$	—	163,785	US$	21.90	—		—	$	—
Vested	—		—		US$	—	32,299	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—		32,299	$	21.36

(c)Employee share purchase plan

We have an employee share purchase plan under which eligible employees up to a certain job classification can purchase our Common Shares through regular payroll deductions by contributing between 1% and 20% of their pay; for more highly compensated job classifications, employees may contribute between 1% and 55% of their pay. For every dollar contributed by an employee, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible employee pay, we are required to make a contribution at a percentage between 20% and 40%. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we contributed 40% for employees up to a certain job classification; for more highly compensated job classifications, we contributed 35%. We record our contributions as a component of Employee benefits expense and our contribution vests on the earlier of a plan participant’s last day in our employ or the last business day of the calendar year of our contribution, unless the plan participant’s employment is terminated with cause, in which case the plan participant will forfeit any in-year contribution from us.

In respect of Common Shares held within the employee share purchase plan, Common Share dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2017, of $31 million (2016 — $27 million) were to be reinvested in Common Shares acquired by the trustee from Treasury (2016 — in the stock market), with no discount applicable.

(d)Share option awards

General

We use share option awards as a form of retention and incentive compensation. We apply the fair value method of accounting for share-based compensation awards granted to officers and other employees. Share option awards typically have a three-year vesting period (the requisite service period), but may vest over periods of up to five years. The vesting method of share option awards, which is determined on or before the date of grant, may be either cliff or graded; all share option awards granted subsequent to 2004 have been cliff-vesting.

The weighted average fair value of share option awards granted is calculated by using the Black-Scholes model (a closed-form option pricing model). The risk-free interest rate used in determining the fair value of the share option awards is based on a Government of Canada yield curve that is current at the time of grant. The expected lives of the share option awards are based on our historical share option award exercise data. Similarly, expected volatility considers the historical volatility in the price of our Common Shares for TELUS Corporation share options and average historical volatility in the prices of a peer group’s shares in respect of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options. The dividend yield is the annualized dividend current at the time of grant divided by the share option award exercise price. Dividends are not paid on unexercised share option awards and are not subject to vesting.

TELUS Corporation share options

Employees may receive options to purchase Common Shares at a price equal to the fair market value at the time of grant. Share option awards granted under the plan may be exercised over specific periods not to exceed seven years from the time of grant. No share options were awarded in fiscal 2017 or 2016.

43

notes to consolidated financial statements

These share option awards have a net-equity settlement feature. The optionee does not have the choice of exercising the net-equity settlement feature; it is at our option whether the exercise of a share option award is settled as a share option or settled using the net-equity settlement feature.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to the TELUS Corporation share option plan.

	2017				2016
Years ended December 31	Number of share options		Weighted average share option price		Number of share options		Weighted average share option price
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,417,693		$	24.49	2,375,596		$	22.96
Exercised 1	(652,926	)	$	21.90	(925,682	)	$	20.75
Forfeited	(3,908	)	$	27.56	(13,112	)	$	24.49
Expired	(20,388	)	$	16.31	(19,109	)	$	15.29
Outstanding, end of period 2	740,471		$	26.99	1,417,693		$	24.49

(1)The total intrinsic value of share option awards exercised for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $15 million (2016 — $19 million), reflecting a weighted average price at the dates of exercise of $44.63 per share (2016 — $41.06 per share). The difference between the number of share options exercised and the number of Common Shares issued (as reflected in the Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity) is the effect of our choosing to settle share option award exercises using the net-equity settlement feature.

(2)All outstanding TELUS Corporation share options are vested, their range of prices is $23.08 — $31.69 per share and their weighted average remaining contractual life is 0.9 years.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options

Employees may receive equity share options (equity-settled) to purchase TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common shares at a price equal to, or a multiple of, the fair market value at the time of grant and/or phantom share options (cash-settled) that provide them with exposure to TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common share price appreciation. Share option awards granted under the plan may be exercised over specific periods not to exceed ten years from the time of grant. All equity share option awards and most phantom share option awards have a variable payout (0% — 100%) that depends upon the achievement of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. financial performance and non-market quality-of-service performance conditions.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share option plan.

	2017						2016
	US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated			US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated
Years ended December 31	Number of share options	Weighted average share option price 1		Number of share options	Share option price 2		Number of share options	Weighted average share option price 1		Number of share options	Share option price 2
Outstanding, beginning of period	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—	$	—
Granted	175,272	US$	27.70	—	$	—	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36
Outstanding, end of period	748,626	US$	30.12	53,832	$	21.36	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36

(1)The range of share option prices is US$21.90 — US$40.25 per TELUS International (Cda) Inc. equity share and the weighted average remaining contractual life is 9.2 years (2016 — 10.0 years).

(2)The weighted average remaining contractual life is 8.5 years (2016 — 9.5 years).

15employee future benefits

We have a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans that provide pension and other retirement and post-employment benefits to most of our employees. As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, all registered defined benefit pension plans were closed to substantially all new participants and substantially all benefits had vested. The benefit plans in which our employees are participants reflect developments in our corporate history.

TELUS Corporation Pension Plan

Management and professional employees in Alberta who joined us prior to January 1, 2001, and certain unionized employees who joined us prior to June 9, 2011, are covered by this contributory defined benefit pension plan, which comprises slightly more than one-half of our total defined benefit obligation accrued. The plan contains a supplemental benefit account that may provide indexation of up to 70% of the annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index. Pensionable remuneration is determined by the average of the best five years of remuneration in the last ten years preceding retirement.

44

notes to consolidated financial statements

Pension Plan for Management and Professional Employees of TELUS Corporation

This defined benefit pension plan, which with certain limited exceptions ceased accepting new participants on January 1, 2006, and which comprises approximately one-quarter of our total defined benefit obligation accrued, provides a non-contributory base level of pension benefits. Additionally, on a contributory basis, employees annually can choose increased and/or enhanced levels of pension benefits above the base level. At an enhanced level of pension benefits, the plan has indexation of 100% of the annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index, to an annual maximum of 2%. Pensionable remuneration is determined by the annualized average of the best 60 consecutive months of remuneration.

TELUS Québec Defined Benefit Pension Plan

This contributory defined benefit pension plan, which ceased accepting new participants on April 14, 2009, covers any employee not governed by a collective agreement in Quebec who joined us prior to April 1, 2006, any non-supervisory employee governed by a collective agreement who joined us prior to September 6, 2006, and certain other unionized employees. The plan comprises approximately one-tenth of our total defined benefit obligation accrued. The plan has no indexation and pensionable remuneration is determined by the average of the best four years of remuneration.

TELUS Edmonton Pension Plan

This contributory defined benefit pension plan ceased accepting new participants on January 1, 1998. Indexation is 60% of the annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index and pensionable remuneration is determined by the annualized average of the best 60 consecutive months of remuneration. The plan comprises less than one-tenth of our total defined benefit obligation accrued.

Other defined benefit pension plans

In addition to the foregoing plans, we have non-registered, non-contributory supplementary defined benefit pension plans, which have the effect of maintaining the earned pension benefit once the allowable maximums in the registered plans are attained. As is common with non-registered plans of this nature, these plans are typically funded only as benefits are paid. These plans comprise less than 5% of our total defined benefit obligation accrued.

We have three contributory non-indexed defined benefit pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition, which comprise less than 1% of our total defined benefit obligation accrued; these plans ceased accepting new participants in September 1989.

Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan

Certain employees in British Columbia are covered by a negotiated-cost, target-benefit union pension plan. Our contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of negotiated labour contracts, the current one of which expires December 31, 2021, and are generally based on employee gross earnings. We are not required to guarantee the benefits or assure the solvency of the plan, and we are not liable to the plan for other participating employers’ obligations. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our contributions comprised a significant proportion of the employer contributions to the union pension plan; similarly, a significant proportion of the plan participants were our active and retired employees.

British Columbia Public Service Pension Plan

Certain employees in British Columbia are covered by a public service pension plan. Contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of labour contracts negotiated by the Province of British Columbia and are generally based on employee gross earnings.

Defined contribution pension plans

We offer three defined contribution pension plans, which are contributory, and these are the pension plans that we sponsor that are available to our non-unionized and certain of our unionized employees. Employees, annually, can generally choose to contribute to the plans at a rate of between 3% and 6% of their pensionable earnings. Generally, we match 100% of the contributions of employees up to 5% of their pensionable earnings and 80% of employee contributions greater than that. Membership in a defined contribution pension plan is generally voluntary until an employee’s third-year service anniversary. In the event that annual contributions exceed allowable maximums, excess amounts are in certain cases contributed to a non-registered supplementary defined contribution pension plan.

45

notes to consolidated financial statements

Other defined benefit plans

Other defined benefit plans, which are all non-contributory and, as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, non-funded, are comprised of a healthcare plan for retired employees and a life insurance plan, both of which ceased accepting new participants on January 1, 1997.

(a)Defined benefit pension plans — funded status overview

Information concerning our defined benefit pension plans, in aggregate, is as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,837		$	8,620
Current service cost	100			109
Past service cost	(2		)	2
Interest expense	331			340
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	77			25
Financial assumptions	526			184
Benefits paid	(450		)	(443		)
Balance at end of year	9,419			8,837
PLAN ASSETS
Fair value at beginning of year	8,873			8,641
Return on plan assets
Notional interest income on plan assets at discount rate	330			339
Actual return on plan assets greater than discount rate	360			247
Contributions
Employer contributions (d)	66			70
Employees’ contributions	22			25
Benefits paid	(450		)	(443		)
Administrative fees	(6		)	(6		)
Fair value at end of year	9,195			8,873
Effect of asset ceiling limit
Beginning of year	(115		)	(74		)
Change	5			(41		)
End of year	(110		)	(115		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year, net of asset ceiling limit	9,085			8,758
FUNDED STATUS — PLAN SURPLUS (DEFICIT)	$	(334	)	$	(79	)

The plan surplus (deficit) is reflected in the Consolidated statements of financial position as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Funded status — plan surplus (deficit)
Pension benefit plans		$	(334	)	$	(79	)
Other benefit plans		(47		)	(47		)
		$	(381	)	$	(126	)
Presented in the Consolidated statements of financial position as:
Other long-term assets	20	$	156		$	358
Other long-term liabilities	27	(537		)	(484		)
		$	(381	)	$	(126	)

The measurement date used to determine the plan assets and defined benefit obligations accrued was December 31.

46

notes to consolidated financial statements

(b)Defined benefit pension plans — details

Expense

Our defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery) was as follows:

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017												2016
Recognized in	Employee benefits expense (Note 8)			Financing costs (Note 9)			Other comp. income (Note 11)			Total			Employee benefits expense (Note 8)		Financing costs (Note 9)			Other comp. income (Note 11)			Total
Current service cost	$	78		$	—		$	—		$	78		$	84	$	—		$	—		$	84
Past service costs	(2		)	—			—			(2		)	2		—			—			2
Net interest; return on plan assets
Interest expense arising from defined benefit obligations accrued	—			331			—			331			—		340			—			340
Return, including interest income, on plan assets 1	—			(330		)	(360		)	(690		)	—		(339		)	(247		)	(586		)
Interest effect on asset ceiling limit	—			4			—			4			—		3			—			3
	—			5			(360		)	(355		)	—		4			(247		)	(243		)
Administrative fees	6			—			—			6			6		—			—			6
Re-measurements arising from:
Demographic assumptions	—			—			77			77			—		—			25			25
Financial assumptions	—			—			526			526			—		—			184			184
	—			—			603			603			—		—			209			209
Changes in the effect of limiting net defined benefit assets to the asset ceiling	—			—			(9		)	(9		)	—		—			38			38
	$	82		$	5		$	234		$	321		$	92	$	4		$	—		$	96

(1)The interest income on the plan assets portion of the employee defined benefit plans net interest amount included in Financing costs reflects a rate of return on plan assets equal to the discount rate used in determining the defined benefit obligations accrued.

Disaggregation of defined benefit pension plan funding status

Defined benefit obligations accrued are the actuarial present values of benefits attributed to employee services rendered to a particular date. Our disaggregation of defined benefit pension plan surpluses and deficits at year-end is as follows:

	2017										2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Defined benefit obligations accrued		Plan assets		Difference			PBSR solvency position 1			Defined benefit obligations accrued		Plan assets		Difference			PBSR solvency position 1
Pension plans that have plan assets in excess of defined benefit obligations accrued	$	8,116	$	8,272	$	156		$	335		$	7,610	$	7,968	$	358		$	320
Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets
Funded	1,099		813		(286		)	(80		)	1,034		790		(244		)	(67		)
Unfunded	204		—		(204		)	N/A		2	193		—		(193		)	N/A		2
	1,303		813		(490		)	(80		)	1,227		790		(437		)	(67		)
	$	9,419	$	9,085	$	(334	)	$	255		$	8,837	$	8,758	$	(79	)	$	253
Defined benefit obligations accrued owed to:
Active members	$	2,285									$	2,140
Deferred members	560										557
Pensioners	6,574										6,140
	$	9,419									$	8,837

(1)The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, by way of the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985 (PBSR) (see (d)), requires that a solvency valuation be performed on a periodic basis. The actual PBSR solvency positions are determined in conjunction with mid-year annual funding reports prepared by actuaries (see (d)); as a result, the PBSR solvency positions in this table as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, are interim estimates and updated estimates, respectively. The interim estimate as at December 31, 2016, was a net surplus of $294.

Interim estimated solvency ratios as at December 31, 2017, ranged from 90% to 105% (2016 — updated estimate is 92% to 105%; interim estimate was 93% to 107%) and the estimated three-year average solvency ratios, adjusted as required by the PBSR, ranged from 93% to 104% (2016 — updated estimate is 92% to 103%; interim estimate was 93% to 104%).

The solvency valuation effectively uses the fair value (excluding any asset ceiling limit effects) of the funded defined benefit pension plan assets (adjusted for theoretical wind-up expenses) to measure the solvency assets. Although the defined benefit obligations accrued and the solvency liabilities are calculated similarly, the assumptions used for each differ, primarily in respect of retirement ages and discount rates, and the solvency liabilities, due to the required

47

notes to consolidated financial statements

assumption that each plan is terminated on the valuation date, do not reflect assumptions about future compensation levels. Relative to the experience-based estimates of retirement ages used for purposes of determining the defined benefit obligations accrued, the minimum no-consent retirement age used for solvency valuation purposes may result in either a greater or lesser pension liability, depending upon the provisions of each plan. The solvency positions in this table reflect composite weighted average discount rates of 3.00% (2016 — 3.10%). A hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points in the composite weighted average discount rate would result in a $316 decrease in the PBSR solvency position as at December 31, 2017 (2016 — $303); these sensitivities are hypothetical, should be used with caution, are calculated without changing any other assumption and generally cannot be extrapolated because changes in amounts may not be linear.

(2)PBSR solvency position calculations are not required for the three pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition or for the non-registered, unfunded pension plans.

Fair value measurements

Information about the fair value measurements of our defined benefit pension plan assets, in aggregate, is as follows:

							Fair value measurements at reporting date using
	Total						Quoted prices in active markets for identical items				Other
As at December 31 (millions)	2017			2016			2017		2016		2017		2016
Asset class
Equity securities
Canadian	$	1,385		$	1,172		$	1,129	$	1,135	$	256	$	37
Foreign	1,867			1,876			853		1,189		1,014		687
Debt securities
Issued by national, provincial or local governments	1,512			1,463			1,389		1,362		123		101
Corporate debt securities	1,208			1,317			—		—		1,208		1,317
Asset-backed securities	31			31			—		—		31		31
Commercial mortgages	1,659			1,107			—		—		1,659		1,107
Cash, cash equivalents and other	486			1,151			38		29		448		1,122
Real estate	1,047			756			—		—		1,047		756
	9,195			8,873			$	3,409	$	3,715	$	5,786	$	5,158
Effect of asset ceiling limit	(110		)	(115		)
	$	9,085		$	8,758

As at December 31, 2017, we administered pension benefit trusts that held no TELUS Corporation Common Shares and held debt of TELUS Corporation with a fair value of approximately $3 million (2016 — $3 million) (see (c) — Allowable and prohibited investment types). As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, pension benefit trusts that we administered did not lease real estate to us.

Future benefit payments

Estimated future benefit payments from our defined benefit pension plans, calculated as at December 31, 2017, are as follows:

Years ending December 31 (millions)
2018	$	446
2019	454
2020	458
2021	465
2022	471
2023-2027	2,440

(c)Plan investment strategies and policies

Our primary goal for the defined benefit pension plans is to ensure the security of the retirement income and other benefits of the plan members and their beneficiaries. A secondary goal is to maximize the long-term rate of return on the defined benefit plans’ assets within a level of risk acceptable to us.

Risk management

We consider absolute risk (the risk of contribution increases, inadequate plan surplus and unfunded obligations) to be more important than relative return risk. Accordingly, the defined benefit plans’ designs, the nature and maturity of defined benefit obligations and the characteristics of the plans’ memberships significantly influence investment strategies and policies. We manage risk by specifying allowable and prohibited investment types, setting diversification strategies and determining target asset allocations.

Allowable and prohibited investment types

Allowable and prohibited investment types, along with associated guidelines and limits, are set out in each plan’s required Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP), which is reviewed and approved annually by the designated governing body. The SIPP guidelines and limits are further governed by the permitted investments and lending limits set out in the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985. As well as conventional investments, each

48

notes to consolidated financial statements

fund’s SIPP may provide for the use of derivative products to facilitate investment operations and to manage risk, provided that no short position is taken, no use of leverage is made and no guidelines and limits established in the SIPP are violated. Internally and externally managed funds are not permitted to directly invest in our securities and are prohibited from increasing grandfathered investments in our securities; any such grandfathered investments were made prior to the merger of BC TELECOM Inc. and TELUS Corporation, our predecessors.

Diversification

Our strategy for investments in equity securities is to be broadly diversified across individual securities, industry sectors and geographical regions. A meaningful portion (20% — 30% of total plan assets) of the plans’ investment in equity securities is allocated to foreign equity securities with the intent of further diversifying plan assets. Debt securities may include a meaningful allocation to mortgages, with the objective of enhancing cash flow and providing greater scope for the management of the bond component of the plan assets. Debt securities also may include real return bonds to provide inflation protection, consistent with the indexed nature of some defined benefit obligations. Real estate investments are used to provide diversification of plan assets, hedging of potential long-term inflation and comparatively stable investment income.

Relationship between plan assets and benefit obligations

With the objective of lowering the long-term costs of our defined benefit pension plans, we purposely mismatch plan assets and benefit obligations. This mismatching is effected by including equity investments in the long-term asset mix, as well as fixed income securities and mortgages with durations that differ from those of the benefit obligations.

As at December 31, 2017, the present value-weighted average timing of estimated cash flows for the obligations (duration) of the defined benefit pension plans was 13.9 years (2016 — 13.6 years) and of the other defined benefit plans was 6.8 years (2016 — 7.3 years). Compensation for liquidity issues that may have otherwise arisen from the mismatching of plan assets and benefit obligations is provided by broadly diversified investment holdings (including cash and short-term investments) and cash flows from dividends, interest and rents from those diversified investment holdings.

Asset allocations

Our defined benefit pension plans’ target asset allocations and actual asset allocations are as follows:

	Target allocation	Percentage of plan assets at end of year
Years ended December 31	2018	2017		2016
Equity securities	20-50%	35	%	34	%
Debt securities	40-75%	53	%	57	%
Real estate	5-25%	12	%	9	%
Other	0-10%	—		—
		100	%	100	%

(d)Employer contributions

The determination of the minimum funding amounts necessary for substantially all of our registered defined benefit pension plans is governed by the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, which requires that, in addition to current service costs being funded, both going-concern and solvency valuations be performed on a specified periodic basis.

·Any excess of plan assets over plan liabilities determined in the going-concern valuation reduces our minimum funding requirement for current service costs, but may not reduce the requirement to an amount less than the employees’ contributions. The going-concern valuation generally determines the excess (if any) of a plan’s assets over its liabilities on a projected benefit basis.

·As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the solvency valuation generally requires that a plan’s average solvency liabilities, determined on the basis that the plan is terminated on the valuation date, in excess of its assets (if any) be funded, at a minimum, in equal annual amounts over a period not exceeding five years. So as to manage the risk of overfunding the plans, which results from the solvency valuation for funding purposes utilizing the average solvency ratios, our funding may include the provision of letters of credit. As at December 31, 2017, undrawn letters of credit in the amount of $188 million (2016 — $175 million) secured certain obligations of the defined benefit pension plans, including non-registered, unfunded plans.

Our best estimate of fiscal 2018 employer contributions to our defined benefit plans is approximately $50 million for defined benefit pension plans. This estimate is based upon the mid-year 2017 annual funding valuations that were prepared by actuaries using December 31, 2016, actuarial valuations. The funding reports are based on the pension plans’ fiscal years, which are calendar years. The next annual funding valuations are expected to be prepared mid-year 2018.

49

notes to consolidated financial statements

(e)Assumptions

As referred to in Note 1(b), management is required to make significant estimates related to certain actuarial and economic assumptions that are used in determining defined benefit pension costs, defined benefit obligations accrued and pension plan assets. These significant estimates are of a long-term nature, consistent with the nature of employee future benefits.

Demographic assumptions

In determining the defined benefit pension expense recognized in net income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we utilized the Canadian Institute of Actuaries CPM 2014 mortality tables.

Financial assumptions

The discount rate, which is used to determine a plan’s defined benefit obligations accrued, is based upon the yield on long-term, high-quality fixed-term investments, and is set annually. The rate of future increases in compensation is based upon current benefits policies and economic forecasts.

The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions arising from these estimates and adopted in measuring our defined benefit obligations accrued are as follows:

	2017		2016
Discount rate 1 used to determine:
Net benefit costs for the year ended December 31	3.80	%	4.00	%
Defined benefit obligations accrued as at December 31	3.40	%	3.80	%
Current service cost in subsequent fiscal year	3.50	%	4.00	%
Rate of future increases in compensation used to determine:
Net benefit costs for the year ended December 31	2.51	%	3.00	%
Defined benefit obligations accrued as at December 31	2.70	%	2.51	%

(1)The discount rate disclosed in this table reflects the computation of an average discount rate that replicates the timing of the obligation cash flows.

Sensitivity of key assumptions

The sensitivity of our key assumptions for our defined benefit pension plans was as follows:

Years ended, or as at, December 31	2017						2016
Increase (decrease) (millions)	Change in obligations			Change in expense			Change in obligations			Change in expense
Sensitivity of key demographic assumptions to an increase of one year 1 in life expectancy	$	270		$	11		$	228		$	10
Sensitivity of key financial assumptions to a hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points 1 in:
Discount rate	$	337		$	16		$	310		$	17
Rate of future increases in compensation	$	(34	)	$	(3	)	$	(27	)	$	(3	)

(1)These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Favourable hypothetical changes in the assumptions result in decreased amounts, and unfavourable hypothetical changes in the assumptions result in increased amounts, of the obligations and expenses. Changes in amounts based on a variation in assumptions of one year or 25 basis points generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in amounts may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the change in obligations or change in expenses is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in the discount rate may result in changes in expectations about the rate of future increases in compensation), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

(f)Defined contribution plans — expense

Our total defined contribution pension plan costs recognized were as follows:

	2017				2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Total		Traditional		Transformative compensation (Notes 8, 16(c))		Total
Union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions	$	23	$	26	$	36	$	62
Other defined contribution pension plans	65		63		5		68
	$	88	$	89	$	41	$	130

We expect that our 2018 union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions will be approximately $25 million.

(g)Other defined benefit plans

For the year ended December 31, 2017, other defined benefit current service cost was $NIL (2016 — $1 million), financing cost was $1 million (2016 — $2 million) and other re-measurements recorded in other comprehensive income were $NIL (2016 — $NIL). Estimated future benefit payments from our other defined benefit plans, calculated as at December 31, 2017, are $2 million annually for the five-year period from 2018 to 2022 and $7 million for the five-year period from 2023 to 2027.

50

notes to consolidated financial statements

16restructuring and other costs

(a)Details of restructuring and other costs

With the objective of reducing ongoing costs, we incur associated incremental, non-recurring restructuring costs, as discussed further in (b) following. We may also incur atypical charges when undertaking major or transformational changes to our business or operating models, as discussed further in (c) following. We also include incremental external costs incurred in connection with business acquisition or disposition activity, as well as litigation costs, in the context of significant losses or settlements, in other costs.

Restructuring and other costs are presented in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, as set out in the following table:

	Restructuring (b)				Other (c)				Total
Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Goods and services purchased	$	66	$	62	$	37	$	—	$	103	$	62
Employee benefits expense	26		112		10		305		36		417
	$	92	$	174	$	47	$	305	$	139	$	479

(b)Restructuring provisions

Employee-related provisions and other provisions, as presented in Note 25, include amounts in respect of restructuring activities. In 2017, restructuring activities included ongoing and incremental efficiency initiatives, including personnel-related costs and rationalization of real estate. These initiatives were intended to improve our long-term operating productivity and competitiveness.

(c) Other costs

For the year ended December 31, 2017, incremental external costs were incurred in connection with business acquisition activity. In connection with our acquisition of a portion of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless subscribers, as discussed further in Note 18(b), non-recurring atypical business integration expenditures that would be considered neither restructuring costs nor part of the fair value of the net assets acquired have been included in other costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, other costs were in respect of immediately vesting, transformative compensation expense for substantially all of our existing unionized (see Note 29(c)) and non-unionized Canadian-situated workforces; a portion of the expense is considered share-based compensation for accounting purposes, as set out in Note 14(a). The compensation vested immediately, and thus was expensed when incurred, as there was no requisite service period of the recipients. The one-time payment to our existing unionized Canadian-situated workforce was compensation in respect of collective agreement concessions that moderate future labour costs and underpin productivity improvements, as well as in lieu of salary increases that would otherwise have been effective July 1, 2016, 2017 and 2018; the one-time payment to our non-unionized Canadian-situated workforce was in lieu of general salary increases that would otherwise have been awarded in 2017 and 2018.

51

notes to consolidated financial statements

17property, plant and equipment

(millions)	Note	Network assets			Buildings and leasehold improvements			Other			Land			Assets under construction			Total
At cost
As at January 1, 2016		$	27,191		$	2,847		$	1,120		$	55		$	413		$	31,626
Additions 1		762			45			39			—			1,472			2,318
Additions arising from business acquisitions		—			1			1			—			—			2
Dispositions, retirements and other		(739		)	(78		)	(223		)	—			—			(1,040		)
Assets under construction put into service		1,070			139			84			—			(1,293		)	—
As at December 31, 2016		28,284			2,954			1,021			55			592			32,906
Additions 1		972			51			44			—			1,426			2,493
Additions arising from business acquisitions	18(b)	25			8			9			—			—			42
Dispositions, retirements and other		(1,724		)	(63		)	(48		)	(7		)	—			(1,842		)
Assets under construction put into service		1,167			127			69			—			(1,363		)	—
As at December 31, 2017		$	28,724		$	3,077		$	1,095		$	48		$	655		$	33,599
Accumulated depreciation
As at January 1, 2016		$	19,351		$	1,810		$	729		$	—		$	—		$	21,890
Depreciation		1,357			99			108			—			—			1,564
Dispositions, retirements and other		(758		)	(73		)	(181		)	—			—			(1,012		)
As at December 31, 2016		19,950			1,836			656			—			—			22,442
Depreciation		1,396			106			115			—			—			1,617
Dispositions, retirements and other		(1,708		)	(58		)	(62		)	—			—			(1,828		)
As at December 31, 2017		$	19,638		$	1,884		$	709		$	—		$	—		$	22,231
Net book value
As at December 31, 2016		$	8,334		$	1,118		$	365		$	55		$	592		$	10,464
As at December 31, 2017		$	9,086		$	1,193		$	386		$	48		$	655		$	11,368

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2017, additions include $7 (2016 — $(40)) in respect of asset retirement obligations (see Note 25).

As at December 31, 2017, our contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment totalled $184 million over a period ending December 31, 2019 (2016 — $436 million over a period ending December 31, 2020).

52

notes to consolidated financial statements

18intangible assets and goodwill

(a)Intangible assets and goodwill, net

	Intangible assets subject to amortization															Intangible  assets with  indefinite lives
(millions)	Customer contracts,  related customer  relationships and  leasehold interests			Software			Access  to  rights-of- way and  other			Assets  under  construction			Total			Spectrum  licences		Total  intangible  assets			Goodwill 1			Total  intangible  assets and  goodwill
At cost
As at January 1, 2016	$	473		$	3,801		$	90		$	216		$	4,580		$	8,480	$	13,060		$	4,125		$	17,185
Additions	—			50			4			575			629			164		793			—			793
Additions arising from business acquisitions	12			4			—			—			16			—		16			22			38
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest (see Note 9))	—			(137		)	(3		)	—			(140		)	49		(91		)	—			(91		)
Assets under construction put into service	—			577			2			(579		)	—			—		—			—			—
Net foreign exchange differences	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			4			4
As at December 31, 2016	485			4,295			93			212			5,085			8,693		13,778			4,151			17,929
Additions	—			74			5			538			617			—		617			—			617
Additions arising from business acquisitions (b)	134			101			—			—			235			—		235			433			668
Dispositions, retirements and other	(61		)	(209		)	(1		)	—			(271		)	—		(271		)	—			(271		)
Assets under construction put into service	—			406			—			(406		)	—			—		—			—			—
Net foreign exchange differences	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(3		)	(3		)
As at December 31, 2017	$	558		$	4,667		$	97		$	344		$	5,666		$	8,693	$	14,359		$	4,581		$	18,940
Accumulated amortization
As at January 1, 2016	$	280		$	2,739		$	56		$	—		$	3,075		$	—	$	3,075		$	364		$	3,439
Amortization	43			436			4			—			483			—		483			—			483
Dispositions, retirements and other	—			(143		)	(1		)	—			(144		)	—		(144		)	—			(144		)
As at December 31, 2016	323			3,032			59			—			3,414			—		3,414			364			3,778
Amortization	48			500			4			—			552			—		552			—			552
Dispositions, retirements and other	(61		)	(202		)	(2		)	—			(265		)	—		(265		)	—			(265		)
As at December 31, 2017	$	310		$	3,330		$	61		$	—		$	3,701		$	—	$	3,701		$	364		$	4,065
Net book value
As at December 31, 2016	$	162		$	1,263		$	34		$	212		$	1,671		$	8,693	$	10,364		$	3,787		$	14,151
As at December 31, 2017	$	248		$	1,337		$	36		$	344		$	1,965		$	8,693	$	10,658		$	4,217		$	14,875

(1)Accumulated amortization of goodwill is amortization recorded prior to 2002; there are no accumulated impairment losses in the accumulated amortization of goodwill.

As at December 31, 2017, our contractual commitments for the acquisition of intangible assets totalled $36 million over a period ending December 31, 2020 (2016 — $82 million over a period ending December 31, 2020).

53

notes to consolidated financial statements

(b)Business acquisitions

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless

On May 2, 2016, BCE Inc. announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.; as of September 30, 2016, all court and shareholder approvals had been obtained; as of February 15, 2017, all regulatory approvals had been obtained; and the transaction closed on March 17, 2017. In June 2016, we submitted a notification and advanced ruling request to the Competition Bureau regarding our previously announced agreement in principle with BCE Inc., pursuant to which we intended to acquire a portion of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and dealer locations in Manitoba, upon the successful completion of BCE Inc.’s acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

On April 1, 2017, we acquired postpaid wireless customer contracts, certain network assets and rights to 15 retail locations in Manitoba. The primary reason for this acquisition is to increase the number of our postpaid wireless subscribers in Manitoba and to enhance our distribution of wireless products and customer services across all of Manitoba.

The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired business in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from the benefits of acquiring established businesses in multiple locations). The amount assigned to goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Kroll Computer Systems Inc.

On May 15, 2017, we acquired 100% of Kroll Computer Systems Inc., the primary reason for which is to enhance our geographic reach and the quality of our product offering as a national pharmacy management services provider.

The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired business in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from the acquired workforce and the benefits of acquiring an established business). The amount assigned to goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Voxpro Limited

On August 31, 2017, we acquired 55% of Voxpro Limited, a business process outsourcing and contact centre services company with facilities in Ireland, the United States and Romania. The investment was made with a view to expanding further into supporting customers providing Internet-related services and products, bolstering sales capabilities in our chosen markets, and acquiring multi-site redundancy in support of other facilities.

In respect of the 55% acquired business, we concurrently provided a written put option to the remaining selling shareholders under which they could put the remaining 45% of the shares commencing in 2021. The acquisition-date fair value of the puttable shares held by the non-controlling shareholders has been recorded as a provision (see Note 25). Also concurrent with our acquisition of the initial 55% interest, the non-controlling shareholders provided us with a purchased call option, which mirrors the written put option.

The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired business in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from the acquired workforce and the benefits of acquiring an established business). The amount assigned to goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Individually immaterial transactions

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we acquired 100% ownership of multiple businesses complementary to our existing lines of business. The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired businesses in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from: the low levels of tangible assets relative to the earnings capacity of the businesses; expected synergies; the benefits of acquiring established businesses with certain capabilities in their industries; and the geographic presence of the acquired businesses). A portion of the amounts assigned to goodwill may be deductible for income tax purposes.

54

notes to consolidated financial statements

Acquisition-date fair values

The acquisition-date fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are set out in the following table:

	Manitoba Telecom  Services Inc.  postpaid wireless			Kroll Computer  Systems Inc.		Voxpro  Limited 1		Individually  immaterial  transactions		Total
Assets
Current assets
Cash	$	—		$	1	$	3	$	—	$	4
Accounts receivable 2	9			3		20		—		32
Other	7			—		4		1		12
	16			4		27		1		48
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Network assets	23			—		—		2		25
Buildings and leasehold improvements	—			—		8		—		8
Other	—			1		8		—		9
Intangible assets subject to amortization 3
Customer contracts, customer relationships (including those related to customer contracts) and leasehold interests	54			26		38		16		134
Software	—			101		—		—		101
	77			128		54		18		277
Total identifiable assets acquired	93			132		81		19		325
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1			1		19		—		21
Advance billings and customer deposits	2			4		—		1		7
Provisions	7			—		—		—		7
	10			5		19		1		35
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	6			3		—		—		9
Other long-term liabilities	—			—		1		—		1
Deferred income taxes	18			—		5		—		23
	24			3		6		—		33
Total liabilities assumed	34			8		25		1		68
Net identifiable assets acquired	59			124		56		18		257
Goodwill	207			126		85		15		433
Net assets acquired	$	266		$	250	$	141	$	33	$	690
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration	$	306		$	150	$	58	$	31	$	545
Accrued receivable 4	(40		)	—		—		—		(40		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			—		—		2		2
Provisions	—			—		60		—		60
Issue of TELUS Corporation Common Shares	—			100		—		—		100
Pre-existing relationship effectively settled	—			—		23		—		23
	$	266		$	250	$	141	$	33	$	690

(1)The purchase price allocation, primarily in respect of customer relationships, had not been finalized as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. As is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to Voxpro Limited’s books and records. Upon having sufficient time to review Voxpro Limited’s books and records, we expect to finalize our purchase price allocation.

Prior to acquisition, we had advanced $23 to Voxpro Limited; this pre-existing relationship was effectively settled at the date of the business combination with no gain or loss recognized.

(2)The fair value of the accounts receivable is equal to the gross contractual amounts receivable and reflects the best estimates at the acquisition date of the contractual cash flows expected to be collected.

(3)Customer contracts and customer relationships (including those related to customer contracts) are expected to be amortized over a period of 8 to 10 years; software is expected to be amortized over a period of 10 years.

(4)The total transaction price is a function of the number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers acquired. If less than the targeted number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers is acquired, the total transaction price will be reduced on a pro-rated basis; a receivable has been accrued for the estimate of such reduction, net of associated adjustments.

To the extent that the actual number of qualifying wireless subscribers acquired is greater (less) than provided for in the purchase price allocation, such adjustment to the transaction price will result in a charge (recovery) recorded in Other operating income, reflecting treatment as a contingent consideration deposit; during the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a change in the contingent consideration receivable of $26 (Note 7). We have accrued our best estimate of the amount of the contingent consideration deposit we expect to recover.

Pro forma disclosures

The following pro forma supplemental information represents certain results of operations as if the business acquisitions noted above had been completed at the beginning of the fiscal 2017 year.

55

notes to consolidated financial statements

Year ended December 31, 2017 (millions except per share amounts)	As reported 1		Pro forma 2
Operating revenues	$	13,304	$	13,426
Net income	$	1,479	$	1,474
Net income per Common Share
Basic	$	2.46	$	2.45
Diluted	$	2.46	$	2.45

(1)As reported operating revenues and net income include $49 and $20, respectively, in respect of the operations of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless (excluding the change in the contingent consideration receivable (Note 7)), $17 and $NIL, respectively, in respect of the operations of Kroll Computer Systems Inc., and $51 and $NIL, respectively, in respect of the operations of Voxpro Limited.

(2)Pro forma amounts reflect the acquired businesses. In respect of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless, pro forma adjustments for revenues and goods and services purchased are not available as the seller’s information systems were not configured to capture such information; as a proxy, the revenues and goods and services purchased amounts for the three-month period ended June 30, 2017, have been used for pro forma purposes. The results of the acquired businesses have been included in our Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income effective the dates of acquisition.

The pro forma supplemental information is based on estimates and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. The pro forma supplemental information is not necessarily indicative of our consolidated financial results in future periods or the actual results that would have been realized had the business acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma supplemental information includes incremental intangible asset amortization, financing and other charges as a result of the acquisitions, net of the related tax effects.

(c)Business acquisitions — subsequent to reporting period

AlarmForce Industries

On January 4, 2018, we acquired 100% of the customers, assets and operations of AlarmForce Industries Inc. in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, for cash consideration of approximately $69 million; the primary reason for which is to leverage our telecommunications infrastructure and expertise to continue to enhance connected home, business, security and health services for our customers.

As of February 8, 2018, our initial provision for the net identifiable assets acquired is in the range of $10 million-$20 million; as is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to the relevant portions of the books and records of AlarmForce Industries. Upon having sufficient time to review the relevant portions of the books and records of AlarmForce Industries, as well as obtaining new and additional information about the related facts and circumstances as of the acquisition date, we will adjust the provisional amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and thus finalize our purchase price allocation.

Xavient Information Systems

On February 6, 2018, through our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, we acquired 65% of Xavient Information Systems, a group of information technology consulting and software services companies with facilities in the United States and India, for consideration of approximately $144 million (US$115 million) in cash and approximately $19 million (US$15 million) in TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common shares. The investment was made with a view to enhancing our ability to provide complex and higher-value information technology services, improve our related sales and solutioning capabilities and acquire multi-site redundancy in support of other facilities.

In respect of the 65% acquired business, we concurrently provided a written put option to the remaining selling shareholders; the written put option for the remaining 35% of the economic interest would become exercisable no later than December 31, 2020. The acquisition-date fair value of the puttable shares held by the non-controlling shareholders will be recorded as a provision in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018; we currently estimate that such fair value would be in the range of $150 million (US$120 million). Also concurrent with our acquisition of the initial 65% interest, the non-controlling shareholders provided us with a purchased call option, which substantially mirrors the written put option.

As of February 8, 2018, our initial provision for the net identifiable assets acquired is in the range of $95 million-$125 million (US$75 million-US$100 million); as is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to the books and records of Xavient Information Systems. Upon having sufficient time to review the books and records of Xavient Information Systems, as well as obtaining new and additional information about the related facts and circumstances as of the acquisition date, we will adjust the provisional amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and thus finalize our purchase price allocation.

(d)Intangible assets with indefinite lives — spectrum licences

Our intangible assets with indefinite lives include spectrum licences granted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada which are used for the provision of both mobile and fixed wireless services. The spectrum licence

56

notes to consolidated financial statements

policy terms indicate that the spectrum licences will likely be renewed. We expect our spectrum licences to be renewed every 20 years following a review of our compliance with licence terms. In addition to current usage, our licensed spectrum can be used for planned and new technologies. As a result of our assessment of the combination of these significant factors, we currently consider our spectrum licences to have indefinite lives and, as referred to in Note 1(b), this represents a significant judgment for us.

(e)Impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill

General

As referred to in Note 1(i), the carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are periodically tested for impairment and, as referred to in Note 1(b), this test represents a significant estimate for us, while also requiring significant judgments to be made.

The allocated carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are set out in the following table.

	Intangible assets with  indefinite lives				Goodwill				Total
As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Wireless	$	8,693	$	8,693	$	2,860	$	2,647	$	11,553	$	11,340
Wireline	—		—		1,357		1,140		1,357		1,140
	$	8,693	$	8,693	$	4,217	$	3,787	$	12,910	$	12,480

The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units’ assets have been determined based on a fair value less costs of disposal calculation. There is a material degree of uncertainty with respect to the estimates of the recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units’ assets, given the necessity of making key economic assumptions about the future. Recoverable amounts based on the fair value less costs of disposal are categorized as Level 3 fair value measures.

We validate our recoverable amount calculation results through a market-comparable approach and an analytical review of industry facts and facts that are specific to us. The market-comparable approach uses current (at time of test) market consensus estimates and equity trading prices for U.S. and Canadian firms in the same industry. In addition, we ensure that the combination of the valuations of the cash-generating units is reasonable based on our current (at time of test) market value.

Key assumptions

The fair value less costs of disposal and the value in use calculations both use discounted cash flow projections that employ the following key assumptions: future cash flows and growth projections (including judgments about the allocation of future capital expenditures to support both wireless and wireline operations); associated economic risk assumptions and estimates of the likelihood of achieving key operating metrics and drivers; estimates of future generational infrastructure capital expenditures; and the future weighted average cost of capital. We consider a range of reasonably possible amounts to use for key assumptions and decide upon amounts that represent management’s best estimates of market amounts. In the normal course, we make changes to key assumptions so that they reflect current (at time of test) economic conditions, updates of historical information used to develop the key assumptions and changes (if any) in our debt ratings.

The key assumptions for cash flow projections are based upon our approved financial forecasts, which span a period of three years and are discounted, for December 2017 annual test purposes, at a consolidated post-tax notional rate of 7.0% (2016 — 7.0%). For impairment testing valuations, cash flows subsequent to the three-year projection period are extrapolated, for December 2017 annual test purposes, using perpetual growth rates of 2.25% (2016 — 2.0%) for each of the wireless cash-generating unit and  the wireline cash-generating unit; these growth rates do not exceed the long-term average growth rates observed in the markets in which we operate.

We believe that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions on which the calculation of the recoverable amounts of our cash-generating units is based would not cause the cash-generating units’ carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to each cash-generating unit) to exceed their recoverable amounts. If the future were to adversely differ from management’s best estimates of key assumptions and associated cash flows were to be materially adversely affected, we could potentially experience future material impairment charges in respect of our intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill.

Sensitivity testing

Sensitivity testing was conducted as a part of the December 2017 annual impairment test, a component of which was hypothetical changes in the future weighted average cost of capital. Stress testing included a scenario of moderate declines in annual cash flows with all other assumptions being held constant; under this scenario, we would be able to recover the carrying values of our intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill for the foreseeable future.

57

notes to consolidated financial statements

19leases

We occupy leased premises in various locations and have the right of use of land, buildings and equipment under operating leases. For the year ended December 31, 2017, real estate and vehicle operating lease expenses, which are net of the amortization of deferred gains on the sale-leaseback of buildings and the occupancy costs associated with leased real estate, were $191 million (2016 — $176 million); occupancy costs associated with leased real estate totalled $128 million (2016 — $133 million).

As referred to in Note 16, we have consolidated our administrative real estate holdings and, in some instances, this has resulted in subletting land and buildings. The future minimum lease payments under operating leases are as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017						2016
Years ending	Operating  leases with  arm’s-length  lessors 1		Operating  leases with  related party  lessors 2		Total		Operating  leases with  arm’s-length  lessors1		Operating  leases with  related party lessors 2		Total
1 year hence	$	218	$	6	$	224	$	211	$	6	$	217
2 years hence	191		12		203		192		6		198
3 years hence	169		13		182		171		12		183
4 years hence	147		13		160		147		13		160
5 years hence	122		13		135		125		13		138
Thereafter	534		208		742		599		220		819
	$	1,381	$	265	$	1,646	$	1,445	$	270	$	1,715

(1)Immaterial amounts for minimum lease receipts from sublet land and buildings have been netted against the minimum lease payments in this table. Minimum lease payments exclude occupancy costs and thus will differ from future amounts reported for operating lease expenses. As at December 31, 2017, commitments for occupancy costs under operating leases totalled $816 (2016 — $869).

(2)As set out in Note 21(c), we have entered into leases with the real estate joint ventures. This table includes 100% of the minimum lease payment amounts due under these leases; of the total, $109 (2016 — $112) is due to our economic interests in the real estate joint ventures and $156 (2016 — $158) is due to our partners’ economic interests in the real estate joint ventures.

Of the total amount above as at December 31, 2017:

·Approximately 33% (2016 — 34%) was in respect of our five largest leases, all of which were for office premises over various terms, with expiry dates ranging from 2024 to 2036 (2016 — ranging from 2024 to 2036); the weighted average remaining term of these leases is approximately 13 years (2016 — 14 years).

·Approximately 29% (2016 — 30%) was in respect of wireless site leases; the weighted average remaining term of these leases is approximately 17 years (2016 — 17 years).

Most of our leases for real estate that we use for office or network (including wireless site) purposes typically have extension options which we use to protect our investment in leasehold improvements (including wireless site equipment) and/or which reflect the importance of the underlying right-of-use lease assets to our operations.

See Note 2(b) for details of significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective and have not yet been applied, but which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of operating lease expenses and their recognition in the Consolidated statement of financial position, as well as their classification in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

20other long-term assets

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Pension assets	15(a)	$	156	$	358
Investments		41		62
Prepaid maintenance		57		62
Real estate joint venture advances	21(c)	47		21
Real estate joint ventures	21(c)	15		30
Other		105		107
		$	421	$	640

58

notes to consolidated financial statements

21real estate joint ventures

(a)General

In 2011, we partnered, as equals, with an arm’s-length party in a residential condominium, retail and commercial real estate redevelopment project, TELUS Garden, in Vancouver, British Columbia. TELUS is a tenant in TELUS Garden, which is now our global headquarters. The new-build office tower received 2009 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, and the neighbouring new-build residential condominium tower was built to the LEED Gold standard.

In 2013, we partnered, as equals, with two arm’s-length parties (one of which is our TELUS Garden partner) in a residential, retail and commercial real estate redevelopment project, TELUS Sky, in Calgary, Alberta. The new-build tower, scheduled for completion in 2019, is to be built to the LEED Platinum standard.

(b)Real estate joint ventures — summarized financial information

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	20	$	15
Escrowed deposits for tenant inducements and liens	1		5
Sales contract deposits held by arm’s-length trustee	—		2
Other	4		6
Property under development — residential condominiums (subject to sales contracts)	—		13
	25		41
Non-current assets
Property under development — investment property	194		121
Investment property	256		261
	450		382
	$	475	$	423
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13	$	18
Sales contract deposits
Payable	—		3
Held by arm’s-length trustee	—		2
Current portion of 3.7% mortgage and senior secured 3.4% bonds	5		4
Construction holdback liabilities	10		7
	28		34
Non-current liabilities
Construction credit facilities	141		63
3.7% mortgage due September 2024	27		—
Senior secured 3.4% bonds due July 2025	208		213
	376		276
Liabilities	404		310
Owners’ equity
TELUS 1	29		48
Other partners	42		65
	71		113
	$	475	$	423

(1)The equity amounts recorded by the real estate joint ventures differ from those recorded by us by the amount of the deferred gains on our real estate contributed and the valuation provision we have recorded in excess of that recorded by one of the real estate joint ventures.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Revenue
From investment property	$	34		$	34
From sale of residential condominiums	$	19		$	262
Depreciation and amortization	$	8		$	8
Interest expense 1	$	8		$	10
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 2	$	(6	)	$	72

(1)During the year ended December 31, 2017, the real estate joint ventures capitalized $3 (2016 — $4) of financing costs.

(2)As the real estate joint ventures are partnerships, no provision for income taxes of the partners is made in determining the real estate joint ventures’ net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

59

notes to consolidated financial statements

(c)Our real estate joint ventures activity

Our real estate joint ventures investment activity is set out in the following table.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017								2016
	Loans and receivables 1		Equity 2			Total			Loans and receivables 1			Equity 2			Total
Related to real estate joint ventures’ statements of income and other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us 3	$	—	$	2		$	2		$	—		$	33		$	33
Related to real estate joint ventures’ statements of financial position
Items not affecting currently reported cash flows
Recognition of gain initially deferred on our real estate initially contributed	—		1			1			—			8			8
Construction credit facilities financing costs charged by us and other (Note 7)	—		—			—			1			—			1
Cash flows in the current reporting period
Construction credit facilities
Amounts advanced	26		—			26			33			—			33
Amounts repaid	—		—			—			(63		)	—			(63		)
Financing costs paid to us	—		—			—			(1		)	—			(1		)
Repayment of funds advanced	—		—			—			(18		)	—			(18		)
Funds repaid to us and earnings distributed	—		(18		)	(18		)	—			(21		)	(21		)
Net increase (decrease)	26		(15		)	11			(48		)	20			(28		)
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Balance, beginning of period	21		30			51			69			25			94
Valuation provision	—		—			—			—			(15		)	(15		)
Balance, end of period	$	47	$	15		$	62		$	21		$	30		$	51

(1)Loans and receivables are included in our Consolidated statements of financial position as Real estate joint venture advances and are comprised of advances under construction credit facilities (see (d)) and, prior to its repayment during the year ended December 31, 2016, an $18 mortgage on the TELUS Garden residential condominium tower.

(2)We account for our interests in the real estate joint ventures using the equity method of accounting.

(3)As the real estate joint ventures are partnerships, no provision for income taxes of the partners is made in determining the real estate joint ventures’ net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss); provision for income taxes is made in determining the comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the TELUS Garden real estate joint venture recognized $12 million (2016 — $11 million) of revenue from our TELUS Garden office tenancy; of this amount, one-half is due to our economic interest in the real estate joint venture and one-half is due to our partner’s economic interest in the real estate joint venture.

(d)Commitments and contingent liabilities

Construction commitments

The TELUS Sky real estate joint venture is expected to spend a total of approximately $400 million on the construction of a mixed-use tower. As at December 31, 2017, the real estate joint venture’s construction-related contractual commitments were approximately $82 million through to 2019 (2016 — $121 million through to 2018).

Construction credit facilities

The TELUS Sky real estate joint venture has a credit agreement with three Canadian financial institutions (as 66-2/3% lender) and TELUS Corporation (as 33-1/3% lender) to provide $342 million of construction financing for the project. The TELUS Garden real estate joint venture had a credit agreement with two Canadian financial institutions (as 50% lender) and TELUS Corporation (as 50% lender) to provide construction financing for the residential condominium project; as at December 31, 2016, all outstanding amounts had been repaid.

The construction credit facilities contain customary real estate construction financing representations, warranties and covenants and are secured by demand debentures constituting first fixed and floating charge mortgages over the underlying real estate assets. The construction credit facilities are available by way of bankers’ acceptance or prime loan and bear interest at rates in line with similar construction financing facilities.

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Construction credit facilities commitment — TELUS Corporation
Undrawn	4(c)	$	67	$	93
Advances		47		21
		114		114
Construction credit facilities commitment — other		228		228
		$	342	$	342

60

notes to consolidated financial statements

22short-term borrowings

On July 26, 2002, one of our subsidiaries, TELUS Communications Inc., entered into an agreement with an arm’s-length securitization trust associated with a major Schedule I bank under which it is able to sell an interest in certain trade receivables up to a maximum of $500 million (2016 — $500 million). This revolving-period securitization agreement term ends December 31, 2018, and it requires minimum cash proceeds of $100 million from monthly sales of interests in certain trade receivables. TELUS Communications Inc. is required to maintain a credit rating of at least BB (2016 — BB) from Dominion Bond Rating Service or the securitization trust may require the sale program to be wound down prior to the end of the term.

When we sell our trade receivables, we retain reserve accounts, which are retained interests in the securitized trade receivables, and servicing rights. As at December 31, 2017, we had sold to the trust (but continued to recognize) trade receivables of $119 million (2016 — $116 million). Short-term borrowings of $100 million (2016 — $100 million) are comprised of amounts advanced to us by the arm’s-length securitization trust pursuant to the sale of trade receivables.

The balance of short-term borrowings (if any) is comprised of amounts drawn on our bilateral bank facilities.

23accounts payable and accrued liabilities

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Accrued liabilities	$	1,066	$	1,013
Payroll and other employee-related liabilities	403		460
Restricted stock units liability	66		55
	1,535		1,528
Trade accounts payable	717		578
Interest payable	147		144
Other	61		80
	$	2,460	$	2,330

24advance billings and customer deposits

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Advance billings	$	747	$	697
Deferred customer activation and connection fees	13		17
Customer deposits	21		15
Regulatory deferral accounts	1		8
	$	782	$	737

61

notes to consolidated financial statements

25provisions

(millions)	Asset retirement obligation			Employee- related			Written put options			Other			Total
As at January 1, 2016	$	377		$	109		$	46		$	98		$	630
Additions 1	15			113			17			54			199
Use	(9		)	(141		)	(54		)	(41		)	(245		)
Reversal	—			(4		)	—			(8		)	(12		)
Interest effect 2	(44		)	—			1			—			(43		)
Foreign exchange effects	—			—			(10		)	—			(10		)
As at December 31, 2016	339			77			—			103			519
Additions 1	13			39			71			58			181
Use	(6		)	(75		)	—			(40		)	(121		)
Reversal 3	(53		)	(5		)	(11		)	(1		)	(70		)
Interest effect 2	58			—			2			—			60
Foreign exchange effects	—			—			1			—			1
As at December 31, 2017	$	351		$	36		$	63		$	120		$	570
Current	$	11		$	76		$	—		$	37		$	124
Non-current	328			1			—			66			395
As at December 31, 2016	$	339		$	77		$	—		$	103		$	519
Current	$	6		$	35		$	—		$	37		$	78
Non-current	345			1			63			83			492
As at December 31, 2017	$	351		$	36		$	63		$	120		$	570

(1)Employee-related additions are net of share-based compensation of $(7) (2016 — $4).

(2)The difference of $47 (2016 — $(55)) between the interest effect in this table and the amount disclosed in Note 9 is in respect of the change in the discount rates applicable to the provision, such difference being included in the cost of the associated asset(s) by way of being included with (netted against) the additions detailed in Note 17.

(3)The written put option reversal is an adjustment to the Voxpro Limited purchase price allocation disclosed in Note 18(b).

Asset retirement obligation

We establish provisions for liabilities associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of the assets. We expect that the cash outflows in respect of the balance accrued as at the financial statement date will occur proximate to the dates these assets are retired.

Employee-related

The employee-related provisions are largely in respect of restructuring activities (as discussed further in Note 16(b)). The timing of the cash outflows in respect of the balance accrued as at the financial statement date is substantially short-term in nature.

Written put options

In connection with certain business acquisitions, we have established provisions for written put options in respect of non-controlling interests. No cash outflows for the written put options outstanding at December 31, 2017, are expected prior to their initial exercisability in 2021.

Other

The provisions for other include: legal claims; non-employee related restructuring activities (as discussed further in Note 16); and contract termination costs and onerous contracts related to business acquisitions. Other than as set out following, we expect that the cash outflows in respect of the balance accrued as at the financial statement date will occur over an indeterminate multi-year period.

As discussed further in Note 29, we are involved in a number of legal claims and we are aware of certain other possible legal claims. In respect of legal claims, we establish provisions, when warranted, after taking into account legal assessments, information presently available, and the expected availability of recourse. The timing of cash outflows associated with legal claims cannot be reasonably determined.

In connection with certain business acquisitions, we have established provisions for contingent consideration, contract termination costs and onerous contracts acquired. In respect of contract termination costs and onerous contracts acquired, cash outflows are expected to occur through mid-2018.

62

notes to consolidated financial statements

26long-term debt

(a)Details of long-term debt

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
TELUS Corporation notes	(b)	$	11,561	$	11,367
TELUS Corporation commercial paper	(c)	1,140		613
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures	(e)	620		619
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility	(f)	339		332
Long-term debt		$	13,660	$	12,931
Current		$	1,404	$	1,327
Non-current		12,256		11,604
Long-term debt		$	13,660	$	12,931

(b)TELUS Corporation notes

The notes are senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations, are senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness, and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future obligations of, or guaranteed by, our subsidiaries. The indentures governing the notes contain certain covenants which, among other things, place limitations on our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: grant security in respect of indebtedness; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; and incur new indebtedness.

							Principal face amount				Redemption present value spread
Series 1	Issued	Maturity	Issue price		Effective interest rate 2		Originally issued		Outstanding at financial statement date		Basis points	Cessation date
4.95% Notes, Series CD	March 2007	March 2017	$	999.53	4.96	%	$	700 million	$	NIL	24 3	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CG 4	December 2009	December 2019	$	994.19	5.13	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	45.5 3	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CH 4	July 2010	July 2020	$	997.44	5.08	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	47 3	N/A
3.35% Notes, Series CJ 4	December 2012	March 2023	$	998.83	3.36	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	40 5	Dec. 15, 2022
3.35% Notes, Series CK 4	April 2013	April 2024	$	994.35	3.41	%	$	1.1 billion	$	1.1 billion	36 5	Jan. 2, 2024
4.40% Notes, Series CL 4	April 2013	April 2043	$	997.68	4.41	%	$	600 million	$	600 million	47 5	Oct. 1, 2042
3.60% Notes, Series CM 4	November 2013	January 2021	$	997.15	3.65	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	35 3	N/A
5.15% Notes, Series CN 4	November 2013	November 2043	$	995.00	5.18	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	50 5	May 26, 2043
3.20% Notes, Series CO 4	April 2014	April 2021	$	997.39	3.24	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	30 5	Mar. 5, 2021
4.85% Notes, Series CP 4	Multiple 6	April 2044	$	987.91 6	4.93	% 6	$	500 million 6	$	900 million 6	46 5	Oct. 5, 2043
3.75% Notes, Series CQ 4	September 2014	January 2025	$	997.75	3.78	%	$	800 million	$	800 million	38.5 5	Oct. 17, 2024
4.75% Notes, Series CR 4	September 2014	January 2045	$	992.91	4.80	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	51.5 5	July 17, 2044
1.50% Notes, Series CS 4	March 2015	March 2018	$	999.62	1.51	%	$	250 million	$	250 million	N/A 7	N/A
2.35% Notes, Series CT 4	March 2015	March 2022	$	997.31	2.39	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	35.5 5	Feb. 28, 2022
4.40% Notes, Series CU 4	March 2015	January 2046	$	999.72	4.40	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	60.5 5	July 29, 2045
3.75% Notes, Series CV 4	December 2015	March 2026	$	992.14	3.84	%	$	600 million	$	600 million	53.5 5	Dec. 10, 2025
2.80% U.S. Dollar Notes 4, 8	September 2016	February 2027	US$991.89		2.89	%	US$600 million		US$600 million		20 9	Nov. 16, 2026
3.70% U.S. Dollar Notes 4, 10	March 2017	September 2027	US$998.95		3.71	%	US$500 million		US$500 million		20 9	June 15, 2027
4.70% Notes, Series CW 4	March 2017	March 2048	$	990.65	4.76	%	$	325 million	$	325 million	58.5 5	Sept. 6, 2047

(1)Interest is payable semi-annually.

(2)The effective interest rate is that which the notes would yield to an initial debt holder if held to maturity.

(3)The notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption.

(4)This series of notes requires us to make an offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase upon the occurrence of a change in control triggering event, as defined in the supplemental trust indenture.

(5)At any time prior to the respective maturity dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread calculated over the period to maturity, other than in the case of the Series CT and Series CU notes, where it is calculated over the period to the redemption present value spread cessation date, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption. On or after the respective redemption present value spread cessation dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole but not in part, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, at redemption prices equal to 100% of the principal amounts thereof.

(6)$500 million of 4.85% Notes, Series CP were issued in April 2014 at an issue price of $998.74 and an effective interest rate of 4.86%. This series of notes was reopened in December 2015 and a further $400 million of notes were issued at an issue price of $974.38 and an effective interest rate of 5.02%.

(7)The notes are not redeemable at our option, other than in the event of certain changes in tax laws.

(8)We have entered into a foreign exchange derivative (a cross currency interest rate exchange agreement) which effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with a fixed interest rate of 2.95% and an issued and outstanding amount of $792 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3205).

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notes to consolidated financial statements

(9)At any time prior to the respective maturity dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the U.S. Adjusted Treasury Rate plus the redemption present value spread calculated over the period to the redemption present value spread cessation date, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption. On or after the respective redemption present value spread cessation dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole but not in part, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, at redemption prices equal to 100% of the principal amounts thereof.

(10)We have entered into a foreign exchange derivative (a cross currency interest rate exchange agreement) which effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with a fixed interest rate of 3.41% and an issued and outstanding amount of $667 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3348).

(c)TELUS Corporation commercial paper

TELUS Corporation has an unsecured commercial paper program, which is backstopped by our $2.25 billion syndicated credit facility (see (d)) and is to be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and investments. This program enables us to issue commercial paper, subject to conditions related to debt ratings, up to a maximum aggregate amount at any one time of $1.4 billion (2016 — $1.4 billion). Foreign currency forward contracts are used to manage currency risk arising from issuing commercial paper denominated in U.S. dollars. Commercial paper debt is due within one year and is classified as a current portion of long-term debt, as the amounts are fully supported, and we expect that they will continue to be supported, by the revolving credit facility, which has no repayment requirements within the next year. As at December 31, 2017, we had $1,140 million of commercial paper outstanding, all of which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$908 million), with an effective weighted average interest rate of 1.83%, maturing through April 2018.

(d)TELUS Corporation credit facility

As at December 31, 2017, TELUS Corporation had an unsecured revolving $2.25 billion bank credit facility, expiring on May 31, 2021, with a syndicate of financial institutions, which is to be used for general corporate purposes, including the backstopping of commercial paper.

TELUS Corporation’s credit facility bears interest at prime rate, U.S. Dollar Base Rate, a bankers’ acceptance rate or London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) (all such terms as used or defined in the credit facility), plus applicable margins. The credit facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including two financial quarter-end ratio tests. These tests are that our net debt to operating cash flow ratio must not exceed 4.00:1.00 and our operating cash flow to interest expense ratio must not be less than 2.00:1.00, all as defined under the credit facility.

Continued access to TELUS Corporation’s credit facility is not contingent on TELUS Corporation maintaining a specific credit rating.

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Net available	$	1,110	$	1,637
Backstop of commercial paper	1,140		613
Gross available	$	2,250	$	2,250

We had $224 million of letters of credit outstanding as at December 31, 2017 (2016 — $210 million), issued under various uncommitted facilities; such letter of credit facilities are in addition to the ability to provide letters of credit pursuant to our committed bank credit facility.

(e)TELUS Communications Inc. debentures

The Series 3 and 5 Debentures were issued by a predecessor corporation of TELUS Communications Inc., BC TEL, under a Trust Indenture dated May 31, 1990. The Series B Debentures were issued by a predecessor corporation of TELUS Communications Inc., AGT Limited, under a Trust Indenture dated August 24, 1994, and a supplemental trust indenture dated September 22, 1995.

					Principal face amount				Redemption present value spread
Series 1	Issued	Maturity	Issue price		Originally issued		Outstanding at financial statement date		Basis points
10.65% Debentures, Series 3	June 1991	June 2021	$	998.00	$	175 million	$	175 million	N/A (non-redeemable)
9.65% Debentures, Series 52	April 1992	April 2022	$	972.00	$	150 million	$	249 million	N/A (non-redeemable)
8.80% Debentures, Series B	September 1995	September 2025	$	995.10	$	200 million	$	200 million	153

(1)Interest is payable semi-annually.

(2)Series 4 Debentures were exchangeable, at the holder’s option, effective on April 8 of any year during the four-year period from 1996 to 1999, for Series 5 Debentures; $99 million of Series 4 Debentures were exchanged for Series 5 Debentures.

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notes to consolidated financial statements

(3)At any time prior to the maturity date set out in the table, the debentures are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not less than 30 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the debentures discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption.

The debentures became obligations of TELUS Communications Inc. pursuant to an amalgamation on January 1, 2001, are not secured by any mortgage, pledge or other charge and are governed by certain covenants, including a negative pledge and a limitation on issues of additional debt, subject to a debt to capitalization ratio and an interest coverage test. Effective June 12, 2009, TELUS Corporation guaranteed the payment of the debentures’ principal and interest.

(f)TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility

As at December 31, 2017, TELUS International (Cda) Inc. had a bank credit facility, secured by its assets, expiring on December 20, 2022, (2016 — May 31, 2021), with a syndicate of financial institutions. The credit facility is comprised of a US$350 million (2016 — US$115 million) revolving component and an amortizing US$120 million (2016 — US$215 million) term loan component. The credit facility is non-recourse to TELUS Corporation. As at December 31, 2017, $346 million ($339 million net of unamortized issue costs) was outstanding, which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$276 million), with a weighted average interest rate of 3.32%. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, an incremental $94 million (US$75 million) was drawn (see Note 18(c)).

As at December 31 (millions)	2017						2016
	Revolving component		Term loan component		Total		Revolving component		Term loan component		Total
Available	US$	193	US$	N/A	US$	193	US$	72	US$	N/A	US$	72
Outstanding		157		119		276		43		210		253
	US$	350	US$	119	US$	469	US$	115	US$	210	US$	325

TELUS International (Cda) Inc.’s credit facility bears interest at prime rate, U.S. Dollar Base Rate, a bankers’ acceptance rate or London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) (all such terms as used or defined in the credit facility), plus applicable margins. The credit facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including two financial quarter-end ratio tests. These tests are that TELUS International (Cda) Inc.’s net debt to operating cash flow ratio generally must not exceed 3.25:1.00 and its operating cash flow to debt service (interest and scheduled principal repayment) ratio must not be less than 1.50:1.00, all as defined in the credit facility.

The term loan is subject to an amortization schedule which requires that 5% of the principal advanced be repaid each year of the term of the agreement, with the balance due at maturity.

(g)Long-term debt maturities

Anticipated requirements to meet long-term debt repayments, calculated upon such long-term debts owing as at December 31, 2017, for each of the next five fiscal years are as follows:

Long-term debt denominated in	Canadian dollars		U.S. dollars
					Derivative liability
Years ending December 31 (millions)	Debt		Debt		(Receive) 1			Pay		Total		Total
2018	$	250	$	1,147	$	(1,144	)	$	1,160	$	1,163	$	1,413
2019	1,000		8		—			—		8		1,008
2020	1,000		8		—			—		8		1,008
2021	1,075		8		—			—		8		1,083
2022	1,249		316		—			—		316		1,565
Thereafter	6,325		1,380		(1,380		)	1,460		1,460		7,785
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	10,899		2,867		(2,524		)	2,620		2,963		13,862
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs 2	5,506		490		(431		)	449		508		6,014
Undiscounted contractual maturities (Note 4(c))	$	16,405	$	3,357	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	3,471	$	19,876

(1)Where applicable, principal-related cash flows reflect foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2017.

(2)Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs for commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the rates in effect at December 31, 2017.

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notes to consolidated financial statements

27other long-term liabilities

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities	15(a)	$	537	$	484
Deferred revenues		81		72
Restricted stock unit and deferred share unit liabilities		68		62
Derivative liabilities		76		21
Other		67		73
		829		712
Deferred customer activation and connection fees		18		24
		$	847	$	736

28Common Share capital

(a)General

Our authorized share capital is as follows:

As at December 31	2017	2016
First Preferred Shares	1 billion	1 billion
Second Preferred Shares	1 billion	1 billion
Common Shares	2 billion	2 billion

Only holders of Common Shares may vote at our general meetings, with each holder of Common Shares entitled to one vote per Common Share held at all such meetings so long as not less than 66-2/3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares are owned by Canadians. With respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of our assets among our shareholders for the purpose of winding up our affairs, preferences are as follows: First Preferred Shares; Second Preferred Shares; and finally Common Shares.

As at December 31, 2017, approximately 48 million Common Shares were reserved for issuance, from Treasury, under a share option plan (see Note 14(d)).

(b)Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bid

As referred to in Note 3, we may purchase a portion of our Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids in order to maintain or adjust our capital structure. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased a number of our Common Shares for cancellation, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative trading platforms or otherwise as may be permitted by applicable securities laws and regulations, including privately negotiated block purchases, as set out in the following table; there was no corresponding activity during the year ended December 31, 2017.

	2016
Year ended December 31 (millions except footnote amounts)	Common Shares	Cost
Normal course issuer bid period:
September 15, 2015 — September 14, 2016	3	$	130
September 30, 2016 — September 29, 2017 1	1	35
Total excluding employee benefit plan trust transactions	4	165
Employee benefit plan trust transactions	—	4
	4	$	169

(1) In November 2017, we received approval for a normal course issuer bid to purchase and cancel up to 8 million of our Common Shares (up to a maximum amount of $250 million) from November 13, 2017, to November 12, 2018. Additionally, we may enter into an automatic share purchase plan with a broker for the purpose of permitting us to purchase our Common Shares under the normal course issuer bid at times when we would not be permitted to trade in our own Common Shares during internal blackout periods, including during regularly scheduled quarterly blackout periods. Such purchases are determined by the broker in its sole discretion based on parameters we have established. We record a liability and charge share capital and retained earnings for purchases that may occur during such blackout periods based upon the parameters of the normal course issuer bid as at the statement of financial position date.

The excess of the purchase price over the average stated value of Common Shares purchased for cancellation is charged to retained earnings. We cease to consider the Common Shares to be outstanding on the date of our purchase of the Common Shares, although the actual cancellation of the Common Shares by the transfer agent and registrar occurs on a timely basis on a date shortly thereafter.

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notes to consolidated financial statements

29contingent liabilities

(a)Claims and lawsuits

General

A number of claims and lawsuits (including class actions and intellectual property infringement claims) seeking damages and other relief are pending against us and, in some cases, numerous other wireless carriers and telecommunications service providers. As well, we have received notice of, or are aware of, certain possible claims (including intellectual property infringement claims) against us.

It is not currently possible for us to predict the outcome of such claims, possible claims and lawsuits due to various factors, including: the preliminary nature of some claims; uncertain damage theories and demands; an incomplete factual record; uncertainty concerning legal theories and procedures and their resolution by the courts, at both the trial and the appeal levels; and the unpredictable nature of opposing parties and their demands.

However, subject to the foregoing limitations, management is of the opinion, based upon legal assessments and information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability, to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would have a material effect on our financial position and the results of our operations, including cash flows, with the exception of the items enumerated following.

Certified class actions

Certified class actions against us include the following:

System access fee class actions

In 2004, a class action was brought in Saskatchewan against a number of past and present wireless service providers, including us, which alleged breach of contract, misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and violation of competition, trade practices and consumer protection legislation across Canada in connection with the collection of system access fees. In September 2007, a national opt-in class was certified by the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench in relation to the unjust enrichment claim only; all appeals of this certification decision have now been exhausted. In February 2008, the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench granted an order amending the certification order so as to exclude from the class of plaintiffs any customer bound by an arbitration clause with us. All appeals of this decision have now been exhausted. In addition to the 2004 class action brought in Saskatchewan, fourteen additional class actions were brought against us and other wireless service providers in the period 2004 to date in connection with the collection of system access fees in nine provinces. None of these additional fourteen class actions has ever been certified, and all have now been dismissed, discontinued or stayed.

Per minute billing class action

In 2008, a class action was brought in Ontario against us alleging breach of contract, breach of the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, breach of the Competition Act and unjust enrichment, in connection with our practice of “rounding up” wireless airtime to the nearest minute and charging for the full minute. The action sought certification of a national class. In November 2014, an Ontario class only was certified by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in relation to the breach of contract, breach of the Consumer Protection Act and unjust enrichment claims; all appeals of the certification decision have now been exhausted. At the same time, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declined to stay the claims of our business customers notwithstanding an arbitration clause in our customer service agreements with those customers. This latter decision was appealed and on May 31, 2017, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed our appeal. We have sought leave to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Unilateral rate amendments class actions

In 2012, a class action was brought against us in Quebec alleging that we improperly unilaterally amended customer contracts to increase various wireless rates for optional services, contrary to the Quebec Consumer Protection Act and the Civil Code of Quebec. On June 13, 2013, the Superior Court of Quebec authorized this matter as a class action. This class action follows on a non-material 2008 class action brought in Quebec alleging that we improperly unilaterally amended customer contracts to charge for incoming SMS messages. On April 8, 2014, judgment was granted in part against us in the 2008 class action. We had appealed that judgment, but have now settled both the 2008 and 2012 class actions. This settlement received court approval in June 2016, is being implemented and has been fully accounted for in our financial statements.

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notes to consolidated financial statements

Call set-up time class actions

In 2005, a class action was brought against us in British Columbia alleging that we have engaged in deceptive trade practices in charging for incoming calls from the moment the caller connects to the network, and not from the moment the incoming call is connected to the recipient. In 2011, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld a stay of all of the causes of action advanced by the plaintiff in this class action, with one exception, based on the arbitration clause that was included in our customer service agreements. The sole exception was the cause of action based on deceptive or unconscionable practices under the British Columbia Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which the Supreme Court of Canada declined to stay. In January 2016, the British Columbia Supreme Court certified this class action in relation to the claim under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. The class is limited to residents of British Columbia who contracted with us for wireless services in the period from January 21, 1999, to April 2010. We have appealed the certification decision and the appeal hearing is expected to occur in March 2018. A companion class action was brought against us in Alberta at the same time as the British Columbia class action. The Alberta class action duplicates the allegations in the British Columbia action, but has not proceeded to date and is not certified.

Uncertified class actions

Uncertified class actions against us include:

9-1-1 class actions

In 2008, a class action was brought in Saskatchewan against us and other Canadian telecommunications carriers alleging that, among other matters, we failed to provide proper notice of 9-1-1 charges to the public, have been deceitfully passing them off as government charges, and have charged 9-1-1 fees to customers who reside in areas where 9-1-1 service is not available. The plaintiffs advance causes of action in breach of contract, misrepresentation and false advertising and seek certification of a national class. A virtually identical class action was filed in Alberta at the same time, but the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench declared that class action expired against us as of 2009. No steps were taken in this proceeding in 2017.

Electromagnetic field radiation class actions

In 2013, a class action was brought in British Columbia against us, other telecommunications carriers, and cellular telephone manufacturers alleging that prolonged usage of cellular telephones causes adverse health effects. The British Columbia class action alleges: strict liability; negligence; failure to warn; breach of warranty; breach of competition, consumer protection and trade practices legislation; negligent misrepresentation; breach of a duty not to market the products in question; and waiver of tort. Certification of a national class is sought, but the action has not proceeded to date and no steps were taken in 2016 or 2017. In 2015, a class action was brought in Quebec against us, other telecommunications carriers, and various other defendants alleging that electromagnetic field radiation causes adverse health effects, contravenes the Quebec Environmental Quality Act, creates a nuisance, and constitutes an abuse of right pursuant to the Quebec Civil Code. This action has not yet proceeded to an authorization hearing.

Public Mobile class actions

In 2014, class actions were brought against us in Quebec and Ontario on behalf of Public Mobile’s customers, alleging that changes to the technology, services and rate plans made by us contravene our statutory and common law obligations. In particular, the Quebec action alleges that our actions constitute a breach of the Quebec Consumer Protection Act, the Quebec Civil Code, and the Ontario Consumer Protection Act. It has not yet proceeded to an authorization hearing. The Ontario class action alleges negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of the Competition Act, unjust enrichment, and waiver of tort. No steps have been taken in this proceeding since it was filed and served.

Promotional pricing class action

In 2016, a class action was brought in Quebec against us, other telecommunications carriers, and various other defendants alleging that we violated the Quebec Consumer Protection Act by enticing Quebec consumer customers to contract with us by providing goods or services to them at a reduced price, or free as a trial, for a fixed period and, at the end of the fixed period, charging them the regular price if they did not take steps to either renegotiate or cancel their contract with us. The plaintiff has agreed to discontinue this claim against us, and the court authorized the discontinuation of the class action against us on July 13, 2017.

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notes to consolidated financial statements

Handset subsidy class action

In 2016, a class action was brought in Quebec against us and other telecommunications carriers alleging that we breached the Quebec Consumer Protection Act and the Civil Code of Quebec by making false or misleading representations relating to the handset subsidy provided to our wireless customers, and by charging our wireless customers inflated rate plan prices and termination fees higher than those permitted under the Act. This action has not yet proceeded to an authorization hearing.

Intellectual property infringement claims

Claims and possible claims received by us include:

4G LTE network patent infringement claim

A patent infringement claim was filed in Ontario in 2016 alleging that communications between devices, including cellular telephones, and base stations on our 4G LTE network infringe three third-party patents. The trial for this matter has been scheduled to commence on October 28, 2019.

Summary

We believe that we have good defences to the above matters. Should the ultimate resolution of these matters differ from management’s assessments and assumptions, a material adjustment to our financial position and the results of our operations, including cash flows, could result. Management’s assessments and assumptions include that reliable estimates of any such exposure cannot be made considering the continued uncertainty about: the nature of the damages that may be sought by the plaintiffs; the causes of action that are being, or may ultimately be, pursued; and, in the case of the uncertified class actions, the causes of action that may ultimately be certified.

(b)Indemnification obligations

In the normal course of operations, we provide indemnification in conjunction with certain transactions. The terms of these indemnification obligations range in duration. These indemnifications would require us to compensate the indemnified parties for costs incurred as a result of failure to comply with contractual obligations, or litigation claims or statutory sanctions, or damages that may be suffered by an indemnified party. In some cases, there is no maximum limit on these indemnification obligations. The overall maximum amount of an indemnification obligation will depend on future events and conditions and therefore cannot be reasonably estimated. Where appropriate, an indemnification obligation is recorded as a liability. Other than obligations recorded as liabilities at the time of the related transactions, historically we have not made significant payments under these indemnifications.

See Note 21(d) for details regarding our guarantees to the real estate joint ventures.

As at December 31, 2017, we had no liability recorded in respect of our indemnification obligations.

(c)Concentration of labour

In 2015, we commenced collective bargaining with the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944 to renew the collective agreement that expired on December 31, 2015; the expired contract covered approximately 40% of our Canadian workforce as at December 31, 2015.

On October 3, 2016, the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944 and ourselves announced that the two parties had reached a tentative five-year collective agreement which would be subject to ratification by members of the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944. On November 23, 2016, the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944 announced that its members had voted to accept the October 3, 2016, tentative agreement. The terms and conditions of the new collective agreement are effective from November 27, 2016, to December 31, 2021, and covered approximately 37% of our Canadian workforce as at December 31, 2016.

In December 2016, a new collective agreement between the Syndicat des agents de maîtrise de TELUS and ourselves was ratified by a majority of its members. This collective agreement took effect on April 1, 2017, and will expire on March 31, 2022.

A new collective agreement between the Syndicat québécois des employés de TELUS and ourselves was also ratified in December 2016. The new agreement is effective from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. The Syndicat québécois des employés de TELUS collective agreement in effect at the time of ratification remained in effect until its expiry on December 31, 2017.

69

notes to consolidated financial statements

30related party transactions

(a)Transactions with key management personnel

Our key management personnel have authority and responsibility for overseeing, planning, directing and controlling our activities and consist of our Board of Directors and our Executive Leadership Team.

Total compensation expense for key management personnel, and the composition thereof, is as follows:

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Short-term benefits	$	12	$	12
Post-employment pension 1 and other benefits	4		7
Share-based compensation 2	34		35
	$	50	$	54

(1)Our Executive Leadership Team members are either members of our Pension Plan for Management and Professional Employees of TELUS Corporation and non-registered, non-contributory supplementary defined benefit pension plans, or members of one of our defined contribution pension plans.

(2)For the year ended December 31, 2017, share-based compensation expense was net of $4 (2016 — $2) of the effects of derivatives used to manage share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b)). For the year ended December 31, 2017, share-based compensation expense (recovery) of $(7) (2016 — $4) was included in restructuring costs (Note 16).

As disclosed in Note 14, we made initial awards of share-based compensation in 2017 and 2016, including, as set out in the following table, to our key management personnel. As most of these awards are cliff-vesting or graded-vesting and have multi-year requisite service periods, the expense will be recognized ratably over a period of years and thus only a portion of the 2017 and 2016 initial awards are included in the amounts in the table above.

Years ended December 31	2017					2016
($ in millions)	Number of restricted stock units	Notional value 1		Grant-date fair value 1		Number of restricted stock units	Notional value 1		Grant-date fair value 1
Awarded in period	686,595	$	30	$	30	585,759	$	23	$	15

(1)Notional value is determined by multiplying the Common Share price at the time of award by the number of units awarded. The grant-date fair value differs from the notional value because the fair values of some awards have been determined using a Monte Carlo simulation (see Note 14(b)).

As at December 31, 2017, no share options outstanding were held by key management personnel (including retirees). During the year ended December 31, 2017, key management personnel (including retirees) exercised 17,716 share options (2016 — 169,522 share options) that had an intrinsic value of less than $1 million (2016 — $4 million) at the time of exercise, reflecting a weighted average price at the date of exercise of $44.84 (2016 — $42.47).

The liability amounts accrued for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel are as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Restricted stock units	$	40	$	25
Deferred share units 1	24		32
	$	64	$	57

(1)Our Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan provides that, in addition to his or her annual equity grant of deferred share units, a director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer and meeting fees in deferred share units, Common Shares or cash. Deferred share units entitle directors to a specified number of, or a cash payment based on the value of, our Common Shares. Deferred share units are paid out when a director ceases to be a director, for any reason, at a time elected by the director in accordance with the Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan; during the year ended December 31, 2017, $14 (2016 — $4) was paid out.

Employment agreements with members of the Executive Leadership Team typically provide for severance payments if an executive’s employment is terminated without cause: generally 18—24 months of base salary, benefits and accrual of pension service in lieu of notice, and 50% of base salary in lieu of an annual cash bonus. In the event of a change in control, Executive Leadership Team members are not entitled to treatment any different than that given to our other employees with respect to non-vested share-based compensation.

(b)Transactions with defined benefit pension plans

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we provided management and administrative services to our defined benefit pension plans; the charges for these services were on a cost recovery basis and amounted to $6 million (2016 — $6 million).

(c)Transactions with real estate joint ventures

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had transactions with the real estate joint ventures, which are related parties, as set out in Note 21.

70

notes to consolidated financial statements

31additional statement of cash flow information

(a)Statements of cash flows — operating activities and investing activities

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Net change in non-cash operating working capital
Accounts receivable		$	(70	)	$	(45	)
Inventories		(60		)	42
Prepaid expenses		(27		)	(20		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		126			126
Income and other taxes receivable and payable, net		(90		)	(128		)
Advance billings and customer deposits		38			(28		)
Provisions		(59		)	(18		)
		$	(142	)	$	(71	)
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences
Capital asset additions, excluding spectrum licences
Gross capital expenditures
Property, plant and equipment	17	$	(2,486	)	$	(2,358	)
Intangible assets	18	(617		)	(629		)
		(3,103		)	(2,987		)
Additions arising from non-monetary transactions		9			19
Capital expenditures		(3,094		)	(2,968		)
Asset retirement obligations netted (included) in additions		(7		)	40
		(3,101		)	(2,928		)
Other non-cash items included above
Change in associated non-cash investing working capital		(27		)	231
Non-cash change in asset retirement obligation		47			(55		)
		20			176
		$	(3,081	)	$	(2,752	)

71

notes to consolidated financial statements

(b)Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

				Year ended December 31, 2016														Year ended December 31, 2017
				Statement of cash flows						Non-cash changes								Statement of cash flows						Non-cash changes
(millions)	As at January 1, 2016			Issued or received			Redemptions, repayments or payments			Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))			Other			As at December 31, 2016		Issued or received			Redemptions, repayments or payments			Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))			Other			As at December 31, 2017
Dividends payable to holders of Common Shares	$	263		$	—		$	(1,070	)	$	—		$	1,091		$	284	$	—		$	(1,152	)	$	—		$	1,167		$	299
Dividends reinvested in shares from Treasury	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			70			—			(70		)	—
	$	263		$	—		$	(1,070	)	$	—		$	1,091		$	284	$	—		$	(1,082	)	$	—		$	1,097		$	299
Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation 1	$	10		$	—		$	(179	)	$	—		$	169		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Short-term borrowings	$	100		$	3		$	(3	)	$	—		$	—		$	100	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	100
Long-term debt
TELUS Corporation notes	$	11,164		$	785		$	(600	)	$	19		$	(1	)	$	11,367	$	990		$	(700	)	$	(91	)	$	(5	)	$	11,561
TELUS Corporation commercial paper	256			4,568			(4,181		)	(30		)	—			613		5,295			(4,710		)	(58		)	—			1,140
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures	618			—			—			—			1			619		—			—			—			1			620
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility	—			373			(42		)	9			(8		)	332		82			(56		)	(20		)	1			339
Derivatives used to manage currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt — liability (asset)	(14		)	4,181			(4,201		)	11			43			20		4,710			(4,746		)	149			(40		)	93
	12,024			9,907			(9,024		)	9			35			12,951		11,077			(10,212		)	(20		)	(43		)	13,753
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of derivatives used to manage currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt	—			(4,181		)	4,181			—			—			—		(4,710		)	4,710			—			—			—
	$	12,024		$	5,726		$	(4,843	)	$	9		$	35		$	12,951	$	6,367		$	(5,502	)	$	(20	)	$	(43	)	$	13,753
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interest
Gross proceeds on share issuance				$	302		$	—		$	—		$	(302	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Transaction costs				—			(8		)	—			12			4		—			(1		)	—			—			3
Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus 2				—			—			—			47			47		—			—			—			(3		)	44
				302			(8		)	—			(243		)	51		—			(1		)	—			(3		)	47
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of transaction costs				(8		)	8			—			—			—		—			—			—			—			—
				$	294		$	—		$	—		$	(243	)	$	51	$	—		$	(1	)	$	—		$	(3	)	$	47

(1)Normal course issuer bid transactions, including employee benefit plan trust transactions (see Note 28(b)).

(2)Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus were comprised of a current income tax charge of $(3) (2016 — $50) and a deferred income tax recovery of $NIL (2016 — $3).

72

TELUS CORPORATION

Management’s discussion and analysis

2017

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This document contains forward-looking statements about expected events and the financial and operating performance of TELUS Corporation. The terms TELUS, the Company, we, us and our refer to TELUS Corporation and, where the context of the narrative permits or requires, its subsidiaries.

Forward-looking statements include any statements that do not refer to historical facts. They include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our objectives and our strategies to achieve those objectives, our targets, outlook, updates, and our multi-year dividend growth program. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words assumption, goal, guidance, objective, outlook, strategy, target and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as aim, anticipate, believe, could, expect, intend, may, plan, predict, seek, should, strive and will.

By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions, including assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. These assumptions may ultimately prove to have been inaccurate and, as a result, our actual results or events may differ materially from expectations expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Our general outlook and assumptions for 2018 are presented in Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions in this Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A).

Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in other TELUS filings include, but are not limited to, the following:

·Competition including: our ability to continue to retain customers through an enhanced customer service experience, including through the deployment and operation of evolving wireless and wireline networks; the ability of industry competitors to successfully launch their respective platforms and to combine a mix of residential local voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), long distance, high-speed Internet access (HSIA) and, in some cases, wireless services under one bundled and/or discounted monthly rate, along with their existing broadcast or satellite-based TV services; the success of new products, new services and supporting systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) services for Internet-connected devices; continued intense rivalry across all services among wireless and wireline telecommunications companies, cable-TV providers, other communications companies and over-the-top (OTT) services, which, among other things, places pressures on current and future average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU), cost of acquisition, cost of retention and churn rate for all services, as do customer usage patterns, flat-rate pricing trends for voice and data, inclusive rate plans for voice and data and availability of Wi-Fi networks for data; mergers and acquisitions of industry competitors; pressures on high-speed Internet and TV ARPU and churn rate resulting from market conditions, government actions and customer usage patterns; residential and business network access line (NAL) losses; subscriber additions and retention volumes, and associated costs for wireless, TV and high-speed Internet services; and our ability to obtain and offer content on a timely basis across multiple devices on wireless and TV platforms at a reasonable cost.

·Technological substitution including: reduced utilization and increased commoditization of traditional wireline voice local and long distance services from impacts of OTT applications and wireless substitution, a declining overall market for paid TV services, including as a result of content piracy and signal theft and as a result of a rise in OTT direct to consumer video offerings and virtual multichannel video programming distribution platforms; the increasing number of households that have only wireless and/or Internet-based telephone services; potential wireless ARPU declines as a result of, among other factors, substitution to messaging and OTT applications; substitution to increasingly available Wi-Fi services; and disruptive technologies such as OTT IP services, including Network as a Service in the business market, that may displace or re-rate our existing data services.

·Technology including: subscriber demand for data that may challenge wireless networks and spectrum capacity levels in the future and may be accompanied by increases in delivery cost; our reliance on information technology and our need to streamline our legacy systems; technology options, evolution paths and roll-out plans for video distribution platforms and telecommunications networks (including broadband initiatives, such as fibre to the premises (FTTP), wireless small-cell deployment, 5G wireless and availability of resources and ability to build out adequate broadband capacity); our reliance on wireless network access agreements, which have facilitated our deployment of wireless technologies; choice of suppliers and those suppliers’ ability to maintain and service their product lines, which could affect the success of upgrades to, and evolution of, technology that we offer; supplier concentration and market power for network equipment, TELUS TV® and wireless handsets; the performance of wireless technology; our expected long-term need to acquire additional spectrum capacity through future spectrum auctions and from third parties to address increasing demand for data; deployment and operation of new wireline broadband networks at a reasonable cost and availability and success of new products and services to be rolled out on such networks; network reliability and change management; self-learning tools and automation that may change the way we interact with customers; and uncertainties around our strategy to replace certain legacy wireline networks, systems and services to reduce operating costs.

·Capital expenditure levels and potential outlays for spectrum licences in spectrum auctions or from third parties, due to: our broadband initiatives, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre; our ongoing deployment of newer wireless technologies, including wireless small cells to improve coverage and capacity and prepare for a more efficient and timely evolution to 5G wireless services; utilizing acquired spectrum; investments in network resiliency and reliability; subscriber demand for data; evolving systems and business processes; implementing efficiency initiatives; supporting large complex deals; and future wireless spectrum auctions held by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Our capital expenditure levels could be impacted if we do not achieve our targeted operational and financial results.

2

·Regulatory decisions and developments including: the potential of government intervention to further increase wireless competition; the CRTC wireless wholesale services review, in which it was determined that the CRTC will regulate wholesale GSM-based domestic roaming rates and the setting of such rates charged to wireless service providers (WSPs); the Governor in Council’s order to the CRTC to reconsider whether Wi-Fi networks should be considered a home network for WSPs seeking mandated roaming; future spectrum auctions and spectrum policy determinations, including the recently announced repurposing of 600 MHz spectrum (and including limitations on established wireless providers, proposed spectrum set-aside that favours certain carriers and other advantages provided to new and foreign participants, and the amount and cost of spectrum acquired); restrictions on the purchase, sale and transfer of spectrum licences; the impact of the CRTC’s wireline wholesale services review, with a formal review of rates for wholesale FTTP access still to be commenced for TELUS; disputes with certain municipalities regarding rights-of-way bylaws; and other potential threats to unitary federal regulatory authority over telecommunications, including provincial wireless legislation; the potential impacts of the CRTC’s decision to require pro-rated refunds when customers terminate their services; the CRTC’s proposed phase-out of the local service subsidy regime and corresponding establishment of a broadband funding regime to support the enhancement of high-speed Internet services focusing on underserved areas in Canada; the impact of the review of the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s new Creative Canada policy framework announced on September 28, 2017; the CRTC’s consultation and report on distribution models of the future; vertical integration in the broadcasting industry resulting in competitors owning broadcast content services, and timely and effective enforcement of related regulatory safeguards; the review of the Copyright Act scheduled to begin in early 2018; the federal government’s stated intention to review the Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act as announced in the March 22, 2017 federal budget; TELUS’ applications for renewal of its broadcasting distribution licences; the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation; and restrictions on non-Canadian ownership and control of TELUS Common Shares and the ongoing monitoring and compliance with such restrictions.

·Human resource matters including: recruitment, retention and appropriate training in a highly competitive industry, and the level of employee engagement.

·Operational performance and business combination risks including: our reliance on legacy systems and ability to implement and support new products and services and business operations in a timely manner; our ability to implement effective change management for system replacements and upgrades, process redesigns and business integrations (such as our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, complete divestitures or establish partnerships in a timely manner, and realize expected strategic benefits, including those following compliance with any regulatory orders); the implementation of complex large enterprise deals that may be adversely impacted by available resources, system limitations and degree of co-operation from other service providers; our ability to successfully manage operations in foreign jurisdictions; information security and privacy breaches, including data loss or theft of data; intentional threats to our infrastructure and business operations; and real estate joint venture re-development risks.

·Business continuity events including: our ability to maintain customer service and operate our networks in the event of human error or human-caused threats, such as cyberattacks and equipment failures that could cause various degrees of network outages; supply chain disruptions; natural disaster threats; epidemics; pandemics; political instability in certain international locations; and the completeness and effectiveness of business continuity and disaster recovery plans and responses.

·Ability to successfully implement cost reduction initiatives and realize planned savings, net of restructuring and other costs, without losing customer service focus or negatively affecting business operations. Examples of these initiatives are: our operating efficiency and effectiveness program to drive improvements in financial results, including the future benefits of the immediately vesting transformative compensation initiative; business integrations; business product simplification; business process outsourcing; offshoring and reorganizations, including any full-time equivalent (FTE) employee reduction programs; procurement initiatives; and real estate rationalization. Additional revenue and cost efficiency and effectiveness initiatives will continue to be assessed and implemented.

·Financing and debt requirements including: our ability to carry out financing activities, and our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent.

·Ability to sustain our dividend growth program through 2019. This program may be affected by factors such as the competitive environment, economic performance in Canada, our earnings and free cash flow, our levels of capital expenditures and spectrum licence purchases, acquisitions, the management of our capital structure, and regulatory decisions and developments. Quarterly dividend decisions are subject to assessment and determination by our Board of Directors (Board) based on the Company’s financial position and outlook. Shares may be purchased under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) when and if we consider it opportunistic, based on the Company’s financial position and outlook, and the market price of TELUS shares. There can be no assurance that our dividend growth program or any NCIB will be maintained, not changed and/or completed through 2019.

·Taxation matters including: interpretation of complex domestic and foreign tax laws by the tax authorities that may differ from our interpretations; the timing of income and deductions such as tax depreciation and operating expenses; changes in tax laws, including tax rates; tax expenses being materially different than anticipated, including the taxability of income and deductibility of tax attributes; elimination of income tax deferrals through the use of different tax year-ends for operating partnerships and corporate partners; and tax authorities adopting more aggressive auditing practices, for example, tax reassessments or adverse court decisions impacting the tax payable by us.

·Litigation and legal matters including: our ability to successfully respond to investigations and regulatory proceedings; our ability to defend against existing and potential claims and lawsuits, including intellectual property infringement claims and class actions based on consumer claims, data, privacy or security breaches and secondary market liability; and the complexity of legal compliance in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, including compliance with anti-bribery and foreign corrupt practices laws.

3

·Health, safety and the environment including: lost employee work time resulting from illness or injury, public concerns related to radio frequency emissions, environmental issues affecting our business including climate change, waste and waste recycling, risks relating to fuel systems on our properties, and changing government and public expectations regarding environmental matters and our responses.

·Economic growth and fluctuations including: the state of the economy in Canada, which may be influenced by economic and other developments outside of Canada including potential outcomes of yet unknown policies and actions of foreign governments; future interest rates; inflation; unemployment levels; effects of fluctuating oil prices; effects of low business spending (such as reducing investments and cost structure); pension investment returns, funding and discount rates; and Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rates.

These risks are described in additional detail in Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions and Section 10 Risks and risk management in this MD&A. Those descriptions are incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement but are not intended to be a complete list of the risks that could affect the Company.

Many of these factors are beyond our control or our current expectations or knowledge. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. Except as otherwise indicated in this document, the forward-looking statements made herein do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or special items or any mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or other business combinations or transactions that may be announced or that may occur after the date of this document.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this document describe our expectations and are based on our assumptions as at the date of this document and are subject to change after this date. Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

This cautionary statement qualifies all of the forward-looking statements in this MD&A.

4

Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A)

February 8, 2018

Contents

Section	Page	Subsection
1. Introduction	6 6 7 11	1.1 Preparation of the MD&A 1.2 The environment in which we operate 1.3 Highlights of 2017 1.4 Performance scorecard (key performance measures)
2. Core business and strategy	13	2.1 Core business
	13	2.2 Strategic imperatives
3. Corporate priorities	16
4. Capabilities	19 21 22	4.1 Principal markets addressed and competition 4.2 Operational resources 4.3 Liquidity and capital resources
	24	4.4 Disclosure controls and procedures and changes in internal control over financial reporting
5. Discussion of operations	25 27 30 32 36	5.1 General 5.2 Summary of consolidated quarterly results, trends and fourth quarter recap 5.3 Consolidated operations 5.4 Wireless segment 5.5 Wireline segment
6. Changes in financial position	40
7. Liquidity and capital resources	41 42 42 43 44 46 47 47 47 52 52	7.1 Overview 7.2 Cash provided by operating activities 7.3 Cash used by investing activities 7.4 Cash used by financing activities 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures 7.6 Credit facilities 7.7 Sale of trade receivables 7.8 Credit ratings 7.9 Financial instruments, commitments and contingent liabilities 7.10 Outstanding share information 7.11 Transactions between related parties
8. Accounting matters	53 59	8.1 Critical accounting estimates 8.2 Accounting policy developments
9. General trends, outlook and assumptions	62 63 65 66	9.1 Telecommunications industry in 2017 9.2 Telecommunications industry general outlook and trends 9.3 TELUS assumptions for 2018 9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings
10. Risks and risk management	70 72 75 80 82 82 86 87 88 91 92	10.1 Overview 10.2 Competition 10.3 Technology 10.4 Regulatory matters 10.5 Human resources 10.6 Operational performance 10.7 Financing, debt requirements and returning cash to shareholders 10.8 Taxation matters 10.9 Litigation and legal matters 10.10 Health, safety and environment 10.11 Economic growth and fluctuations
11. Definitions and reconciliations	94 97	11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures 11.2 Operating indicators

5

1.Introduction

The forward-looking statements in this section, including estimates regarding economic growth, are qualified by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A).

1.1 Preparation of the MD&A

The following sections are a discussion of our consolidated financial position and financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2017, and should be read together with our December 31, 2017, audited Consolidated financial statements (Consolidated financial statements). The generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) we use are the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Our Consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS-IASB and Canadian GAAP. Our use of the term IFRS in this MD&A is a reference to these standards. In our discussion, we also use certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our performance, monitor compliance with debt covenants and manage our capital structure. These measures are defined, qualified and reconciled with their nearest GAAP measures in Section 11.1. All currency amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified.

Additional information relating to the Company, including our annual information form and other filings with securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, is available on SEDAR (sedar.com). Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, including Form 40-F, are available on EDGAR (sec.gov).

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management on a timely basis, so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure. This MD&A and the Consolidated financial statements were reviewed by our Audit Committee and approved by our Board of Directors (Board) for issuance on February 8, 2018.

1.2 The environment in which we operate

The success of our business and the challenges we face can best be understood with reference to the environment in which we operate, including broader economic factors that affect our customers and us, and our competitive industry. Our estimates regarding our environment also form an important part of the assumptions on which our targets are based.

2017 Canadian telecom industry revenues	TELUS 2017 revenues		TELUS subscriber connections	TELUS employees
Est. $62 billion	$	13.3 billion	13.1 million	53,630

Economic growth

We estimate that the rate of economic growth in Canada in 2018 will be 2.2% (3.1% in 2017), both of which are based on a composite of estimates from Canadian banks and other sources. For our incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) provinces in Western Canada, we estimate that economic growth will be 2.5% in 2018 in British Columbia (B.C.) (3.4% in 2017), and 2.4% in Alberta (3.9% in 2017). The Bank of Canada’s January 2018 Monetary Policy Report estimated economic growth in Canada will be 2.2% in 2018 (3.0% in 2017). The extent to which these economic growth estimates affect us and the timing of their impact will depend upon the actual experience of specific sectors of the Canadian economy.

In respect of the national unemployment rate, Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey reported a rate of 5.7% for December 2017 (6.9% reported for December 2016). The unemployment rate for B.C. was 4.6% for December 2017 (5.8% for December 2016), while the unemployment rate for Alberta was 6.9% for December 2017 (8.5% for December 2016).

Canadian telecommunications industry growth

We estimate that industry revenues (including TV revenue and excluding media revenue) grew by approximately 3% in 2017 (2% in 2016). We estimate that the Canadian wireless industry grew in 2017 by approximately 1.3 million new subscribers and experienced approximately 7% network revenue growth. Key drivers included immigration and population growth; the trend toward multiple devices including tablets; the expanding functionality of data and related applications; and mobile adoption by both younger and older generations. The wireline market was impacted by the state of the economy in 2017, including Alberta which experienced an economic contraction in 2016, while declines in higher-margin legacy voice services were ongoing, partially attributable to technological substitution. (See Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions, Section 10.2 Competition, and Section 10.11 Economic growth and fluctuations.)

6

1.3 Highlights of 2017

Long-term debt issue

On March 6, 2017, we issued US$500 million of senior unsecured notes with a 10.5-year maturity at 3.70% and $325 million of senior unsecured notes with a 31-year maturity at 4.70%. The proceeds were used to fund the repayment, on maturity, of $700 million of the principal amount outstanding on TELUS’ Series CD Notes due March 2017, to repay a portion of outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.

Agreement with BCE Inc. regarding Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

On April 1, 2017, we acquired certain assets of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS) from BCE Inc. These assets included postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and rights to 15 retail locations in Manitoba. Pursuant to this acquisition, in the second quarter of 2017, we commenced the migration of postpaid wireless subscribers to TELUS. The final price of the transactions with BCE Inc. will vary depending upon the actual number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers acquired; such final determination will happen by March 31, 2018. We currently estimate we will migrate 74,000 postpaid subscribers by that date.

Kroll Computer Systems Inc.

In May 2017, we acquired Kroll Computer Systems Inc. The primary reason for the acquisition was to enhance our geographic reach and the quality of our product offering as a national pharmacy management services provider. The total purchase price was approximately $250 million, of which $100 million was paid by issuing approximately two million TELUS Common Shares.

Voxpro Limited

On August 31, 2017, through our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, we acquired 55% of Voxpro Limited (Voxpro), a business process outsourcing and contact centre services company with facilities in Ireland, the U.S. and Romania, for cash consideration of $58 million. The investment was made with a view to expanding further into supporting customers who provide Internet-related services and products, bolstering sales capabilities in our chosen markets, and acquiring multi-site redundancy in support of other facilities. We concurrently provided a written put option to and have a purchased call option from the remaining selling shareholders under which they could put or we could call, the remaining 45% of the shares commencing in 2021. If either of these options are exercised, total consideration is estimated to be approximately $141 million.

Xavient Information Systems

On October 30, 2017, through our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, we entered into an agreement to acquire 65% of Xavient Information Systems, a group of information technology consulting and software services companies with facilities in the U.S. and in India, for consideration of approximately $144 million (US$115 million) in cash and approximately $19 million (US$15 million) in TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common shares. The transaction closed on February 6, 2018. We concurrently provided a written put option to the remaining selling shareholders under which they could put the remaining 35% interest on or before December 31, 2020. The written put option sets out that the share pricing methodology will be dependent upon earnings. If this option is exercised, total consideration would be in the range of $310 million (US$250 million). Concurrent with our acquisition of the initial 65% interest, the non-controlling shareholders provided us with a purchased call option, which substantially mirrored the written put option. The investment was made with a view to enhancing our ability to provide complex and higher-value information technology services, improve our related sales and solutioning capabilities and acquire multi-site redundancy in support of other facilities.

Changes to the Board of Directors

In May 2017, we welcomed Kathy Kinloch and Claude Mongeau to our Board of Directors. Kathy has served as the President of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) since January 2014. From 2010 to 2013, she was President of Vancouver Community College, and from 2007 to 2010, she served as Dean of Health Sciences at BCIT. Claude served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian National Railway Company from 2010 to 2016. He also served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer from 2000 to 2009, and Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer from 1999 to 2000.

Micheline Bouchard, an independent director who had served as a TELUS director since 2004, retired from our Board in May 2017.

In November 2017, Marc Parent joined our Board. Marc serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of CAE Inc. (CAE), a position he has held since 2009. He has also served at CAE as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2009; Group President, Simulation Products and Military Training & Services from 2006 to 2008; and Group President, Simulation Products from 2005 to 2006. CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets.

7

Consolidated highlights

Years ended December 31 ($ millions, except footnotes and unless noted otherwise)	2017		2016		Change
Consolidated statements of income
Operating revenues	13,304		12,799		3.9	%
Operating income	2,605		2,182		19.4	%
Income before income taxes	2,032		1,662		22.3	%
Net income	1,479		1,236		19.7	%
Net income attributable to Common Shares	1,460		1,223		19.4	%
Earnings per share (EPS) ($)
Basic EPS	2.46		2.06		19.4	%
Adjusted basic EPS1	2.63		2.58		1.9	%
Diluted EPS	2.46		2.06		19.4	%
Dividends declared per Common Share ($)	1.97		1.84		7.1	%
Basic weighted-average Common Shares outstanding (millions)	593		592		0.1	%
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Cash provided by operating activities	3,947		3,219		22.6	%
Cash used by investing activities	(3,643	)	(2,923	)	(24.6	)%
Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences)	(3,094	)	(2,968	)	(4.2	)%
Cash used by financing activities	(227	)	(87	)	n/m
Other highlights
Subscriber connections2 (thousands)	13,050		12,673		3.0	%
EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization)1	4,774		4,229		12.9	%
Restructuring and other costs1,3	139		479		(71.0	)%
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs	4,913		4,708		4.4	%
Adjusted EBITDA4	4,891		4,667		4.8	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin5 (%)	36.8		36.6		0.2	pts.
Free cash flow1	966		141		n/m
Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs1 (times)	2.73		2.69		0.04

Notations used in MD&A: n/m — not meaningful; pts. — percentage points.

(1)Non-GAAP and other financial measures. See Section 11.1.

(2)The sum of active wireless subscribers, residential network access lines (NALs), high-speed Internet access subscribers and TELUS TV subscribers, measured at the end of the respective periods based on information in billing and other systems. In relation to an acquisition and a divestiture that were both undertaken during the first quarter of 2017, January 1, 2017, residential NALs, high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscriber balances were increased by a net 1,000, 6,000 and 5,000, respectively, and are not included in subscriber connection net additions metrics in Section 5.4. Effective April 1, 2017, postpaid subscribers, total subscribers and associated operating statistics (gross additions, net additions, average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) and churn) have been adjusted to include an estimated migration of 85,000 MTS subscribers in the opening subscriber balances. Subsequent to this, on October 1, 2017, total subscribers and associated operating statistics have been adjusted to reduce estimated migrations of MTS subscribers down by 11,000 to 74,000 (impacts are described later in this section). Cumulative subscriber connections also include an April 1, 2017, adjustment to remove approximately 19,000 prepaid and 25,000 postpaid subscriptions from the respective subscriber bases, primarily due to our national CDMA network shutdown.

(3)In the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded an expense of $305 million in respect of immediately vesting transformative compensation (transformative compensation) as part of other costs.

(4)Adjusted EBITDA for all periods excludes the following: restructuring and other costs, and net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments. Adjusted EBITDA for 2017 excludes the MTS net recovery (as defined later in this section). Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 excludes a $15 million gain in the second quarter of 2016 from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences (see Section 11.1 regarding Adjusted EBITDA and for restructuring and other costs amounts).

(5)Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by Operating revenues, where the calculation of the Operating revenues excludes the net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments, the gain from exchange of wireless spectrum licences in the second quarter of 2016, and the MTS net recovery (as defined later in this section).

Operating highlights

·Consolidated operating revenues increased by $505 million in 2017:

Service revenues increased by $478 million in 2017, mainly due to growth in wireless network revenue and wireline data services revenue, partly offset by the ongoing decline in legacy wireline voice revenue.

Equipment revenues were relatively flat in 2017.

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Other operating income increased by $28 million in 2017, primarily due to higher net gains in the current period than in the comparable period. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded a pre-tax recovery of contingent consideration paid of $26 million to reflect the revised estimate of qualifying MTS subscribers acquired (MTS contingent consideration recovery) of 74,000, down 11,000 from our original assumption. In addition to this item, a change in Other operating income includes recognition of a gain on sale of a security consulting business in the fourth quarter of 2017. The remaining are other net gains, offset by lower government assistance, the non-recurrence of 2016 wireless spectrum gains and lower gains from the real estate joint venture.

For additional details on operating revenues, see Section 5.4 Wireless segment and Section 5.5 Wireline segment.

·During 2017, our total subscriber connections increased by 377,000, reflecting a 5.7% increase in wireless postpaid subscribers, a 5.3% increase in high-speed Internet subscribers and a 3.7% increase in TELUS TV subscribers, partly offset by a 9.9% decline in wireless prepaid subscribers and a 5.5% decline in wireline residential NALs.

Our postpaid wireless subscriber net additions were 379,000 in 2017, up 136,000 from 2016, due to an increase in market growth, the success of promotions, our marketing efforts focused on higher-value postpaid and smartphone loading, and in the fourth quarter, our successful response to aggressive holiday offers. Our monthly postpaid subscriber churn rate was 0.90% in 2017, as compared to 0.95% in 2016. (See Section 5.4 Wireless segment for additional details.)

Net additions of high-speed Internet subscribers were 81,000 in 2017, up 13,000 from 2016. The increase was due to continued customer demand for our high-speed broadband services, including fibre to the premises, as well as the success of our innovative product offerings. Net additions of TELUS TV subscribers were 35,000 in 2017, down 19,000 from 2016. This reflects lower gross additions and higher satellite-TV subscriber losses due to a declining overall market for paid TV services resulting from the effects of heightened competitive intensity, including from over-the-top (OTT) services, and a high rate of market penetration. These pressures were partly offset by the continued focus on connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre (as we approach nearly 50% of our targeted coverage footprint), expanding and enhancing our addressable high-speed Internet and Optik TV® footprint, and bundling these services together. This contributed to combined Internet and TV subscriber growth of 127,000 or 4.7% in the year. (See Section 5.5 Wireline segment for additional details.)

·Operating income increased by $423 million in 2017, reflecting wireless network revenue growth driven by higher ARPU and a larger customer base, in addition to growth in data service margins, partly offset by increased depreciation arising from our fibre investment capital expenditures. Excluding the effects of the $305 million transformative compensation expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, Operating income increased by $118 million for the full year or 4.7%.

EBITDA includes restructuring and other costs, net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments, a gain from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences recorded in the second quarter of 2016, and the MTS contingent consideration recovery net of post-closing adjustments (MTS net recovery). EBITDA increased by $545 million or 12.9% in the full year of 2017. The increase reflects: (i) growth in wireless network revenues and increased wireline data revenues, partially offset by increased costs associated with higher wireless gross loading and retention volumes; and (ii) lower restructuring and other costs which included the 2016 transformative compensation expense, partly offset by costs associated with the migration and servicing of subscribers acquired from MTS.

Adjusted EBITDA excludes restructuring and other costs, net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments, a gain from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences recorded in the second quarter of 2016, and the MTS net recovery. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $224 million or 4.8% for the full year of 2017. (See Section 5.4 Wireless segment and Section 5.5 Wireline segment for additional details.)

·Income before income taxes increased by $370 million in 2017, reflecting higher Operating income as noted above, partly offset by an increase in Financing costs. The increase in Financing costs resulted from lower capitalized long-term debt interest costs for spectrum licences that are now being deployed and higher average long-term debt outstanding. (See Financing costs in Section 5.3.)

·Income taxes increased by $127 million in 2017, primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes and revaluation of the deferred tax liability for the increase in the B.C. income tax rate that was substantively enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017.

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·Net income attributable to Common Shares increased by $237 million in 2017. This increase was driven by higher Operating income partly offset by associated Income taxes. Adjusted Net income excludes the effects of restructuring and other costs, net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments, income tax-related adjustments, a non-recurring gain from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences recorded in the second quarter of 2016 and the MTS net recovery. Adjusted Net income increased by $32 million or 2.1% for the full year of 2017.

Analysis of Net income

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Net income attributable to Common Shares	1,460		1,223		237
Add back (deduct):
Gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes	—		(13	)	13
Net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments, after income taxes	(1	)	(16	)	15
Restructuring and other costs, after income taxes	102		351		(249	)
Unfavourable (favourable) income tax-related adjustments	21		(17	)	38
MTS net recovery	(22	)	—		(22	)
Adjusted Net income	1,560		1,528		32

·Basic EPS increased by $0.40 or 19.4% in 2017. Adjusted basic EPS excludes the effects of restructuring and other costs, net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments, income tax-related adjustments, a non-recurring gain from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences recorded in the second quarter of 2016 and the MTS net recovery. Adjusted basic EPS increased by $0.05 or 1.9% for the full year of 2017.

Analysis of basic EPS

Years ended December 31 ($)	2017		2016		Change
Basic EPS	2.46		2.06		0.40
Add back (deduct):
Gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes, per share	—		(0.02	)	0.02
Net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments,  after income taxes, per share	—		(0.03	)	0.03
Restructuring and other costs, after income taxes, per share	0.18		0.60		(0.42	)
Unfavourable (favourable) income tax-related adjustments, per share	0.03		(0.03	)	0.06
MTS net recovery, per share	(0.04	)	—		(0.04	)
Adjusted basic EPS	2.63		2.58		0.05

·Dividends declared per Common Share totalled $1.97 in 2017, up 7.1% from 2016. On February 7, 2018, the Board declared a first quarter dividend of $0.5050 per share on the issued and outstanding Common Shares, payable on April 2, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018. The first quarter dividend increased by $0.025 per share or 5.2% from the $0.48 per share dividend declared one year earlier, consistent with our multi-year dividend growth program described in Section 4.3 Liquidity and capital resources.

Liquidity and capital resource highlights

·Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs was 2.73 times at December 31, 2017, up from 2.69 times at December 31, 2016, as the increase in net debt exceeded the growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs. (See Section 4.3 Liquidity and capital resources and Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures.)

·Cash provided by operating activities increased by $728 million in 2017 due to lower income taxes paid, which reflected the reorganization of our legal structure that impacted the timing of cash income tax payments.

·Cash used by investing activities increased by $720 million or 24.6% in 2017, attributed to higher cash payments for multiple business acquisitions and higher capital expenditures. Acquisitions increased by $474 million as we made cash payments for multiple business acquisitions, including MTS, Kroll Computer Systems Inc. and Voxpro Limited, as described under Highlights of 2017. Capital expenditures increased by $126 million in 2017 due to continuing investments in our broadband infrastructure, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to our fibre-optic network. These investments support our high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscriber growth, as well as our customers’ demand for faster Internet speeds, and extend the reach and functionality of our business and healthcare solutions. (See Section 7.3 Cash used by investing activities.)

·Cash used by financing activities increased by $140 million in 2017 largely due to the 2016 issuance of shares of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. to Baring Private Equity Asia through which it acquired a 35% non-controlling interest in TELUS International (Cda) Inc., with no comparable activity in 2017. (See Section 7.4 Cash used by financing activities.)

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·Free cash flow increased by $825 million in 2017, resulting from higher EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs and lower income taxes paid. (See calculation in Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.)

1.4 Performance scorecard (key performance measures)

In 2017, we achieved three of four revised consolidated targets, missing only the target for capital expenditures, after normalizing basic EPS for the B.C. corporate income tax rate change. Our original targets were announced on February 9, 2017. On May 11, 2017, we announced revised targets to account for the acquisition of MTS’ postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and dealer locations.

We achieved our revised consolidated revenue target primarily due to growth in wireless network revenue resulting from growth in blended ARPU and a growing wireless subscriber base. Additionally, we experienced increased wireline data service revenue from increases in Internet and enhanced data service, growth in business process outsourcing revenues, inclusive of acquisitions, TELUS Health revenue and TELUS TV revenue, partly offset by the ongoing decline in legacy wireline voice revenue.

We met our revised target for consolidated EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs. This was achieved largely from increased wireless network revenue, in addition to growth in data service margins.

Our revised basic EPS target growth was based on 2016 basic EPS of $2.44, which was adjusted to exclude the transformative compensation expense of $0.38. Our 2017 basic EPS was $2.46. However, our 2017 basic EPS included the effect of an increase in the B.C. corporate income tax rate of $0.05 recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017, when the income tax rate increase became substantively enacted. The target for 2017 basic EPS did not account for this change. Excluding this impact, our basic EPS of $2.51 met the target range.

Our capital expenditures in 2017 exceeded both our original target and revised guidance, as we continued to focus on investments in broadband infrastructure, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to our fibre-optic network. These investments also support our small-cell technology strategy to improve coverage and prepare for a more efficient and timely evolution to 5G.

Our capital structure financial policies and report on financing and capital structure management plans are described in Section 4.3.

The following scorecard compares TELUS’ performance to our original or revised 2017 targets. For information related to our 2018 targets, see Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions.

Scorecard

	2017 performance
	Original or revised targets3 and growth	Actual results and growth	Result
Consolidated
Revenues	$13.180 to $13.310 billion3a 3.0 to 4.0%	$13.304 billion 3.9%	ü
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs1	$4.875 to $5.040 billion3b 3.5 to 7.0%	$4.913 billion 4.4%	ü
Basic EPS2	$2.49 to $2.663c 2.0 to 9.0%	$2.514  2.9%4	ü
Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences)	Approx. $3.0 billion3d	$3.094 billion	X

Met target ü; Missed target X.

(1)See description in Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

(2)The original and revised targets for basic EPS growth were based on 2016 basic EPS of $2.44, which was adjusted to exclude the transformative compensation expense of 38 cents.

(3)Reflects the 2017 revised targets that were announced on May 11, 2017, to account for the acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services’ postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and dealer locations. The 2017 original targets were set on February 9, 2017.

(3a)The original target for Consolidated revenues was $13.120 to $13.250 billion, or an increase of 2.5 to 3.5%.

(3b)The original target for Consolidated EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs was $4.850 to $4.995 billion, or an increase of 3.0 to 6.0%.

(3c)The original target for basic EPS was $2.49 to $2.64, or an increase of 2.0 to 8.0%.

(3d)The original target for Capital expenditures was $2.9 billion.

(4)Our 2017 basic EPS included the effect of an increase in the B.C. corporate income tax rate of $0.05, which was not reflected in the original target. Excluding this impact, our basic EPS of $2.51 met the target range.

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We made the following key assumptions when we announced the 2017 targets in February 2017.

Assumptions for 2017 targets and results

·Our economic assumptions are based on a composite of estimates from Canadian banks and other sources. Our original assumptions for 2017 were: (i) higher economic growth in Canada of 1.8%, up from an estimated 1.2% in 2016; (ii) for our ILEC provinces in Western Canada, economic growth in B.C. of 2.3%, down from an estimated 2.9% in 2016, and economic growth in Alberta in the range of 1.0 to 2.0%, compared to estimated contraction of 2.4% in 2016.

In our MD&A for the first quarter of 2017, we revised our 2017 economic growth assumptions to 2.2% for Canada, and 2.4% for Alberta. In our MD&A for the third quarter of 2017, we further revised our 2017 economic growth assumptions to 3.0% for Canada, 3.2% for B.C. and 3.5% for Alberta.

We estimate that economic growth for 2017 was 3.1% for Canada, 3.4% for B.C., and 3.9% for Alberta.

·Our original assumption for income taxes included income taxes calculated at applicable statutory rate of 26.4 to 26.9% and cash income tax payments between $300 million to $360 million. In our MD&A for the third quarter of 2017, we revised our assumption for cash income tax payments downward to a range of $170 million to $230 million, due to a reorganization to simplify our legal structure to realize efficiencies and streamline processes, which also impacted the timing of cash income tax payments. Our actual results were at a statutory income tax rate of 26.6% and cash income tax payments were $191 million.

·Our assumption for restructuring and other costs was approximately $125 million. Our actual 2017 amount for restructuring and other costs was $139 million as we incurred higher non-labour restructuring and other costs associated with the migration and servicing of subscribers from MTS.

·Our assumption was for continuing weakness in the average Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rate which was US$0.755 in 2016. The average Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rate strengthened to US$0.77 during 2017 and closed at US$0.80 on December 31, 2017.

Confirmed:

·No material adverse regulatory rulings or government actions.

·Continued intense wireless and wireline competition in both consumer and business markets.

·An increase in wireless industry penetration of the Canadian market.

·Ongoing subscriber adoption of, and upgrades to, data-intensive smartphones, as customers want more mobile connectivity to the Internet.

·Wireless revenue growth resulting from growth in both postpaid subscriber loadings and blended ARPU.

·Continued growth in wireline data revenue, resulting from an increase in high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscribers, speed upgrades and expanding broadband infrastructure, as well as business outsourcing and healthcare solutions.

·Continued focus on our customers first initiatives and maintaining our customers’ likelihood-to-recommend scores.

·Pension plans: Defined benefit pension plan expense of approximately $83 million recorded in Employee benefits expense and approximately $5 million recorded in employee defined benefit plans net interest in Financing costs; a 3.80% rate for discounting the obligation (2016 — 3.80%) and a 4.00% rate for current service costs employee defined benefit pension plan accounting purposes (2016 — 4.00%); and defined benefit pension plan funding of approximately $65 million. Actual results were: $82 million recorded in Employee benefits expense, $5 million recorded in employee defined benefit plans net interest, a rate of 3.40% for discounting the obligation, a 4.00% rate for current service costs employee defined benefit pension plan accounting purposes, and defined benefit pension plan funding of $66 million.

·Increased investments in broadband infrastructure, including upgrades and expansions of our fibre-optic network and 4G LTE capacity, as well as investments in network and systems resiliency and reliability.

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2.Core business and strategy

2.1 Core business

We provide a wide range of telecommunications products and services. Wireless products and services include network revenue (data and voice) and equipment sales arising from mobile technologies. Wireline products and services include data revenues (which include revenues from Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; business process outsourcing; certain healthcare solutions; and home security), voice revenues and other telecommunications services revenues. We earn the majority of our revenue from access to, and the usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure, and from providing services and products that facilitate access to, and usage of, our infrastructure.

2.2 Strategic imperatives

Since 2000, we have maintained a proven national growth strategy. Our strategic intent is to unleash the power of the Internet to deliver the best solutions to Canadians at home, in the workplace and on the move.

We also developed six strategic imperatives in 2000 that remain relevant for future growth, despite changing regulatory, technological and competitive environments. We believe that a consistent focus on these imperatives guides our actions and contributes to the achievement of our financial goals. To advance these long-term strategic imperatives and address near-term opportunities and challenges, we also set new corporate priorities each year, as further described in Section 3. Our six strategic imperatives are listed below, together with a discussion of the 2017 activities and initiatives that relate to each of them.

Focusing relentlessly on growth markets of data, IP and wireless

External wireless revenues and wireline data revenues totalled $11.8 billion in 2017, up $622 million or 5.6%, while remaining revenues totalled $1.5 billion in 2017, down $117 million or 7.2%. These external wireless revenues and wireline data revenues represented 89% of our consolidated revenues for 2017, as compared to $11.2 billion, or 87%, in 2016. (See the consolidated revenue trend discussion in Section 5.2 and segment trend discussions in Section 5.4 and Section 5.5.)

Providing integrated solutions that differentiate TELUS from our competitors

In May 2017, we launched Pik TV™, which provides customers with access to 23 basic local and regional cable channels and a choice of five specialty channels, as well as sports and movie theme pack options through a self-install media box. On demand channels, as well as popular over-the-top (OTT) services and certain other apps are also available. The Pik TV app lets customers watch certain channels on the go on their tablet or smartphone. Pik TV was created to embrace the changing environment where content is available from many alternatives by providing a streamlined offer for customers who may have otherwise ceased and/or never subscribed for TV services.

Building national capabilities across data, IP, voice and wireless

During the year, we continued our long-term strategy of investing in urban and rural communities with commitments to deliver broadband network capabilities to as many Canadians as possible. We expanded our TELUS PureFibre™ footprint by connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre-optic cable and delivering faster broadband Internet speeds. For further discussion, see Section 3 — Increasing our competitive advantage through advanced, client-centric technology, networks and systems that lead the world in reliability.

Highlights include:

·In January 2017, we announced an investment of $250 million in the city of Surrey, B.C. to connect more than 90% of homes and businesses to the TELUS PureFibre network before the end of 2018.

·In February 2017, we announced investments of $55 million and $150 million in the cities of Chilliwack, B.C. and Burnaby, B.C., respectively, to connect more than 90% of homes and businesses to the TELUS PureFibre network before the end of 2018 and 2019, respectively.

·In April 2017, we announced fibre-optic investments in the province of Quebec, including $80 million in the Quebec City region, $30 million in the Lower St. Lawrence region, $30 million in the Gaspé Peninsula and $15 million in the North Shore region, and we expect to connect 99% of Eastern Quebec before the end of 2021.

·In October 2017, we announced an investment of $60 million in the Alberta towns of Okotoks, Black Diamond and Turner Valley to connect more than 90% of homes and businesses to the TELUS PureFibre network before the end of 2019.

·In 2017, we completed our previously announced investment to connect the city of Kitimat, B.C. to the TELUS PureFibre network.

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In June 2017, we completed our initiative in Ontario and Quebec to update our radio access network to the latest wireless technologies, improving network performance for our customers and enabling advanced capabilities.

During the year, we made network enhancement investments in Manitoba to improve coverage, speed and capacity in order to significantly enhance our customer experience and supplement the business acquisition of MTS subscribers, dealers and network.

Partnering, acquiring and divesting to accelerate the implementation of our strategy and focus our resources on core business

In 2017, we made numerous business acquisitions. These are also discussed in Section 1.3:

·We acquired approximately 74,000 of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s (MTS’) postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and rights to 15 retail locations in Manitoba. Additionally, we expanded and enhanced our network in Manitoba as described in Section 7.3. We also officially launched our TELUS Manitoba Community Board as described in Section 3.

·We completed the acquisition of Kroll Computer Systems Inc. to enhance our geographic reach and the quality of our product offering as a national pharmacy management services provider.

·We acquired 55% of Voxpro and approximately 2,700 Voxpro team members joined us through our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary. The Ireland-headquartered company now operates as Voxpro — powered by TELUS International.

·On February 6, 2018, we closed an agreement through our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary to acquire 65% of Xavient Information Systems, a group of information technology consulting and software services companies with facilities in the U.S. and India. This acquisition will accelerate our ability to expand our global IT services and now operates as Xavient Digital — powered by TELUS International. See Additional wireline capabilities under Section 9.2 for further details.

Subsequent to 2017, we acquired all of the customers, assets and operations of AlarmForce Industries Inc. (AlarmForce) in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan; the primary reason for this acquisition is to leverage our telecommunications infrastructure and expertise to continue to enhance connected home, business, security and healthcare services for our customers. The total purchase price was approximately $69 million. This acquisition, combined with our growing gigabit-capable TELUS PureFibre network, was made with a view to accelerate our position in smart home and security services, and provides us with the ability to offer our customers bundled services in the future.

Going to market as one team under a common brand, executing a single strategy

Our team works together to implement our top corporate priority of putting customers first, as we strive to consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences and become the most recommended company in the markets we serve. In November 2017, the office of the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) issued its annual report for the 12-month period ended July 31, 2017, and TELUS continued to receive the fewest customer complaints of the national carriers, while Koodo® continued to receive the fewest customer complaints of the national flanker brands. TELUS, Koodo and Public Mobile were the subjects of 6.9%, 2.9% and 1.1% of the total customer complaints accepted by the CCTS, respectively, or 10.9% of total customer complaints, in aggregate, when we have approximately 28% of Canadian wireless customers.

In 2017, we continued to deliver a leading postpaid customer churn rate on a national basis. Our monthly postpaid churn rate further exemplifies the success of our differentiated customers first culture and our ongoing focus on delivering outstanding customer service, coupled with attractive new product and service offerings. For further discussion, see Section 3 — Delivering on TELUS’ future friendly® brand promise by putting customers first.

Investing in internal capabilities to build a high-performance culture and efficient operation

Each year, we conduct team member Pulsecheck engagement surveys, administered by Aon Hewitt, to gather confidential team member feedback about TELUS as a place to work and measure our progress in establishing a high-performance culture. Following each survey, business units and departments make use of their Pulsecheck results to review their current action plans and prioritize their ongoing actions. In 2017, our employee engagement score increased to 84%, elevating our high-performance culture and placing our Company within the top 10 per cent of all employers surveyed on a global basis.

In addition, we incurred incremental, non-recurring restructuring and other costs with the objectives of improving our operating efficiency and effectiveness and addressing the profitability challenges in certain areas of our business. Restructuring costs associated with the rationalization of administrative, channel and network real estate were recorded in Goods and services purchased. Employee-related restructuring costs for reorganizing and streamlining business processes, such as certain client care, marketing and support functions, were recorded in Employee benefits expense. Other costs for incremental external expenses in connection with business acquisition or disposition activity, as well as litigation costs, in the context of significant losses and settlements, were recorded in Goods and services purchased.

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Restructuring and other costs

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017	2016
Goods and services purchased	103	62
Employee benefits expense	36	417
Restructuring and other costs included in EBITDA	139	479

For further discussion, see Section 3 — Elevating our winning culture for sustained competitive advantage.

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3.Corporate priorities

We confirm or set new corporate priorities each year to advance TELUS’ long-term strategic imperatives (see Section 2.2) and address near-term opportunities and challenges. The following table provides a discussion of activities and initiatives that relate to our 2017 corporate priorities.

Delivering on TELUS’ future friendly brand promise by putting customers first

·We maintained our leadership position in customer loyalty, achieving a postpaid wireless churn rate of less than one per cent for 17 of the last 18 quarters. Notably, in the J.D. Power 2017 Canadian Wireless Network Quality Study, TELUS was ranked Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance in Ontario, three years in a row; and in the West (including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) two years in a row.

·In February 2017, TELUS was awarded Fastest Overall Download Speed and Best Availability among three national providers by OpenSignal, a UK-based company that studies wireless coverage globally using crowd-sourced data from real customer devices. This result is testament to our multi-pronged strategy for technology development, such as through our roll-out of LTE, our wireless network upgrade in Eastern Canada and our approach to the roll-out of 5G by incubating new technologies through trials in a real-life environment in our 5G Living Lab in Vancouver.

·We were ranked as having the fastest wireless network nationally according to PCMag. Additionally, we were ranked as having the fastest network in certain markets across Canada, including Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Winnipeg, Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Fredericton and Prince Edward Island.

·We were recognized as having Canada’s fastest mobile network according to the crowd-sourced Ookla Speedtest for the second quarter to third quarter of 2017.

·We now provide Cuba Roaming Passports providing customers travelling to Cuba with cost savings and cost certainty.

·Our customers’ likelihood-to-recommend scores improved for Business Solutions and TELUS Health. We also continue to lead our national peers in the consumer space, with Koodo being the most recommended of any wireless brand.

·We made YouTube available on all Optik TV 4K digital boxes. As a result, a subscription to 4K content or a 4K-capable TV is no longer required to access the YouTube app on Optik TV.

·We launched our new Optik TV app, which allows subscribers to watch live TV, set recordings and access our On Demand library on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

·We expanded our cloud communications solutions with the launch of TELUS Business Connect Mobile®, an all-in-one integrated mobile solution designed to drive productivity and cost savings for businesses.

Elevating our winning culture for sustained competitive advantage

·Our employee engagement levels continue to place our organization within the top 10 per cent of all employers surveyed on a global basis (see Investing in internal capabilities to build a high-performance culture and efficient operation in Section 2.2.)

·Our culture continues to drive our success in the marketplace, as we focus on putting our customers first in a manner that differentiates us from our competitors.

·In 2017, we reached our goal of volunteering one million hours in order to honour the 150th anniversary of Canadian confederation. Also, TELUS, our team members and retirees contributed over $45 million to charities and community organizations across Canada and around the world.

·We launched the TELUS Barrie Community Board, which will provide funding to local registered charitable organizations to support youth programs. Additionally, the TELUS Manitoba Community Board and the TELUS International Romania Community Board were both officially launched in 2017, bringing our total to 18 community boards around the world.

·For the 12th year, we received a BEST award for excellence in employee learning and development from the Association for Talent Development.

·We launched the TELUS Mobility for Good pilot project in B.C., working with the government of B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development to support young adults transitioning from foster care into independent living by providing them with a smartphone and wireless rate plan. We are working with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada to pilot this program in Ontario.

·We expanded TELUS WISE® (wise Internet and smartphone education) to incorporate a TELUS WISE Youth Ambassador Program, which engages ambassador students in grades nine through 12 to deliver interactive workshops, practicing their presentation and public speaking skills and making a difference in their community. TELUS WISE is our free educational program aimed at keeping participants, their families and communities safer online.

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Generating profitable top-line revenue growth while enhancing our operational efficiency

·We continued to execute clear and simple principles to reduce complexity and customer support requirements.

·We retired our legacy CDMA network assets.

·We continue to invest in operational efficiency initiatives, including increased utilization of our TELUS International (TI) customer care, IT and business process services, incremental real estate rationalization, and various other efficiency and effectiveness programs, in support of our top priority of putting customers first while continuing to drive toward a more efficient cost structure.

Increasing our competitive advantage through advanced, client-centric technology, networks and systems that lead the world in reliability

·Together with our lead vendor, we successfully completed a 5G wireless connection using the global 3GPP technology standards platform in our 5G Living Lab in Vancouver.

·We successfully completed Canada’s first test of licensed assisted access (LAA) on indoor and outdoor live networks. The test delivered wireless download speeds of 970 Mbps indoors and 966 Mbps outdoors using 80MHz of aggregated spectrum in a live, dynamic production network. LAA technology will enhance the TELUS network as it continues to evolve towards next-generation 5G speeds, bringing customers higher throughput and a better overall network experience as we deploy the technology into our network in the coming years.

·We successfully completed a live-environment mobile broadband test using 3.5 GHz spectrum and achieved download speeds eclipsing 2 Gbps in suburban northwest Edmonton. The 3.5 GHz spectrum will enable future 5G networks to deliver faster speeds in more places.

·We continued to invest in our leading-edge broadband technology, which has enabled the success of Optik TV and Pik TV, Internet and business services, as well as the ongoing evolution of our world-class wireless networks.

·Our 4G LTE network covered 99% of Canada’s population at December 31, 2017.

·Our high-speed broadband coverage reached more than 3 million households and businesses in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec at December 31, 2017, including approximately 1.44 million homes and businesses covered by fibre-optic cable, up from 1.08 million homes and businesses in 2016, which now provides these premises with immediate access to our gigabit-capable fibre-optic network.

·As noted in Section 2.2, in June 2017, we updated our radio access network in Ontario and Quebec to the latest wireless technologies, improving network performance for our customers and enabling advanced capabilities.

·We continued to enhance our network performance and achieved significant year-over-year improvements in 4G LTE average download speeds, voice accessibility, voice dropped call rates and 4G LTE data accessibility.

·To provide our customers with an improved wireless calling experience, we expanded our voice over LTE (VoLTE) coverage nationally, excluding the province of Saskatchewan and some parts of Manitoba, and we expect to cover the remaining parts of Manitoba in 2018.

Driving TELUS’ leadership position in our chosen business, public sector and international markets

·TI remains focused on providing outstanding contact centre, business process and IT solutions to our global customers, and continuing to partner with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to providing world-class customer experiences by helping them to provide better service for their clients. TI continues to focus on growth and, in 2017, expanded with our acquisition of Voxpro, which has extended our U.S. footprint and added new capacity in Europe and Asia. Additionally, our 2018 acquisition of Xavient adds client diversity, next-generation IT solutions and operations in the U.S. and India that will help us sustain our growth trajectory.

·We launched Network as a Service (NaaS) in 2017, further solidifying our position in the Canadian business telecom market.  NaaS makes it easy for Canadian businesses to deploy and optimize their own secure and reliable software defined networks quickly, easily and cost-effectively through a flexible self-serve cloud-based platform.

·As Canadian companies continue to drive their digital transformation to improve their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy, we look to be an Internet of Things (IoT) thought leader, providing integrated solutions that allow our customers to focus on their core competencies.

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Advancing TELUS’ leadership position in healthcare information management for better human outcomes

·TELUS Health and Université Laval announced a partnership to provide comprehensive simulation teaching facilities to the university’s pharmacy faculty. Additionally, pharmacy students will have an opportunity to operate Ubik, TELUS Health’s pharmacy management platform currently being deployed across pharmacies in Quebec, which will be customized for use in academic settings.

·We acquired Kroll Computer Systems Inc. to enhance our geographic reach and the quality of our product offering as a national pharmacy management services provider.

·Canada Health Infoway selected TELUS Health as the successful bidder to be the technical solution provider for PrescribeIT, a national e-prescribing service. PrescribeIT will enable the secure electronic transmission of prescriptions from a physician office or clinic directly to the patient’s pharmacy of choice. Electronic transmission of prescriptions will prevent transcription errors, save time for physicians and pharmacists, and increase convenience for patients. PrescribeIT will be built on the open, interoperable and vendor-agnostic TELUS Health Exchange platform, which already provides healthcare professionals with a variety of collaboration tools that improve the quality and efficiency of the care they provide to their patients.

·In July 2017, TELUS Health announced the launch of MedDialog, a national clinical solution that allows doctors to communicate electronically with other physicians regarding the care of their patients directly from their EMR systems. This technology will enable more efficient clinical practice and better patient care by eliminating the need for phone and fax communications and ensuring all patient communication history remains within the digital chart.

·TELUS Health announced a partnership with Tunstall Healthcare, a leading connected healthcare company, to provide Canadians with access to healthcare through the Tunstall Integrated Care Platform (ICP). As patients track and upload their own vital signs from their homes, the TELUS Home Health Monitoring solution powered by ICP will allow virtual care teams to maintain a close watch on biometrics in real time and intervene before a health issue arises, regardless of where they are located. By leveraging remote monitoring and videoconferencing telehealth software solutions, we aim to improve the lives of patients living with chronic disease and help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

Our 2018 corporate priorities are provided in the table below.

2018 corporate priorities

·Honouring our team, customers and social purpose by delivering on our brand promise

·Leveraging our broadband networks to drive TELUS’ growth

·Fuelling our future through recurring efficiency gains

·Driving emerging opportunities in TELUS Health and TELUS International.

4.Capabilities

The forward-looking statements in this section, including statements regarding our dividend growth program and our financial objectives in Section 4.3, are qualified by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.

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4.1 Principal markets addressed and competition

Wireless products and services for consumers and businesses across Canada

Our products and services

·Data and voice — Fast Internet access for video, social networking, messaging and mobile applications, including our new Optik TV app; Internet of Things (IoT) solutions (including machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity); clear and reliable voice services; push-to-talk (PTT) solutions, including TELUS Link® service; and international roaming.

·Devices — The latest smartphones, tablets, mobile Internet keys, mobile Wi-Fi devices, M2M modems, digital life devices and wearable technology.

·Suite of IoT solutions to support Canadian businesses locally and internationally, including asset tracking, fleet management, remote monitoring, digital signage and security.

Our capabilities

·Licensed gross national wireless spectrum holdings averaging 160.4 MHz.

·Coast-to-coast digital 4G LTE network:

·Overall coverage of 99% of Canada’s population, with the LTE advanced portion of the network covering 88% of Canada’s population, at December 31, 2017. Coverage includes roaming agreements.

·Coverage and capacity were enhanced with the deployment of the 700 MHz wireless spectrum licences acquired in 2014 and the deployment of the 2500 MHz wireless spectrum acquired in 2015. We plan to utilize other spectrum licences purchased in recent years in combination with unlicensed supplementary spectrum, as network and device ecosystems evolve.

·Manufacturer’s rated download speeds: LTE advanced, up to 750 Mbps; LTE, up to 110 Mbps; HSPA+, up to 42 Mbps. Average expected speeds: LTE advanced, 12-200 Mbps; LTE, 12-45 Mbps; HSPA+, 4-14 Mbps.1

·Reverts to the HSPA+ network and speeds when customers are outside LTE coverage areas.

·International voice and data roaming capabilities in more than 225 countries.

Competition overview

·Facilities-based national competitors Rogers Wireless and Bell Mobility, as well as provincial or regionally-focused telecommunications companies Freedom Mobile, Videotron, SaskTel, Eastlink, Tbaytel and Xplornet (expected in 2018).

·Fixed wireless services.

·Resellers of competitors’ wireless networks.

·Services offered by cable-TV and wireless competitors over wireless and metropolitan Wi-Fi networks.

(1)Network speeds vary with location, signal and customer device. Compatible device required.

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Wireline products and services: Residential services in British Columbia, Alberta and Eastern Quebec; healthcare solutions; business services across Canada; and contact centre and outsourcing solutions offered internationally

Our products and services

·Voice — Reliable fixed phone service with long distance and advanced calling features; voice over IP (VoIP) supporting voice services into the future.

·Internet — Fixed high-speed Internet access (HSIA) service with email and a comprehensive suite of security solutions. Also includes HSIA over LTE and TELUS PureFibre, with reliable Wi-Fi, and cloud storage. TELUS offers symmetrical 150 Mbps download and upload speeds.

·TELUS TV — High-definition entertainment service with Optik TV, Pik TV and TELUS Satellite TV®. Optik TV offers extensive content options and innovative features such as PVR Anywhere, Remote Recording, Optik® Smart Remote channel browsing with a tablet or smartphone, and our new Optik TV app (see Section 3 for further information). Pik TV, which is provided only in B.C. and Alberta, delivers a streamlined offer for customers who have ceased and/or never subscribed for TV services by offering a self-install TV service created to embrace the changing environment where content is increasingly available from over-the-top (OTT) services. We are the content leader in Western Canada, which includes being the only provider in Western Canada offering 4K TV capability. TELUS Satellite TV service is offered only in B.C. and Alberta by way of an agreement with Bell Canada.

·IP networks and applications for businesses — Converged voice, video and data services and Internet access, offered on a high-performing network.

·Contact centre, business process and IT outsourcing solutions in more than 30 languages — Managed solutions providing low-cost and scalable infrastructure in North America, Asia, Europe and Central America and next-generation IT consulting and delivery capabilities upon closing our acquisition of Xavient Information Systems.

·Hosting, managed IT and cloud-based services — Cybersecurity and other solutions with ongoing assured availability of telecommunications, networks, servers, databases, files and applications, with critical applications stored in our Internet data centres (IDCs) across Canada or through partner facilities, depending on customer preferences, including our Network as a Service (NaaS) offering.

·Healthcare — TELUS Health’s services, including pharmacy management, electronic medical records (EMR) and mobile EMR, electronic health records, drug information systems, regional clinical information systems, personal health record systems, remote patient monitoring, online settlement claims management solutions, e-prescribing services, TELUS Health Exchange Platform and MedDialog.

·Unified Communications conferencing and collaboration — Full range of equipment and application solutions to support meetings and webcasts by means of phone, video and Internet.

·Home security — Central monitoring station, wireless and hard-wired security accessibility, and wearable security offerings for residential customers.

Our capabilities

·Broadband Internet coverage reaching more than three million homes and businesses in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec.

·Ongoing connection of homes and businesses directly to fibre-optic cables; approximately 1.44 million homes and businesses addressable by TELUS PureFibre in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec at December 31, 2017 and we are approaching nearly 50% of our targeted coverage footprint.

·Wireline residential access line services provided to an estimated 31% of households in B.C. and Alberta, and 58% of households in our Eastern Quebec region.

·Broadcasting distribution licences allowing us to offer digital television services in incumbent territories, as well as licences to offer commercial video-on-demand services.

·Home security technological abilities to support central monitoring. Field services capabilities to install, upgrade and repair security at a customer’s premises.

·An IP-based national network overlaying an extensive switched network in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec, as well as global interconnection arrangements.

·Eight data centres in six communities directly connected to the national TELUS IP network, creating an advanced and regionally diverse computing infrastructure in Canada.

·Access to businesses across Canada through our networks, as well as competitive local exchange carrier status.

·Business process outsourcing and next-generation IT consulting services with global delivery capabilities through our multinational, multi-language programs, supported by approximately 27,900 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles across North America, Asia, Europe and Central America, as at December 31, 2017.

·Technology solutions to assist health regions, hospitals, insurers, consumers and employers; also to improve the connectivity and collaboration among healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists.

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Competition overview

·Substitution of wireless services, including our own wireless offerings, for residential local and long distance services. The percentage of households with wireless-only telephone services (among all providers, including TELUS) is estimated to be 45% in B.C. and Alberta, and 18% in Eastern Quebec, compared to 41% and 16%, respectively, in 2016.

·Allstream Inc., a national telecommunications service provider for business customers, owned by Zayo Group Holdings Inc., a U.S.-based provider of communications infrastructure services.

·Cable-TV competitors for Internet and entertainment services, such as Shaw Communications (in B.C. and Alberta) and Cogeco Cable and Videotron (in Eastern Quebec).

·Various others offering resale or VoIP-based local, long distance and Internet services.

·OTT voice and entertainment services, such as Skype, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

·Satellite-based entertainment and Internet services offered by Bell Canada, Shaw Communications and Xplornet.

·Competitors for contact centre services, such as Convergys, Teleperformance, Sykes Alorica, Sutherland and Sitel.

·Fixed wireless services.

·Customized managed outsourcing solutions competitors, such as system integrators CGI Group Inc., EDS division of HP Enterprise Services and IBM.

·Competitors for TELUS Health include providers of EMR and pharmacy management products, such as Omnimed, Familiprix, Medfar, Fillware, ARI and Logipharm. Competitors also include systems integrators, health service providers, such as Loblaws, McKesson and the Jean Coutu Group, that have also become vertically integrated and own a mix of health services delivery, IT solutions and related services, and potentially, global providers such as EPIC and Cerner that could achieve expanded Canadian footprints.

·Competitors for home security range from local to national companies, such as ADT, Chubb Security, Stanley Security, Fluent and Monitronics.

4.2 Operational resources

Resources

Our team

·Approximately 53,630 employees at the end of 2017 (approximately 52,860 FTE roles across a wide range of operational functions, with 24,960 FTE roles in Canada and 27,900 FTE roles internationally).

·Approximately 10,465 of our employees are covered by collective agreements. The agreement with the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU), United Steel Workers Local Union 1944, which covers approximately 9,020 employees, expires on December 31, 2021. The agreement with the Syndicat des agents de maîtrise de TELUS (SAMT), which covers approximately 635 team members in the TELUS Quebec region, expires on March 31, 2022. The agreement with the Syndicat québécois des employés de TELUS (SQET), which covers approximately 1,385 employees, expires on December 31, 2022.

·Operations at Canadian and international locations to support contact centres and business process outsourcing services for external wholesale customers, as well as for certain functions internally.

·Employee compensation programs that support a high-performance culture and contain market-driven and performance-based components (bonus and share-based compensation) to attract and retain key employees.

·Succession plans to cover ongoing retirement, ready access to labour in Canada and, for contact centres and specific support functions, in various international locations. We also use external contractors and consultants.

·Training, mentoring and development programs to maintain and improve employee engagement levels and enhance the customer experience.

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Resources

Our brand and distribution channels

·A well-established and recognizable national brand (TELUS, the future is friendly®).

·Koodo Mobile® — A national provider of postpaid and prepaid wireless voice and data services with a broad distribution network, including TELUS-owned stores, dealers and third-party electronics retailers.

·Public Mobile — A prepaid wireless service provider, with a primarily web-based distribution channel, and provides customers with a SIM-only service.

·Optik TV brand, launched in mid-2010. Pik TV brand launched in mid-2017.

·TELUS PureFibre, our next generation fibre-optic network.

·Our sales and support distribution channels:

·Wireless services are supported through a broad network of TELUS-owned and branded stores, including our 50% ownership of the kiosk channel WOW! Mobile, an extensive distribution network of exclusive dealers and large third-party electronics retailers (e.g. Best Buy, WalMart and London Drugs) and a white label brand for a premier retail chain, as well as online self-serve applications, mass marketing campaigns and customer care telephone agents.

·Wireline residential services are supported through TELUS-owned and branded stores, including third-party electronics retailers, as well as mass marketing campaigns, customer care telephone agents, and online and TV-based self-serve applications.

·Through telus.com, we enable sales of both wireless and wireline products and services. We also provide online account management tools enabling wireless and wireline customers to manage their accounts through our website or mobile applications.

·TELUS Health provides some of its consumer services — personal health records and home health monitoring — in partnership with provincial governments.

·Business services, including healthcare, across wireless and wireline are supported through certain dedicated stores for business, TELUS sales representatives, product specialists, independent dealers and online self-serve applications for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Business process outsourcing services are supported through sales representatives and client relationship management teams.

·Dedicated direct-to-consumer channel of over 600 field sales agents.

Our technology, systems and properties

·We are a technology-enabled company with a multitude of IT systems and processes. We are focused on driving innovation and making generational investments to deliver state-of-the-art broadband solutions in an increasingly digital society.

·Wireless broadband networks – In 2012, we launched our 4G LTE wireless network capable of speeds of up to 110 Mbps, and today, our wireless network covers 99% of Canada’s population. Our LTE network allows customers to take advantage of the newest mobile devices and enjoy a seamless experience across their multiple devices. In 2015, we launched the newest LTE advanced (LTE-A) network technology and have been working to expand our LTE capabilities with this technology since then. In April 2016, we enhanced our LTE-A network with the first global implementation of frequency division duplex (FDD) 4x4 multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology. We implemented another key enhancement to our LTE-A network in June 2017 by introducing quad-band LTE-A carrier aggregation technology – this network covers 88.2% of Canada’s population and enables theoretical peak speeds of 750Mbps.

·In 2014, we deployed a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) in Vancouver and, in 2016, launched voice over LTE (VoLTE) service in B.C. and Alberta communities. Both deployments were key transformations in our wireless capabilities. We were also the first national operator to provide high-speed Internet service over our LTE network for rural customers in B.C. and Alberta through our Smart Hub mobile Internet solution.

·We have been making significant investments in heterogeneous network (HetNet) technology, one of the key building blocks for 5G. HetNet combines multiple types of cells such as outdoor macro cells and microcell, as well as indoor pico cells, to enhance coverage and capacity in crowded urban areas and inside buildings. By taking continuous strides to evolve our small cell technology concurrent with the evolution of network technologies to LTE-A pro (i.e. 4.5G), in September 2017, we became the first operator in Canada to introduce licensed assisted access (LAA) small cells for both outdoor and indoor environments. This technology is capable of speeds of up to 970 Mbps, which are the highest achieved globally.

Our technology, systems and properties (continued)

·Wireline broadband networks – Our investments to deploy our gigabit-enabled TELUS PureFibre network have brought fibre-optic connectivity deeper into our network and directly to homes and businesses. At the end of 2017, 1.44 million homes and businesses in communities across B.C., Alberta and Quebec had access to fast, symmetrical 150/150 Internet download and upload speeds with TELUS PureFibre. Sixty of these communities now also have 250/250 Mbps and 1 Gbps/250 Mbps Internet service tiers available to them. Recognizing the need for highly reliable, high-capacity connectivity with low latency to support emerging services such as virtualized networks and IoT applications, we have also begun rolling out a next generation nationwide optical backbone network capable of 400 Gbps per channel with automated self-healing and the ability to turn up network capacity on demand.

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·We have advanced our converged voice evolution strategy with the launch of our enhanced home phone service and small business voice services. These services leverage the capabilities of the TELUS PureFibre network and will serve as a foundation for new services in conjunction with our wireless network.

·We have continued to innovate through Optik TV advancements for our customers, building a next generation video platform to enable more differentiated OTT friendly services and launching a user-installable Android TV-based set-top box, which enabled us to introduce our new Pik TV service to customers as of May 2017.

·By deploying next generation platforms like Ericsson MediaRoom and MediaFirst Cloud, and investing in video distribution and the cloudification of video infrastructure, we will continue to advance our priority of enabling “anytime, everywhere” content and entertainment.

Real estate –

·Our network facilities are constructed under or along streets and highways, pursuant to rights-of-way granted by the owners of land, including municipalities and the Crown, or on freehold land we own.

·Our real estate properties (owned or leased) also include administrative office space, work centres and space for telecommunications equipment. Some buildings are constructed on leasehold land and the majority of wireless towers are situated on lands or buildings held under leases or licences with varying terms. We also participate in two real estate joint ventures. (See Section 7.11.)

·Intangible assets – Our intangible assets include wireless spectrum licences from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which are essential to providing wireless services. We have assets totalling 160.4 MHz average nationally. We have deployed 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 1900 MHz, AWS-1 and 850 MHz spectrum to evolve our wireless network and will continue to enhance our LTE capability with AWS-3 spectrum as well as look to the introduction of new bands that will enable the realization of 5G networks. We intend to continue acquiring spectrum within the rules set out by ISED to meet our future capacity requirements.

·Our broadcasting distribution licences enable us to provide entertainment services. See Section 9.4 Broadcasting related issues describing developments relating to these licences.

·Future technologies, TELUS Health and TELUS International – In addition to evolving our existing wireless and wireline infrastructure, we are investing in the technologies of the future that will serve as the foundation to provide next generation services to Canadians. By way of example, we are building the next generation of 5G wireless technologies and capitalizing on the promise of convergent wireless and wireline network technologies. As mobile operators globally work to develop 5G, we have achieved groundbreaking wireless speeds of nearly 30 Gbps – 200 times faster than today’s LTE standard – in our Living Lab. In 2017, we broke new ground by piloting 5G wireless-to-the-premise (WTTx) technology and achieved 2 gigabit per second download speeds in a live-environment test using 3.5 GHz spectrum.

·We continue to invest in enabling platforms such as our jasper connected device platform (CDP) and our dedicated machine-to-machine virtual evolved packet core (M2M vEPC) to support IoT applications, where the ease of onboarding partners is crucial for emerging services such as connected vehicles, fleet management and more.

·In 2017, we launched our NaaS solution, the first Canadian network function virtualization (NFV) infrastructure that will power the virtualized networks of the future and enable Canadian businesses to serve their customers better with improved total cost of ownership.

·Through TELUS International, we provide customer care, IT, business processing and next-generation IT consulting services by utilizing geographically diverse service centres, software tools and international data networks and data centres. Global rerouting capabilities and geographic diversity are supported by facilities located in North America, Asia, Europe and Central America.

·Through TELUS Health’s services, such as pharmacy management, EMRs (including mobile EMR), electronic health records, personal health records, clinical information systems, remote patient monitoring and online claims settlement management software solutions, including the online renewal of prescriptions, e-prescribing services, and MedDialog, TELUS Health facilitates the integration of electronic health records from the home to the doctor’s office to the hospital, making critical health information available to healthcare providers over wireless and wireline broadband networks.

4.3 Liquidity and capital resources

Capital structure financial policies

Our objective when managing capital is to maintain a flexible capital structure that optimizes the cost and availability of capital at acceptable risk.

In the management of capital and in its definition, we include Common Share equity (excluding Accumulated other comprehensive income), Long-term debt (including long-term credit facilities, commercial paper backstopped by long-term credit facilities and any associated hedging assets or liabilities, net of amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income), Cash and temporary investments, and short-term borrowings arising from securitized trade receivables.

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We manage our capital structure and make adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of our telecommunications infrastructure. In order to maintain or adjust our capital structure, we may change the amount of dividends paid to holders of Common Shares, purchase shares for cancellation pursuant to our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) programs, issue new shares, issue new debt, issue new debt to replace existing debt with different characteristics and/or increase or decrease the amount of trade receivables sold to an arm’s-length securitization trust.

We monitor capital by utilizing a number of measures, including the net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio, coverage ratios and the dividend payout ratio. (See definitions in Section 11.1.)

Financing and capital structure management plans

Report on financing and capital structure management plans

Pay dividends to the holders of Common Shares under our multi-year dividend growth program

·      In May 2016, we announced our intention to target ongoing semi-annual dividend increases, with the annual increase in the range of 7 to 10% from 2017 through to the end of 2019, thereby extending the policy first announced in May 2011. Notwithstanding this target, dividend decisions will continue to be subject to our Board’s assessment and the determination of our financial position and outlook on a quarterly basis. Our long-term dividend payout ratio guideline is 65 to 75% of prospective net earnings per share. (See Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures). There can be no assurance that we will maintain a dividend growth program or that it will not be changed through 2019. (See Caution regarding forward-looking statements — Ability to sustain our dividend growth program through 2019 and Section 10.7 Financing, debt requirements and returning cash to shareholders.)

·      Dividends declared in 2017 totalled $1.97 per share, an increase of $0.13 per share or 7.1% compared to the dividends declared in 2016. On February 7, 2018, the Board declared a first quarter dividend of $0.5050 per share, payable on April 2, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018. The first quarter dividend for 2018 reflects a cumulative increase of $0.025 per share or 5.2% from the $0.48 per share dividend declared one year earlier.

·      In connection with dividends declared during 2017, our dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan trustee purchased from Treasury approximately 2 million dividend reinvestment Common Shares for $91 million, with no discount applicable.

Purchase Common Shares

·      In November 2017, we received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for a new 2018 NCIB to purchase and cancel up to 8 million Common Shares for consideration of up to $250 million over a 12-month period, commencing from November 13, 2017, to November 12, 2018, through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange, and alternative trading platforms or as otherwise permitted by applicable securities laws. TELUS will purchase Common Shares only when and if we consider it opportunistic, subject to any purchases that may be made under an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP). As of February 8, 2018, we have not had any transactions pursuant to our 2018 NCIB.

·      Our 2017 NCIB, for which we had received approval to purchase up to 8 million shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to $250 million, concluded on September 29, 2017 with TELUS having purchased, in the same manner as provided under the new 2018 NCIB, approximately 2.0 million shares or 0.3 per cent of our outstanding shares for $80 million at an average price of approximately $40.97 per share.

·      We may also enter into an ASPP with a broker for the purpose of permitting us to purchase our Common Shares under our NCIB at times when we would not be permitted to trade in our shares, including regularly scheduled quarterly blackout periods. Such purchases will be determined by the broker in its sole discretion based on parameters that we established prior to any blackout period, in accordance with TSX rules and applicable securities laws. The ASPP has been approved by the TSX, and may be implemented from time to time in the future.

Use proceeds from securitized trade receivables (Short-term borrowings), bank facilities and commercial paper as needed, to supplement free cash flow and meet other cash requirements

·      Our issued and outstanding commercial paper was $1,140 million at December 31, 2017, all of which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$908 million), compared to $613 million (US$456 million) at December 31, 2016.

·      Our net draws on the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility were $346 million ($339 million net of unamortized costs) at December 31, 2017, compared to $340 million ($332 million net of unamortized issue costs) at December 31, 2016.

·      Proceeds from securitized trade receivables were $100 million at December 31, 2017, unchanged from December 31, 2016.

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Report on financing and capital structure management plans

Maintain compliance with financial objectives

Certain of our current financial objectives will be reviewed in 2018 for possible revision due to changes arising from the adoption of new accounting standards, IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and IFRS 16, Leases. (See Section 8.2 Accounting policy developments.)

·      Maintain investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent — On February 8, 2018, investment grade credit ratings from the four rating agencies that cover TELUS were in the desired range. (See Section 7.8 Credit ratings.)

·      Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio of 2.00 to 2.50 times — As measured at December 31, 2017, the ratio was 2.73 times, outside of the objective range, primarily due to the funding of spectrum licences acquired in wireless spectrum auctions held during 2014 and 2015, and the elevated strategic capital investments in our fibre-optic network. We expect this ratio to decline in 2018 and we continue to expect it to return to within the objective range in the medium term, consistent with our long-term strategy. (See Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures.)

·      Dividend payout ratio of 65 to 75% of net earnings per share on a prospective basis — Our objective range is on a prospective basis. The dividend payout ratio we present in this MD&A is a historical measure utilizing the last four quarters of dividends declared and earnings per share, and is disclosed for illustrative purposes in evaluating our target guideline. As at December 31, 2017, the historical ratio of 80% and the adjusted historical ratio of 80% exceeded the objective range; however, we currently expect that we will be within our target guideline when considered on a prospective basis within the medium term. (See Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures.)

·      Generally maintain a minimum of $1 billion in unutilized liquidity — As at December 31, 2017, our unutilized liquidity was more than $1 billion. (See Section 7.6 Credit facilities.)

Financing and capital structure management plans for 2018

At the end of 2017, our long-term debt (excluding unamortized discount) was $13.8 billion and the weighted average term to maturity was approximately 10.7 years (excluding commercial paper and the revolving component of the TELUS International credit facility). Our weighted average interest rate on long-term debt (excluding commercial paper and the revolving component of the TELUS International credit facility) was 4.18% at December 31, 2017, as compared to 4.22% one year earlier. Aside from Short-term borrowings of $100 million, commercial paper of $1,140 million (US$908 million) and the utilized revolving component of the TELUS International credit facility of $197 million (US$157 million), all of our debt was on a fixed-rate basis.

During 2018, we may issue senior Notes to refinance maturing debt or to use for general corporate purposes. Anticipated free cash flow and sources of capital are expected to be more than sufficient to meet requirements. For the related risk discussion, see Section 10.7 Financing, debt requirements and returning cash to shareholders.

4.4 Disclosure controls and procedures and changes in internal control over financial reporting

Disclosure controls and procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure.

The CEO and the CFO have assessed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures related to the preparation of this MD&A and the December 31, 2017, Consolidated financial statements. They have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at a reasonable assurance level, in ensuring that material information

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relating to TELUS and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which the MD&A and the Consolidated financial statements were being prepared.

Internal control over financial reporting

Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS-IASB and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, as applicable. TELUS’ CEO and CFO have assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, in accordance with the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, TELUS’ CEO and CFO have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2017, and certify TELUS’ annual filings with the Form 40-F, as required by the United States’ Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and TELUS’ Annual Information Form, as required by National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings.

Deloitte LLP, our auditor, has audited our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting in 2017. The adoption of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, required the implementation of new accounting processes, which changed the Company’s internal controls over revenue recognition, contract acquisition costs and financial reporting. We have completed the design of these controls and they have been implemented as of December 31, 2017. We do not expect significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting due to the adoption of the new standard.

5.     Discussion of operations

This section contains forward-looking statements, including those with respect to average revenue per subscriber unit (ARPU) growth, wireless loading and retention spending, high-speed Internet subscriber growth, and various future trends. There can be no assurance that we have accurately identified these trends based on past results, or that these trends will continue. See Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.

5.1 General

A significant judgment we make is in respect of distinguishing between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows (and this extends to allocations of both direct and indirect expenses and capital expenditures). The clarity of such distinction has been increasingly affected by the convergence and integration of our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations. The continued build-out of our technology-agnostic fibre-optic infrastructure, in combination with converged edge technology, has significantly affected this judgment, as has the commercialization of fixed-wireless telecommunications solutions. It has become increasingly impractical and difficult to objectively and clearly distinguish between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise. As at December 31, 2017, we do not currently aggregate operating segments, and thus our reportable segments as at December 31, 2017, are also wireless and wireline. Segmented information in Note 5 of the Consolidated financial statements is regularly reported to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (our chief operating decision-maker).

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Selected annual information

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)	2017	2016	2015
Operating revenues	13,304	12,799	12,502
Net income	1,479	1,236	1,382
Net income attributable to Common Shares	1,460	1,223	1,382
Net income per Common Share
Basic earnings per share (basic EPS)	2.46	2.06	2.29
Diluted	2.46	2.06	2.29
Cash dividends declared per Common Share	1.97	1.84	1.68

At December 31 ($ millions)	2017	2016	2015
Total assets	29,548	27,729	26,406
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,404	1,327	856
Non-current financial liabilities1
Provisions	152	57	55
Long-term debt	12,256	11,604	11,182
Other long-term financial liabilities	224	166	150
Total non-current financial liabilities	12,632	11,827	11,387
Deferred income taxes	2,500	2,107	2,155
Common equity	8,221	7,917	7,672

(1)   In our specific current instance, financial liabilities do not include liabilities that are excluded by definition (e.g. employee benefits and share-based compensation liabilities) or liabilities that do not involve a future outlay of economic resources (e.g. deferred recognition of customer activation and connection fees; deferred gains on sale-leaseback of buildings).

Operating revenues: Combined wireless revenue and wireline data revenue represented approximately 89% of consolidated revenues in 2017 (87% in 2016 and 86% in 2015).

Total assets: Growth in Total assets includes increases in Property, plant and equipment and Intangible assets, which increased by a combined $1,198 million in 2017 and a combined $1,107 million in 2016. These increases resulted primarily from our ongoing investments in broadband networks, business acquisitions and purchases of wireless spectrum licences. See Section 7.3 Cash used by investing activities.

For changes in Long-term debt, see Section 6 Changes in financial position and Section 7.4 Cash used by financing activities.

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5.2 Summary of consolidated quarterly results, trends and fourth quarter recap

Summary of quarterly results

($ millions, except per share amounts)	2017 Q4		2017 Q3	2017 Q2	2017 Q1	2016 Q4		2016 Q3	2016 Q2	2016 Q1
Operating revenues	3,467		3,366	3,273	3,198	3,305		3,238	3,148	3,108
Operating expenses
Goods and services purchased1	1,658		1,531	1,433	1,313	1,574		1,426	1,331	1,300
Employee benefits expense1	686		639	646	624	962		681	628	668
Depreciation and amortization	564		547	526	532	533		515	499	500
Total operating expenses	2,908		2,717	2,605	2,469	3,069		2,622	2,458	2,468
Operating income	559		649	668	729	236		616	690	640
Financing costs	144		149	142	138	134		129	134	123
Income before income taxes	415		500	526	591	102		487	556	517
Income taxes	133		130	140	150	15		132	140	139
Net income	282		370	386	441	87		355	416	378
Net income attributable to Common Shares	281		367	379	433	81		348	416	378
Net income per Common Share:
Basic earnings per share (EPS)	0.47		0.62	0.64	0.73	0.14		0.59	0.70	0.64
Adjusted basic EPS2	0.55		0.66	0.68	0.74	0.53		0.65	0.70	0.70
Diluted EPS	0.47		0.62	0.64	0.73	0.14		0.59	0.70	0.64
Dividends declared per Common Share	0.5050		0.4925	0.4925	0.48	0.48		0.46	0.46	0.44
Additional information:
EBITDA2	1,123		1,196	1,194	1,261	769		1,131	1,189	1,140
Restructuring and other costs2	60		36	39	4	348		60	23	48
Gains on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences	—		—	—	—	—		—	15	—
(Net losses and equity losses) net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments	(2	)	—	3	—	7		10	9	—
MTS net recovery	21		—	—	—	—		—	—	—
Adjusted EBITDA2	1,164		1,232	1,230	1,265	1,110		1,181	1,188	1,188
Cash provided by operating activities	979		1,133	1,126	709	732		1,032	892	563
Free cash flow2	274		215	260	217	(191	)	98	126	108

(1)Goods and services purchased and Employee benefits expense amounts include restructuring and other costs.

(2)See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

Trends

The trend of year-over-year increases in consolidated revenue reflects: (i) wireless network revenue generated from growth in both our ARPU and subscriber base; and (ii) wireline data service revenue, driven by Internet and enhanced data, business process outsourcing, TELUS Health, and TELUS TV services revenues. Increased Internet and TV service revenues are being generated by subscriber growth and higher Internet revenue per customer. Consolidated revenue growth was partially offset by the continued decline in wireline voice revenues. Wireless equipment revenues vary with per-unit subsidies resulting from both postpaid gross subscriber additions and retention volumes. For additional information on wireless and wireline revenue and subscriber trends, see Section 5.4 Wireless segment and Section 5.5 Wireline segment.

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The trend of year-over-year increases in Goods and services purchased expense reflects higher equipment expenses associated with increased postpaid gross additions and retention volumes, as well as increasing per-unit device costs including higher-value smartphones in the sales mix; increasing wireless and wireline customer service, roaming, and external labour expenses to support growth in our subscriber base; and increased wireline TV costs of sales associated with a growing subscriber base. These were partly offset by lower wireline equipment costs.

The general trend of year-over-year decreases in net Employee benefits expense reflects moderating wages and salaries resulting from reductions in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) domestic employees associated with cost efficiency and effectiveness programs and the impact of benefits from certain contract concessions associated with our immediately vesting transformative compensation (recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016) that are yielding efficiency improvements and continue to support our customer service focus. This was partly offset by increases in the number of employees resulting from acquisitions to support business process outsourcing revenue growth and expand our TELUS Health offerings.

The trend of year-over-year increases in Depreciation and amortization reflects increases due to growth in capital assets, which is supporting the expansion of our broadband footprint and enhanced long-term evolution (LTE) network coverage, and growth in business acquisitions, as well as the present impact of our continuing program of asset life studies. The investments in our fibre-optic network also support our small-cell technology strategy to improve coverage and capacity while preparing for a more efficient and timely evolution to 5G.

The trend of year-over-year increases in Financing costs reflects an increase in long-term debt outstanding, mainly associated with our generational investments in fibre to homes and businesses and our wireless network, and the significant investments in wireless spectrum licences acquired during auctions in 2014 and 2015. Financing costs are net of capitalized interest, which was related to spectrum licences acquired during the wireless spectrum licence auctions. Capitalization of interest ceased in the first quarter of 2017, as cell sites are now capable of utilizing those spectrum frequencies. Financing costs also include Employee defined benefit plans net interest expense. Additionally, for the eight periods shown, Financing costs include varying amounts of foreign exchange gains or losses and varying amounts of interest income.

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The trend in Net income reflects the items noted above, as well as non-cash adjustments arising from legislated income tax changes, and adjustments recognized in the current periods for income taxes of prior periods, including any related after-tax interest on reassessments. Historically, the trend in basic EPS has also been impacted by share purchases under our normal course issuer bid programs. However, there have been no such repurchases in 2017.

The general trend of year-over-year increases in Cash provided by operating activities reflects generally higher consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. It also reflects increased interest payments arising from increases in debt outstanding, offset by lower fixed-term interest rates. Income tax payments increased in 2016 and have decreased in 2017, as described in Assumptions for 2017 targets and results in Section 1.4. The trend in free cash flow reflects the factors affecting Cash provided by operating activities, as well as increases in capital expenditures. For further discussion on these trends, see Section 5.4 Wireless segment and Section 5.5 Wireline segment.

Fourth quarter recap

Results for the fourth quarter of 2017 were discussed in Management’s review of operations attached to our February 8, 2018 news release.

·Consolidated operating revenues increased by $162 million or 4.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, primarily reflecting growth in wireless network revenue and wireline data services, which includes increased Internet and enhanced data service, growth in business process outsourcing revenues, inclusive of recent acquisitions, TELUS Health and TELUS TV revenues. These increases were partly offset by the continuing decline in wireline voice revenues, consistent with the results for the full year, discussed in the following sections.

·Consolidated EBITDA increased by $354 million or 45.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase reflects: (i) growth in wireless network revenues and increased wireline data revenues, partially offset by increased costs associated with higher wireless gross loading and retention volumes; and (ii) lower restructuring and other costs, which included the 2016 transformative compensation expense, partly offset by costs associated with the migration and servicing of subscribers acquired from MTS.

·Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes restructuring and other costs, net gains and equity income or net losses and equity losses related to real estate joint venture developments, a gain from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences recorded in the second quarter of 2016 and the MTS net recovery, increased by $54 million or 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

·Net income attributable to Common Shares increased by $200 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, largely due to the transformative compensation expense recorded in 2016, partly offset by increased depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, financing costs and income taxes, the increase in income taxes primarily being driven by increased income before income taxes and the revaluation of the deferred tax liability for the increase in the B.C. income tax rate. Basic EPS increased by $0.33 in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. When excluding restructuring and other costs, income tax-related adjustments, net gains and equity income or net losses and equity losses related to real estate joint venture developments, and the MTS net recovery, adjusted Net income increased by $12 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, while adjusted basic EPS increased by $0.02.

·Cash provided by operating activities increased by $247 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was mainly due to higher EBITDA, resulting from the $305 million transformative compensation expense that was incurred in the fourth quarter of 2016, partly offset by changes in operating working capital.

·Cash used by investing activities decreased by $114 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016, mainly due to decreased capital expenditures and changes in working capital amounts related to acquisitions in current and prior periods.

·Cash used by financing activities was $224 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $138 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The net change of $362 million was primarily due to the larger amount of long-term debt issued in the fourth quarter of 2016.

·Free cash flow increased by $465 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016, resulting from increased EBITDA, including the impact of the 2016 transformative compensation expense, and lower capital expenditures. (See calculation in Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.)

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5.3 Consolidated operations

The following is a discussion of our consolidated financial performance. Segment information in Note 5 of the Consolidated financial statements is regularly reported to our CEO. We discuss the performance of our segments in Section 5.4 Wireless segment, Section 5.5 Wireline segment and Section 7.3 Cash used by investing activities.

Operating revenues

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017	2016	Change
Service	12,478	12,000	4.0	%
Equipment	724	725	(0.1	)%
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13,202	12,725	3.7	%
Other operating income	102	74	37.8	%
	13,304	12,799	3.9	%

Consolidated operating revenues increased by $505 million in 2017.

·Service revenues increased by $478 million in 2017, primarily reflecting growth in wireless network revenue and wireline data services, partly offset by the continuing decline in wireline voice revenues. Wireless network revenue reflects growth in blended ARPU and a growing wireless subscriber base and, to a lesser extent, revenues related to postpaid subscribers we acquired from the MTS acquisition. Wireline data service revenue reflects increases in Internet and enhanced data service, growth in business process outsourcing revenues, inclusive of recent acquisitions and foreign exchange impacts on foreign operations, TELUS Health, and TELUS TV revenues. Higher TELUS Health revenues were driven by organic growth through additional professional services and support revenue, and through acquisitions. Internet and TV revenues increased due to subscriber growth, as well as higher Internet revenue per customer.

·Equipment revenues were $724 million in 2017 and were relatively flat compared to 2016.

·Other operating income increased by $28 million in 2017, primarily due to higher net gains in the current period than in the comparable period. These changes include the MTS contingent consideration recovery and recognition of a gain on sale of a security consulting business. The remaining are other net gains offset by lower government assistance, the non-recurrence of 2016 wireless spectrum gains and lower gains from the real estate joint venture.

Operating expenses

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017	2016	Change
Goods and services purchased	5,935	5,631	5.4	%
Employee benefits expense	2,595	2,939	(11.7	)%
Depreciation	1,617	1,564	3.4	%
Amortization of intangible assets	552	483	14.3	%
	10,699	10,617	0.8	%

Consolidated operating expenses increased by $82 million in 2017.

·Goods and services purchased increased by $304 million in 2017, reflecting increased costs associated with higher wireless gross loading, higher handset costs, increased roaming costs, higher non-labour restructuring and other costs, including those associated with the migration and servicing of subscribers from MTS, increased external labour to support a growing subscriber base, increased advertising and promotion expense, higher TV content costs, and higher customer support costs related to acquired MTS subscribers during migration.

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·Employee benefits expense decreased by $344 million in 2017 due to the non-recurrence of labour-related restructuring and other expenses from 2016, and the benefits from certain contract concessions associated with our transformative compensation that are yielding efficiency improvements and continue to support our customer service focus. Excluding the transformative compensation expense, Employee benefits expense reflects a decrease of $39 million for 2017. The decrease resulted mainly from lower employee-related restructuring and other costs, realizing the benefits from certain contract concessions associated with our transformative compensation, lower compensation and benefit costs from a decrease in the number of domestic FTEs, excluding acquisitions and higher capitalized labour costs, partly offset by an increase in the number of employees and related compensation resulting from acquisitions supporting growing TELUS Health and business process outsourcing revenue.

·Depreciation increased by $53 million in 2017 due to increased expenditures associated with capital assets, including those arising from our fibre investment and business acquisitions, as well as the impact of our continuing program of asset life studies.

·Amortization of intangible assets increased by $69 million in 2017, reflecting increased expenditures associated with the intangible asset base, including those arising from business acquisitions.

Operating income

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Wireless EBITDA (see Section 5.4)	3,099		2,906		6.6	%
Wireline EBITDA (see Section 5.5)	1,675		1,323		26.6	%
EBITDA	4,774		4,229		12.9	%
Depreciation and amortization (discussed above)	(2,169	)	(2,047	)	6.0	%
	2,605		2,182		19.4	%

Operating income increased by $423 million, while EBITDA increased by $545 million in 2017. These increases reflect wireless network revenue growth driven by higher ARPU and a larger customer base, in addition to growth in data service margins, partly offset by increased depreciation arising from our fibre investment capital expenditures. Excluding the effects of the $305 million transformative compensation expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, Operating income increased by $118 million or 4.7% in 2017 while EBITDA increased by $240 million or 5.3%.

Financing costs

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Gross interest expense	579		554		4.5	%
Capitalized long-term debt interest	—		(52	)	n/m
Interest expense	579		502		15.3	%
Employee defined benefit plans net interest	6		6		—	%
Interest income	(7	)	(3	)	133.3	%
Foreign exchange (gains) losses	(5	)	15		(133.3	)%
	573		520		10.2	%

Financing costs increased by $53 million in 2017, mainly due to the following factors:

·Gross interest expense, prior to capitalization of long-term debt interest, increased by $25 million in 2017, primarily due to the increase in average long-term debt balances outstanding, partly offset by a reduction in the effective interest rate. Our weighted average interest rate on long-term debt (excluding commercial paper and the revolving component of the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility) was 4.18% at December 31, 2017, as compared to 4.22% one year earlier. (See Long-term debt issues and repayments in Section 7.4.)

·Capitalized long-term debt interest is in respect of debt incurred for the purchase of spectrum licences during spectrum auctions held by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which we deploy in our existing network. Capitalization of long-term debt interest occurs until substantially all of the activities necessary to prepare the spectrum for its intended use are complete, effectively when cell sites are ready to be put into service. The capitalization of interest ceased in the first quarter of 2017.

·Employee defined benefit plans net interest was flat in 2017 compared to 2016.

·Interest income increased in 2017 due to the settlement of prior years’ income-tax related matters.

·Foreign exchange (gains) losses have fluctuated as a result of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar in 2017.

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Income taxes

Years ended December 31 ($ millions, except tax rates)	2017		2016		Change
Income taxes computed at applicable statutory rates	541		444		21.8	%
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(4	)	(12	)	66.7	%
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future statutory income tax rates	28		(4	)	n/m
Other	(12	)	(2	)	n/m
	553		426		29.8	%
Income taxes computed at applicable statutory rates (%)	26.6		26.7		(0.1	)pts.
Effective tax rates (%)	27.2		25.6		1.6	pts.

Total income tax expense increased by $127 million in 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes, and revaluation of the deferred tax liability for the increase in the B.C. income tax rate that was substantively enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Comprehensive income

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Net income	1,479		1,236		19.7	%
Other comprehensive income (loss) (net of income taxes):
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income	13		(15	)	n/m
Item never subsequently reclassified to income — Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements	(172	)	—		n/m
Comprehensive income	1,320		1,221		8.1	%

Comprehensive income increased by $99 million in 2017, primarily due to increases in Net income, partly offset by changes in employee defined benefit plans re-measurement amounts. Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income are composed of changes in the unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, foreign currency translation adjustments arising from translating financial statements of foreign operations and changes in the unrealized fair value of available-for-sale investments.

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5.4 Wireless segment

Postpaid subscribers	Prepaid subscribers	Blended ARPU	Postpaid churn
2017: 7,978,000 +5.7%	2017: 933,000 (9.9)%	2017: $67.05 +3.0%	2017: 0.90% (0.05) pts.
2016: 7,550,000	2016: 1,035,000	2016: $65.10	2016: 0.95%

Wireless trends and seasonality

The historical trend in wireless network revenue reflects growth in both ARPU and our subscriber base, driven by larger proportions of higher-rate plans in the revenue mix and higher data consumption. This growth, coupled with higher-value smartphones in the sales mix, was partially offset by the general decline in wireless equipment revenues. This general decline in wireless equipment revenues reflects higher per-unit subsidies, including devices on Premium Plus plans, partly offset by increased gross additions. The general trend of year-over-year increases in subscriber net additions resulted from the success of our promotions, including marketing efforts focused on higher-value postpaid and smartphone loading, coupled with the effects of market growth arising from a growing population, changing population demographics and an increasing number of customers with multiple activated devices. Although there have historically been significant third and fourth quarter seasonal effects that result in increased loading, competitive intensity in both the consumer and business markets may impact subscriber addition results and trends for future periods.

The wireless ARPU growth trend increased in 2017 due to an emphasis on marketing and increased mix of higher-rate plans, including the Premium Plus plans launched in June 2016, and a higher mix of higher-rate data share plans. This was partly offset by competitive pressures driving larger allotments of data provided in rate plans, including data sharing and international data roaming features and plans, consumer behavioural response to increased frequency of customer data usage notifications, and offloading of data traffic to Wi-Fi hotspots. ARPU is expected to continue to increase, as a result of the continued growth in data consumption and the ongoing shift in our subscriber base towards higher-value postpaid customers. However, the level of ARPU is highly dependent on competition, as competitive pressures, including promotional activity and resulting reactions to those pressures and promotions, have the potential to compress ARPU in future periods. The economic environment, consumer behaviour, the regulatory environment, device selection and other factors also impact ARPU, and, as a consequence, there cannot be assurance that ARPU growth will continue to materialize. In terms of seasonality, wireless ARPU has historically experienced seasonal sequential increases in the second and third quarters, reflecting higher levels of usage and roaming in the spring and summer, followed by historical seasonal sequential declines in the fourth and first quarters. This seasonal effect on ARPU has moderated, as unlimited nationwide voice plans have become more prevalent and chargeable voice and long distance usage spikes have become less pronounced. In addition, customers are opting for higher-capacity data plans with higher base prices and benefiting from flexible data top-up features, resulting in less variability in chargeable data usage but higher monthly recurring revenue.

Historically, the third and fourth quarter seasonal effects described above have reflected higher wireless subscriber additions, an increase in related acquisition costs and equipment sales, and higher retention costs due to contract renewals in those quarters. Retention costs have historically increased during periods of heightened marketing activity and also coinciding with the maturation of contracts that reflect seasonal subscriber additions and renewals in previous periods. These impacts can be more pronounced around popular device launches and seasonal promotional events, such as back to school, Black Friday and the Christmas holiday season. The costs associated with higher seasonal loading volumes have typically resulted in sequential decreases in wireless EBITDA from the second quarter through to the fourth quarter, and are usually followed by sequential increases in wireless EBITDA from the fourth quarter through to the second quarter. The fourth quarter of 2016 included the immediately vesting transformative compensation expense. Subscriber additions have generally been lowest in the first quarter.

The trend of year-over-year improvements in our average monthly postpaid subscriber churn reflects our efforts to put customers first and our retention programs. We may experience pressure on our postpaid subscriber churn if the level of competitive intensity increases, in part due to increased promotional activity, and an increase in customers on expired contracts, as well as customers bringing their own devices and therefore not entering into new contracts. Accordingly, our wireless segment historical operating results and trends may not be reflective of results and trends for future periods.

The trends in revenue and revenue-based operating metrics will be impacted by our adoption of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as discussed further in Section 8.2 Accounting policy developments.

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Wireless operating indicators

At December 31	2017	2016	Change
Subscribers (000s):
Postpaid	7,978	7,550	5.7	%
Prepaid	933	1,035	(9.9	)%
Total	8,911	8,585	3.8	%
Postpaid proportion of subscriber base (%)	89.5	87.9	1.6	pts.
HSPA+ population coverage1 (millions)	36.7	35.7	2.8	%
LTE population coverage1 (millions)	36.6	35.2	4.0	%

Years ended December 31	2017		2016		Change
Subscriber gross additions (000s):
Postpaid	1,140		1,039		9.7	%
Prepaid	320		360		(11.1	)%
Total	1,460		1,399		4.4	%
Subscriber net additions (000s):
Postpaid	379		243		56.0	%
Prepaid	(83	)	(70	)	(18.6	)%
Total	296		173		71.1	%
Blended ARPU, per month 2 ($)	67.05		65.10		3.0	%
Churn, per month 2 (%)
Blended	1.11		1.21		(0.10	)pts.
Postpaid	0.90		0.95		(0.05	)pts.

(1)Including network access agreements with other Canadian carriers.

(2)See Section 11.2 Operating indicators. These are industry measures useful in assessing operating performance of a wireless company, but are not measures defined under IFRS-IASB.

(3)Effective April 1, 2017, postpaid subscribers, total subscribers and associated operating statistics (gross additions, net additions, ARPU and churn) have been adjusted to include an estimated migration of 85,000 MTS subscribers in the opening subscriber balances. Subsequent to this, on October 1, 2017, total subscribers and associated operating statistics have been adjusted to reduce estimated migrations of MTS subscribers down by 11,000 to 74,000. Cumulative subscriber connections also include an April 1, 2017 adjustment to remove approximately 19,000 prepaid and 25,000 postpaid subscriptions from the respective subscriber bases, primarily due to our national CDMA network shutdown.

Operating revenues — Wireless segment

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)	2017	2016	Change
Network revenue	6,964	6,541	6.5	%
Equipment and other service revenues	535	537	(0.4	)%
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	7,499	7,078	5.9	%
Other operating income	36	37	(2.7	)%
External operating revenues	7,535	7,115	5.9	%
Intersegment revenues	43	58	(25.9	)%
Wireless operating revenues	7,578	7,173	5.6	%

Total wireless operating revenues increased by $405 million in 2017.

Network revenue from external customers increased by $423 million in 2017. Network revenue increased by 6.5%, reflecting: (i) growth in the subscriber base, including subscribers we acquired from MTS; (ii) a larger proportion of higher-rate plans in the revenue mix, including the Premium Plus plans launched in June 2016; (iii) a larger proportion of customers selecting plans with larger data buckets or periodically topping up their data buckets; (iv) a higher postpaid subscriber mix; (v) a higher smartphone mix; and (vi) higher roaming revenues.

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·Monthly blended ARPU was $67.05 in 2017, reflecting an increase of $1.95 or 3.0%. The increase was primarily driven by the effects of higher network revenue (as described above).

·Gross subscriber additions were 1,460,000 in 2017, reflecting an increase of 61,000 for the year. Postpaid gross additions increased by 101,000 due to the success of promotions and our marketing efforts focused on higher-value postpaid and smartphone loading, higher demand for tablet devices, demographic shifts as the Canadian population grows, and in the fourth quarter, our successful response to aggressive holiday offers. Prepaid gross activations decreased by 40,000 resulting mainly from competitive intensity, and our marketing efforts focused on higher-value postpaid loading.

·Our average monthly postpaid subscriber churn rate was 0.90% in 2017, as compared to 0.95% in 2016. The continuing low postpaid subscriber churn rate during 2017 reflects our focus on executing customers first initiatives and retention programs, partly offset by incremental deactivations from aggressive holiday offers. Our blended monthly subscriber churn rate was 1.11% in 2017, as compared to 1.21% in 2016. The improvement in our blended subscriber churn rate in 2017 reflects the changes in the postpaid churn rate and improvements in prepaid churn rates, as well as an increase in the mix of postpaid subscribers versus prepaid subscribers in our subscriber base.

·Net subscriber additions reflect postpaid net additions of 379,000 in 2017, compared to 243,000 in 2016, attributed to the factors affecting gross subscriber additions as described above. Prepaid subscribers decreased by 83,000 in 2017, reflecting our focus on higher-value postpaid loading. Net subscriber additions were 296,000 in 2017, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 123,000 due to lower blended monthly churn and higher postpaid gross additions. The 74,000 MTS subscribers acquired are not part of net subscriber additions, as they were added to the subscriber base.

Equipment and other service revenues decreased by $2 million in 2017 mainly due to a combination of higher per-unit subsidies combined with competitive intensity and a higher mix of bring-your-own-device loading, partly offset by increased postpaid gross additions, higher retention volumes and increased handset device balance payments from subscribers.

Other operating income was relatively flat in 2017 compared to 2016. The MTS contingent consideration recovery was partially offset by the non-recurrence of 2016 gains from the exchange of wireless spectrum licences and lower gains from sales of property, plant and equipment.

Intersegment revenues represent network services that are eliminated upon consolidation along with the associated wireline expenses.

Operating expenses — Wireless segment

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)	2017	2016	Change
Goods and services purchased:
Equipment sales expenses	1,782	1,684	5.8	%
Network operating expenses	826	773	6.9	%
Marketing expenses	433	420	3.1	%
Other 1	792	667	18.7	%
Employee benefits expense 1,2	646	723	(10.7	)%
Wireless operating expenses	4,479	4,267	5.0	%

(1)Includes restructuring and other costs. See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

(2)Includes transformative compensation expense of $70 million recorded in other costs in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Wireless expenses increased by $212 million in 2017.

Equipment sales expenses increased by $98 million in 2017, reflecting an increase in postpaid gross additions, an increase in higher-value smartphones in the sales mix, including premium devices on Premium Plus plans, increasing handset costs, and an increase in retention volumes.

Network operating expenses increased by $53 million in 2017, mainly due to increased roaming expenses.

Marketing expenses increased by $13 million in 2017, primarily due to higher advertising and promotions expenses, as well as higher commission expense driven by higher gross additions and an increase in retention volumes.

Other goods and services purchased increased by $125 million in 2017, primarily due to an increase in external labour, largely because of higher non-labour restructuring and other costs, including those associated with the migration and servicing of subscribers from MTS, customer support costs related to acquired MTS subscribers during migration, an increase in external labour and higher administrative costs supporting the higher customer base.

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Employee benefits expense decreased by $77 million in 2017, primarily due to the non-recurrence of significant labour-related restructuring and other costs from efficiency initiatives in 2016. Excluding the transformative compensation expense, employee benefits expense decreased by $7 million. This decrease was primarily due to lower capitalized labour costs.

EBITDA — Wireless segment

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except margins)	2017		2016		Change
EBITDA	3,099		2,906		6.6	%
Add back restructuring and other costs included in EBITDA1	79		121		(34.7	)%
Deduct gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences	—		(15	)	n/m
Deduct net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments	—		(12	)	n/m
Deduct MTS net recovery	(21	)	—		n/m
Adjusted EBITDA2	3,157		3,000		5.2	%
EBITDA margin (%)	40.9		40.5		0.4	pts.
Adjusted EBITDA margin3 (%)	41.8		42.0		(0.2	)pts.

(1)Includes transformative compensation expense of $70 million recorded in other costs in the fourth quarter of 2016.

(2)See description under EBITDA in Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

(3)Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by Operating revenues, where the calculation of the Operating revenues excludes the net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments, the gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences as well as the MTS net recovery.

Wireless EBITDA increased by $193 million or 6.6% in 2017. Wireless Adjusted EBITDA increased by $157 million or 5.2% in 2017, reflecting network revenue growth driven by higher ARPU and a larger customer base, including the subscribers we acquired from MTS, partly offset by increased equipment sales expenses, increased network operating expenses, higher administrative costs and increased customer support costs due to growth in the subscriber base.

5.5 Wireline segment

High-speed Internet subscribers	TELUS TV subscribers	Residential NALs	Total wireline subscribers
2017: 1,743,000 +5.3%	2017: 1,098,000 +3.7%	2017: 1,298,000 (5.5)%	2017: 4,139,000 +1.2%
2016: 1,655,000	2016: 1,059,000	2016: 1,374,000	2016: 4,088,000

Wireline trends

The trend of increasing wireline service revenue reflects growth in high-speed Internet and enhanced data services, business process outsourcing services, TELUS Health revenues, and TELUS TV revenues, and is partly offset by declining wireline voice revenues and equipment revenues. The increases in Internet and TV service revenues are being generated by subscriber growth and higher Internet revenue per customer resulting from upgrades to faster speeds and larger data usage rate plans. The trend of increasing TELUS Health revenues has been driven by organic growth and through acquisitions. Growth rates of business process outsourcing services reflect acquisition growth and moderating organic growth. The trend of declining wireline voice revenues is due to technological substitution, greater use of inclusive long distance coupled with lower long distance minutes used, and continuing intensification of competition in the small and medium-sized business market, as well as impacts of the economic slowdown in previous quarters, particularly in Alberta, which were more prominent in the business markets for voice.

We expect continued high-speed Internet subscriber base growth as the economy grows and as we continue our investments in expanding our fibre-optic network. TELUS TV subscriber base growth has moderated due to a declining overall market for paid TV services resulting from the high rate of market penetration and increased competitive intensity, including from over-the-top (OTT) services. Residential network access line (NAL) losses continue to reflect the ongoing trend of substitution to wireless and Internet-based services.

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Wireline operating indicators

At December 31 (000s)	2017	2016	Change
Subscriber connections:
High-speed Internet subscribers	1,743	1,655	5.3	%
TELUS TV subscribers	1,098	1,059	3.7	%
Residential NALs1	1,298	1,374	(5.5	)%
Total wireline subscriber connections 1	4,139	4,088	1.2	%

Years ended December 31 (000s)	2017		2016		Change
Subscriber connection net additions (losses):
High-speed Internet	81		68		19.1	%
TELUS TV	35		54		(35.2	)%
Residential NALs	(76	)	(93	)	18.3	%
Total wireline subscriber connection net additions 1	40		29		37.9	%

(1)In relation to an acquisition and a divestiture that were both undertaken during the first quarter of 2017, January 1, 2017 residential NALs, high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscriber balances were increased by a net 1,000, 6,000 and 5,000, respectively.

Operating revenues — Wireline segment

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)	2017	2016	Change
Data services and equipment	4,261	4,059	5.0	%
Voice services	1,230	1,363	(9.8	)%
Other services and equipment	212	225	(5.8	)%
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	5,703	5,647	1.0	%
Other operating income	66	37	78.4	%
External operating revenues	5,769	5,684	1.5	%
Intersegment revenue	206	194	6.2	%
Total operating revenues	5,975	5,878	1.7	%

Total wireline operating revenues increased by $97 million in 2017.

·Data services and equipment revenues increased by $202 million in 2017. The increase was primarily due to: (i) increased Internet and enhanced data service revenues resulting from a 5.3% increase in our high-speed Internet subscribers over the last 12 months, higher revenue per customer from upgrades to faster Internet speeds and larger data usage Internet rate plans, and certain rate increases; (ii) growth in business process outsourcing revenues, inclusive of recent acquisitions and foreign exchange impacts on foreign operations; (iii) increased TELUS Health revenues driven by organic growth through additional professional services and support revenue, and through acquisitions (professional services revenue increased largely due to being selected as the technology solution provider for PrescribeIT, and support revenue growth has arisen from additional physicians using our electronic medical records offering); and (iv) increased TELUS TV revenues resulting from 3.7% subscriber growth over the last 12 months. This growth was partly offset by the ongoing decline in legacy data services.

·Voice services revenues decreased by $133 million in 2017. The decrease reflects the ongoing decline in legacy revenues from technological substitution, increased competition, greater use of inclusive long distance plans and lower long distance minutes of use, including lower wholesale volumes and price plan changes. We experienced a 5.5% decline in residential NALs in the year.

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·Wireline subscriber connection net additions were 40,000 in 2017, reflecting an increase of 11,000 from 2016.

Net additions of high-speed Internet subscribers increased by 13,000 in 2017, due to continued customer demand for our high-speed broadband services, including fibre to the premises, as well as the success of our innovative product offerings. Net additions of TELUS TV subscribers were 35,000 in 2017, a decrease of 19,000 compared to the net additions in 2016. This decrease reflects lower gross additions and higher satellite-TV subscriber losses due to a declining overall market for paid TV services resulting from the effects of heightened competitive intensity, including from OTT services, and a high rate of market penetration. These pressures were partly offset by the continued focus on connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre (as we approach nearly 50% of our targeted coverage footprint), expanding and enhancing our addressable high-speed Internet and Optik TV footprint, and bundling these services together. This contributed to combined Internet and TV subscriber growth of 127,000 or 4.7% in the year.

Residential NAL losses were 76,000 in 2017, as compared to NAL losses of 93,000 in 2016. The residential NAL losses continue to reflect the trend of substitution to wireless and Internet-based services, as well as increased competition, partially mitigated by the success of our bundled service offerings and our customers first initiatives.

·Other services and equipment revenues decreased by $13 million in 2017, mainly due to declines in voice equipment sales.

Other operating income increased by $29 million in 2017, mainly due to gains on sales of certain assets, the non-recurrence of a 2016 provision related to written put options issued in a 2012 TELUS International (Cda) Inc. business combination, partly offset by lower net gains and equity income related to real estate joint venture developments.

Intersegment revenues represent services provided to the wireless segment. Such revenue is eliminated upon consolidation together with the associated expenses in wireless.

Operating expenses — Wireline segment

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017	2016	Change
Goods and services purchased 1	2,351	2,339	0.5	%
Employee benefits expense 1,2	1,949	2,216	(12.0	)%
Wireline operating expenses	4,300	4,555	(5.6	)%

(1)Includes restructuring and other costs. See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

(2)Includes transformative compensation expense of $235 million recorded in other costs in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Total wireline operating expenses decreased by $255 million in 2017, primarily due to the following factors:

Goods and services purchased increased by $12 million in 2017, primarily due to increased external labour supporting the growing customer base, higher TV content costs mainly driven by higher numbers of TV subscribers, and higher non-labour restructuring and other costs.

Employee benefits expense decreased by $267 million in 2017, mainly due to the non-recurrence of the $235 million transformative compensation expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016. Excluding the transformative compensation expense, employee benefits expense decreased by $32 million. The decrease was primarily due to the non-recurrence of significant labour-related restructuring and other costs from efficiency initiatives in 2016, benefits from certain contract concessions associated with our transformative compensation, lower compensation and benefit costs from a decrease in the number of domestic FTEs, excluding acquisitions, and higher capitalized labour costs. The decrease was partly offset by an increase in the number of employees and related compensation resulting from acquisitions supporting growing TELUS Health and business process outsourcing revenue, net of the effects of foreign exchange on foreign operations.

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EBITDA — Wireline segment

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except margins)	2017		2016		Change
EBITDA	1,675		1,323		26.6	%
Add back restructuring and other costs included in EBITDA1	60		358		(83.2	)%
Deduct net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments	(1	)	(14	)	92.9	%
Adjusted EBITDA2	1,734		1,667		4.0	%
EBITDA margin (%)	28.0		22.5		5.5	pts.
Adjusted EBITDA margin3 (%)	29.0		28.4		0.6	pts.

(1)Includes transformative compensation expense of $235 million recorded in other costs in the fourth quarter of 2016.

(2)See description under EBITDA in Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

(3)Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by Operating revenues, where the calculation of the Operating revenues excludes the net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments.

Wireline EBITDA increased by $352 million or 26.6% in 2017. Wireline Adjusted EBITDA increased by $67 million or 4.0% in 2017 due to growth in data service margins (including Internet, TELUS Health services, and TELUS TV) and our execution of cost efficiency programs, partly offset by continued declines in legacy voice services and a decline in the contribution from business process outsourcing services.

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6.Changes in financial position

Financial position at:	December 31				Change
($ millions)	2017		2016		($ millions)		(%)		Change includes:
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	509		432		77		18	%	See Section 7 Liquidity and capital resources
Accounts receivable	1,623		1,471		152		10	%	An increase in roaming revenue accruals, as well as an increase in wireless receivables related to higher postpaid average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) and subscriber growth
Income and other taxes receivable	96		9		87		n/m		An increase in receivable for prior years due to adjustments recognized in the current period
Inventories	378		318		60		19	%	An increase in wireless handset inventory
Prepaid expenses	260		233		27		12	%	An increase in prepaid maintenance contracts
Current derivative assets	18		11		7		64	%	An increase in the nominal amounts of restricted stock unit hedging items.
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	100		100		—		—		See Section 7.7 Sale of trade receivables
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,460		2,330		130		6	%	An increase in payables associated with higher capital expenditures and higher roaming net settlements. See Note 23 of the Consolidated financial statements
Income and other taxes payable	34		37		(3	)	(8	)%	Instalments made during the year exceeded current income tax expense
Dividends payable	299		284		15		5	%	Effects of an increase in the dividend rate, as well as an increase in the number of shares outstanding
Advance billings and customer deposits	782		737		45		6	%	An increase in advance billings due to the upfront payment for hardware, maintenance and installation of a managed voice solution, as well as increased subscriber growth during the year. See Note 24 of the Consolidated financial statements
Provisions	78		124		(46	)	(37	)%	Payment of employee-related restructuring disbursements in excess of associated expenses. See Note 25 of the Consolidated financial statements
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,404		1,327		77		6	%	An increase in outstanding commercial paper of $527, as well as amounts reclassified from long-term debt relating to the upcoming maturity of $250 of our 1.50% Notes, Series CS in March 2018, offset by redemption of $700 of our 4.95% Notes, Series CD in March 2017
Current derivative liabilities	33		12		21		n/m		An increase in the nominal amounts of U.S. currency hedging items.
Working capital (Current assets subtracting Current liabilities)	(2,306	)	(2,477	)	171		7	%	TELUS normally has a negative working capital position. See Financing and capital structure management plans in Section 4.3 and the Liquidity risk discussion in Section 7.9.

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Financial position at:	December 31		Change
($ millions)	2017	2016	($ millions)		(%)		Change includes:
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11,368	10,464	904		9	%	See Capital expenditures in Section 7.3 Cash used by investing activities and Depreciation in Section 5.3
Intangible assets, net	10,658	10,364	294		3	%	See Capital expenditures in Section 7.3 Cash used by investing activities and Amortization of intangible assets in Section 5.3
Goodwill, net	4,217	3,787	430		11	%	Acquisitions including MTS subscribers, a pharmacy management services provider, and a business process outsourcing and contact centre services company
Other long-term assets	421	640	(219	)	(34	)%	A decrease in pension and post-retirement assets resulting from actuarial losses primarily arising from financial assumption changes in the pension plans.
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	492	395	97		25	%	An increase due to a business acquisition provision in respect of non-controlling interests. See Note 25 of the Consolidated financial statements
Long-term debt	12,256	11,604	652		6	%	See Section 7.4 Cash used by financing activities
Other long-term liabilities	847	736	111		15	%	An increase in pension and post-retirement liabilities resulting from actuarial losses primarily arising from financial assumption changes in the pension plans, as well as an increase in the nominal amounts of U.S. currency hedging items. See Note 27 of the Consolidated financial statements
Deferred income taxes	2,500	2,107	393		19	%	An increase in temporary differences between the accounting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as the revaluation of the liability at higher future income tax rates.
Owners’ equity
Common equity	8,221	7,917	304		4	%	Net income of $1,460, issue of shares in a business combination of $100, dividends reinvested and optional cash payments of $71, and other of $3, net of Other comprehensive loss of $163, and dividend declarations of $1,167. See Section 7.4 Cash used by financing activities
Non-controlling interests	42	19	23		n/m		Includes Net income of $19 and Other comprehensive income of $4.

7.Liquidity and capital resources

This section contains forward-looking statements, including those with respect to our dividend payout ratio and net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio. See Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.

7.1 Overview

Our capital structure financial policies and financing and capital structure management plans are described in Section 4.3.

Cash flows

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Cash provided by operating activities	3,947		3,219		728
Cash used by investing activities	(3,643	)	(2,923	)	(720	)
Cash used by financing activities	(227	)	(87	)	(140	)
Increase in Cash and temporary investments, net	77		209		(132	)
Cash and temporary investments, net, beginning of period	432		223		209
Cash and temporary investments, net, end of period	509		432		77

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7.2 Cash provided by operating activities

Analysis of changes in cash provided by operating activities

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
EBITDA (see Section 5.4 and Section 5.5)	4,774		4,229		545
Restructuring and other costs, net of disbursements	(21	)	24		(45	)
Employee defined benefit plans expense, net of employer contributions	15		22		(7	)
Share-based compensation expense, net of payments	17		(2	)	19
Interest paid, net of interest received	(532	)	(506	)	(26	)
Income taxes paid, net of recoveries received	(191	)	(600	)	409
Other operating working capital changes	(115	)	52		(167	)
Cash provided by operating activities	3,947		3,219		728

·Income taxes paid, net of recoveries received, decreased in 2017. This reflected the reorganization of our legal structure which impacted the timing of cash income tax payments. See Assumptions for 2017 targets and results in Section 1.4 for additional information.

·For a discussion on Other operating working capital changes, see Section 6 Changes in financial position and Note 31(a) in the Consolidated financial statements.

7.3 Cash used by investing activities

Cash used by investing activities

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences	(3,081	)	(2,752	)	(329	)
Cash payments for spectrum licences	—		(145	)	145
Cash payments for acquisitions, net	(564	)	(90	)	(474	)
Real estate joint ventures advances and contributions	(26	)	(33	)	7
Real estate joint ventures receipts	18		103		(85	)
Proceeds on dispositions and Other	10		(6	)	16
Cash used by investing activities	(3,643	)	(2,923	)	(720	)

·The increase in Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences for 2017 was composed of:

·An increase in capital expenditures of $126 million in 2017 (see Capital expenditure measures table and discussion below)

·Increased capital expenditure payments with respect to payment timing differences, as associated Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased by $258 million in 2017.

·For 2017, there were no cash payments for acquisition of spectrum licences, compared to 2016 in which we made payments as part of an approved spectrum licence exchange.

·In the full year of 2017, we made cash payments for multiple business acquisitions as described in Section 1.3 including MTS, Kroll Computer Systems Inc. and Voxpro Limited.

·Receipts from real estate joint ventures, net of advances in 2016, resulted mainly from repayment of construction financing from the TELUS Garden® real estate joint venture as TELUS Garden opened in September 2015.

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Capital expenditure measures

Years ended December 31 ($ millions, except capital intensity)	2017	2016	Change
Capital expenditures1
Wireless segment	978	982	(0.4	)%
Wireline segment	2,116	1,986	6.5	%
Consolidated	3,094	2,968	4.2	%
Wireless segment capital intensity (%)	13	14	(1	)pt.
Wireline segment capital intensity (%)	35	34	1	pt.
Consolidated capital intensity2 (%)	23	23	—	pts.

(1)Capital expenditures include assets purchased but not yet paid for, and therefore differ from Cash payments for capital assets, as presented on the Consolidated statements of cash flows.

(2)See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

Wireless segment capital expenditures decreased by $4 million in 2017 due to the wind-down of spectrum deployment for HSIA over LTE. This was partly offset by continuing investments in our fibre-optic network to support our small-cell technology strategy to improve coverage, capacity and back-haul while preparing for a more efficient and timely evolution to 5G. We also made investments in Manitoba to improve coverage, speed and capacity and to significantly enhance our customer experience while supplementing the business acquisition of MTS subscribers, dealers and network. Also in 2017, retirement of legacy CDMA network asset costs and accumulated depreciation was approximately $1 billion.

Wireline segment capital expenditures increased by $130 million in 2017 due to continuing investments in our broadband infrastructure, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to our fibre-optic network, and investments to support systems reliability and operational efficiency and effectiveness. These investments support our high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscriber growth, as well as our customers’ demand for faster Internet speeds, and extend the reach and functionality of our Business and healthcare solutions. Additionally, the increase during the year was also attributed to readying TELUS TV product in preparation for deployment, as well as increased investments in Business Solutions to upgrade our offerings in managed Internet, virtual private network, wide area network and cloud solutions. We also made infrastructure upgrades in TELUS Health.

7.4 Cash used by financing activities

Cash used by financing activities

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016		Change
Dividends paid to holders of Common Shares	(1,082	)	(1,070	)	(12	)
Purchases of Common Shares for cancellation	—		(179	)	179
Long-term debt issued, net of redemptions and repayment	865		883		(18	)
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interests	(1	)	294		(295	)
Other	(9	)	(15	)	6
	(227	)	(87	)	(140	)

Dividends paid to the holders of Common Shares

In connection with dividends declared during 2017, the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan trustee (Trustee) purchased shares from Treasury for the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan instead of acquiring Common Shares in the stock market. During 2017, cash dividends paid to the holders of Common Shares increased, reflecting higher dividend rates under our dividend growth program, partly offset by the Trustee purchasing Common Shares from Treasury. During 2017, the Trustee purchased approximately 2 million dividend reinvestment Common Shares for $91 million, with no discount applicable. In January 2018, we paid dividends of $279 million to the holders of Common

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Shares and the Trustee purchased dividend reinvestment Common Shares from Treasury for $20 million, totalling $299 million.

Purchases of Common Shares for cancellation

No Common Shares were purchased for cancellation in 2017.

Long-term debt issues and repayments

For the full year of 2017, long-term debt issues net of repayments were $865 million, a decrease of $18 million, primarily composed of:

·A net increase in commercial paper, including foreign exchange effects, of $527 million to a balance of $1,140 million (US$908 million) at December 31, 2017 from $613 million (US$456 million) at December 31, 2016. Our commercial paper program, when utilized, provides low-cost funds and is fully backstopped by the five-year committed credit facility (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities).

·An increase in net draws on the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility of $6 million ($7 million net of unamortized issue costs) (US$23 million). As at December 31, 2017, net draws were $346 million ($339 million net of unamortized issue costs), all of which were denominated in U.S. dollars (US$276 million). As at December 31, 2016, net draws were $340 million ($332 million net of unamortized issue costs), all of which were denominated in U.S. dollars (US$253 million).

·The March 2017 issues of US$500 million of senior unsecured notes at 3.70% due September 15, 2027, and $325 million of senior unsecured notes at 4.70% due March 6, 2048. For the U.S. issuance, we have fully hedged the principal and interest obligations of the notes against fluctuations in the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate for the entire term of the notes by entering into foreign exchange derivatives (cross currency interest rate exchange agreements). These derivatives effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with an effective fixed interest rate of 3.41% and an effective issued and outstanding amount of $667 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3348). For additional information on these notes, refer to Note 26(b) of the Consolidated financial statements.

·The March 2017 repayment of $700 million of Series CD Notes.

In comparison, for the full year of 2016, long-term debt issues net of repayments were $883 million and were composed of:

·A net increase in commercial paper, including foreign exchange effects, of $357 million from a balance of $256 million (US$185 million) at December 31, 2015.

·Net draws on the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility of $340 million ($332 million net of unamortized issue costs) (US$253 million).

·The September 2016 public issue of US$600 million of senior unsecured notes at 2.80%, due February 16, 2027.

·The May 2016 repayment of $600 million of Series CI Notes.

The average term to maturity of our long-term debt (excluding commercial paper and the revolving component of the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility) increased to approximately 10.7 years at December 31, 2017, compared to approximately 10.4 years at December 31, 2016. Additionally, our weighted average cost of long-term debt (excluding commercial paper and the revolving component of the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility) was 4.18% at December 31, 2017, as compared to 4.22% at December 31, 2016.

Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interests

In June 2016, we announced the completion of the agreement whereby a subsidiary issued shares to Baring Private Equity Asia, which acquired a 35% non-controlling interest in TELUS International (Cda) Inc. Cash proceeds net of issue costs were $294 million as at December 31, 2016. There was no comparable activity in 2017.

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7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures

Net debt was $13.4 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $0.8 billion when compared to one year earlier, resulting mainly from a net increase in commercial paper outstanding in addition to the issuances of the US$500 million of senior unsecured notes and the $325 million of senior unsecured notes, partially offset by the repayment of Series CD Notes, as described in Section 7.4.

Fixed-rate debt as a proportion of total indebtedness was 89% as at December 31, 2017, down from 92% one year earlier, mainly due to the increase in commercial paper, which emulates floating-rate debt, partly offset by the two unsecured note issuances in 2017 described in Section 7.4.

Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio was 2.73 times, as measured at December 31, 2017, up from 2.69 one year earlier. Our long-term objective for this measure is within a range of 2.00 to 2.50 times, which we believe is consistent with maintaining investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+, or the equivalent, and providing reasonable access to capital. As at December 31, 2017, this ratio remains outside of the long-term objective range due to prior issuances of incremental debt primarily for the acquisition in 2014 and 2015 of spectrum licences for approximately $3.6 billion, and the elevated strategic capital investments in our fibre-optic network, partially offset by growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs. These acquired licences have more than doubled our national spectrum holdings and represent an investment to extend our network capacity to support continuing data consumption growth, as well as growth in our wireless customer base. We expect this ratio to decline in 2018 and we continue to expect it to return to within the objective range in the medium term, consistent with our long-term strategy. While this ratio exceeds our long-term objective range, we are well in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities, which states that we may not permit our net debt to operating cash flow ratio to exceed 4.00:1.00 (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities).

Liquidity and capital resource measures

As at, or years ended, December 31	2017	2016	Change
Components of debt and coverage ratios1 ($ millions)
Net debt	13,422	12,652	770
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs	4,913	4,708	205
Net interest cost	567	566	1
Debt ratios
Fixed-rate debt as a proportion of total indebtedness (%)	89	92	(3	)pts.
Average term to maturity of long-term debt (excluding commercial paper) (years)	10.7	10.4	0.3
Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt (excluding commercial paper) (%)	4.18	4.22	(0.04	)pts.
Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs1 (times)	2.73	2.69	0.04
Coverage ratios1 (times)
Earnings coverage	4.6	4.0	0.6
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage	8.7	8.3	0.4
Other measures1 (%)
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings	80	77	3	pts.
Dividend payout ratio	80	89	(9	)pts.

(1)See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.

Earnings coverage ratio for 2017 was 4.6 times, up from 4.0 times one year earlier. An increase in income before borrowing costs and income taxes increased the ratio by 0.7, while an increase in borrowing costs reduced the ratio by 0.1.

EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage ratio for 2017 was 8.7 times, up from 8.3 times one year earlier. Growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs increased the ratio by 0.4.

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Dividend payout ratios: Actual dividend payout decisions will continue to be subject to our Board’s assessment and the determination of our financial position and outlook, as well as our long-term dividend payout objective range of 65 to 75% of prospective net earnings per share. The disclosed basic and adjusted dividend payout ratios are historical measures utilizing the last four quarters of dividends declared and earnings per share. We currently expect that we will be within our objective range when considered on a prospective dividend payout ratio basis within the medium term. The historical measures for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2017, are presented for illustrative purposes in evaluating our target guideline and both exceeded the objective range.

7.6 Credit facilities

At December 31, 2017, we had available liquidity of more than $1.1 billion from the TELUS revolving credit facility, approximately $242 million of available liquidity from the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility and $116 million available from uncommitted letters of credit facilities. In addition, we had $400 million available under our trade receivables securitization program (see Section 7.7 Sale of trade receivables). We are well within our objective of generally maintaining at least $1.0 billion of available liquidity.

TELUS revolving credit facility

We have a $2.25 billion (or U.S. dollar equivalent) revolving credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that expires on May 31, 2021. The revolving credit facility is used for general corporate purposes, including the backstop of commercial paper, as required.

TELUS revolving credit facility at December 31, 2017

($ millions)	Expiry	Size	Drawn	Outstanding undrawn letters of credit	Backstop for commercial paper program		Available liquidity
Five-year revolving facility 1	May 31, 2021	2,250	—	—	(1,140	)	1,110

(1)Canadian dollars or U.S. dollar equivalent.

Our revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, including a requirement that we not permit our consolidated leverage ratio to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 and that we not permit our consolidated coverage ratio to be less than 2.00 to 1.00 at the end of any financial quarter. Our consolidated leverage ratio was approximately 2.73 to 1.00 as at December 31, 2017, and our consolidated coverage ratio was approximately 8.66 to 1.00 as at December 31, 2017. These ratios are expected to remain well above the covenants. There are certain minor differences in the calculation of the leverage ratio and coverage ratio under the revolving credit facility, as compared with the calculation of Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs and EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage. Historically, the calculations have not been materially different. The covenants are not impacted by revaluation, if any, of Property, plant and equipment, Intangible assets or Goodwill for accounting purposes. Continued access to our credit facilities is not contingent on maintaining a specific credit rating.

Commercial paper

TELUS Corporation has an unsecured commercial paper program, which is backstopped by our revolving credit facility, enabling us to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017, including a U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper program for up to US$1.0 billion within this maximum aggregate amount. Foreign currency forward contracts are used to manage currency risk arising from issuing commercial paper denominated in U.S. dollars. The commercial paper program is to be used for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, capital expenditures and investments. Our ability to reasonably access the commercial paper market in Canada and the U.S. is dependent on our credit ratings (see Section 7.8 Credit ratings).

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility

As at December 31, 2017, TELUS International (Cda) Inc. had a bank credit facility, secured by its assets, expiring on December 20, 2022, (2016 — May 31, 2021), with a syndicate of financial institutions. The credit facility is composed of a US$350 million (2016 — US$115 million) revolving component and an amortizing US$120 million (2016 — US$215 million) term loan component. The credit facility is non-recourse to TELUS Corporation. As at December 31, 2017, $346 million ($339 million net of unamortized issue costs) was outstanding, all of which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$276 million), with a weighted average interest rate of 3.32%.Subsequent to December 31, 2017, an incremental $94 million (US$75 million) was drawn. See Note 18(c) of the Consolidated financial statements for additional detail.

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Other letter of credit facilities

At December 31, 2017, we had $224 million of letters of credit outstanding (2016 — $210 million) issued under various uncommitted facilities; such letter of credit facilities are in addition to the ability to provide letters of credit pursuant to our committed bank credit facility. Available liquidity under various uncommitted letters of credit facilities was $116 million at December 31, 2017.

7.7 Sale of trade receivables

TELUS Communications Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TELUS, is a party to an agreement with an arm’s-length securitization trust associated with a major Schedule I Canadian bank, under which it is able to sell an interest in certain trade receivables for an amount up to a maximum of $500 million. The agreement is in effect until December 31, 2018, and available liquidity was $400 million as at December 31, 2017. (See Note 22 of the Consolidated financial statements.) Sales of trade receivables in securitization transactions are recognized as collateralized Short-term borrowings and thus do not result in our de-recognition of the trade receivables sold.

TELUS Communications Inc. is required to maintain at least a BB credit rating by DBRS Ltd., or the securitization trust may require the sale program to be wound down prior to the end of the term. The necessary credit rating was exceeded as of February 8, 2018.

7.8 Credit ratings

There were no changes to our investment grade credit ratings during 2017, or as of February 8, 2018. We believe adherence to most of our stated financial policies (see Section 4.3), coupled with our efforts to maintain a constructive relationship with banks, investors and credit rating agencies, continues to provide reasonable access to capital markets. (See discussion of risks in Section 10.7 Financing, debt requirements and returning cash to shareholders.)

7.9 Financial instruments, commitments and contingent liabilities

Financial instruments

Our financial instruments and the nature of certain risks that they may be subject to are set out below and described in Note 4 of the Consolidated financial statements. Our policies in respect of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments are described in Note 1(c) of the Consolidated financial statements.

		Risks
	Recognition and measurement			Market risks
Financial instrument	accounting classification	Credit	Liquidity	Currency	Interest rate	Other price
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable	Loans and receivables	X		X
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint venture	Loans and receivables				X
Short-term obligations	Other financial liabilities		X	X	X
Accounts payable	Other financial liabilities		X	X
Provisions	Other financial liabilities		X	X		X
Long-term debt	Other financial liabilities		X	X	X
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	Fair value through Net income	X		X	X
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 1	Available-for-sale			X		X
Foreign exchange derivatives 2	Fair value through Net income; part of a cash flow hedging relationship	X	X	X
Share-based compensation derivatives 2	Fair value through Net income; part of a cash flow hedging relationship	X	X			X

(1)Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are measured at fair value if those fair values can be reliably measured.

(2)Use of derivative financial instruments is subject to a policy which requires that no derivative transaction is to be entered into for the purpose of establishing a speculative or leveraged position (the corollary being that all derivative transactions are to be entered into for risk management purposes only) and sets criteria for the creditworthiness of the transaction counterparties.

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Credit risk

Credit risk arises from Cash and temporary investments, Accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. We mitigate credit risk as follows:

·Credit risk associated with Cash and temporary investments is managed by ensuring that these financial assets are placed with governments, major financial institutions that have been accorded strong investment grade ratings by a primary rating agency, and/or other creditworthy counterparties. An ongoing review is performed to evaluate changes in the status of counterparties.

·Credit risk associated with Accounts receivable is inherently managed by the size and diversity of our large customer base, which includes substantially all consumer and business sectors in Canada. We follow a program of credit evaluations of customers and limit the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary. As at December 31, 2017, the weighted average age of past-due customer Accounts receivable was 60 days (2016 — 61 days).

We maintain allowances for lifetime expected credit losses related to doubtful accounts. Current economic conditions (including forward-looking macroeconomic data), historical information (including credit agency reports, if available), reasons for the accounts being past-due and line of business from which the customer Accounts receivable arose are all considered when determining whether to make allowances for past-due accounts. The same factors are considered when determining whether to write off amounts charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts against the customer Accounts receivable. The doubtful accounts expense is calculated on a specific-identification basis for customer Accounts receivable above a specific balance threshold and on a statistically derived allowance basis for the remainder. No customer Accounts receivable are written off directly to the doubtful accounts expense.

·Counterparties to our share-based compensation cash-settled equity forward agreements and foreign exchange derivatives are major financial institutions that have been accorded investment grade ratings by a primary credit rating agency. The dollar amount of credit exposure under contracts with any one financial institution is limited and counterparties’ credit ratings are monitored. We do not give or receive collateral on swap agreements and hedging items due to our credit rating and those of our counterparties. While we are exposed to the risk of potential credit losses due to the possible non-performance of our counterparties, we consider this risk remote. Our derivative liabilities do not have credit risk-related contingent features.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that we may not have cash available to satisfy our financial obligations as they come due. As a component of our capital structure financial policies, discussed in Section 4.3 Liquidity and capital resources, we manage liquidity risk by: maintaining a daily cash pooling process that enables us to manage our available liquidity and our liquidity requirements according to our actual needs; maintaining an agreement to sell trade receivables to an arm’s-length securitization trust; maintaining bilateral bank facilities and syndicated credit facilities; maintaining a commercial paper program; maintaining an in-effect shelf prospectus; continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows; and managing maturity profiles of financial assets and financial liabilities.

Our debt maturities in future years are as disclosed in the long-term debt principal maturities chart in Section 4.3. As at December 31, 2017, we had liquidity of more than $1.1 billion available from unutilized credit facilities (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities) and $400 million available under our trade receivables securitization program (see Section 7.7 Sale of trade receivables), and we could offer $1.2 billion of debt or equity securities pursuant to a shelf prospectus that is in effect until April 2018. This adheres to our objective of generally maintaining at least $1 billion of available liquidity. We believe that our investment grade credit ratings contribute to reasonable access to capital markets.

The expected maturities of our undiscounted financial liabilities do not differ significantly from the contractual maturities, other than as shown in the table in Note 4(c) of the Consolidated financial statements.

Currency risk

Our functional currency is the Canadian dollar, but certain routine revenues and operating costs are denominated in U.S. dollars and some inventory purchases and capital asset acquisitions are sourced internationally. The U.S. dollar is the only foreign currency to which we have a significant exposure.

Our foreign exchange risk management includes the use of foreign currency forward contracts and currency options to fix the exchange rates on a varying percentage, typically in the range of 50 to 75%, of our domestic short-term U.S. dollar-denominated transactions and commitments and all U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper. Other than in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, we designate only the spot element of these instruments as the hedging item; the forward element is wholly immaterial; in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, we designate the forward rate.

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We are also exposed to currency risk in that the fair value or future cash flows of our U.S. Dollar Notes and our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility U.S. dollar borrowings could fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. Currency hedging relationships have been established for the related semi-annual interest payments and the principal payment at maturity in respect of the U.S. Dollar Notes.

Interest rate risk

Changes in market interest rates will cause fluctuations in the fair values or future cash flows of temporary investments, construction credit facility advances made to the real estate joint ventures, short-term obligations, long-term debt and interest rate swap derivatives.

When we have temporary investments, they have short maturities and fixed interest rates and as a result, their fair values will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates; absent monetization prior to maturity, the related future cash flows will not change due to changes in market interest rates.

If the balance of short-term investments includes dividend-paying equity instruments, we could be exposed to interest rate risk.

Due to the short-term nature of the applicable rates of interest charged, the fair value of the construction credit facilities advances made to the real estate joint venture is not materially affected by changes in market interest rates; associated cash flows representing interest payments will be affected until such advances are repaid.

As short-term obligations arising from bilateral bank facilities, which typically have variable interest rates, are rarely outstanding for periods that exceed one calendar week, interest rate risk associated with this item is not material.

Short-term borrowings arising from the sales of trade receivables to an arm’s-length securitization trust are fixed-rate debt. Due to the short maturities of these borrowings, interest rate risk associated with this item is not material.

All of our currently outstanding long-term debt, other than commercial paper and amounts drawn on our credit facilities, is fixed-rate debt (see Section 7.5). The fair value of fixed-rate debt fluctuates with changes in market interest rates; absent early redemption, the related future cash flows will not change. Due to the short maturities of commercial paper, its fair value is not materially affected by changes in market interest rates, but the associated cash flows representing interest payments may be affected if the commercial paper is rolled over.

Amounts drawn on our short-term and long-term credit facilities will be affected by changes in market interest rates in a manner similar to commercial paper.

Other price risk

·Long-term investments: We are exposed to equity price risk arising from investments classified as available-for-sale. Such investments are held for strategic rather than trading purposes.

·Share-based compensation derivatives: We are exposed to other price risk arising from cash-settled share-based compensation (appreciating Common Share prices increase both the expense and the potential cash outflow). Certain cash-settled equity swap agreements have been entered into that fix the cost associated with our estimate of our restricted stock units which are expected to vest and are not subject to performance conditions (see Note 14(b) of the Consolidated financial statements).

Market risks

Net income and Other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 could have varied if the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rate and our Common Share price varied by reasonably possible amounts from their actual statement of financial position date amounts.

The sensitivity analysis of our exposure to market risks is shown in Note 4(g) of the Consolidated financial statements.

Fair values — General

The carrying values of Cash and temporary investments, Accounts receivable, short-term obligations, Short-term borrowings, Accounts payable and certain provisions (including restructuring provisions) approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values are determined directly by reference to quoted market prices in active markets.

The carrying values of our investments accounted for using the cost method do not exceed their fair values. The fair values of our investments accounted for as available-for-sale are based on quoted market prices in active markets or other clear and objective evidence of fair value.

The fair value of our Long-term debt is based on quoted market prices in active markets.

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The fair values of the derivative financial instruments we use to manage our exposure to currency risks are estimated based upon quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar financial instruments or on the current rates offered to us for financial instruments of the same maturity, as well as discounted future cash flows determined using current rates for similar financial instruments of similar maturities subject to similar risks (such fair value estimates being largely based on the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar forward exchange rate as at the statement of financial position dates).

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments we use to manage our exposure to increases in compensation costs arising from certain forms of share-based compensation are based upon fair value estimates of the related cash-settled equity forward agreements provided by the counterparty to the transactions (such fair value estimates being largely based on our Common Share price as at the statement of financial position dates).

The financial instruments that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition and the level within the fair value hierarchy at which they are measured are as set out in Note 4(h) of the Consolidated financial statements.

Fair values — Derivative and non-derivative

The derivative financial instruments that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition, and our Long-term debt, which is measured at amortized cost, and the fair value thereof, are set out in tables in Note 4(h) of the Consolidated financial statements.

Recognition of derivative gains and losses

Gains and losses, excluding income tax effects, arising from derivative instruments that are classified as cash flow hedging items, as well as gains and losses arising from derivative instruments that are classified as held for trading and that are not designated as being in a hedging relationship, and their locations within the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, are detailed in Note 4(i) of the Consolidated financial statements.

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Commitments and contingent liabilities

Contractual obligations as at December 31, 2017

($ millions)	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	Thereafter	Total
Short-term borrowings
Interest obligations	3	—	—	—	—	—	3
Principal obligations 1	100	—	—	—	—	—	100
	103	—	—	—	—	—	103
Long-term debt
Interest obligations	531	523	472	397	348	3,725	5,996
Principal maturities 2	1,397	1,008	1,008	1,083	1,565	7,705	13,766
	1,928	1,531	1,480	1,480	1,913	11,430	19,762
Construction credit facilities commitment 3	67	—	—	—	—	—	67
Minimum operating lease payments 3, 4	224	203	182	160	135	742	1,646
Occupancy costs 3	95	91	87	84	80	379	816
Purchase obligations 5
Operating expenditures	420	130	114	78	74	275	1,091
Property, plant and equipment, and Intangible assets	183	33	4	—	—	—	220
	603	163	118	78	74	275	1,311
Non-interest bearing financial liabilities	2,232	40	19	76	18	16	2,401
Other obligations	51	2	2	2	2	88	147
Total	5,303	2,030	1,888	1,880	2,222	12,930	26,253

(1)See Section 7.7 Sale of trade receivables.

(2)See Long-term debt maturity chart in Section 4.3.

(3)Construction credit facilities reflect loan amounts for a real estate joint venture, a related party. Minimum operating lease payments and occupancy costs include transactions with real estate joint ventures. See Section 7.11 Transactions between related parties.

(4)Total minimum operating lease payments include approximately 33% in respect of our five largest leases for office premises over various terms, with expiry dates that range between 2024 and 2036 with a weighted average term of approximately 13 years; and approximately 29% in respect of wireless site leases with a weighted average term of approximately 17 years. Total minimum operating lease payments with related parties are immaterial. See Note 19 of the Consolidated financial statements.

(5)Where applicable, purchase obligations reflect foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2017. Purchase obligations include future operating and capital expenditures that have been contracted for at the current year-end and include the most likely estimates of prices and volumes, where necessary. As purchase obligations reflect market conditions at the time the obligation was incurred for the items being purchased, they may not be representative of future years. Obligations from personnel supply contracts and other such labour agreements have been excluded.

Claims and lawsuits

A number of claims and lawsuits (including class actions and intellectual property infringement claims) seeking damages and other relief are pending against us and, in some cases, numerous other wireless carriers and telecommunications service providers. As well, we have received notice of, or are aware of, certain possible claims (including intellectual property infringement claims) against us. (See the related risk discussion in Section 10.9 Litigation and legal matters.)

It is not currently possible for us to predict the outcome of such claims, possible claims and lawsuits due to various factors, including: the preliminary nature of some claims; uncertain damage theories and demands; an incomplete factual record; uncertainty concerning legal theories, procedures and their resolution by the courts, at both the trial and the appeal levels; and the unpredictable nature of opposing parties and their demands.

However, subject to the foregoing limitations, management is of the opinion, based upon legal assessments and information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability, to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would have a material effect on our financial position and the results of our operations, including cash flows, with the exception of the items disclosed in Note 29(a) of the Consolidated financial statements. This is a significant judgment for us (see Section 8.1 Critical accounting estimates).

Indemnification obligations

In the normal course of operations, we provide indemnification in conjunction with certain transactions. The terms of these indemnification obligations range in duration. These indemnifications would require us to compensate the indemnified parties for costs incurred as a result of failure to comply with contractual obligations or litigation claims or statutory sanctions or damages that may be suffered by an indemnified party. In some cases, there is no maximum limit

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on these indemnification obligations. The overall maximum amount of an indemnification obligation will depend on future events and conditions and therefore cannot be reasonably estimated. Where appropriate, an indemnification obligation is recorded as a liability. Other than obligations recorded as liabilities at the time of such transactions, historically we have not made significant payments under these indemnifications.

As at December 31, 2017, we had no liability recorded in respect of our indemnification obligations.

7.10 Outstanding share information

Outstanding shares (millions)	December 31, 2017	January 31, 2018
Common Shares	595	595
Common Share options — all exercisable (one for one)	1	1

7.11 Transactions between related parties

Transactions with key management personnel

Our key management personnel have authority and responsibility for overseeing, planning, directing and controlling our activities. They consist of our Board of Directors and our Executive Leadership Team. Total compensation expense for key management personnel was $50 million in 2017, as compared to $54 million in 2016. See Note 30(a) of the Consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Transactions with defined benefit pension plans

We provided management and administrative services to our defined benefit pension plans. Charges for these services were on a cost recovery basis and were immaterial.

Transactions with real estate joint ventures

In 2017, we had transactions with real estate joint ventures, which are related parties to us, as set out in Note 21 of our Consolidated financial statements.

As at December 31, 2017, the proportion of space leased in the TELUS Garden office tower was approximately 99%.

For the TELUS Sky® real estate joint venture, commitments and contingent liabilities include construction-related contractual commitments through to 2019 (approximately $82 million at December 31, 2017) and construction financing ($342 million with three Canadian financial institutions as 66-2/3% lender and TELUS as 33-1/3% lender).

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8.Accounting matters

8.1 Critical accounting estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting estimates and significant judgments are generally discussed with the Audit Committee each quarter.

Examples of our significant judgments, apart from those involving estimation, include the following:

·Assessments about whether line items are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the primary financial statements and, if not, whether they are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the notes to the financial statements. In the normal course, we make changes to our assessments regarding materiality for presentation so that they reflect current economic conditions. Due consideration is given to the view that it is reasonable to expect differing opinions of what is, and is not, material.

·In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments that affect the timing of the recognition of revenue. See Section 8.2 Accounting policy developments below and Note 2 of our Consolidated financial statements for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective and have not yet been applied, but which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of revenue and the classification of revenues presented as either service or equipment revenues.

·We must make judgments about when we have satisfied our performance obligations to our customers, either over a period of time or at a point in time. Service revenues are recognized based upon customers’ access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure; we believe this method faithfully depicts the transfer of the services, and thus the revenues are recognized as the services are made available and/or rendered. We consider our performance obligations arising from the sale of equipment to have been satisfied when the equipment has been delivered to, and accepted by, the end-user customers.

·Principally in the context of revenue-generating transactions involving wireless handsets, we must make judgments about whether third-party re-sellers that deliver equipment to our customers are acting in the transaction as principals or as our agents. Upon due consideration of the relevant indicators, we believe the decision to consider the re-sellers to be acting, solely for accounting purposes, as our agents is more representative of the economic substance of the transactions, as we are the primary obligor to the end-user customers. The effect of this judgment is that no equipment revenue is recognized upon the transfer of inventory to third-party re-sellers.

·The decision to depreciate and amortize any property, plant, equipment and intangible assets that are subject to amortization, on a straight-line basis, as we believe that this method reflects the consumption of resources related to the economic lifespan of those assets better than an accelerated method and is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying use of those assets.

·The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make judgments that affect the financial statement disclosure of information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision-maker used to make resource allocation decisions and to assess performance (segment information, see Note 5 of our Consolidated financial statements). A significant judgment we make is in respect of distinguishing between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, such distinction having been significantly affected by the convergence and integration of our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations. Less than one-half of the operating expenses included in the segment performance measure currently reported to our chief operating decision-maker are direct costs; judgment, largely based upon historical experience, is applied in apportioning indirect costs which are not objectively distinguishable between our wireless and wireline operations.

Through December 31, 2015, our judgment was that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations had not experienced sufficient convergence to objectively make their respective operations and cash flows practically indistinguishable. The continued build-out of our technology-agnostic fibre-optic infrastructure, in combination with converged edge network technology, has significantly affected this judgment, as has the commercialization of fixed-wireless solutions.

It has become increasingly impractical to objectively distinguish between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise. Our judgment as to whether these operations can continue to be judged to be individual components of the business and discrete operating segments may change.

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The increasing impracticality of objectively distinguishing between our wireless and wireline cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise, is evidence of their increasing interdependence; this may result in the unification of the wireless cash-generating unit and the wireline cash-generating unit as a single cash-generating unit for impairment testing purposes in the future. As our business continues to evolve, new cash-generating units may develop.

·The view that our spectrum licences granted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will likely be renewed by ISED, that we intend to renew them, that we believe we have the financial and operational ability to renew them and, thus, that they have an indefinite life, as discussed further in Note 18(d) of the Consolidated financial statements.

·In connection with the annual impairment testing of Intangible assets with indefinite lives and Goodwill, there are instances in which we must exercise judgment in allocating our net assets, including shared corporate and administrative assets, to our cash-generating units when determining their carrying amounts. These judgments are necessary because of the convergence that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations have experienced to date, and because of our continuous development. There are instances in which similar judgments must also be made in respect of future capital expenditures in support of both wireless and wireline operations, which are a component of the determination of recoverable amounts used in the annual impairment testing, as discussed further in Note 18(e) of the Consolidated financial statements.

·In respect of claims and lawsuits, as discussed further in Note 29(a) of the Consolidated financial statements, the determination of whether an item is a contingent liability or whether an outflow of resources is probable and thus needs to be accounted for as a provision.

Examples of the significant estimates and judgments that we make, and their relative significance and degree of difficulty, are as set out in the graphic in Note 1 of the Consolidated financial statements.

Our critical accounting estimates and assumptions are described below.

General

·In determining our critical accounting estimates, we consider trends, commitments, events or uncertainties that we reasonably expect to materially affect the methodology or assumptions. Our statements in this MD&A regarding such consideration are made subject to the Caution regarding forward-looking statements.

·In the normal course, we make changes to assumptions underlying all critical accounting estimates so that they reflect current economic conditions, updated historical information used to develop the assumptions, and changes in our credit ratings, where applicable. Unless indicated otherwise in the discussion below, we expect that no material changes in overall financial performance and financial statement line items would arise either from reasonably likely changes in material assumptions underlying the estimate or from selection of a different estimate from within a range of valid estimates.

·Our critical accounting estimates affect line items on the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, and line items on the Consolidated statements of financial position, as follows:

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	Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income
		Operating expenses					Employee
Consolidated statements of financial position	Operating revenues	Goods and services purchased	Employee benefits expense	Depreciation	Amortization of intangible assets	Financing costs	defined benefit plans re- measurements2
Intangible assets, net, and Goodwill, net					X1
Employee defined benefit pension plans			X	X3	X3	X	X
Property, plant and equipment, net				X
Provisions for asset retirement obligations		X		X		X
Provisions related to business combinations	X					X
Investments	X
Accounts receivable		X
Inventories		X

(1)Accounting estimate, as applicable to Intangible assets with indefinite lives and Goodwill, primarily relates to spectrum holdings and accordingly affects our wireless cash-generating unit.

(2)Other comprehensive income — Item never subsequently reclassified to income.

(3)Accounting estimate impact due to internal labour capitalization rates.

·All critical accounting estimates are uncertain at the time an estimate is made and affect the following Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income line items: Income taxes (except for estimates about Goodwill) and Net income. Similarly, all critical accounting estimates affect the following Consolidated statements of financial position line items: Current assets (Income and other taxes receivable), Current liabilities (Income and other taxes payable), Deferred income tax liabilities and Common equity (retained earnings) and Non-controlling interest. The discussion of each critical accounting estimate does not differ between our two segments, wireless and wireline, unless explicitly noted.

Intangible assets, net; Goodwill, net; and Property, plant and equipment, net

General

·The Intangible assets, net, line item represents approximately 36% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 (37% as at December 31, 2016). Included in Intangible assets are spectrum licences, which represent approximately 29% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 (31% as at December 31, 2016).

·The Goodwill, net, line item represents approximately 14% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

·The Property, plant and equipment, net, line item on our Consolidated statements of financial position represents approximately 38% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

·If our estimated useful lives of assets were incorrect, we could experience increased or decreased charges for amortization or depreciation in the future. If the future were to differ adversely from our best estimate of key economic assumptions and associated cash flows were to materially decrease, we could potentially experience future material impairment charges in respect of our Property, plant and equipment assets, our Intangible assets or our Goodwill. If Intangible assets with indefinite lives were determined to have finite lives at some point in the future, we could experience increased charges for amortization of Intangible assets. Such charges in and of themselves do not result in a cash outflow and would not immediately affect our liquidity.

The recoverability of Intangible assets with indefinite lives; the recoverability of Goodwill

·The carrying values of Intangible assets with indefinite lives and Goodwill are periodically tested for impairment and this test represents a significant estimate for us.

·The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units’ assets have been determined based on a fair value less costs of disposal calculation. There is a material degree of uncertainty with respect to the estimates of the recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units’ assets, given the necessity of making key economic assumptions about the future. The fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use calculations both use future cash flows and growth projections (including judgments about the allocation of future capital expenditures supporting both wireless and wireline operations); associated economic risk assumptions and estimates of the likelihood of achieving key operating metrics and drivers; estimates of future generational infrastructure capital expenditures; and the future weighted average cost of capital.

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·See Note 18(e) of the Consolidated financial statements for further discussion of methodology and sensitivity testing.

The estimated useful lives of assets; the recoverability of tangible assets

·The estimated useful lives of assets are determined by a continuing program of asset life studies. The recoverability of assets with finite lives is significantly impacted by the estimated useful lives of assets.

·Assumptions underlying the estimated useful lives of assets include the timing of technological obsolescence, competitive pressures and future infrastructure utilization plans.

Employee defined benefit pension plans

Certain actuarial and economic assumptions used in determining defined benefit pension costs, accrued pension benefit obligations and pension plan assets

·We review industry practices, trends, economic conditions and data provided by actuaries when developing assumptions used in the determination of defined benefit pension costs and accrued pension benefit obligations. Pension plan assets are generally valued using market prices; however, some assets are valued using market estimates when market prices are not readily available. Actuarial support is obtained for interpolations of experience gains and losses that affect the employee defined benefit plan actuarial gains and losses and accrued pension benefit obligations. The discount rate, which is used to determine the accrued benefit obligation, is based upon the yield on long-term, high-quality fixed-term investments. The discount rate is set annually at the end of each calendar year, based upon yields on long-term corporate bond indices in consultation with actuaries, and is reviewed quarterly for significant changes. Future increases in compensation are based upon the current benefits policies and economic forecasts. We have examined our respective pension obligation and current service cost durations and observed a 10-year difference in duration. As individual discount rates more accurately reflect the obligation and current service cost, commencing in 2017, we applied a dual discount rate methodology.

·On an annual basis, at a minimum, the defined benefit pension plan assumptions are assessed and revised as appropriate. When the defined benefit pension plan key assumptions fluctuate significantly relative to their immediately preceding year-end values, actuarial gains (losses) arising from such significant fluctuations are recognized on an interim basis. Assumptions used in determining defined benefit pension costs, accrued pension benefit obligations and pension plan assets include life expectancy, discount rates, market estimates and rates of future compensation increases. Material changes in overall financial performance and financial statement line items would arise from reasonably likely changes, because of assumptions that have been revised to reflect updated historical information and updated economic conditions, in the material assumptions underlying this estimate. See Note 15 of the Consolidated financial statements for further analysis.

·This accounting estimate related to employee defined benefit pension plans is in respect of components of the Operating expenses line item, Financing costs line item and Other comprehensive income line item on our Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income. If the future were to adversely differ from our best estimate of assumptions used in determining defined benefit pension costs, accrued benefit obligations and pension plan assets, we could experience future increased (or decreased) defined benefit pension expense, financing costs and charges to Other comprehensive income.

Income tax assets and liabilities

The amount and composition of income tax assets and income tax liabilities, including the amount of unrecognized tax benefits

·Assumptions underlying the composition of income tax assets and liabilities are based upon an assessment of the technical merits of tax positions. Income tax benefits on uncertain tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of a position will result in the related benefit being realizable. Income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount that is expected to be realized or incurred upon ultimate settlement with taxation authorities. Such assessments are based upon the applicable income tax legislation, regulations, interpretations and jurisprudence, all of which in turn are subject to change and interpretation.

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·Current income tax assets and liabilities are estimated based upon the amount of income tax that is calculated as being owed to taxation authorities, net of periodic instalment payments. Deferred income tax liabilities are composed of the tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as the income tax effect of undeducted income tax losses. The timing of the reversal of temporary differences is estimated and the income tax rate substantively enacted for the periods of reversal is applied to the temporary differences. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are based upon the amounts recorded in the financial statements and are, therefore, subject to accounting estimates that are inherent in those balances. The tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as the amount of undeducted income tax losses, are based upon the assessment and measurement of tax positions, as noted above. Assumptions as to the timing of reversal of temporary differences include expectations about the future results of operations and future cash flows. The composition of income tax liabilities is reasonably likely to change from period to period because of changes in the estimation of these significant uncertainties.

·This accounting estimate is in respect of material asset and liability line items on our Consolidated statements of financial position comprising less than 1% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and approximately 9% of Total liabilities and owners’ equity as at December 31, 2017 (8% as at December 31, 2016). If the future were to adversely differ from our best estimate of the likelihood of tax positions being sustained, the amount of tax expected to be incurred, the future results of operations, the timing of reversal of deductible temporary differences and taxable temporary differences, and the tax rates applicable to future years, we could experience material current income tax adjustments and deferred income tax adjustments. Such current and deferred income tax adjustments could result in an increase or acceleration of cash outflows at an earlier time than might otherwise be expected.

Provisions for asset retirement obligations

Certain economic assumptions used in provisioning for asset retirement obligations

·Asset retirement obligation provisions are recognized for statutory, contractual or legal obligations, normally when incurred, associated with the retirement of Property, plant and equipment (primarily certain items of outside plant and wireless site equipment) when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of the assets. The obligations are measured initially at fair value, determined using present value methodology, and the resulting costs are capitalized as a part of the carrying value of the related asset.

·On an annual basis, at a minimum, assumptions underlying the provisions for asset retirement obligations include expectations, which may span numerous decades, about inflation, discount rates and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. Material changes in financial position would arise from reasonably likely changes, because of assumptions that have been revised to reflect updated historical information and updated economic conditions, in the material assumptions underlying this estimate. The capitalized asset retirement cost is depreciated on the same basis as the related asset, and the discount accretion is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

·This accounting estimate is in respect of the asset retirement obligations component of the Provisions line item on our Consolidated statements of financial position, and this component comprises approximately 1% of Total liabilities and owners’ equity as at December 31, 2017 and 2016. If the provisions for asset retirement obligations were to be inadequate, we could experience a charge to Goods and services purchased in the future. A charge for an inadequate asset retirement obligation provision would result in a cash outflow proximate to the time that the asset retirement obligation is satisfied.

Provisions related to business combinations

Provisions for written put options

·In connection with certain business acquisitions, we have established provisions for written put options in respect of non-controlling interests. We provide written put options to the remaining selling shareholders whereby they could put the remaining non-controlling interests at, or after, a specified date. The acquisition-date fair values of the puttable shares held by the non-controlling shareholders are recorded as provisions.

·On an annual basis, at a minimum, the provisions for written put options are assessed and revised as appropriate. The provisions for written put options have been determined based on the net present values of estimated future earnings results; there is a material degree of uncertainty with respect to the estimates of future earnings results given the necessity of making key economic assumptions about the future. The amount of provisions for written put options are reasonably likely to change from period to period because of changes in the estimation of future earnings.

·This accounting estimate is in respect of the provisions for written put options in respect of non-controlling interests component of the Provisions line item on our Consolidated statements of financial position, and this component comprises less than 1% of Total liabilities and owners’ equity as at December 31, 2017, and NIL as at December 31, 2016. If the provisions for written put options were to be inadequate, we could experience a charge to

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Operating Revenues in the future. A charge for an inadequate written put option provision would result in a cash outflow proximate to the time that the written put option is exercised.

Investments

The recoverability of long-term investments

·We assess the recoverability of our long-term investments on a regular, recurring basis. The recoverability of investments is assessed on a specific-identification basis, taking into consideration expectations about future performance of the investments and comparison of historical results to past expectations.

·The most significant assumptions underlying the recoverability of long-term investments are related to the achievement of future cash flow and operating expectations. Our estimate of the recoverability of long-term investments could change from period to period due to the recurring nature of the recoverability assessment and due to the nature of long-term investments (we do not control the investees).

·Investments are included in the Other long-term assets line item on our Consolidated statements of financial position, which itself comprises approximately 1% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 (2% as at December 31, 2016). If the allowance for recoverability of long-term investments were to be inadequate, we could experience an increased charge to Other operating income in the future. Such a provision for recoverability of long-term investments does not result in a cash outflow. When there is clear and objective evidence of an increase in the fair value of an investment, which may be indicated by either a recent sale of shares by another current investor or the injection of new cash into the entity from a new or existing investor, we recognize the after-tax increase in value in Other comprehensive income (change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets).

Accounts receivable

General

·When determining our allowance for doubtful accounts, we consider the business area that gave rise to the Accounts receivable, conduct a statistical analysis of portfolio delinquency trends and perform specific account identification.

·These accounting estimates are in respect of the Accounts receivable line item on our Consolidated statements of financial position, which comprises approximately 5% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016. If the future were to differ adversely from our best estimates of the fair value of the residual cash flows and the allowance for doubtful accounts, we could experience an increase in the doubtful accounts expense in the future. Such doubtful accounts expense in and of itself does not result in a cash outflow.

The allowance for doubtful accounts

·The estimate of our allowance for doubtful accounts could materially change from period to period due to the allowance being a function of the balance and composition of Accounts receivable, which can vary on a month-to-month basis. The variability of the balance of Accounts receivable arises from the variability of the amount and composition of Operating revenues and from the variability of Accounts receivable collection performance.

Inventories

The allowance for inventory obsolescence

·We determine our allowance for inventory obsolescence based upon expected inventory turnover, inventory aging, and current and future expectations with respect to product offerings.

·Assumptions underlying the allowance for inventory obsolescence include future sales trends and offerings and the expected inventory requirements and inventory composition necessary to support these future offerings. Our estimate of the allowance for inventory obsolescence could materially change from period to period due to changes in product offerings and the level of consumer acceptance of those products.

·This accounting estimate is in respect of the Inventories line item on our Consolidated statements of financial position, which comprises approximately 1% of Total assets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016. If the allowance for inventory obsolescence were to be inadequate, we could experience a charge to Goods and services purchased in the future. Such an inventory obsolescence charge does not result in a cash outflow.

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8.2 Accounting policy developments

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with retrospective application. The new standard includes a model for the classification and measurement of financial instruments, a single forward-looking “expected loss” impairment model and a reformed approach to hedge accounting. We will make an accounting policy choice relative to impairment, and will be using the lifetime expected credit loss approach. Based upon current facts and circumstances, we do not expect our financial performance or disclosure to be materially affected by the application of the standard.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, such date reflecting the one-year deferral approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on July 22, 2015; we are retrospectively applying the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The IASB and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked on this joint project to clarify the principles for the recognition of revenue. The new standard was released in May 2014 and supersedes existing standards and interpretations, including IAS 18, Revenue. In April 2016, the IASB issued Clarifications to IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, clarifying application of some of the more complex aspects of the standard.

The effects of the new standard and the materiality of those effects will vary by industry and entity. Like many other telecommunications companies, we are materially affected by its application, as set out in Note 2(c) of the Consolidated financial statements, primarily in respect of the timing of revenue recognition, the classification of revenues, and the capitalization of costs of obtaining a contract with a customer (as defined by the new standard).

Revenue — timing of recognition; classification

The timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenues as either service revenues or equipment revenues will be affected, since the allocation of consideration in multiple element arrangements (solutions for our customers that may involve deliveries of multiple services and products that occur at different points in time and/or over different periods of time) will no longer be affected by the current limitation cap methodology.

The effects of the timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenue are expected to be most pronounced in our wireless results. Although the measurement of the total revenue recognized over the life of a contract will be largely unaffected by the new standard, the prohibition of the use of the limitation cap methodology will accelerate the recognition of total contract revenue, relative to both the associated cash inflows from customers and our current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). The acceleration of the recognition of contract revenue relative to the associated cash inflows will also result in the recognition of an amount reflecting the resulting difference as a contract asset. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during periods of sustained growth in the number of wireless subscriber connection additions, assuming comparable contract-lifetime per unit cash inflows, revenues would appear to be greater than under the current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). Wireline results arising from transactions that include the initial provision of subsidized equipment or promotional pricing plans will be similarly affected.

Costs of contract acquisition; costs of contract fulfilment — timing of recognition

Similarly, the measurement of the total costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment over the life of a contract will be unaffected by the new standard, but the timing of recognition will be. The new standard will result in our wireless and wireline costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, to the extent that they are material, being capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of a contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during periods of sustained growth in the number of customer connection additions, assuming comparable per unit costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, absolute profitability measures would appear to be greater than under the current practice (immediately expensing such costs).

Implementation

With a view to enhancing the clarity, comparability and utility of our financial information post-implementation of the standard, we will apply the standard retrospectively, subject to permitted and elected practical expedients. We are using the following practical expedients provided for in, and transitioning to, the new standard:

·No restatement for contracts that were completed as at January 1, 2017, or earlier.

·No restatement for contracts that were modified prior to January 1, 2017. The aggregate effect of all such modifications will be reflected when identifying satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations and the transaction prices to be allocated thereto and when determining the transaction prices.

·No disclosure of the aggregate transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfulfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations for periods ending prior to January 1, 2018.

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For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we are using the following practical expedients provided for in the new standard:

·No adjustment of the contracted amount of consideration for the effects of financing components when, at the inception of the contract, we expect that the effect of the financing component is not significant at the individual contract level.

·No deferral of contract acquisition costs when the amortization period for such costs would be one year or less.

·When estimating minimum transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfulfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations, exclusion of amounts arising from contracts originally expected to have a duration of one year or less, as well as amounts arising from contracts in which we may recognize and bill revenue in an amount that corresponds directly with our completed performance obligations.

For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we must also make incremental judgments in respect of the new standard:

·In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments about how to determine the transaction prices and how to allocate those amounts amongst the associated performance obligations. It is our judgment that, where applicable, it is most appropriate to use a contract’s minimum transaction price (the “minimum spend” amount required in a contract with a customer) as the contract’s transaction price as it best reflects the enforceable rights and obligations of the contract. The contract’s transaction price is allocated based upon the stand-alone selling prices of the contracted equipment and services included in the minimum transaction price.

·We compensate third-party re-sellers and our employees for generating revenues, and we must exercise judgment as to whether such sales-based compensation amounts are costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers that should be capitalized. We believe that compensation amounts tangentially attributable to obtaining a contract with a customer, because the amount of such compensation could be affected in ways other than simply obtaining that contract, should be expensed as incurred; compensation amounts directly attributable to obtaining contracts with customers should be capitalized and subsequently amortized on a systematic basis, consistent with the satisfaction of our associated performance obligations.

Judgment must also be exercised in the capitalization of costs incurred to fulfill revenue-generating contracts with customers. Such fulfilment costs are those incurred to set up, activate or otherwise implement access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure that would not otherwise be capitalized as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

IFRS 16, Leases

In January 2016, the IASB released IFRS 16, Leases, which is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, and which supersedes IAS 17, Leases. We are currently assessing the impacts and transition provisions of the new standard; however, we are currently considering applying the new standard retrospectively, effective January 1, 2019. The IASB and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked together to modify the accounting for leases, generally by eliminating lessees’ classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and, for IFRS-IASB, introducing a single lessee accounting model.

The most significant effect of the new standard will be the lessee’s recognition of the initial present value of unavoidable future lease payments as lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial position, including those for most leases that would be currently accounted for as operating leases. Both leases with durations of 12 months or less and leases for low-value assets may be exempted.

The measurement of the total lease expense over the term of a lease will be unaffected by the new standard. However, the new standard will result in the timing of lease expense recognition being accelerated for leases which would currently be accounted for as operating leases; the IASB expects that this effect may be muted by a lessee having a portfolio of leases with varying maturities and lengths of term, and we expect that we will be similarly affected. The presentation on the statement of income and other comprehensive income required by the new standard will result in most non-executory lease expenses being presented as amortization of lease assets and financing costs arising from lease liabilities, rather than as a part of goods and services purchased; reported operating income would thus be higher under the new standard.

Relative to the results of applying the current standard, although the actual cash flows will be unaffected, the lessee’s statement of cash flows will reflect increases in cash flows from operating activities offset equally by decreases in cash flows from financing activities. This is the result of the payments of the “principal” component of leases that would currently be accounted for as operating leases being presented as a cash flow use within financing activities under the new standard.

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Implementation

As a transitional practical expedient permitted by the new standard, we do not expect to reassess whether contracts are, or contain, leases as at January 1, 2019, using the criteria of the new standard; as at January 1, 2019, only contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17, Leases and IFRIC 4, Determining whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease will be a part of the transition to the new standard. Only contracts entered into (or changed) after January 1, 2019, will be assessed for being, or containing, leases using the criteria of the new standard.

Other issued standards

Other issued standards required to be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, are expected to have no significant effect on our financial performance or disclosure.

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9.General trends, outlook and assumptions

This section contains forward-looking statements, which should be read together with the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.

9.1 Telecommunications industry in 2017

We estimate that Canadian telecommunications industry revenues (including TV and excluding media) grew by approximately 3% to approximately $62 billion in 2017. Wireless and data services continue to drive ongoing industry growth. Consumer communication and entertainment consumption behaviours continue to demonstrate a strong preference for data-rich applications and data-intensive smartphones and tablets.

TELUS’ revenues of $13.3 billion represented approximately 21% of industry revenues, with wireless products and services representing 57% of our total revenues. In our wireline business, growth in high-speed Internet access, enhanced data, TV and business process outsourcing services has more than offset the decline in demand for legacy services.

Wireless

Based on publicly reported results and estimates, in 2017, the Canadian wireless industry experienced network revenue growth of approximately 7% and EBITDA growth of approximately 7%. TELUS wireless network revenue growth was 6.5%, and TELUS wireless Adjusted EBITDA grew by 5.2%.

We estimate that the Canadian wireless industry added approximately 1.3 million new subscriber units in 2017, compared to approximately one million in 2016. This was supported by immigration and population growth; the trend toward multiple devices, including tablets; the expanding functionality of data and related applications; and mobile adoption by both younger and older generations. The wireless penetration rate increased to approximately 86% in Canada, with further increases in penetration expected to continue in 2018. By comparison, the wireless penetration rate in the U.S. is well over 100%, while in Europe and Asia it is even higher, suggesting an opportunity for continued growth in Canada.

In 2017, the wireless market was characterized by heightened retention and acquisition activity and the associated high costs of device subsidies on two-year contracts, a heightened level of competitive intensity, and the continued adoption of higher-value, data-centric smartphones. While higher handset costs, increased subsidies and the frequency of customer device upgrades put pressure on industry margins, adoption of the latest smartphones generally has a positive impact on average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) and churn rates. Blended ARPU also continues to increase as data consumption on 4G LTE and LTE advanced (LTE-A) devices and networks rises, and as consumers continue to adopt higher bucket and shared family data plans, as well as Premium Plus rate plans, which offer higher device subsidies upfront for a higher recurring monthly fee.

The Canadian wireless industry continues to be highly competitive and capital-intensive. In March, BCE acquired Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS). At the same time, TELUS acquired a portion of MTS’ postpaid wireless subscribers and dealer locations in Manitoba. Both companies committed to incremental investments in the province of Manitoba. TELUS has invested more than $70 million in Manitoba over the past two years.

In June, Shaw Communications announced the divestiture of its U.S. call centre subsidiary, and used a portion of the proceeds to fund the acquisition of the 700MHz and 2500 MHz spectrum licences from Quebecor Media Inc. Shaw’s Freedom Mobile has since focused on the build-out of an urban LTE network in major cities in Alberta, B.C. and Ontario. Shaw reached an agreement with Apple Inc. enabling it to offer iPhone products beginning in December 2017. Shaw’s re-farming of AWS-1 spectrum and deployment of 2,500 MHz spectrum is expected to be completed in 2018, and will make older smartphone versions (iPhones and Galaxy) compatible with Freedom’s LTE network.

Wireline

Canada’s four major cable-TV companies had an estimated base of approximately 4 million telephony subscribers at the end of 2017. This represents a national consumer market share of approximately 42%, up from approximately 40% in 2016. Other non-facilities-based competitors also offer local and long distance voice over IP (VoIP) services and resell high-speed Internet solutions. This competition, along with technological substitution to wireless services, continues to erode the number of residential network access lines and associated local and long distance revenues, as expected.

Although the consumer high-speed Internet market is maturing, with a penetration rate of approximately 85% in Western Canada and 83% across Canada, subscriber growth is expected to continue over the coming years. The four major cable-TV companies had an estimated 6.7 million Internet subscribers at the end of 2017 (50% market share), up 3% from approximately 6.5 million at the end of 2016. Telecommunications companies had approximately 6.5 million Internet subscribers (48% market share), up 3% from approximately 6.3 million at the end of 2016. We continue to make

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moderate market share gains, due to the expansion of our fibre-optic network and the pull-through of subscribers from our IP-based TELUS TV service.

While Canadians still watch traditional TV, digital platforms are playing an increasingly important role in the broadcasting industry. Popular online video services are providing Canadians with more choice about where, when and how to access their video content. In 2017, Canadian IP TV providers increased their subscriber base by an estimated 6% to 2.7 million through expanded network coverage, enhanced differentiated service offerings, and marketing and promotions focused on IP TV. Despite this IP TV growth, combined cable-TV and satellite-TV subscriber penetration was flat. We estimate that the four major cable-TV companies have approximately 5.8 million TV subscribers or a 52% market share, consistent with 52% at the end of 2016. The balance of industry subscribers were served by satellite-TV and regional providers.

In 2017, our primary Western Canadian cable-TV competitor, Shaw Communications, launched BlueSky TV, based on Comcast’s X1 TV platform, offered alongside larger Internet data plans introduced in the second half of 2016. Both Rogers and Quebecor have announced their intention to adopt the Comcast X1 TV platform in 2018. Our IP-based Optik TV platform continues to have numerous service leadership advantages over this cable platform, including: flexible pricing, plans and packaging available to all customers; picture clarity and quality; content depth and breadth, including 4K content, as well as more HD, video on demand, sports, multicultural and OTT content, such as 4K Netflix and the latest YouTube app, that can be paired with a smartphone or tablet to allow casting; and the number of ways customers can access content, including wireless set-top boxes, Restart TV, higher capacity PVR and Optik TV on the go with two times the number of live TV channels compared to our cable competitor.

9.2 Telecommunications industry general outlook and trends

Wireless

Wireless growth continues to be driven by increasing data usage and adoption, including: higher-value smartphones, shared family data plans and tablets, as well as growth in machine-to-machine (M2M) devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition, consumers continue to replace wireline access with wireless access and related data services. These trends are expected to continue to increase the demand for wireless data for the foreseeable future. Industry ARPU growth is expected to continue, although perhaps at a more modest rate.

While LTE and LTE-A technologies increase download speeds, encourage data usage and improve the customer experience, increasing data traffic demands pose challenges to wireless networks. (See High demand for data challenges wireless networks and may be accompanied by increases in delivery cost in Section 10.3 Technology.)

M2M and IoT technologies connect communications-enabled remote devices via wireless networks, allowing them to exchange key information and processes. Advanced platforms and networks are already in place in industries such as utilities, agriculture and fleet management, with deployment ongoing in other industries such as vehicle insurance, retail, food services, consumer utilities and healthcare. These and other industries are looking to IoT, combined with other applications, to drive value from their connections. IoT represents a meaningful opportunity for growth in mobility products and services in terms of secure connectivity, customer value and efficiency. While M2M applications generally have lower ARPU, they tend to generate high service volumes with low or no subsidy costs, thereby supporting both revenue growth and margins.

Digital identity is the common enabler for online service delivery and a driver of Canada’s digital economy. TELUS is taking a leadership position in this space, facilitating a user-centric, private and secure experience.

5G has begun to play a mainstream role in technology evolution and innovation globally. Investing in 5G will drive capex savings by allowing us to provide high-speed Internet services over wireless in less urban areas, as well as improved cost savings and innovative services in industrial automation, transportation and telehealth. Driven by significantly faster speeds, lower latencies, improved reliability and attractive economics, 5G will enable a host of new applications:  for industries, remote operations, industrial control, and manufacturing automation; for consumers, home automation, autonomous vehicles, as well as wireless to the home connectivity with speeds comparable to wired networks; and for healthcare, converged solutions for hospitals, clinics and remote patient monitoring. 5G is essential to Canada’s digital future and is expected to generate significant innovation, growth and productivity. Therefore, TELUS is requesting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and other policy makers to launch consultations as soon as possible on 3.5 GHz and mmWave spectrum so that Canada does not risk missing the early deployment of the next major technological evolution. Current trials show that mmWave delivers the richest 5G experience, albeit in a localized fashion, whereas 3.5 GHz is key for broader 5G coverage. TELUS maintains the world’s fastest 5G network trial speed, at just under 30 Gbps.

Wireline

The traditional wireline telecommunications market is expected to remain very competitive in 2018 as technology substitution — such as the broad deployment of higher-speed Internet; the use of email, messaging and social media as alternatives to voice services; and the growth of wireless and VoIP services — continues to replace higher-margin legacy

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voice revenues. In our traditional operating areas of B.C. and Alberta, it is estimated that 45% of households no longer have a fixed line and 26% of households no longer have a broadcast TV service. Although we are a key provider of these substitution services, the decline in this legacy business continues as anticipated. Our long-standing growth strategy remains focused on wireless, data and IP-centric wireline capabilities.

The popularity of viewing TV and on-demand content anywhere, particularly on handheld devices, is expected to continue to grow as customers adopt services that enable them to view content on multiple screens. Streaming media providers continue to enhance over-the-top (OTT) streaming services in order to compete for a share of viewership in response to evolving viewing habits and consumer demand. Studies suggest that 41% of Canadian households had a subscription to Netflix at the end of 2017. Amazon Prime video streaming service launched in Canada in late 2016, and other streaming TV services are expected to follow with service launches in Canada.

TV providers are monitoring OTT developments and evolving their content and market strategy to compete with these non-traditional offerings. Bell Media offers a content streaming service through Crave TV. We view OTT as an opportunity to add increased capabilities to our linear and on-demand assets, provide customers with flexible options to choose the content they want and encourage greater customer use of the TELUS high-speed Internet and wireless networks. We continue to enhance our Optik TV service with additional content and capabilities, including ultra-high-definition 4K content, multi-cultural content and distribution deals with OTT content providers such as Netflix and Crave TV. In April, TELUS launched a new OTT-friendly basic TV offering called Pik TV, which allows customers to access live TV and streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, flexibly and affordably, through a self-install media box.

Telecommunications companies continue to make significant capital investments in broadband networks, with a focus on fibre to the premises or home (FTTP/FTTH) to maintain and enhance their ability to support enhanced IP-based services and higher broadband speeds. Cable-TV companies continue to evolve their cable networks with the gradual roll-out of the DOCSIS 3.1 platform. Although this platform increases speed in the near term and is cost-efficient, it does not offer the same advanced capabilities as FTTP over the longer term. Our Optik TV capable footprint covers more than 3 million households and businesses, with approximately 93% having access to speeds of at least 50 Mbps, enabling us to deliver a better customer experience. In addition, at the end of 2017, our fibre-optic network was available to approximately 1.44 million homes and businesses. Advances in LTE wireless technology and our extensive LTE network also increasingly allow us to target otherwise underserved areas with a fixed wireless solution.

Combining wireline local and long distance voice services with wireless and high-speed Internet access and entertainment services, telecommunications companies are focused on offering bundled products to achieve competitive differentiation and provide customers with more flexibility and choice on networks that can reliably support these services. Our broadband investments, including the build-out of our FTTP broadband network, our premium differentiated IP-based Optik TV service and integrated bundled service offerings, continue to enhance our competitive position and customer loyalty relative to our main cable-TV competitor.

As the industry moves to 5G wireless in the coming years, we expect to be operating on, and providing services over, a more converged network. The lines between wireline and wireless will continue to blur based on how we deliver services to customers and how customers use those services. As our broadband network continues to expand and 5G begins to be commercialized in the coming years, we expect to benefit from the flexibility of determining the most efficient way to deliver services across our footprint. We do not expect to have to build fibre to every home, but rather we believe that there will be options to support parts of our broadband footprint wirelessly with 5G.

TELUS is also a member of the Canadian Digital Supercluster and the Smart Agri-food Supercluster consortiums that have been shortlisted to phase two of the application process for funding through the federal government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative. The mission of the Supercluster consortiums with which we are involved is to leverage the power of data collection, analysis and visualization in order to realize innovations that deliver economic growth, new skilled jobs and improved health, social and environmental outcomes that benefit Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Additional wireline capabilities

In the business market (enterprise and small and medium-sized businesses, or SMB), the convergence of IT and telecommunications, facilitated by the ubiquity of IP, continues to shape the competitive environment, with non-traditional providers increasingly blurring the lines of competition and business models. Cable-TV companies continue to make investments to better compete in the highly contested SMB space. Telecommunications companies like TELUS are providing network-centric managed applications that leverage their significant FTTP investments, while IT service providers are bundling network connectivity with their proprietary software as service offerings.

The development of IP-based platforms providing combined IP voice, data and video solutions creates potential cost efficiencies that compensate, in part, for the loss of margins resulting from the migration from legacy to IP-based services. New opportunities exist for integrated solutions and business process outsourcing that could have a greater

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business impact than traditional telecommunications services. Data security represents both a challenge and an opportunity for TELUS to provide customers with our data security solutions. Increasingly, businesses are looking to partner with their communications service provider to address their business goals and challenges, and to tailor cloud-based solutions for their needs that leverage telecommunications in ways not imagined 10 years ago. Cloud computing is changing service delivery to always-on and everything-as-a-service, and strong growth is expected in this area. TELUS offers Network as a Service capabilities that provide businesses the option of an IT network as a service over the Internet, mirrored across multiple locations, based on a self-serve platform that reduces deployment cycles and reliance on IT specialists.

Healthcare is expected to be a growth area in future years, based on an aging population in Canada, an increasing emphasis on chronic disease management, and the potential benefits that technology can deliver in terms of efficiency and effectiveness within the sector. We are leveraging our expanding broadband network to increase the availability, integration and effectiveness of our innovative tools and applications across the primary care ecosystem in order to position ourselves to compete for the anticipated future growth in this sector. These tools include personal health records to facilitate self-management of healthcare data, electronic drug prescriptions with online insurance validation by the physician, and home health monitoring devices and data capture with caregiver oversight. The digitization of everyday functions in the healthcare ecosystem, combined with broadband network connectivity, provides an open platform that can support the development and delivery of even more advanced health applications. Our home health monitoring is being implemented in B.C. following a successful pilot which demonstrated reductions in hospitalizations, positive patient experiences and significant cost reductions. Pharma Space®, our online pharmacy service that helps patients manage their prescriptions through features like scheduling online reminders and automatic refills, is now being accessed by more than 300,000 customers. In 2017, TELUS commenced a partnership with Canada Health Infoway to develop and administer PrescribeIT, an open, national e-prescribing service. Our acquisition of Kroll Computer Systems enhanced geographic reach, expertise and the quality of our product offering as a national pharmacy management services provider. In 2017, we also launched MedDialog, a national clinical solution that allows doctors to communicate electronically with other physicians regarding care of their patients directly from their electronic medical records.

TELUS International (TI), our leading global business process and information technology (IT) outsourcing provider, continues its expansion through organic growth and strategic acquisitions (see Section 1.3 Highlights of 2017 for further details). From our successful inception 12 years ago in the Philippines, established to support TELUS’ growing customer service needs, TI has grown exponentially in size, scope and geographic diversity to deliver exceptional customer experiences for some of the world’s most iconic brands from sites in North and Central America, Europe and Asia. Notably, the acquisition of Xavient Information Systems, a global IT consulting and next-generation software services company, accelerates TI’s ability to expand its global IT services offering with the addition of advanced, next-generation IT consulting and delivery capabilities, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Digital Transformation services, User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) design, Open Source Platform services, Cloud services, OTT solutions, IoT, Big Data services, DevOps, and IT Lifecycle services, in order to provide a more comprehensive suite of services to existing and prospective clients. TI strengthens TELUS’ ability to provide global clients with leading, differentiated services that align with our top priority of delivering the best customer experience to all our customers.

As technology in our industry continues to change rapidly and customer demand continues to grow, and as Canada evolves toward a more digital economy, we are committed to evolving our business to offer innovative and reliable services and thought leadership in core future growth areas that are complementary to our traditional business. This — along with our intense focus on leadership in delivering an enhanced customer experience — positions us for continued differentiation and growth.

9.3 TELUS assumptions for 2018

In 2018, we expect growth in both wireless and wireline EBITDA, driven by the continued high demand for data services and high-speed Internet access in our wireless and wireline products and services; our consistent strategic focus on our core wireless and wireline capabilities (see Section 2.2 Strategic imperatives, Section 3 Corporate Priorities and Section 4 Capabilities); significant ongoing investments in our leading broadband networks; continued efforts to enhance operational efficiency; and our sustained focus on an enhanced customer experience across all areas of our operations.

Our assumptions in support of our 2018 outlook are generally based on the industry analysis above, including our estimates regarding economic and telecom industry growth (see Section 1.2 The environment in which we operate), as well as our 2017 results and trends discussed in Section 5. Our key assumptions include the following:

·Slightly slower rate of economic growth in Canada in 2018, estimated to be 2.2% (3.1% in 2017). For our incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) provinces in Western Canada, we estimate that economic growth in B.C. will be 2.5% in 2018 (3.4% in 2017), and that economic growth in Alberta will be 2.4% in 2018 (3.9% in 2017).

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·No material adverse regulatory rulings or government actions.

·Continued intense wireless and wireline competition in both consumer and business markets.

·An increase in wireless industry penetration of the Canadian market.

·Ongoing subscriber adoption of, and upgrades to, data-intensive smartphones, as customers want more mobile connectivity to the Internet.

·Wireless revenue growth resulting from growth in both postpaid subscriber loading and blended ARPU.

·Continued pressure on wireless acquisition and retention expenses, dependent on gross loading and customer renewal volumes, competitive intensity and customer preferences.

·Continued growth in wireline data revenue, resulting from an increase in high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscribers, speed upgrades and expanding broadband infrastructure, as well as business outsourcing and healthcare solutions.

·Continued erosion of wireline voice revenue, resulting from technological substitution and greater use of inclusive long distance and lower wholesale volumes.

·Continued focus on our customers first initiatives and maintaining our customers’ likelihood-to-recommend scores.

·Employee defined benefit pension plans: Pension plan expense of approximately $97 million recorded in Employee benefits expense and approximately $14 million recorded in employee defined benefit pension plans net interest in Financing costs; a 3.40% rate for discounting the obligation and a 3.50% rate for current service costs for employee defined benefit pension plan accounting purposes; and defined benefit pension plan funding of approximately $50 million.

·Restructuring and other costs of approximately $135 million for continuing operational effectiveness initiatives, with margin enhancement initiatives to mitigate pressures related to intense competition, technological substitution, repricing of our services, increasing subscriber growth and retention costs, and integration costs associated with the home security customer acquisition.

·Income taxes: Income taxes computed at applicable statutory rate of 26.7 to 27.3% and cash income tax payments of approximately $170 to $230 million (2017 — $191 million). Cash tax payments are expected to be relatively consistent with 2017.

·Further investments in broadband infrastructure as we approach nearly 50% of our targeted coverage footprint, including expanding our fibre-optic network and 4G LTE capacity expansion and upgrades, as well as investments in network and systems resiliency and reliability.

·No wireless spectrum auctions anticipated in 2018.

·Stabilization in the average Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rate (U.S. 77 cents in 2017).

9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings

Our telecommunications, broadcasting and radiocommunication services are regulated under federal laws by various authorities, including the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The following is a summary of certain significant regulatory developments and proceedings relevant to our business and our industry. This summary is not intended to be a comprehensive legal analysis and description of all of the specific issues described. Although we have indicated where we do not currently expect the outcome of a development or proceeding to be material to us, there can be no assurance that the expected outcome will occur or that our current assessment of its likely impact on us will be accurate. See Section 10.4 Regulatory matters.

Radiocommunication licences and spectrum-related matters

ISED regulates, among other matters, the allocation and use of radio spectrum in Canada and licenses radio apparatus, frequency bands and/or radio channels within various frequency bands to service providers and private users. The department also establishes the terms and conditions attaching to such radio authorizations, including restrictions on licence transfers, coverage obligations, research and development obligations, annual reporting, and obligations concerning mandated roaming and antenna site sharing with competitors.

600 MHz spectrum repurposing decision released

On August 14, 2015, ISED published Decision on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band, SLPB-004-15. In its decision, ISED announced its intention to jointly repack the 600 MHz band in line with the U.S. and to adopt the 70 MHz mobile band plan arising from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Incentive Auction. On August 4, 2017, ISED released a Consultation on a Technical, Policy and Licensing Framework for Spectrum in the 600 MHz band that proposed a 30

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MHz set aside for facilities-based operators with less than 10% mobile subscriber market share. An auction of 600 MHz spectrum in Canada is not expected until 2019 and there is a high risk that the final rules favour certain carriers.

On June 5, 2017, ISED released a Consultation on Releasing Millimetre Wave Spectrum to Support 5G.  It is expected that ISED will publish its decision on this consultation in 2018 and then consult on licensing frameworks (i.e. auction rules and conditions of licence) for the 28 GHz and 37-40 GHz bands. There is a risk that any auction rules favour certain carriers.

On October 6, 2017, ISED released a Consultation on the Spectrum Outlook 2018 — 2022. There is a risk that bands identified as promising for mobile service are not allocated for mobile service or are delayed in being allocated.

Regulatory and federal government reviews

The CRTC and the federal government have initiated public proceedings to review various matters. They are discussed below.

CRTC decision on Review of the Wireless Code

On June 15, 2017, the CRTC issued Review of the Wireless Code, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2017-200. The major changes to the Wireless Code relate to: (i) the removal of unlocking fees and the requirement to sell all devices unlocked as of December 1, 2017; (ii) changes to the bill management features about how the $50 data usage cap and $100 data roaming cap are calculated and how consent to obtain additional usage is obtained; and (iii) amendments to the mandated trial period for customers who obtain a postpaid wireless contract. Changes to the Wireless Code were to be implemented by December 1, 2017. On November 16, 2017, TELUS filed an application to the CRTC seeking an extension to the new bill management requirements to March 31, 2018. The CRTC has not yet ruled on this request, but we do not expect a significant impact on TELUS regardless of whether the extension is granted. TELUS completed its implementation process for all other requirements by the December 1, 2017 deadline.

CRTC decision to require pro-rated refunds

On May 5, 2016, the CRTC issued Quebecor Media Inc. — Prohibition of 30-day cancellation policies — Application regarding pro-rated refunds for cancelled services, Telecom Decision CRTC 2016-171, in which the CRTC, among other things, mandated that all service providers are to provide pro-rated refunds to customers who cancel telecommunications and broadcasting service contracts. This decision was unexpected, in that it was contradicted by guidance that TELUS and third parties had received from CRTC staff following a 2014 CRTC decision regarding prohibition of a notice period for cancellation of services and in light of past decisions on the Wireless Code and notice of cancellation policies that had not mandated pro-rated refunds. The decision impacts billing systems, with no transition period provided to implement the required changes. On July 4, 2016, TELUS filed an application with the CRTC seeking guidance and clarification that the decision does not apply with respect to wireless services with a subsidized device, usage-based services and local telephone service in non-forborne exchanges. TELUS also requested an extension of time to implement the decision. At the CRTC’s request, TELUS filed further submissions on August 14, 2017, and September 5, 2017. The CRTC has yet to issue a decision on this matter. The potential impact of this decision is not expected to be material.

Wireline wholesale services followup

On July 22, 2015, the CRTC released Review of wholesale wireline services and associated policies, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-326. The major component of this decision was that the CRTC ordered the introduction of a disaggregated wholesale high-speed Internet access service for ISP competitors. This will include access to FTTP facilities. This requirement is being phased in geographically beginning in the largest markets in Ontario and Quebec (i.e. in the serving territories of Bell Aliant, Bell Canada, Cogeco, Rogers and Videotron). The CRTC initiated a followup proceeding to determine the technical configurations, appropriate costs and wholesale cost-based rates in those regions.

The FTTP followup activities directed in Telecom Policy CRTC 2015-326 remain ongoing. Associated tariff and cost study reviews have been completed for Bell, Rogers, Videotron and Cogeco and a decision is pending. For the second phase, which involves FTTP wholesale services for the rest of Canada (including TELUS’ serving territories), a proceeding on technical configurations commenced in 2017, and the associated cost study and tariff review will follow. TELUS anticipates no material adverse impact in the short term from the CRTC’s decision. Given the phased implementation of the mandated provision of wholesale access to our FTTP networks, it is too early to determine the impact this decision will have on TELUS in the longer term. The determination that the provision of access to unbundled local loops to competitors will no longer be mandated and will be phased out over a three-year transition period is not expected to have a material impact on TELUS.

Wireless wholesale services roaming tariffs

On May 5, 2015, the CRTC determined that it would regulate the wholesale GSM-based domestic roaming rates that TELUS, Rogers and Bell charge other wireless carriers. Proposed final tariff rates were filed by TELUS, Rogers and Bell on November 23, 2015, based on the CRTC’s Phase II costing approach. A decision on the final rates from the CRTC is

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pending. Interim rates are currently in place. While TELUS does not currently expect that the decision will have a negative material impact, the impact will be assessed once the final wholesale roaming rates have been approved.

Governor in Council’s order to the CRTC to reconsider wireless service providers’ wholesale mobile roaming service tariffs

The Governor in Council has ordered the CRTC to reconsider Wholesale mobile wireless roaming service tariffs - Final terms and conditions, Telecom Decision CRTC 2017-56. The CRTC has been ordered to reconsider whether Wi-Fi networks could be considered as a home network for service providers seeking mandated roaming. The CRTC’s reconsideration is to be completed by March 31, 2018. In response to this request, the CRTC has issued Reconsideration of Telecom Decision 2017-56 regarding final terms and conditions for wholesale mobile wireless roaming service, Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2017-259, thereby initiating a proceeding to review this matter. Subsequent to the Governor in Council’s order, TNW Wireless Inc. brought an application requesting the CRTC to order TELUS and Bell Mobility to each provide wholesale roaming for a primarily Wi-Fi based service offering. The CRTC will render its decision in TNC 2017-259 and then consider whether TNW Wireless is entitled to mandated roaming. The proceeding initiated by TNC 2017-259 is now complete and a decision is pending from the Commission. It is too early to determine what impact a decision further to TNC 2017-259 may have on TELUS. This decision may broaden competition in wireless services if mandated roaming is allowed. The CRTC has stated that it will not rule on the TNW application until after it has rendered a decision in the proceeding initiated by TNC 2017-259.

Phase-out of local service subsidy regime

On April 6, 2017, the CRTC issued Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2017-92, in which it sought comments on its proposed approach to the phase-out of the local service subsidy regime and associated policies. This notice is part of the followup activities resulting from Modern telecommunications services — The path forward for Canada’s digital economy, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-496, issued on December 21, 2016. TELUS continues to have the obligation to provide local telephone service in all exchanges, which our competitors do not have. TELUS participated in this proceeding to seek greater pricing flexibility in regulated high cost exchanges if subsidies are removed and to ensure that we are compensated for any obligation to serve. TELUS and other parties filed their final comments in this proceeding on  September 29, 2017. A decision is expected in 2018. It is too early to determine the potential impact of the proceeding on TELUS.

Development of the CRTC’s new broadband funding regime

On April 25, 2017, the CRTC issued Development of the Commission’s broadband funding regime, Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2017-112. This consultation follows on the CRTC’s Modern telecommunications services decision issued on December 21, 2016, in which the CRTC set a new universal service objective that included fixed and mobile wireless broadband Internet access services and stated that it would begin to shift the focus of its current regulatory frameworks from wireline voice services to broadband in order to assist in expanding the availability and adoption of broadband Internet access services. The CRTC also set out its preliminary views on the establishment of a new broadband funding mechanism in that decision. In Notice of Consultation 2017-112, the CRTC called for comments on the various issues pertaining to the establishment of the new broadband funding regime, including governance of the new fund, operating and accountability frameworks, as well as eligibility and assessment criteria for proposed projects. The CRTC also sought comments on its preliminary views on the new broadband fund set out in Telecom Regulatory Policy 2016-496. TELUS filed its final submission on December 18, 2017, and is now awaiting the CRTC’s decision. It is too early to determine the potential impact that this proceeding may have on TELUS.

9-1-1 networks

On March 29, 2016, the CRTC issued Establishment of a regulatory framework for next generation 9-1-1 in Canada, Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2016-116. The CRTC announced this proceeding to establish a regulatory framework for next generation 9-1-1 services that will take into account the evolving public safety needs of Canadians, in that next generation 9-1-1 services will provide access to new and innovative 9-1-1 capabilities. TELUS participated in an oral hearing phase of the proceeding in mid-January 2017 and filed its final comments on January 31, 2017. It is not expected that the CRTC’s review will have a material impact on TELUS’ operations.

Review of tariffs for aggregated wholesale high-speed access services

The CRTC is conducting a review of cost studies and rates associated with aggregated wholesale high-speed access services, which are services provided by incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and cable companies on their respective DSL and cable facilities to ISPs, which then resell high-speed Internet services. Aggregated wholesale services are expected to be phased out once disaggregated wholesale services are in place. The review is now complete and a decision from the CRTC is pending. It is not expected that the outcome of this review will have a material impact on TELUS.

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Broadcasting-related issues

Broadcasting distribution undertaking licences held by TELUS

TELUS’ regional licences to operate broadcasting distribution undertakings in B.C. and Alberta were granted a series of administrative renewals, which extended the licence terms to May 31, 2018. TELUS has filed applications for new broadcasting distribution licences to serve markets in British Columbia and Alberta that exceed the 20,000 subscriber threshold for exemption, and a public hearing was held in October 2017 to consider these applications. TELUS’ regional broadcasting distribution licence to serve Quebec expires in August 2018, and as part of the renewal process, TELUS has filed an application to return its province-wide regional licences in favour of operating on an exempt basis in each of its currently licensed serving areas in Quebec. In July 2014, the CRTC approved our application for a licence to operate a national pay-per-view service (scheduled to expire on August 31, 2020). TELUS’ licence to operate a national video-on-demand service was renewed to August 31, 2023 as part of Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2018-20.

Enforcement of vertical integration framework

In September 2011, the CRTC announced a policy framework to address concerns relating to the potential incentive for anti-competitive behaviour by companies that own both programming services and distribution networks (vertically integrated broadcasting companies). The CRTC subsequently introduced a new code of conduct through amendments to the various broadcasting regulations and exemption orders. Following the CRTC’s “Let’s Talk TV” proceeding in 2014, the CRTC further expanded its ability to deal with anti-competitive conduct by replacing the code of conduct with a new Wholesale Code that has been made enforceable by conditions of licence. This new Wholesale Code includes many new provisions to address abusive practices by vertically integrated broadcasting companies regarding the carriage of their programming services. In particular, the new Wholesale Code sets out a list of prohibited conduct and criteria to determine the fair market value of programming services in order to ensure that vertically integrated entities are prevented from artificially inflating the cost of services for their competitors. Bell Canada was granted leave to appeal the CRTC’s decision relating to the new Wholesale Code and the appeal was heard at the Federal Court of Appeal November 14, 2017.

Without timely and strict enforcement of the vertical integration safeguards, there is a risk that vertically integrated competitors could unfairly raise programming costs for non-vertically integrated companies such as TELUS, and/or attempt to withhold content on digital media platforms, such as Internet and mobile platforms, or otherwise disadvantage us in our ability to attract and retain wireless or Optik TV customers. See Vertical integration into broadcast content ownership by competitors in Section 10.2.

Review of Canada’s cultural policies

On September 28, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced a new policy framework for a Creative Canada.  This policy framework focuses on 1) investing in Canadian creators and cultural entrepreneurs; 2) promoting discovery and distribution of Canadian content at home and globally; and 3) strengthening public broadcasting and support for local news. The Minister has indicated in her official speech unveiling this new policy framework that the federal government would not support any new levy on Internet service providers, similar to the levy on broadcasting distribution undertakings. As a result, this new policy framework is not expected to have any negative material impact on TELUS.

Review and modernizing of the Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act

In its budget announcement on March 22, 2017, the federal government recognized the impact of the digital age on Canada’s media and broadcasting industries and indicated its intention to review and modernize the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act, looking specifically at issues relating to content creation in the digital age, net neutrality and cultural diversity. This announcement dovetails with CRTC consultations regarding distribution models of the future, described below. It is not expected to have any material negative impact on TELUS.

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CRTC ordered to report back to federal government on distribution models of the future

On September 22, 2017, the Governor-in-Council (federal cabinet) issued an Order in Council pursuant to section 15 of the Broadcasting Act to request that the CRTC hold hearings and report on distribution models of the future and how Canadians will access programming. The deadline for the CRTC’s report back to the federal government is June 1, 2018. On October 12, 2017, the CRTC launched a two-phase consultation process, which began with a written process on December 1, 2017. TELUS participated in the first phase, and will participate in the second phase by the February 13, 2018, deadline. While the CRTC’s report to the federal government will likely form part of the record for the parallel review of the Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act, it is not expected to have any negative material impact on TELUS.

Review of the Copyright Act and Copyright Board

The Copyright Act’s mandated five-year review was due in 2017 and the process for review was announced in December 2017. Hearings are to be conducted by the Standing Committee for Industry, Science and Technology, in co-operation with the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, and are expected to begin in early 2018. The policy approach for copyright has traditionally been based on a balance of interests of creators and consumers. As a result, changes to the Copyright Act are not expected to have any negative material impact on TELUS.

North American Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has released its summary of objectives for the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, the United States and Mexico. The United States government has identified a number of items, including trade in services (including telecommunications services), digital trade in goods and services and cross-border data flows, intellectual property (including copyright) and competition policy, among others, as potential items for negotiation. The Government of Canada has since outlined Canada’s 10 priorities for NAFTA renegotiation, none of which include detailed telecommunications or intellectual property objectives. On the issue of cultural exemptions, the Government of Canada has clearly stated that it is committed to maintaining the current exemption for the cultural industries found in NAFTA. NAFTA negotiations have begun and are ongoing. It remains unclear what issues will be negotiated, the outcome of negotiations, and the potential impact that the NAFTA negotiations may have on TELUS.

10.Risks and risk management

10.1 Overview

In the normal course of our business activities, we are exposed to both risks and opportunities. Risk oversight and management processes are integral elements of our risk governance and strategic planning efforts.

Board risk governance and oversight

We maintain strong risk governance and oversight practices, with risk oversight responsibilities as outlined in the Board’s and the Board committees’ terms of reference. The Board is responsible for ensuring the identification of material risks to our business and overseeing the implementation of appropriate systems and processes to identify, monitor and manage material risks.

In addition:

·Risks on the enterprise key risk profile are assigned for Board or committee oversight

·Board committees provide updates to the Board on risks overseen by those committees based on their respective terms of reference

·Board or Board committees may request risk briefings by our executive risk owners. The Vice-President, Risk Management and Chief Internal Auditor attends and/or receives a summary of these briefings.

Risk governance and culture

We have a strong risk governance culture across TELUS that starts with clear risk management leadership and transparent communications, supported by our Board and Executive Leadership Team. Accountability for the management of risks and reporting of risk information is clearly defined through our approach to risk governance.

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Training and awareness programs, appropriate resources and risk champions help to ensure we have the risk management competencies necessary to support effective decision-making across the organization. Ethics are integral to TELUS’ risk governance culture and our code of ethics and conduct directs team members to meet the highest standards of integrity in business decisions and actions.

Responsibilities for risk management

We use a multi-step approach to manage risks, with responsibility shared across the organization. The first line of defence is executive and operating management, whose members have integrated risk management into core decision-making processes (including strategic planning processes) and day-to-day operations. We have risk management and compliance functions across the organization, including Finance, Legal, Privacy, Security and Business Continuity offices, which form the second line of defence. These functions work collaboratively with management to monitor the design and operation of controls. Internal Audit is the third line of defence and provides independent assurance regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of risk management and controls across all aspects of the business.

Definition of business risk

We define business risk as the degree of exposure associated with the achievement of key strategic, financial, organizational and process objectives in relation to the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, the reliability and integrity of financial reporting, compliance with laws, regulations, policies, procedures and contracts, and safeguarding of assets within an ethical organizational culture.

Our enterprise risks arise primarily from our business environment and are fundamentally linked to our strategies and business objectives. We strive to proactively mitigate our risk exposures through performance planning, business operational management and risk response strategies, which can include mitigating, transferring, retaining and/or avoiding risks. For example, residual exposure for certain risks is mitigated through insurance coverage, where we judge this to be efficient and commercially viable. We also mitigate risks through contract terms, as well as through contingency planning and other risk response strategies, as appropriate.

We strive to avoid taking on undue risk whenever possible and work to ensure alignment of risks with business strategies, objectives, values and risk tolerances.

Risk and control assessment process

We use a three-level enterprise risk and control assessment process that solicits and incorporates the input of team members from all areas of TELUS and enables us to track multi-year trends in key risks and the control environment across the organization.

Three-level enterprise risk and control assessment process

Level one: Annual risk and control assessment

Annually, we undertake a comprehensive review that brings together interviews with executive leaders, information from our ongoing strategic planning process, consideration of recent internal and external audits, SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) compliance and risk management activities, and an enterprise-wide risk and control environment assessment aligned with the  COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) enterprise risk management and internal control integrated frameworks.

The assessment is widely distributed to our leadership team (including all executive vice-presidents and vice-presidents) and a random sample of management professional team members. More than 1,600 individuals participated in the assessment in 2017.

Key enterprise risks are identified, defined and prioritized. Risk appetite and effectiveness of risk management integration are evaluated by risk category and fraud risks are considered. Executive-level risk owners are assigned for each key risk and Board and committee risk oversight responsibilities are defined in our Board Policy and Terms of Reference.

Board members also complete an annual assessment in which they provide perspectives on our key risks and approach to enterprise risk management, and gauge our risk appetite by risk category.

Results of the assessments are shared with senior management, our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee and inform the development of our risk-focused internal audit program, which is approved by the Audit Committee. Risk assessments are also incorporated into our strategic planning, operational risk management and performance management processes.

Level two: Quarterly risk assessment

We conduct quarterly risk assessment reviews with our executive-level risk owners and designated risk primes across all business units to capture and communicate changing business risks, assess perceptions on inherent and residual risk, identify key risk mitigation activities, and provide quarterly updates and assurance to the Audit Committee and other applicable Board committees.

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Three-level enterprise risk and control assessment process

Level three: Granular risk assessment

We conduct granular risk assessments for specific audit engagements and various risk management, strategic and operational initiatives (e.g. strategic planning, project and environmental management, safety, business continuity planning, network and IT vulnerability, and fraud and ethics). The results of the multiple risk assessments are evaluated, prioritized, updated and integrated into the key risk profile, policies and processes throughout the year.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The following subsections describe our principal risks and uncertainties and associated risk mitigation activities. The significance of these risks is such that they alone or in combination may have material impacts on our business operations, results, reputation and brand, as well as the valuation used by investment analysts to evaluate TELUS.

Although we believe the measures taken to mitigate risks described in each risk section below are reasonable, there can be no expectation or assurance that they will effectively mitigate or fully address the risks described or that new developments and risks will not materially affect our operations or financial results. Forward-looking statements in this section and elsewhere in this MD&A are based on the assumption that our risk mitigation measures will be effective. See Caution regarding forward-looking statements.

10.2 Competition

Customer experience

Our customers’ loyalty and their likelihood to recommend TELUS are both dependent upon our ability to provide a service experience that meets or exceeds their expectations. Consequently, if our service experience or sales practices do not meet or exceed customer expectations, TELUS’ reputation and brand could suffer, potentially resulting in higher rates of customer churn. Meanwhile, our profitability could be negatively impacted should customer net additions decrease and/or the costs to acquire and retain customers increase.

Risk mitigation: Our top corporate priority is putting customers first and earning our way to industry leadership in the likelihood to recommend from our clients. In addition, 55% of our scorecard is weighted to team member engagement and customer  experience. Effective and fair compensation plans are part of achieving high  team member engagement and include measures on how well we serve the customer - through the eyes of the customer. To enhance the customer experience, we continue to invest in our products and services, system and network reliability, team members and system and process improvements. Additionally, we endeavour to introduce innovative products and services, enhance our current services with integrated bundled offers and invest in customer-focused initiatives to bring greater transparency and simplicity to our customers, all in order to help differentiate our services from those of our competitors. With respect to sales practices at TELUS, the primary performance objective for TELUS call centre team members in sales functions is customer satisfaction levels. TELUS has a policy in place requiring that each customer enjoy any new TELUS service for a minimum of 60 days before the customer service representative involved is rewarded in any fashion (See Strategic imperatives in Section 2.2 and Corporate priorities in Section 3.)

Intense wireless competition is expected to continue

At the end of 2017, there were eight facilities-based wireless competitors operating in Canada, three national carriers, including TELUS, Rogers and Bell, along with five other regional carriers. (See Competition overview in Section 4.1.) Shaw Communications’ Freedom Mobile will lead to increased competitive intensity in wireless services across major urban markets in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. In addition, the national carriers each operate three distinct brands to better compete across various customer segments. In late 2017, BCE launched its third brand, Lucky Mobile, a new service targeting the prepaid segment. Lucky Mobile will initially be available to customers in B.C., Alberta and Ontario and is expected to increase the competitive intensity for prepaid services.

Also in 2017, BCE completed its acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS). The acquisition also included a sale of certain MTS wireless customers and retail locations to both TELUS and Xplornet Communications. As part of regulatory approval, BCE also divested certain wireless spectrum licences previously held by MTS to Xplornet.

All wireless competitors use various promotional offers to attract customers, including price discounting on both handsets and rate plans, large allotments of data, flat-rate pricing for voice and data, and bundling with other wireline services. Such promotional activity, as well as the sustained consumer appetite for higher-value smartphones, combined with the effect of the ongoing weakness in the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate, may continue to lead to higher costs of acquisition and retention. Meanwhile, more inclusive rate plans, including larger allotments of data for data sharing and international roaming, and substitution to increasingly available Wi-Fi networks could lead to pressure on data usage, resulting in pressure on average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) and customer churn. (See Wireless trends and seasonality in Section 5.4.) In addition, changes to the Wireless Code (see Regulatory and

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federal government reviews in Section 9.4), including the removal of unlocking fees and the requirement to sell all devices unlocked as of December 1, 2017, may increase the risk of customer churn.

We also expect increased competition based on the use of unlicensed spectrum to deliver higher-speed data services, such as the use of Wi-Fi networks to deliver entertainment to customers beyond the home. In addition, satellite operators such as Xplornet are augmenting their existing high-speed Internet access (HSIA) services by launching high-throughput satellites. See also Section 9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings.

Risk mitigation: Our 4G wireless networks cover approximately 99% of Canada’s population, facilitated by network access agreements with Bell Canada and SaskTel. Wireless 4G technologies have enabled us to establish and maintain a strong position in smartphone and data device selection and expand roaming capability to more than 225 countries. Faster data download speeds provided by these technologies enable delivery of our Optik on the go service to mobile devices when customers are beyond the reach of Wi-Fi.

To compete more effectively in a variety of customer segments, we also offer two flanker brands, Koodo Mobile and Public Mobile. These two brands are in addition to our full-service TELUS brand. We believe that by leveraging our three brands through uniquely targeted value propositions and distinct distribution channels, including web-based channels, we are well positioned to compete with other wireless providers.

We continue our disciplined long-term strategy of investing in the growth areas of our Company and executing upon our customers first priority. We intend to continue to market and distribute innovative and differentiated wireless services; offer bundled wireless services (e.g. voice, text and data), including data sharing plans; invest in our extensive network and systems to support customer service; evolve technologies; invest in our distribution channels; and acquire the use of spectrum to facilitate service development and the expansion of our subscriber base, as well as to address the accelerating growth in demand for data usage. Our investments in our fibre-optic network are supporting our small-cell technology strategy to improve coverage, capacity and back-haul while preparing for a more efficient and timely evolution to a converged 5G network. In addition, we continue to implement operational effectiveness initiatives to drive improvements in EBITDA. (See Reorganizations and integration of acquisitions in Section 10.6.)

Wireline voice and data competition

We expect competition to remain intense from traditional telephony, data, IP and information technology (IT) service providers, as well as from VoIP-focused competitors in both consumer and business markets. This competitive intensity, including the use of various promotional offers, also places pressures on ARPU, churn and costs of acquisition and retention.

The industry continues to transition from legacy voice infrastructure to IP telephony and Unified Communications, and from legacy data platforms to mature data platforms such as Ethernet, IP virtual private networks, multi-protocol label switching IP platforms and emerging software-defined networking solutions. These transitions continue to create both uncertainties and opportunities. Legacy data revenues and margins continue to decline, and this has been only partially offset by growth in demand and/or migration of customers to IP-based platforms. IP-based solutions are also subject to downward pricing pressure, lower margins and technological evolution.

Business

In the business wireline market, traditional facilities-based competitors continue to compete on the basis of network footprint and reliability, while over-the-top (OTT) providers emphasize price, flexibility and ease of use. Having made significant investments in voice over IP (VoIP), security and IT services for business, cable-based competitors are using price discounting to drive new customer acquisition and retention. In addition, larger cloud service providers, such as Amazon and Microsoft, leverage global scale to deliver low-cost data storage and cloud computing services, but lack the depth and breadth of capabilities to deliver integrated solutions, as well as the local implementation and adoption support required for customers to realize the full value of their investments in managed IT and security services. Rapidly advancing technologies, such as software-defined networks and virtualized network functions, enable the layering of new services in cloud-centric solutions. Evolving customer needs represent both a growth opportunity and a risk to TELUS’ legacy voice and data revenue, as businesses seek to migrate fixed local line, long distance and/or voicemail services to the new cloud-centric market paradigm.

Consumer

In the consumer wireline market, cable-TV companies and other competitors continue to combine a mix of residential local VoIP, long distance, HSIA and, in some cases, wireless services under one bundled and/or discounted monthly rate, along with their existing broadcast or satellite-based TV services. In 2017, Shaw Communications, our primary cable competitor in Alberta and B.C., continued to offer deeply discounted promotional offers, including bundled Internet and BlueSky TV offers. BlueSky TV is Shaw’s next-generation TV service, licensing the platform developed by Comcast, a U.S.-based cable company. In 2017, other Canadian cable companies, including Rogers Communications and Quebecor, have announced plans to license the Comcast TV platform. Rogers plans to begin rolling out its next-

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generation TV service in 2018, while Quebecor has not announced its roll-out schedule. In addition, Canadian cable competitors continue to increase the speed of their HSIA offerings and their roll-out of Wi-Fi services in metropolitan areas. To a lesser extent, other non-facilities-based competitors offer local and long distance VoIP services over the Internet and resell HSIA solutions. Technological innovation has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the performance and speed of satellite-based Internet access services and significantly enhanced their competiveness. Xplornet recently launched a high-throughput low orbit 4G broadband satellite, allowing it to provide high-speed Internet access services with speeds and performance comparable to or better than available wireline Internet access service. Erosion of our residential network access lines (NALs) is expected to continue due to this competition and ongoing technological substitution to wireless and VoIP. Legacy voice revenues are also expected to continue to decline. It is expected that competition in the consumer space will remain intense.

Risk mitigation: To improve our competitive position, we are making significant investments in our wireline broadband infrastructure, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to our gigabit-capable fibre-optic network. These investments meet customer demand for faster Internet service, including symmetrical download and upload speeds, expand the coverage of our high-speed Internet service and extend the coverage, capability and content lineup of our IP-based TV services, including Optik TV in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec and Pik TV in Western Canada (see Broadcasting below). Additionally, we offer customers in underserved communities a fixed wireless Internet service over our LTE network, further expanding our broadband reach. Our broadband investments extend the reach and functionality of our business and healthcare solutions and will support a more efficient and timely evolution to a converged 5G network.

The provision of our IP TV services and service bundles helps us attract and pull through Internet subscriptions and mitigate residential NAL losses. TELUS Satellite TV service in B.C. and Alberta, made possible through an agreement with Bell Canada, complements our expanding IP TV service footprint and enables us to serve households where our IP TV service is not currently available. We also continue to invest in other product development initiatives, including connected home capabilities, such as home security and monitoring, and consumer health solutions. In 2017, we launched Pik TV, a new self-install TV service created to embrace the changing environment where content is increasingly available from OTT services. The new TV service provides a streamlined offer for customers who have ceased and/or never subscribed for TV services. Pik TV customers can access live TV and On Demand channels, as well as popular OTT services and certain other apps, and the Pik TV app lets customers watch certain channels on the go on their tablet or smartphone. Pik TV complements our full-service Optik TV service offering. We also continue to enhance our TV content capabilities through greater choice and flexibility by offering specific channel theme packs and channels on an individual basis, and increased multi-cultural content, as well as by embracing OTT solutions and facilitating those services directly through the set-top box, and enabling ultra-high definition 4K content.

We continue to add to our capabilities in the business market through prudent product development initiatives, including new advanced cloud-based solutions, a combination of acquisitions and partnerships, a focus on key vertical markets (public sector, healthcare, financial services, energy and telecommunications wholesale) and expansion of solution sets in the enterprise market, as well as our modular approach in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market (including services such as TELUS Business Connect) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. In addition, we also have retention plans in place to mitigate the loss of business customers as their needs evolve. Through TELUS Health, we have leveraged our systems, proprietary solutions and third-party solutions to extend our footprint in healthcare and benefit from the investments in eHealth being made by governments. Additionally, through our business process outsourcing services and our multi-site customer service centres, we enable experiences that realize efficiencies, cost savings and business growth for our customers.

Technological substitution may adversely affect market share, volume and pricing

We face technological substitution across all key business lines and market segments, including the consumer, SMB and large enterprise markets.

Technological advances have blurred the boundaries between broadcasting, Internet and telecommunications. (See Section 10.3 Technology.) Wireless carriers and cable-TV companies continue to expand their offerings and launch next-generation TV platforms, resulting in intensified competition for high-speed Internet services in residential and certain SMB markets, as well as for TV services and local access and long distance. OTT services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube compete for share of viewership, which may accelerate the disconnection of TV services or affect subscriber and revenue growth in our TV and entertainment services. Wireless voice ARPU continues to decline as a result of, among other factors, substitution to messaging and OTT applications. We expect industry pressure from customer acquisition efforts and content distribution, costs and pricing to continue across most product and service categories and market segments.

Risk mitigation: Our IP TV and OTT multimedia initiatives provide the next generation of IP TV and, importantly, tie our OTT environment to one platform, enabling TELUS to be agile in the delivery of OTT services, such as Netflix and

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YouTube. They also facilitate cloud-based media delivery and ultimately everything on demand, on any device, on any network. Active monitoring of competitive developments and internal prototyping in product and geographic markets enable us to respond rapidly to competitor offers and leverage our full suite of integrated wireless and wireline solutions and national reach, and we also monitor global telecom carriers for their next-generation OTT offers. To mitigate losses in legacy services in our incumbent areas of B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec, investments are being made in our broadband networks, including our fibre-optic network, in order to increase speeds, improve network reliability, expand our reach and provide an industry-leading customer experience. We also continue to enhance and introduce innovative products and services, such as Pik TV, enable ultra-high definition 4K content, provide integrated bundled offers across our services, and invest in customer-focused initiatives to improve our customers’ experience. The adoption of new technologies and products is pursued to improve the efficiency of our service offerings.

Broadcasting

We offer IP TV services to more than three million households and businesses in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec, and we continue targeted roll-outs in new areas. Our TV services provide numerous interactivity and customization advantages over cable-TV and we have achieved significant market share with more than 1.0 million TV subscribers at December 31, 2017. However, there can be no assurance that subscriber growth rates will be maintained, or that we will achieve planned revenue growth and greater operating efficiency, in the context of a high level of industry market penetration, a declining overall market for paid-TV services and actions by our competitors and content suppliers. In addition, competition from OTT services, content piracy and signal theft could also affect subscriber and revenue growth by accelerating the disconnection of TV services or reducing spending on those services.

Risk mitigation: We have broadened the addressable market for our IP TV services through the deployment of advanced broadband technologies, including the continued expansion of our fibre-optic network to homes and businesses in communities across B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec. We continue to introduce new features and capabilities to our TV services, including OTT offerings such as Netflix and YouTube, and strengthen our leadership position in Western Canada in the number of high-definition linear channels, video-on-demand services and ultra-high definition 4K content.

Vertical integration into broadcast content ownership by competitors

We are not currently seeking to be a broadcast content owner, but some of our competitors own and continue to acquire broadcast content assets. Greater vertical integration could result in content being withheld from us or being made available to us at inflated prices or on unattractive terms.

Risk mitigation: Our strategy is to aggregate, integrate and make accessible content and applications for our customers’ enjoyment, on a timely basis across multiple devices. We do not believe it is necessary to own content in order to make it accessible to customers on an economically attractive basis, provided there is timely and strict enforcement of the CRTC’s regulatory vertical integration safeguards to prevent abusive practices by vertically integrated competitors.

We support a regime under the Broadcasting Act that ensures all Canadian consumers continue to have equitable access to broadcast content irrespective of the distributor or platform they choose. We continue to advocate for the timely and strict enforcement of the CRTC vertical integration safeguards and for further meaningful safeguards, as required. We also actively intervene in broadcast licence renewals of vertically integrated competitors. (See Enforcement of vertical integration framework in Section 9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings.)

10.3 Technology

Technology is a key enabler of our business; however, its evolution brings risks and uncertainties, as well as opportunities. We maintain short-term and long-term strategies to optimize our selection and timely use of technology while minimizing the associated costs, risks and uncertainties. Following are the main technology risks and uncertainties for TELUS and a description of how we proactively address them.

High demand for data challenges wireless networks and may be accompanied by increases in delivery cost

The demand for wireless data services continues to grow rapidly, driven by greater broadband penetration, growing personal connectivity and networking, increasing affordability and selection of smartphones and high-usage data devices, richer multimedia services and applications, IoT services (including machine-to-machine (M2M) data applications and other wearable technology), growth in cloud-based services and wireless price competition. Given the highly competitive wireless market in Canada, we expect that wireless data revenues will grow more slowly than demand for bandwidth. For example, according to the CRTC Communications Monitoring Report 2017, the average data usage per subscriber over mobile wireless networks increased by 25% in 2016, while the CRTC’s measure of retail wireless data revenue increased by 9.4% over the same period. Rising data traffic levels and the fast pace of data device innovation present challenges to providing adequate capacity and maintaining high service levels.

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Risk mitigation: Our ongoing investments in our 4G LTE network, including LTE advanced technology, as well as foundational investments in early 5G capabilities, allow us to manage data capacity demands by more effectively utilizing the spectrum we hold. We intend to implement further standards-based technologies that are ready for commercial deployment to these networks in order to provide higher-performance connectivity solutions. In addition, the evolution to LTE advanced technologies is supported by our investments in IP networks, IP/fibre back-haul to cell sites, including our small cells, and a software-upgradeable radio infrastructure. The LTE advanced expansion is expected to further increase network capacity and speed, reduce delivery costs per megabyte, enable richer multimedia applications and services, and deliver a superior subscriber experience. Our 4G LTE network covers 99% of Canada’s population, up from 97% at the end of 2016. Meanwhile, our LTE advanced network covers 88% of the Canadian population, up from 74% at the end of 2016.

Mobile network infrastructure investment will increasingly be directed to systems based on network function virtualization (NFV) that offer greater capacity for computing and storage, higher resiliency, and more flexible software design. Our large-scale move to national, geographically distributed data centres that use generalized commercial off-the-shelf computing and storage solutions enables the utilization of broad-scale NFV and software-defined network technologies, which will allow us to virtualize much of our infrastructure and will also facilitate a common control plane for coordination of our virtualized and non-virtualized network assets. We architect the intelligence and content capabilities to reside at the edge of our mobility network close to our customers. The distributed smaller-scale computing power and storage deliver faster services better, while managing the traditional need to continually scale the IP/fibre core network infrastructure.

Rapid growth of wireless data volumes requires optimal and efficient utilization of our spectrum holdings, which have more than doubled through our 2014 and 2015 purchases of 700 MHz, AWS-3 and 2500 MHz spectrum licences and provide added capacity to mitigate risks from growing data traffic. We began deploying 700 MHz and 2500 MHz spectrum holdings and we plan to utilize other spectrum licences purchased in recent years in combination with unlicensed supplementary spectrum, as network and device ecosystems evolve. The spectrum licences previously used for our CDMA network are being repurposed for use with LTE technology. Our public Wi-Fi service increasingly integrates seamlessly with our 4G network and offloads data traffic from our wireless spectrum to a continually growing number of available Wi-Fi hotspots. Our deployment of small-cell technology, coupled with both licensed and licence-exempt spectrum technologies, further increases the efficient utilization of our spectrum holdings.

Roll-out and evolution of wireless broadband technologies and systems

As part of a natural 4G network progression, we are committed to LTE advanced, LTE and HSPA+ technology to support medium-term and long-term growth of mobile broadband services. Our business depends on the deployment of wireless technology. We began a staged decommissioning of our iDEN network in 2016, while continuing to support our Mike® private network customers. The repurposing of spectrum holdings must be managed appropriately to ensure optimal use of capital and resources. Overall, as wireless broadband technologies and systems evolve, there is the risk that our future capital expenditures may be higher as our ongoing technology investments could involve costs higher than those historically recorded.

Meanwhile, 5G technology is evolving rapidly and the world’s first standards-based commercial launches are expected in 2019, while smartphones are generally expected to support 5G technology in late 2019 or 2020. It is expected that early 5G ecosystems will operate on three distinct spectrum bands: 3.5 GHz, millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum (28 GHz and 37-40 GHz) and 600 MHz. Globally, 3.5 GHz spectrum is becoming the primary band for 5G mobile coverage. In Canada, 3.5 GHz was auctioned for fixed wireless access (FWA) between 2004 and 2009; it is currently not licensed for mobile applications and is largely held by Inukshuk (a joint venture owned by Bell and Rogers) in most urban markets. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is expected to claw back a portion of Inukshuk’s 3.5 GHz spectrum holdings and re-auction it for flexible use (permitting the deployment for mobile applications, such as 5G). Depending on the amount of 3.5 GHz spectrum clawed back and re-auctioned, there is a risk that TELUS and the other regional operators could end up with less 3.5 GHz spectrum and would not be able to compete equally on network speeds and 5G capacity. Meanwhile, if ISED converts 3.5 GHz spectrum to mobile use before the 3.5 GHz auction concludes, current holders would have access to 5G spectrum before TELUS and could gain a time to market advantage.

With regard to the other spectrum bands, mmWave is expected to be used for very high data demand locations where customers are not only very close to the antenna but also have an unobstructed view of the transmitting site, as this spectrum is limited in propagation to hundreds of metres and can’t cover large areas or penetrate obstacles or buildings. Services using this particular spectrum are expected to be an alternative to fibre to the home (FTTH) deployments. The 600 MHz spectrum band is being targeted for 5G in the United States, particularly by T-Mobile USA. The 600 MHz auction is expected to proceed in Canada in 2019; ISED’s initial proposals for the 600 MHz auction rules included a set-aside of 30 MHz out of 70 MHz of 600 MHz spectrum for regional service providers. Depending on the final rules set by ISED, there is a risk that TELUS may not be able to provide 5G services on 600 MHz at the same level

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of capability as regional wireless carriers. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that rural Canada, which 600MHz propagation is best suited for, will realize the full potential of 5G networks.

Risk mitigation: Our practice is to continually optimize capital investments in order to ensure reasonable payback periods for generating positive cash flows from investments and flexibility in considering future technology evolutions. Some capital investments, such as wireless towers, leasehold improvements and power systems, are technology-neutral.

Our wireless networks evolve through software upgrades to support enhancements in systems based on the third generation partnership project (a project that unites seven telecommunications standard development organizations and provides their members with a stable environment to produce the reports and specifications that define third generation partnership technologies) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers that improve performance, capacity and speed. We expect to be able to leverage the economies of scale and handset variety of the North American and global ecosystems.

Reciprocal network access agreements, principally with Bell Canada, have facilitated our deployment of wireless technologies for the benefit of our customers and provided the means for us to better manage our capital expenditures. These agreements are expected to provide ongoing cost savings, as well as the flexibility to invest in service differentiation and support systems.

We maintain close co-operation with our network technology suppliers and operator partners in order to influence and benefit from developments in LTE advanced, LTE, HSPA+ and Wi-Fi technologies.

In order to influence the timing, rules and policy regarding the 3.5 GHz spectrum, TELUS has highlighted to ISED the need for early, fair and timely access to 3.5 GHz for all operators in order to ensure that Canada stays at the top of the G8 countries in terms of wireless speeds and capabilities. TELUS is arguing for a fair treatment of this band and for ISED to accelerate its release for mobile use to all industry players while avoiding a head start for specific operators.

In its responses to the 600 MHz consultation, TELUS suggested alternate proposals, including a reduction of the set-aside from 30 MHz to 20 MHz (to create a fair opportunity for all operators to compete for 600 MHz spectrum for 5G), and the elimination of a spectrum set-aside in rural markets where TELUS has demonstrated a strong track record of deployment in contrast to regional players and their historical focus on only the largest urban markets.

In order to prepare for the future deployment of mmWave spectrum, TELUS has continued to conduct 5G trials in the mmWave spectrum bands. TELUS’ trials have established a platform which will form the basis for evaluating TELUS’ future 5G use cases and will help TELUS prepare for network planning in the mmWave bands. Additionally, TELUS will continue to collaborate with ISED, sharing trial results in discussions to help guide the regulator as it finalizes its decisions on establishing the policy and timing for the release of mmWave spectrum for 5G. The auction for mmWave spectrum is expected to occur in the 2020-2021 timeframe. Furthermore, TELUS investment in small cells will help TELUS densify its network and mitigate potential speed and capacity disadvantages created by 3.5 GHz availability, as well as improve future mmWave deployment feasibility, cost and time to market.

Disruptive technology

A paradigm shift with the consumer adoption of alternative technologies, such as video and voice OTT offerings (e.g. Netflix, FaceTime) and increasingly available Wi-Fi networks, has the potential to negatively affect TELUS revenue streams. For example, Wi-Fi networks are being used to deliver various entertainment services to customers beyond the home. OTT content providers are competing for a share of entertainment viewership. These factors, including increasing consumer demand for access to Wi-Fi outside of their home, and OTT services on demand, on any device, may drive increased churn rates for our wireless, TELUS TV and high-speed Internet services. (See Intense wireless competition is expected to continue in Section 10.2 Competition and OTT services present challenges to network capacity and conventional business models below.) Advanced self-learning technologies and automation will change the way we manage our operations and support customer experience innovation.

Risk mitigation: Since early 2014, we have worked with thousands of businesses and many major sports and entertainment venues to continue to expand our public Wi-Fi network. This public Wi-Fi service is part of our network strategy of deploying small cells that increasingly integrates seamlessly with our 4G wireless network, automatically shifting our smartphone customers to Wi-Fi and offloading data traffic from our wireless spectrum. Integrated public Wi-Fi infrastructure build activity naturally extends service and channel opportunities with small-medium enterprises and improves customers’ likelihood-to-recommend. Integration of home Wi-Fi increases propensity for higher data usage on smartphones within and outside the home, while benefiting, in part, uptake of TELUS Internet service. Our customer service delivery sites experiment with different automation and self-learning tools to assess the impact such technology may have on customer experiences and operating efficiencies.

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Supplier risks

Restructuring of vendors or discontinuance of products may affect our networks and services

We have relationships with a number of vendors, including large cloud service providers such as Amazon and Microsoft, which are important in supporting network and service evolution plans and delivery of services to our customers. Vendors may experience business difficulties, privacy and/or security incidents, restructure their operations, be consolidated with other suppliers, discontinue products or sell their operations or products to other vendors, which could affect the future development and support of products or services we use, and ultimately, the success of upgrades and evolution of technology that we offer our customers, such as TELUS TV. There can be no guarantee that the outcome of any particular vendor strategy will not affect the services that we provide to our customers, or that we will not incur additional costs to continue providing services. Certain customer needs and preferences may not be aligned with our vendor selection or product and service offering, which may result in limitations on growth or loss of existing business.

Supplier concentration and market power

The popularity of certain models of smartphones and tablets has resulted in a growing reliance on certain manufacturers, which may increase their market power and adversely affect our ability to purchase certain products at an affordable cost. In addition, owners of popular broadcasting content may raise their distribution charges and attempt to renegotiate broadcasting distribution agreements we have with them, which could adversely affect our entertainment service offerings and/or profitability. See also Wireline in Section 9.2, Broadcasting-related issues in Section 9.4 and Vertical integration into broadcast content ownership by competitors in Section 10.2.

Risk mitigation: We consider possible vendor strategies and/or restructuring outcomes when planning for our future growth, as well as the maintenance and support of existing equipment and services. We have reasonable contingency plans for different scenarios, including working with multiple vendors, maintaining ongoing strong vendor relations with periodic reviews of vendor performance and working closely with other product and service users to influence vendors’ product or service development plans. In addition, we regularly monitor the risk profile of our key vendors and review the applicable terms and conditions of our agreements to determine whether additional contractual safeguards are required, and promote our Supplier Code of Conduct based upon generally accepted standards of ethical business conduct.

In respect of supplier market power, we offer and promote alternative devices or programming content to provide greater choice for consumers and to help lessen our dependence on a few key suppliers.

Support systems will be increasingly critical to operational efficiency

We have a large number of interconnected operational and business support systems, and their complexity has been continually increasing, which can affect system stability and availability. The development and launch of a new service typically requires significant systems development and integration efforts. Effective management of all associated development and ongoing operational costs is a significant factor in maintaining a competitive position and profit margins. As next-generation services are introduced, they must work with next-generation systems, frameworks and IT infrastructures, while being compatible with legacy services and support systems. There can be no assurance that any of our proposed IT systems or process change initiatives will be implemented successfully, that they will be implemented in accordance with anticipated timelines, or that sufficiently skilled personnel will be available to complete such initiatives. If we fail to implement and maintain appropriate IT systems on a timely basis, fail to create and maintain an effective governance and operating framework to support the management of staff, or fail to understand and streamline our significant number of legacy systems and proactively meet constantly evolving business requirements, any such failure could have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

Risk mitigation: In line with industry best practice, our approach is to separate business support systems (BSS) from operational support systems (OSS) and underlying network technology. Our aim is to decouple the introduction of new network technologies from the services we sell to customers so that both can evolve independently. This allows us to optimize network investments while limiting the impact on customer services, and also facilitates the introduction of new services. In addition, due to the maturing nature of telecommunications vendor software, we adopt industry standard software for BSS/OSS functions and avoid custom development where possible. This enables us to leverage vendor knowledge and industry practices acquired through the implementation of those platforms at numerous global telecommunications companies. We have established a next-generation BSS/OSS framework to ensure that, as new services and technologies are developed, they are part of the next-generation framework that will ease the retirement of legacy systems in accordance with TeleManagement Forum’s next-generation operations systems and software program. We also continue to make significant investments in system resiliency and reliability in support of our ongoing customers first initiatives.

Evolving wired broadband access technology standards may outpace projected access infrastructure investment lifetimes

The technology standards for broadband access over copper loops to customer premises are evolving rapidly, enabling higher broadband access speeds. The evolution is fuelled by consumer demand for faster connectivity, the need to address

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growing competitor capabilities and offerings, the increasing use of OTT applications and the delivery of IP TV, all of which require greater bandwidth. In general, the evolution to higher broadband access speeds is achieved by deploying fibre-optic cable further out from the central office, thus shortening the copper loop portion of the access network, and by using faster modem technologies on the shortened copper loop. However, new access technologies are evolving faster than the historical investment cycle for access infrastructure. The introduction of these new technologies and the pace of adoption could result in requirements for additional capital funding not currently planned, as well as shorter estimated useful lives for certain existing infrastructure, which would increase depreciation and amortization expenses.

Risk mitigation: To advance our broadband network, we are actively deploying fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technologies across our incumbent footprint in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec. FTTP technology supports significantly greater bandwidth, including symmetrical download and upload speeds. We also continue to invest in our fibre-to-the-neighbourhood (FTTN) technology to maintain our ability to support competitive services — most recently, the upgrade to VDSL2 and bonding technologies.

In addition, we actively monitor the development and carrier acceptance of competing proposed FTTx standards (such as FTTP and fibre-to-the-distribution point or FTTDp). One or more of these fibre-based solutions may be a more practical technology to deploy in brownfield neighbourhoods or multiple dwelling units than the current xDSL deployments on copper loops. We are exploring business models for financially viable deployment of fibre-based technologies in areas currently connected by copper.

The evolution of these access architectures and corresponding standards, enabled with quality of service standards and network traffic engineering, all support our strategy to deliver IP-based Internet, voice and video services over a common broadband access infrastructure.

IP-based telephony as a replacement for legacy analogue telephony is evolving and cost savings are uncertain

We continue to monitor the evolution of IP-based telephony technologies and service offerings, and we have developed a consumer solution for IP-based telephony through access to our broadband infrastructure. This solution is being deployed and is replacing legacy analogue telephone service in areas that are served by fibre-based facilities. The solution can be expanded to provide additional telephone services over the existing analogue service infrastructure and is designed to replace the current platform in use today. We are also in the process of deploying our next-generation IP telephony solution for business users, which is intended to replace existing business VoIP platforms, as well as addressing areas that are served through fibre access. We are deploying converged IP solutions in the consumer segment that deliver telephony, video and Internet access on the same broadband infrastructure. However, the exchange of information between service providers with different broadband infrastructures is still at an early stage.

Our long-term technology strategy is to move all services to IP to simplify our network, reduce costs, enable advanced solutions and converge wireless and wireline services. Pursuing this strategy fully would involve transitioning our standard telephone service offering to IP-based telephony and phasing out legacy analogue-based telephone service. We could support this strategy by discontinuing regular analogue telephone lines and using digital-only broadband access lines. However, digital-only broadband access may not be feasible or financially viable in many areas for some time, particularly in rural and remote areas. Accordingly, we expect to support both legacy and IP-based voice systems for some time and incur costs to maintain both systems. There is a risk that investments in IP-based voice systems may not be accompanied by a reduction in the costs of maintaining legacy voice systems. There is also the risk that IP-based access infrastructure and corresponding IP-based telephony platforms may not be in place in time to avoid the need for some reinvestment in traditional switching platforms to support the legacy public switched telephone network access base in certain areas, which could result in some investment in line adaptation in non-broadband central offices.

Risk mitigation: We continue to deploy residential IP-based voice technologies into fibre-based communities, and we work with vendors and the industry to assess the technical applicability and evolving cost profiles of proactively migrating legacy customers onto IP-based platforms while striving to meet CRTC commitments and customer expectations. Our ongoing investments in advanced broadband network technologies, including FTTP, should enable a smoother future evolution of IP-based telephony. We are also working with manufacturers to optimize the operations, cost structure and life expectancy of analogue systems and solutions so that some of this infrastructure can be adapted to a point where it will form part of the overall evolution towards IP. Additionally, IP-based solutions that we are currently deploying are capable of supporting a wide range of customers and services, which helps limit our exposure to any one market segment. Going forward, as our wireless services evolve, we will continue to assess the opportunity to further consolidate separate technologies into a single voice service environment. One example is the consolidation of our new IP-based consumer VoIP solution into the same platform that supports wireless telephony. We are looking at opportunities to rationalize our existing legacy voice infrastructure in order to manage costs. We are also working with our vendors and partners to reduce the cost structure of VoIP deployments.

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Convergence in a common IP-based application environment for telephony, Internet and video is complex

The convergence of wireless and wireline services in a common IP-based application environment, delivered over a common IP-based network, provides opportunities for cost savings and for the rapid development of more advanced services that are also more flexible and easier to use. However, the transformation from separate systems to a common environment is very complex and could be accompanied by implementation errors, design issues and system instability.

Risk mitigation: We mitigate implementation risk through modular architectures, lab investments, employee trials, partnering with system integrators where appropriate, using hardware that is common to most other North American IP-based technology deployments and introducing virtualization technologies, where feasible. We are also active in a number of standards bodies, such as the Metro Ethernet Forum and IP Sphere, in order to help influence a new IP infrastructure strategy that leverages standards-based functionality, which could further simplify our networks.

Delivery of fibre-based facilities leveraged by IP telephony solutions is expensive and complex, with long implementation schedules

The delivery of fibre-based facilities to new communities and regions requires significant investment and planning, as well as long implementation schedules. This may rule it out as a viable alternative in communities where the legacy voice equipment requires immediate replacement. It may not be cost-effective to deliver fibre-optic network access to customers who subscribe only to home phone services, which would prevent full migration away from legacy technologies.

Risk mitigation: We mitigate schedule risk by continuing to maintain our legacy switching environments and striving to maintain the necessary technological expertise, access to replacement hardware and regular maintenance programs. We support delivery of IP telephony through a copper-based access facility by deploying line access gateway technology that connects our customers’ generic equipment with the IP telephony platforms, which gives us a more cost-effective way to provide those customers with the reliability and enhanced capabilities of these solutions.

OTT services present challenges to network capacity and conventional business models

OTT services compete directly with traditional pay-TV, video and wireless and wireline voice and messaging services. OTT video services, in particular, have rapidly become the largest source of traffic on the North American Internet backbone. OTT service providers do not invest in, or own, networks and growth in their services presents Internet service providers (ISPs) and network owners with the challenge of preventing network congestion. While we have designed an IP-based network that has not experienced significant congestion problems through 2017, there can be no assurance that we will not experience such congestion in the future.

Risk mitigation: As additional OTT providers launch services and offer higher-resolution video over the Internet, we continue to make investments in our network to support greater capacity. We are also developing new responses and service offerings, such as more flexible data plans, to the challenges posed by the OTT providers. These investments include the ongoing build-out of our fibre-optic network, including multi-year investments to connect homes and businesses in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec to our gigabit-capable network.

In addition, our IP TV offerings, including Optik TV and Pik TV, easily make popular OTT services accessible, by making them directly available through our TV offerings. For further discussion of our IP TV offerings, see Wireline voice and data competition, Technological substitution may adversely affect market share, volume and pricing and Broadcasting in Section 10.2 Competition.

Capital expenditure levels and potential future outlays for spectrum licences may be impacted by our operating and financial results, as well as our ability to carry out financing activities

Our capital expenditure levels are affected by our broadband initiatives, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre; our ongoing deployment of newer wireless technologies such as 5G; utilizing newly acquired spectrum; investments in network resiliency and reliability; increasing subscriber demand for data; evolving systems and business processes; implementing efficiency initiatives; supporting large complex deals; and participation in future wireless spectrum auctions held by ISED. There can be no assurance that investments in capital assets and wireless spectrum licences will not be affected by future operating and financial results.

Risk mitigation: We carry out a number of unique initiatives each year that are aimed at improving our productivity and competitiveness. See Reorganizations and integration of acquisitions and Implementation of large enterprise deals in Section 10.6. For a discussion of financing risks and risk mitigation activities, see Section 10.7 Financing, debt requirements and returning cash to shareholders.

10.4 Regulatory matters

The regulatory regime under which we operate, including the laws, regulations, and decisions in regulatory proceedings and court cases, reviews, appeals, policy announcements, and other developments such as those described in

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Section 9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings, imposes conditions on the products and services that we provide and how we provide them. The regulatory regime sets forth, among other matters, rates, terms and conditions for the provision of telecommunications services, licensing of broadcast services, licensing of spectrum and radio apparatus, and restrictions on ownership and control by non-Canadians.

Changes to our regulatory regime

Changes to the regulatory regime under which we operate, including changes to laws and regulations, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, operating procedures and profitability. Such changes may not be anticipated or, where they are anticipated, our assessment of their impact on us and our business may not be accurate. While we are involved or intervene in proceedings, court cases or inquiries related to the application of the regulatory regime, such as those described in Section 9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings, there is no certainty that the positions that we advocate in such proceedings will be adopted or that our prediction of the likely outcomes of such proceedings will be accurate. Changes to our regulatory regime could increase our costs, restrict or impede the way we provide our services or manage our networks, or alter customer perceptions of our operations. The further regulation of our broadband, wireless and other activities and any related regulatory decisions could also restrict our ability to compete in the marketplace and limit the return we can expect to achieve on past and future investments in our networks. Additionally, through TELUS Health, we are entering into new areas such as virtual care and electronic prescriptions, which are less predictable from a regulatory regime perspective, can be regulated differently in certain provinces, and can be subject to political intervention.

Risk mitigation: TELUS attempts to mitigate regulatory risks through its participation in CRTC and federal government proceedings, legal proceedings impacting our operations and other relevant inquiries (such as those relating to the exclusive federal jurisdiction over telecommunications), as described in Section 9.4 Telecommunications industry regulatory developments and proceedings. See also Vertical integration into broadcast content ownership by competitors in Section 10.2 Competition.

Spectrum and compliance with licences

We require access to radio spectrum to operate our wireless business. The allocation and use of spectrum in Canada are governed by ISED, which establishes spectrum policies, determines spectrum auction frameworks, issues licences, and sets radio authorization conditions. While we believe that we are substantially in compliance with our radio authorization conditions, there can be no assurance that we will be found to comply with all radio authorization conditions, or if we are found not to be compliant, that a waiver will be granted or that the costs to be incurred to achieve compliance will not be significant. Any failure to comply with the radio authorization conditions could result in the revocation of our licences and/or the imposition of fines. Our ability to provide competitive services, including by improving our current services and offering new services on a timely basis, is also dependent on our ability to obtain access to new spectrum licences at a reasonable cost as they are made available. The revocation of, or a material limitation on, certain of our spectrum licences, or our failure to obtain access to new spectrum as it becomes available, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things, negatively affecting both the quality and reliability of our network and service offering, and our brand, and thereby impeding our ability to attract or retain our customers.

Risk mitigation: We continue to strive to comply with all licence and renewal conditions and plan to participate in future wireless spectrum auctions. We continue to advocate to the federal government for fair spectrum auction rules so that mobile wireless companies like TELUS can bid on an equal footing with other competitors for spectrum blocks available at auction and can purchase spectrum licences available for sale from competitors. We continue to strongly advocate that preferential treatment is not required for advanced wireless services (AWS) entrants who are now part of established, sophisticated and well-financed cable companies.

Restrictions on non-Canadian ownership and control

We are subject to Canadian ownership and control restrictions, including restrictions on the ownership of our Common Shares by non-Canadians, imposed by the Canadian Telecommunications Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations under the Telecommunications Act (collectively, the Telecommunications Regulations) and the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians), as ordered by the Governor in Council pursuant to the Broadcasting Act (the Broadcasting Direction). Although we believe that we are in compliance with the relevant legislation, there can be no assurance that a future CRTC or Canadian Heritage determination, or events beyond our control, will not result in us ceasing to be in compliance with the relevant legislation. If such a development were to occur, the ability of our subsidiaries to operate as Canadian carriers under the Telecommunications Act or to maintain, renew or secure licences under the Radiocommunication Act and the Broadcasting Act could be jeopardized and our business could be materially adversely affected.

Under the Telecommunications Regulations, to maintain our eligibility to operate certain of our subsidiaries that are deemed to be Canadian carriers by law, among other requirements, the level of non-Canadian ownership of TELUS

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Common Shares cannot exceed 331/3% and we must not otherwise be controlled by non-Canadians. The Broadcasting Direction further provides for a qualified corporation, which can be a subsidiary corporation whose parent corporation or its directors do not exercise control or influence over any programming decisions of the subsidiary corporation where:

(a)Canadians beneficially own and control less than 80% of the issued and outstanding voting shares of the parent corporation and less than 80% of the votes

(b)the chief executive officer is a non-Canadian or

(c)less than 80% of the directors of the parent corporation are Canadian.

Risk mitigation: The Telecommunications Regulations give TELUS, which is a holding corporation of Canadian carriers, certain powers to monitor and control the level of non-Canadian ownership of our Common Shares. These powers have been incorporated into TELUS’ Articles and were extended to ensure compliance under both the Broadcasting Act and the Radiocommunication Act (under which the requirements for Canadian ownership and control were subsequently cross-referenced to the Telecommunications Act). These powers include the right to: (i) refuse to register a transfer of Common Shares to a non-Canadian; (ii) require a non-Canadian to sell any Common Shares; and (iii) suspend the voting rights attached to the Common Shares held by non-Canadians in inverse order of registration. We have reasonable controls in place to monitor foreign ownership levels through a reservation and declaration system. On August 10, 2017, in response to levels of foreign ownership of shares exceeding 20% and in accordance with the Broadcasting Direction, the TELUS Board of Directors appointed an independent programming committee to make all programming decisions relating to its licensed broadcasting undertakings.

10.5 Human resources

Employee retention, recruitment and engagement

Our success depends on the abilities, experience and engagement of our team members. The loss of key employees through attrition and retirement — or any deterioration in overall employee morale and engagement resulting from organizational changes, unresolved collective agreements or ongoing cost reduction initiatives — could have an adverse impact on our growth, business and profitability and our efforts to enhance the customer experience.

The level of employee engagement at TELUS continues to place our organization within the top 10 per cent of all employers surveyed.

Risk mitigation: We aim to attract and retain key employees through both monetary and non-monetary approaches. Our compensation and benefits program is designed to support our high-performance culture and is both market-driven and performance-based. Where required, we implement targeted retention solutions for employees with talents that are scarce in the marketplace.

We also have a succession planning process to identify and develop employees for key management positions.

Additionally, we strive to continuously improve our employee engagement. We believe that our relatively strong employee engagement score continues to be influenced by our focus on the customer experience, our success in the marketplace and our social purpose. We plan to continue our focus on other non-monetary factors that are clearly aligned with engagement, including performance management, career opportunities, training and development, recognition, our Work Styles® program (e.g. facilitating working remotely from home or other alternative work locations), and our community volunteerism. See also Section 10.10 Team member health, wellness and safety.

10.6 Operational performance

Systems and processes

We have numerous complex systems and process change initiatives underway. There can be no assurance that the full complement of our various systems and process change initiatives, including those required to improve delivery of customer services and support management decision-making, will be successfully implemented or that funding and sufficiently skilled resources will be available to complete all key initiatives planned. There is risk that certain projects may be deferred or cancelled and the expected benefits of such projects may be deferred or unrealized. Moreover, any ineffectiveness in the change management required to protect our complex systems and limit service disruptions could adversely impact our customer service, operating performance and financial results. Additionally, ongoing acquisition and post-merger integration of various TELUS Health Services operations may carry short term risks from operational continuity, competition and process governance perspectives.

Risk mitigation: TELUS has change management policies, processes and controls in place, based upon industry best practices. In general, we strive to ensure that system development and process change are prioritized, and we apply a project management approach to such changes that includes reasonable risk identification and contingency planning, scope and change control, and resource and quality management. We also generally complete reasonable functional, performance and revenue assurance testing, as well as capturing and using any lessons learned. Where a change involves major system and process conversions, we often move our business continuity planning and emergency management operations centre to a heightened state of readiness in advance of the change.

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Reorganizations and integration of acquisitions

We carry out a number of unique operational consolidation, cost reduction and rationalization initiatives each year that are aimed at improving our productivity and competitiveness. Examples of these initiatives include operational effectiveness programs to drive improvements in EBITDA, including business integrations; business process outsourcing; offshoring and reorganizations, including any full-time equivalent (FTE) employee reduction programs; procurement initiatives; and real estate rationalization. We may record significant cash and non-cash restructuring charges and other costs for such initiatives, which could adversely impact our operating results. There can be no assurance that all planned initiatives will be completed, or that such initiatives will provide the expected benefits or will not have a negative impact on our customer service, work processes, employee engagement, operating performance and financial results. Additional revenue and operational effectiveness initiatives will continue to be assessed and implemented, as required.

Post-acquisition activities include the review and alignment of accounting policies, corporate policies such as ethics and privacy policies, employee transfers and moves, information systems integration, optimization of service offerings and establishment of control over new operations. Such activities may not be conducted efficiently and effectively, which may negatively impact service levels, competitive position and financial results. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully and efficiently integrate acquisitions, complete divestitures or establish partnerships in a timely manner, and realize expected strategic benefits.

Risk mitigation: We focus on and manage organizational changes through a formalized business transformation function by leveraging the expertise, key learnings and effective practices developed in recent years during the implementation of mergers, business integrations and efficiency-related reorganizations. We also have formal senior executive level reviews of major competitive enhancement programs, with monthly updates from key business units and a comprehensive tracking program to ensure all initiatives are tracked and properly governed.

We have a post-merger integration (PMI) team that works in lockstep with acquiring business units and the acquired organizations, applying an integration model based on learnings from previous integrations, which enhances and accelerates the standardization of our business processes and is intended to preserve the unique qualities of each acquired operation.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we completed a number of acquisitions. See Highlights of 2017 in Section 1.3 for further details.

Implementation of large enterprise deals

Large enterprise deals may be characterized by the need to anticipate, understand and respond to complex and multi-faceted customer-specific enterprise requirements, including customized systems and reporting requirements, service credits that lower revenues, and significant upfront expenses and capital expenditures required to implement the contracts. There can be no assurance that service implementation will proceed as planned and expected efficiencies will be achieved, which may impact return on investment or projected margins. We may also be constrained by limits on available staff and system resources by the level of co-operation from other service providers, which may in turn limit the number of large contracts that can be implemented concurrently in a given period and/or increase our costs related to such implementations.

Risk mitigation: We expect to continue being selective as to which new large contracts we will bid on and we continue to focus our efforts on the SMB market and mid market. We have a sales and bid governance process in place, which involves preparation, review and signoff of bids, with all of the related due diligence and authorizations. For each new large enterprise deal, we look to leverage existing systems and processes from previous contract wins while adding additional systems using a controlled methodology to form a new custom solution.

We also follow standard industry practices for project management, including executive and senior level governance and project oversight, commitment of appropriate project resources, tools and supporting processes, and proactive project-specific risk assessments and risk mitigation planning. As well, we conduct independent project reviews and internal audits of previous work to identify areas that may require additional focus and to identify any systemic issues and learnings in project implementations that could be shared among other future large enterprise deals.

Foreign operations

Our international operations present certain risks, which include: competition in foreign markets and industries such as business process and IT outsourcing; customer rights to terminate contracts on notice; infrastructure and security challenges; employee recruitment and retention; customer concentration; country-specific risks (such as differences in and changes to political, economic and social systems including changes to legal and regulatory regimes); different taxation regimes; differences in type, exposure to and frequency of natural disasters; and foreign currency exchange fluctuations. There can be no assurance that international initiatives and risk mitigation efforts will provide the benefits and efficiencies expected, or that there will not be significant difficulties in combining different management and cultures,

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which could have a negative impact on operating and financial results. See also Legal and ethical compliance in Section 10.9 Litigation and legal matters and Business continuity below, which may affect our international operations.

Risk mitigation: Our strategy is to differentiate ourselves by focusing on the continued development of our team, as well as our culture of giving where we live. In addition, we invest in service development and process improvements, and we regularly survey customers for feedback and monitor quality of service metrics to ensure we proactively address our customers’ concerns and exceed their expectations. Our sales focus on winning new clients as well as our strategic business acquisitions are diminishing our customer concentration risk on a continuing basis. In addition, in 2016, TELUS entered an agreement with Baring Private Equity Asia to acquire a 35% non-controlling interest in TELUS International (TI). Through this collaboration, TI is well positioned to leverage Baring Private Equity Asia’s deep Asian markets presence and worldwide experience, and tap into its global network in order to further expand TI’s operations. Our IT systems undergo a security and privacy assessment early in their development life cycle, where privacy and security controls are tested before any new systems are deployed. We use security technologies and adhere to certain standards, reviewing their effectiveness regularly to remain abreast of changes in the threat landscape. We make significant investments in support of our team members, including high-end workplace facilities, competitive benefits, ongoing training and development and recurring surveys to resolve areas of concern. We maintain a diverse base of operations, with facilities located in the North America, Asia, Europe and Central America. This diversity provides us with an opportunity to minimize country-specific risks and the ability to serve customers in multiple languages and in multiple time zones. It also provides us with network redundancy and contingency planning opportunities and the ability to divert operations in emergency situations. We continue to improve our international operations by updating operational practices to incorporate changes in regulation, best practices and customer expectations including to our privacy, integrity, anti-bribery and procurement policies. We share best practices between international and domestic Canadian operations, as appropriate, and ensure that internal controls are implemented, tested, monitored and maintained. We also utilize foreign currency forward contracts, as well as hedge accounting on a limited basis, to mitigate currency risks (see Currency risk in Section 7.9 Financial instruments, commitments and contingent liabilities).

Data protection

We operate data centres and collect and manage data in our business and on behalf of our customers (including, in the case of TELUS Health, sensitive health information). Some of our efficiency initiatives rely on the offshoring of internal functions to our personnel in other countries or outsourcing to partners located in Canada and abroad. To be effective, these arrangements require us to allow personnel in other countries and domestic and foreign partners to have access to this data.

TELUS or its partners may be subject to software, equipment or other system malfunctions, or thefts or other unlawful acts that result in the unauthorized access to, or change, loss or destruction of, our data. There is a risk that such malfunctions or unlawful acts may compromise the privacy of individuals, including our customers, employees and suppliers. Despite our efforts to implement controls in domestic and offshore operations and at our partners’ operations, unauthorized access to data could lead to data being lost, compromised or used for inappropriate purposes that could, in turn, result in financial loss (loss of subscribers or damage to our ability to attract new ones), harm our reputation and brand, expose us to claims of damages by customers and employees, and impact our customers’ ability to maintain normal business operations and deliver critical services. Also see Legal and ethical compliance in Section 10.9 Litigation and legal matters and Security discussed below.

Risk mitigation: Certain new TELUS information technology systems undergo a security and privacy assessment early in their development life cycle, pursuant to which data that is to be used and/or collected is reviewed and classified, and design features such as audit, logging, encryption and access control restrictions are recommended, when applicable or possible. As part of TELUS’ systems and software development life cycle and quality assurance processes, privacy and security controls are also tested before new systems are fully deployed.

Our Internet data centres (IDCs) have security threat detection and mitigation capabilities, and certain data centres and networks undergo yearly external independent third-party audits. A core component of that audit and certification process is the assessment of TELUS’ logical, physical and policy-based security and privacy controls. Further, we have a vulnerability management program in place that monitors both our Internet-facing and internal network and systems in order to track and mitigate vulnerabilities that may be detected.

To ensure the security of our customers’ credit card transactions, we use security technologies such as encryption and segmentation, and we adhere to the principle of least privilege. We maintain these practices and review their effectiveness on a regular basis, giving consideration to industry standards and changes in the constantly evolving threat landscape.

Another component of our strategy is the stipulation that data generally resides in our facilities in Canada, with the deployment of infrastructure that supports partner connectivity to view our systems. We require partners and service providers to comply with privacy and security measures, including the reporting of any possible data-related threats.

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Personnel in other countries are provided with remote views of authorized data only and, where applicable, without the data being stored on local systems. These personnel are also required to comply with physical and process restrictions and participate in training designed to help prevent and detect unauthorized access to, or use of, our data.

Our strategy also includes reactive planning and business continuity planning processes that would be invoked in the event of a breach.

There can be no assurance that our controls will prove effective in all instances.

Security

We have a number of assets that are subject to intentional threats. These include physical assets that are subject to security risks such as vandalism and/or theft, including (but not limited to) distributive copper cable, corporate stores, network and telephone switch centres, and elements of corporate infrastructure, as well as IT systems and networks that we operate. The latter are subject to cyberattacks, which are intentional attempts to disrupt our business or gain unauthorized access to our information systems and networks for unlawful, unethical or improper purposes. Attacks may use a variety of techniques that include targeting individuals, the use of sophisticated malicious software and hardware or a combination of both to evade the technical and administrative safeguards that are in place (including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, active monitoring, etc.). The risk and consequences of cyberattacks against our assets could surpass physical security risks and consequences because of the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats.

A successful disruption of our systems, networks and infrastructure or those of our third parties, vendors and partners, may prevent us from providing reliable service, impact the operations of our network or allow for the unauthorized interception, destruction, use or dissemination of our information or our customers’ information. Such disruption or unauthorized access to information could cause us to lose customers or revenue, incur expenses, and experience reputational and goodwill damages. It could also subject us to litigation or governmental investigation and sanction. The costs of such events may include liability for information loss, as well as the costs of repairs to infrastructure and systems and any retention incentives offered to customers and business partners. Our insurance may not cover, or fully reimburse us for, these costs and losses.

Risk mitigation: We have implemented technical and administrative measures to mitigate the risk of threats, attacks and other disruptive events. Our security program addresses risk through a number of mechanisms, including implementing controls based on policies, standards and methodologies that are aligned with recognized industry frameworks and practices, monitoring of external activities by potential attackers, regular evaluation of our most important assets through our Crown Jewels program, the identification and regular re-evaluation of our known security risks, as well as regular review of our standards and policies to ensure they address current needs and threats, and business continuity and recovery planning processes that would be invoked in the event of a disruption.

We are building security into new initiatives through a standard secure-by-design process and methodology and constantly re-assessing our security posture through the full life cycle of our systems. Our technical capabilities help us identify security events, respond to possible threats and adjust our security posture appropriately. Additionally, our approach to cyber hygiene includes regular security vulnerability assessments and the prioritization and remediation of any identified issue through patching or other mechanisms. TELUS’ Security Office works with law enforcement and other agencies to address the ongoing threat of cyberattacks and disruptions. While TELUS has reasonable physical security and cybersecurity programs in place, there can be no assurance that specific security incidents will not materially affect our operations and financial results.

Business continuity

We are a key provider of essential telecommunications infrastructure in Canada, along with operations and infrastructure in North America, Asia, Europe and Central America. Our networks, information technology, physical assets, team members, business functions, supply chain and business results may be materially impacted by exogenous threats, including:

·Natural hazards, such as forest fires, severe weather, earthquakes and other natural disasters

·Disruptions of critical infrastructure, such as power and telecommunications

·Human-caused threats, such as cyberattacks, labour disputes, theft, vandalism, sabotage, and political and civil unrest

·Public health threats, such as pandemics.

Risk mitigation: We have an enterprise-wide business continuity program, which is aligned with our corporate philosophy that includes ensuring the safety of our team members, minimizing the impacts of threats to our facilities and business operations, maintaining service to our customers and keeping our communities connected. These priorities have been demonstrated in a number of disruptive events in 2017, such as the British Columbia wildfires and the severe spring flooding in Ontario and Quebec.

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Mitigation initiatives to address severe weather threats have been an increasing focus and we have operationalized enhanced severe weather monitoring, notification of key stakeholders, incident management processes and climate incident playbooks that leverage the learnings from prior events.

Our business continuity program aligns with the latest standards and business practices, and encompasses mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and ongoing program improvements. The program focuses on mitigating the impacts of a disruption to our facilities, workforce, technology and supply chain. Although we have business continuity planning processes in place, there can be no assurance that specific events or a combination of events will not disrupt our operations or materially affect our financial results.

Ongoing risk-based optimization of our disaster recovery capabilities for our IT and telecommunications network assets is a key focus for preventing outages and reducing impacts to our operations and customers. We are focused on driving closer alignment of IT and network recovery capabilities with business requirements. However, while disaster recovery is a focus for TELUS, not all of our systems have recovery and continuity capabilities.

Real estate joint ventures (TELUS Garden and TELUS Sky)

Risks associated with our real estate joint ventures include possible construction-related cost overruns, financing risks, reputational risks and the uncertainty of future demand, especially during market downturns. There can be no assurance that the real estate joint ventures will be completed on budget or on time, or will obtain lease commitments as planned. Accordingly, we are exposed to the risk of loss on our investment and loan amounts, and a potential inability to service debt payments should a project’s business plan not be successfully realized. Additionally, reputational risks arise from the possibility that we may be unable to meet our stated commitments and/or that the quality of the development may not be consistent with TELUS brand expectations.

Risk mitigation: We have established joint ventures with partners experienced in large commercial and residential real estate projects to develop TELUS Garden (Westbank) in Vancouver and TELUS Sky (Westbank and Allied REIT) in Calgary. The TELUS Garden residential condominium project was substantially pre-sold prior to the commencement of construction, and all of the residential condominium units were transferred to the purchasers by the end of 2017. At the same time, lease commitments for the TELUS Garden office project represented 99% of leasable space, while the retail space within the TELUS Garden residential project was 99% leased.

For projects in progress, budget-overrun risks have been mitigated with fixed-price supply contracts (97% of TELUS Sky has had tenders approved and contracts awarded), expert project management oversight and insurance for certain risks. Costs for TELUS Sky continue to be consistent with the approved budget plan and we are applying the knowledge and experience gained on the TELUS Garden project to streamline and improve the cost-effectiveness of TELUS Sky.

In response to the current economic conditions in Calgary, the TELUS Sky partnership has taken a number of steps to better position the development for success, including: moving to a single-phase occupancy to delay the start dates of any potential office leases from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019; revising revenue projections and adjusting tenant inducements to align with current market expectations; and evaluating various approaches to adjusting the mix between office and residential, as well as creating a wider range of residential offerings to address current market demand.

10.7 Financing, debt requirements and returning cash to shareholders

Our business plans and growth could be negatively affected if existing financing is not sufficient to cover funding requirements

Risk factors, such as disruptions in capital markets, regulatory requirements for an increase in bank capitalization, a reduction in lending activity in general, or a reduction in the number of Canadian chartered banks as a result of reduced activity or consolidation, could reduce the availability of capital or increase the cost of such capital for investment grade corporate issuers, such as TELUS. External capital market conditions could potentially affect our ability to make strategic investments and meet ongoing capital funding requirements.

Risk mitigation: We may finance future capital requirements with internally generated funds, borrowings under the unutilized portion of our bank credit facilities, use of securitized trade receivables, use of commercial paper and/or the issuance of debt or equity securities. We have a shelf prospectus in effect until April 2018, under which we can offer up to $1.2 billion of debt or equity securities as of the date of this MD&A. We believe that our investment grade credit ratings, coupled with our efforts to maintain a constructive relationship with banks, investors and credit rating agencies, continue to provide reasonable access to capital markets.

To enable us to meet our financial objective of generally maintaining $1 billion of available liquidity, we have a $2.25 billion credit facility that expires on May 31, 2021 ($1.1 billion available at December 31, 2017), as well as availability under other bank credit facilities (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities). In addition, TELUS Communications Inc. (TCI) has an agreement with an arm’s-length securitization trust under which it is able to sell an interest in certain of its

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trade receivables up to a maximum of $500 million, of which $400 million was available at December 31, 2017 (see Section 7.7 Sale of trade receivables).

Ability to refinance maturing debt

At December 31, 2017, our long-term debt was approximately $13.8 billion, with maturities in certain years from 2018 to 2048 (see the Long-term debt principal maturities chart in Section 4.3). We operate a commercial paper program (maximum of $1.4 billion) that currently permits access to low-cost funding. At December 31, 2017, we had $1,140 million of commercial paper outstanding, all of which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$908 million). When we issue commercial paper, it must be refinanced on an ongoing basis in order to realize the cost savings relative to borrowing on the $2.25 billion credit facility. Capital market conditions may prohibit the roll-over of commercial paper at low rates.

Risk mitigation: We successfully completed a number of debt transactions in 2016 and 2017 (see Section 7.4). As a result, the average term to maturity of our long-term debt (excluding commercial paper and the revolving component of the TELUS International credit facility) was 10.7 years at December 31, 2017 (as compared to 10.4 years at December 31, 2016). Foreign currency forward contracts are used to manage currency risk arising from issuing commercial paper and long-term debt denominated in U.S. dollars (excluding the TELUS International credit facility). Our commercial paper program is fully backstopped by our $2.25 billion credit facility.

A reduction in TELUS credit ratings could affect our cost of capital and access to capital

Our cost of capital could increase and our access to capital could be affected by a reduction in the credit ratings of TELUS and/or TCI. There can be no assurance that we will maintain or improve current credit ratings.

Risk mitigation: We manage our capital structure and make adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of our telecommunications infrastructure. We have financial policies in place that are reviewed annually and are intended to help maintain our existing investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent. The four credit rating agencies that rate TELUS currently have ratings that are in line with this target. A reduction in our ratings, from the current BBB+ or equivalent, could result in a modest increase in our funding cost but would not be expected to impact our ability to access the public debt markets. Access to our $2.25 billion credit facility would be maintained, even if our ratings were reduced to below BBB+.

Lower than planned free cash flow could constrain our ability to invest in operations, reduce debt or return capital to shareholders

While future free cash flow and sources of capital are expected to be sufficient to meet current requirements, our intention to return capital to shareholders could constrain our ability to invest in our operations for future growth. Funding of future spectrum licence purchases, funding of defined benefit pension plans and any increases in corporate income tax rates will reduce the after-tax cash flow otherwise available to return as capital to our shareholders. Should actual results differ from our expectations, there can be no assurance that we will not change our financing plans, including our intention to pay dividends according to our payout policy guideline and to maintain our multi-year dividend growth program. Shares may be purchased under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) when and if we consider it opportunistic, based on the Company’s financial position and outlook, and the market price of our Common Shares. For further detail on our multi-year dividend growth program and 2018 NCIB program, see Section 4.3 Liquidity and capital resources.

Risk mitigation: Our Board of Directors reviews and approves the dividend each quarter, based on a number of factors, including our financial position and outlook.

Financial instruments

Our financial instruments, and the nature of credit risks, liquidity risks and market risks that they may be subject to, are described in Section 7.9 Financial instruments, commitments and contingent liabilities.

10.8 Taxation matters

We are subject to the risk that income and commodity tax amounts, including tax expense, may be materially different than anticipated, and a general tendency by tax collection authorities to adopt more interpretations and aggressive auditing practices could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results

We collect and pay significant amounts of commodity taxes, such as goods and services taxes, harmonized sales taxes, provincial sales taxes, sales and use taxes and value-added taxes, to various tax authorities. As our operations are complex and the related tax interpretations, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence that pertain to our activities are subject to continual change and evolving interpretation, the final outcome of the taxation of many transactions is uncertain. Moreover, the implementation of new legislation in itself has its own complexities, including those of execution where multiple systems are involved, and interpretation of new rules as they apply to specific transactions, products and services.

We have significant current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, income tax expenses and cash tax payments. Income tax amounts are based on our estimates, using accounting principles that recognize the benefit of

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income tax positions only when it is more likely than not that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of a position will result in the related benefit being realized. The assessment of the likelihood and amount of income tax benefits, as well as the timing of realization of such amounts, can materially affect the determination of Net income or cash flows. We expect the income taxes computed at applicable statutory rates to range between 26.7% and 27.3% in 2018. These expectations can change as a result of changes in interpretations, regulations, legislation or jurisprudence.

The timing concerning the monetization of deferred income tax accounts is uncertain, as it is dependent on our future earnings and other events. The amounts of deferred income tax liabilities are also uncertain, as the amounts are based upon substantively enacted future income tax rates that were in effect at the time, which can be changed by tax authorities. As well, the amounts of cash tax payments and current and deferred income tax liabilities are also based upon our anticipated mix of revenues among the jurisdictions in which we operate, which is also subject to change.

The audit and review activities of tax authorities affect the ultimate determination of the actual amounts of commodity taxes payable or receivable, income taxes payable or receivable, deferred income tax liabilities, taxes on certain items included within capital and income tax expense. Therefore, there can be no assurance that taxes will be payable as anticipated and/or that the amount and timing of receipt or use of the tax-related assets will be as currently expected.

TELUS International operates in certain foreign jurisdictions, including Barbados, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Philippines, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States, which increases our exposure to multiple forms of taxation.

Generally, each jurisdiction has taxation peculiarities in the forms of taxation imposed (e.g. value-added tax, gross receipts tax, stamp and transfer tax, and income tax), legislation and tax treaties, where applicable, as well as currency and language differences. In addition, the telecommunications industry faces unique issues that lead to uncertainty in the application of tax laws and the division of tax between domestic and foreign jurisdictions. Furthermore, there has been a more intense political, media and tax authority focus on taxation, with an intent to enhance tax transparency and to address perceived tax abuses. Accordingly, our activities may increase our exposure to tax risks, from both a financial and a reputational perspective.

Risk mitigation: We follow a comprehensive tax conduct and risk management policy that was adopted by our Board. This policy outlines the principles underlying and guiding the roles of team members, their responsibilities and personal conduct, the method of conducting business in relation to tax law and the approaches to working relationships with external tax authorities and external advisors. This policy recognizes the requirement to comply with all relevant tax laws. The components necessary for the effective control and mitigation of tax risk are outlined in the policy, as is the delegation of authority to management on tax matters in accordance with Board and Audit Committee communication guidelines.

In giving effect to this policy, we maintain an internal Taxation department composed of professionals who stay current on domestic and foreign tax obligations, supplemented where appropriate with external advisors. This team reviews systems and process changes for compliance with applicable domestic and international taxation laws and regulations. Its members are also responsible for the specialized accounting required for income taxes.

Material transactions are reviewed by our Taxation department so that transactions of an unusual or non-recurring nature are assessed from multiple risk-based perspectives. Tax-related transaction risks are regularly communicated to, and reassessed by, our Taxation department as a check to initial exposure assessments. As a matter of regular practice, large transactions are reviewed by external tax advisors, while other third-party advisors may also be engaged to express their views as to the potential for tax liability. We continue to review and monitor our activities so we can take action to comply with any related regulatory, legal and tax obligations. In some cases, we also engage external advisors to review TELUS’ systems and processes for tax-related compliance. The advice provided and tax returns prepared by such advisors and counsel are reviewed for reasonableness by our internal taxation team.

10.9 Litigation and legal matters

Investigations, claims and lawsuits

Given TELUS’ size, investigations, claims and lawsuits seeking damages and other relief are regularly threatened or pending against us. It is not currently possible for us to predict the outcome of such matters due to various factors, including: the preliminary nature of some claims; unproven damage theories and demands; incomplete factual records; the uncertain nature of legal theories and procedures and their resolution by the courts, at both the trial and the appellate levels; and the unpredictable nature of opposing parties and their demands. There can be no assurance that financial or operating results will not be negatively impacted by any of these factors.

Subject to the foregoing limitations, management is of the opinion, based upon legal assessments and the information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability, to the extent not provided for through insurance or

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otherwise, would have a material effect on our financial position and the results of our operations, excepting the items disclosed herein and in Note 29(a) of the Consolidated financial statements.

Risk mitigation: We believe that we have in place reasonable policies and processes designed to enable compliance with legal and contractual obligations and reduce our exposure to, and the effect on us of, legal claims. We also maintain a team of legal professionals who advise on and manage risks related to claims and possible claims. See other risk mitigation steps discussed below.

Class actions

We are defendant in a number of certified and uncertified class actions. Over the past decade or more, we have observed a willingness on the part of claimants to launch class actions whereby a representative plaintiff seeks to pursue a legal claim on behalf of a large group of persons. The number of class actions filed against us has varied from year to year, with claimants continually looking to expand the matters in respect of which they file class actions. The adoption by governments of increasingly stringent consumer protection legislation may increase the number of class actions by creating new causes of action, or may decrease the number of class actions by improving clarity in the area of consumer marketing and contracting. A successful class action lawsuit, by its nature, could result in a sizable damage award that could negatively affect a defendant’s financial or operating results. Certified and uncertified class actions against us are detailed in Note 29(a) of the Consolidated financial statements.

Assessment of class actions

We believe that we have good defences to each of these certified and uncertified class actions. Should the ultimate resolution of these actions differ from management’s assessments and assumptions, a material adjustment to our financial position and the results of our operations could result. Management’s assessments and assumptions include that reliable estimates of the exposure cannot be made for the majority of these class actions, considering continued uncertainty relating to the causes of action that may ultimately be pursued by the plaintiffs and certified by the courts and the nature of the damages that may be sought by the plaintiffs.

Risk mitigation: We are vigorously defending each of the class actions brought against TELUS or pursuing settlements that we deem to be beneficial for us. This includes opposing certification of uncertified class actions. Certification is a procedural step that determines whether a particular lawsuit may be prosecuted by a representative plaintiff on behalf of a class of individuals. Certification of a class action does not determine the merits of the claim, so that, if we were unsuccessful in defeating certification, the plaintiffs would still be required to prove the merits of their claims. We regularly assess our business practices and actively monitor class action developments in Canada and the United States in order to identify and minimize the risk of further class actions against us.

Civil liability in the secondary market

Like other Canadian public companies, we are subject to civil liability for misrepresentations in written disclosure and oral statements, and liability for fraud and market manipulation. Such legislation has been adopted in most provinces and territories.

Risk mitigation: We continually monitor legal developments and annually re-evaluate our disclosure practices and procedures. In addition, we periodically consult external advisors to review our disclosure practices and procedures and the extent to which they are documented. We have a corporate disclosure policy that restricts the role of Company spokespersons to specifically designated members of senior management, provides a protocol for communicating with investment analysts and investors, as well as oral presentations, and outlines the communication approach to issues, and our Disclosure Committee reviews key disclosure documents.

Legal and ethical compliance

We rely on our employees, officers, Board of Directors, key suppliers and other business partners to demonstrate behaviour consistent with applicable legal and ethical standards in all jurisdictions within which we operate, including, but not limited to, anti-bribery laws and regulations. Situations might occur where individuals intentionally or inadvertently do not adhere to our policies, applicable laws and regulations or contractual obligations. For instance, there could be cases in which the personal information of a TELUS customer or employee is collected, retained, used or disclosed in a manner that is not fully compliant with legislation, contractual obligations or TELUS policies. In the case of TELUS Health, personal information includes sensitive health information about individuals who are our customers or healthcare providers’ end customers. In addition, there could be situations where compliance programs may not be fully adhered to, or where parties may have a different interpretation of the requirements of particular legislative provisions. With TELUS Health beginning to offer new services (such as virtual care and electronic prescription), including directly to consumers and in some cases using third-party partnerships, new risks arise across parameters such as dependence on third-party suppliers for legal compliance / compliance with medical professional standards, as well as the increased possibility of political intervention. These various situations may

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expose us to litigation and the possibility of damages, sanctions and fines, or of being disqualified from bidding on contracts, and may negatively affect our financial or operating results, reputation and brand.

We continue to expand our activities into the United States and other countries. When operating in foreign jurisdictions, we are required to comply with local laws and regulations, which may differ substantially from Canadian laws and add to the regulatory, legal and tax exposures that we face.

Risk mitigation: Although we cannot predict outcomes with certainty, we believe that we have reasonable policies, controls and processes in place, and levels of awareness sufficient for proper compliance, and that these are having a positive effect on reducing risks. We have a comprehensive code of ethics and conduct for our employees, including officers, and Board of Directors, and mandatory annual integrity training for employees, officers and identified contractors, as well as a toll-free EthicsLine for anonymous reporting by anyone who may have concerns or complaints to bring forward. In early 2012, we implemented our supplier code of conduct. In 2013, a specific anti-bribery and corruption policy was approved by the Board of Directors and communicated to team members. We conduct targeted mandatory training on anti-bribery and corruption, as well as on our business sales code of conduct, and we have mandatory annual training on privacy for all of our team members. We have a designated Chief Data and Trust Officer, whose role is to work across the enterprise to ensure that the business has appropriate processes and controls in place to facilitate legal compliance and to report on compliance to the Audit Committee. For example, as a proactive measure on privacy compliance, we require a privacy impact assessment to be carried out in the development stage for projects involving the use of customer or team member personal information.

We have an established review process to ensure that regulatory, legal and tax requirements are considered when pursuing opportunities outside of Canada. On an ongoing basis, we review our international structure, systems and processes to ensure that we mitigate regulatory, legal and tax risks, as our business activities expand outside Canada. We also engage with external counsel and advisors qualified in the relevant foreign jurisdictions to provide regulatory, legal and tax advice, as appropriate.

Defects in software and failures in data or transaction processing

We provide certain applications and managed services to our customers that involve the management, processing and/or storing of data, including sensitive personal medical records, and the transfer of funds. Software defects or failures in data or transaction processing could lead to substantial damage claims (including privacy and medical claims). For instance, a defect in a TELUS Health application could lead to personal injury or unauthorized access to personal information, while a failure in transaction processing could result in the transfer of funds to the wrong recipient.

Risk mitigation: We believe that we have in place reasonable policies, controls, processes (such as quality assurance programs in software development procedures) and contractual arrangements (such as disclaimers, indemnities and limitations of liability in most cases), as well as insurance coverage, to reduce our exposure to these types of legal claims. However, there can be no assurance that our processes will be followed by all team members at all times and that we have indemnities and limitations of liability covering all cases.

Intellectual property and proprietary rights

Technology evolution also brings additional legal risks and uncertainties. The intellectual property and proprietary rights of owners and developers of hardware, software, business processes and other technologies may be protected under statute, such as patent, copyright and industrial design legislation, or under common law, such as trade secrets. With the growth and development of technology-based industries, the value of these intellectual property and proprietary rights has increased. Significant damages may be awarded in intellectual property infringement claims advanced by rights holders. In addition, defendants may incur significant costs to defend such claims, and that possibility may prompt defendants to settle claims more readily, in part to mitigate those costs. Both of these factors may also encourage intellectual property rights holders to pursue infringement claims more aggressively.

Given the vast array of technologies and systems that we use to deliver products and services, and the rapid change and complexity of such technologies, disputes over intellectual property and proprietary rights can reasonably be expected to increase. As a user of technology, we receive communications from time to time, ranging from solicitations to demands and legal actions from third parties claiming ownership rights over intellectual property used by us and asking for settlement payments or licensing fees for the continued use of such intellectual property.

There can be no assurance that we will not be faced with other significant claims based on the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights, whether such claims are based on a legitimate dispute over the validity of the intellectual property rights or their infringement, or are advanced for the primary purpose of extracting a settlement. We may incur significant costs in defending TELUS against infringement claims, we may suffer significant damages and we could lose the right to use technologies that are essential to our operations should any infringement claim prove successful. As a developer of technology, TELUS Health depends on its ability to protect the proprietary aspects of its technology. The

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failure to do so adequately could materially affect our business. However, policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property may be difficult and costly.

Assessment of intellectual property claims

We believe that we have good defences to each of the intellectual property claims against us. Should the ultimate resolution of these claims differ from management’s assessments and assumptions, a material adjustment to our financial position and the results of our operations could result. Management’s assessments and assumptions include that reliable estimates of the exposure cannot be made for the majority of these claims considering continued uncertainty relating to the validity of the intellectual property at issue, whether or not technology used by us infringes upon that intellectual property, and the nature of the damages that will be sought by the plaintiffs.

Risk mitigation: We incorporate many technologies into our products and services. However, we are not primarily in the business of creating or inventing technology. In acquiring products and services from suppliers, it is our practice to seek and obtain contractual protections consistent with standard industry practices to help mitigate the risks of intellectual property infringements. Whenever creating or inventing technology (in the case of TELUS Health), it is the practice of TELUS Health to protect its intellectual property rights through litigation and other means.

10.10 Health, safety and environment

Team member health, wellness and safety

Lost work time resulting from team member illness or injury can negatively affect organizational productivity and employee benefit costs.

Risk mitigation: To support team members’ overall well-being and to achieve a positive effect on absenteeism in the workplace, we support a holistic and proactive approach to team members’ health that involves early intervention, health risk prevention, employee and family assistance, assessment and support services, and disability management.

Our health and wellness strategy encourages our team members to develop optimal personal health through five dimensions of well-being, including physical, psychological, financial, social and environmental. To promote safe work practices, we offer training and orientation programs for team members, contractors and suppliers who access our facilities. There can be no assurance that these health, wellness and safety programs and practices will be effective in all situations.

Concerns related to radio frequency emissions from mobile phones and wireless towers

TELUS understands there are public concerns over potential impacts associated with low levels of non-ionizing radio frequency (RF) emissions from mobile phones and cell towers.

To address these concerns, TELUS looks to recognized experts with peer-reviewed findings, as well as government agencies, to provide guidance on potential risks. While a small number of epidemiological studies have revealed that exposure to RF fields might be linked to certain cancers, other studies have not supported this association. Furthermore, animal laboratory studies have found no evidence that RF fields are carcinogenic for laboratory rodents or cause damage to DNA.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Health Canada have advised mobile phone users that they can take practical measures to reduce their exposure to RF emissions, such as limiting the length of cellphone calls, using hands-free devices and replacing cellphone calls with text messages. In addition, Health Canada encourages parents to take these same measures to reduce their children’s RF emission exposure, since children are typically more sensitive to a variety of environmental agents. We also offer information and advice with respect to radio frequency emissions on our website at telus.com/support.

There can be no assurance that future studies, government regulations or public concerns about the health effects of RF emissions will not have an adverse effect on our business and prospects. For example, public concerns or government action could reduce subscriber growth and usage, and costs could increase as a result of the need to modify handsets, relocate wireless towers and address any incremental legal requirements and product liability lawsuits that might arise or have arisen. See Class actions in Section 10.9 Litigation and legal matters.

Risk mitigation: Canada’s federal government is responsible for establishing safe limits for signal levels of radio devices. We are confident that the handsets and devices we sell, and our wireless towers and other associated devices,

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comply, in all material respects, with all applicable Canadian and U.S. government safety standards. We continue to monitor new published studies, government regulations and public concerns about the health impacts of RF exposure.

Concerns related to the environment

A detailed report of our environmental risk mitigation activities can be found in our annual sustainability report at telus.com/sustainability. Environmental issues affecting our business include:

Climate change

Failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts is identified as one of the largest global risks in terms of impact, according to a World Economic Forum 2017 report. This could affect our business operations through potential disruption of our operations, damage to our infrastructure and the effects on the communities we serve caused by events such as those described in Section 10.6 Operational performance.

Waste and waste recycling; water consumption

Several areas of our operations raise environmental considerations, such as the handling and disposal of waste, electronic waste or other residual materials, appropriate management of our water use and the appropriate handling of materials and electronic equipment we use or sell. Aspects of our operations are subject to evolving and increasingly stringent federal, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Such laws and regulations impose requirements with respect to matters such as the release of substances into the environment, corrective and remedial action concerning such releases, and the proper handling and management of substances, including wastes. Evolving public expectations and increasingly stringent laws and regulations could result in increased costs of compliance, while failure to recognize and adequately respond to the same could result in fines, regulatory scrutiny, or damage to our reputation and brand.

Fuel systems

We own or lease a large number of properties. We have fuel systems for backup power generation at some of these properties that enable us to provide reliable service, but they also pose an environmental risk. Because diesel spills or releases from these systems are infrequent, a significant portion of this risk is associated with sites contaminated by our earlier practices or by previous owners.

Failure to recognize and adequately respond to changing government and public expectations regarding environmental matters could result in fines, regulatory scrutiny or damage to our brand.

Risk mitigation: Our climate change strategy includes a mitigation component focusing on absolute energy use and carbon dioxide emission (CO2e) equivalent reduction; an adaptation component focusing on business continuity planning and readiness for the potential effects of a changing climate on our operations (see Section 10.6 Operational performance); and an innovation component to help customers realize their climate change targets through product and service solutions. Our target is a 25% reduction in CO2e from 2010 levels by 2020 and a 10% reduction in energy use over the same period. We are working to achieve these targets through a comprehensive energy management program focused on real estate transformation and consolidation (including leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) standards certification), as well as network efficiency and technology upgrades. Greater use of video-conferencing and teleconferencing solutions in lieu of travel, decreasing the size and improving the efficiency of our fleet, and educating our team members are also helping us to reach our targets. We have also invested in renewable energy solutions and green building technology.

We have an e-waste management program that specifies approved recycling channels for both our external and internal electronic products. We regularly examine our waste streams to identify new ways of reducing our impact on the environment through the diversion of waste from landfills, and we have corporate waste diversion targets focused on reducing our landfilled waste by the end of 2020. Our waste and recycling strategy is focused on education and awareness programs, as well as the expansion of recycling infrastructure in our administrative buildings.

Fuel systems risk is being addressed through a program to install containment and monitoring equipment at sites with systems of qualifying size. All of our remote sites, which rely on diesel generators for 24/7 power, have been fully upgraded with industry-leading spill containment. We are also leveraging our wireless network and using IoT technology to monitor these sites remotely. We have an ongoing program to assess and remediate contamination issues relating to historical activities and we disclose and report on these issues to regulatory bodies, as appropriate.

10.11 Economic growth and fluctuations

Slow or uneven economic growth and fluctuating oil prices may adversely affect us

We estimate economic growth in Canada will be approximately 2.2% in 2018 (see Economic growth in Section 1.2), but this growth may be influenced by developments outside of Canada. In addition, macroeconomic risks in Canada

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continue to include concerns about fluctuating oil prices and high levels of consumer and mortgage debt, which may cause consumers to reduce discretionary spending, even in a growing economy.

Economic uncertainty may cause consumers and business customers to delay new service purchases, reduce volumes of use, discontinue use of services or seek lower-priced alternatives from TELUS or from competitors. Weakness in the extractive energy sector beginning in 2015 has had a significant impact on Western Canada, including lower levels of investment and employment. This was partially mitigated by declining costs in non-extractive industries, such as manufacturing, which may experience growth if the U.S. dollar strengthens. The prolonged economic downturn in Western Canada improved significantly through 2017, with economic growth projected to be 3.9% in Alberta and 3.4% in British Columbia for 2017, as compared to 3.1% for Canada. Additionally, forecasts point to moderating but still positive growth in Western Canada in 2018. However, fluctuating oil prices, along with housing market and consumer debt risks in the Canadian economy, could adversely impact our customer growth, revenue, profitability and free cash flow, and could potentially require us to record impairments to the carrying value of our assets, including, but not limited to, our intangible assets with indefinite lives (spectrum licences and goodwill). Impairments to the carrying value of our assets would result in a charge to earnings and a reduction in owners’ equity, but would not affect cash flow.

A further risk to the Canadian economy is the ongoing negotiation with the United States and Mexico around the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While NAFTA negotiations occurred throughout most of 2017, recent reports suggest that there may be a stalemate over key issues, leaving the entire agreement at risk. If the NAFTA Agreement were to be terminated, this would result in significant trade-related risk in the Canadian economy.

In 2017, the Canadian dollar exchange rate with the U.S. dollar was volatile. Fluctuating oil prices, as well as the U.S. presidential administration’s activities and certain U.S. monetary policy changes, may put further downward pressure on the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar in 2018. This will be particularly pronounced if the Federal Reserve hikes overnight rates at a faster pace than the Bank of Canada, as a growing interest rate differential would lift the U.S. dollar. Certain of our revenues, capital asset acquisitions and operating costs are denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, a continuing weakness in the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate may negatively impact our financial and operating results. Additionally, certain capital asset acquisitions and inventory purchases from outside Canada, although priced in Canadian dollars, may be negatively impacted by a continuing weakness in the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate.

Risk mitigation: While economic risks cannot be completely mitigated, our top priority of putting customers first and pursuing global leadership in the likelihood of our clients to recommend our products, services and people, support our efforts to acquire and retain customers. We will also support customers negatively affected by fluctuating oil prices with cost-effective solutions that help them realize efficiencies in their operations, and we will continue to pursue cost reduction and efficiency initiatives in our own business (see discussions in Section 2.2 Strategic imperatives and Section 3 Corporate priorities). See Section 4.3 Liquidity and capital resources for our capital structure financial policies and plans. Our foreign currency exchange risk management includes the use of foreign currency forward contracts and currency options to fix the exchange rates on U.S. dollar-denominated transactions, commitments, commercial paper and U.S. Dollar Notes, but does not eliminate this risk entirely.

Pension funding

Economic and capital market fluctuations could adversely affect the investment performance, funding and expense associated with the defined benefit pension plans that we sponsor. Our pension funding obligations are based on certain actuarial assumptions relating to expected plan asset returns, salary escalation, retirement ages, life expectancy, the performance of the financial markets and future interest rates.

The employee defined benefit pension plans, in aggregate, were in a $334 million deficit position at December 31, 2017 (as compared to a $79 million deficit position at the end of 2016). Our solvency position, as determined under the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, was estimated to be a surplus of $255 million (as compared to a $253 million surplus position at the end of 2016). There can be no assurance that our pension expense and funding of our defined benefit pension plans will not increase in the future and thereby negatively impact earnings and/or cash flow. Defined benefit funding risks may arise if total pension liabilities exceed the total value of the respective plan assets in trust funds. Unfunded differences may arise from lower than expected investment returns, changes to mortality and other assumptions, reductions in the discount rate used to value pension liabilities, changes to statutory funding requirements and actuarial losses. While employee defined benefit pension plan re-measurements will cause fluctuations in other comprehensive income, these re-measurements will never be subsequently reclassified to income.

Risk mitigation: We seek to mitigate this risk through the application of policies and procedures designed to control investment risk and through ongoing monitoring of our funding position. Our best estimate of cash contributions to our defined benefit pension plans is $50 million in 2018 ($66 million in 2017).

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11.Definitions and reconciliations

11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures

We have issued guidance on and report certain non-GAAP measures that are used to evaluate the performance of TELUS, as well as to determine compliance with debt covenants and to manage our capital structure. As non-GAAP measures generally do not have a standardized meaning, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Securities regulations require such measures to be clearly defined, qualified and reconciled with their nearest GAAP measure.

Adjusted Net income and adjusted basic earnings per share: These measures are used to evaluate performance at a consolidated level and exclude items that may obscure the underlying trends in business performance. These measures should not be considered alternatives to Net income and basic earnings per share in measuring TELUS’ performance. Items that may, in management’s view, obscure the underlying trends in business performance include significant gains or losses associated with real estate development partnerships, gains on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, restructuring and other costs, long-term debt prepayment premiums (when applicable), income tax-related adjustments, asset retirements related to restructuring activities and gains arising from business combinations. (See Analysis of Net income and Analysis of basic EPS in Section 1.3.)

Capital intensity: This measure is calculated as capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences) divided by total operating revenues. This measure provides a basis for comparing the level of capital expenditures to those of other companies of varying size within the same industry.

Dividend payout ratio: This is a historical measure calculated as the sum of the last four quarterly dividends declared per Common Share, as reported in the financial statements, divided by the sum of basic earnings per share for the most recent four quarters for interim reporting periods. For fiscal years, the denominator is annual basic earnings per share. Our objective range for the annual dividend payout ratio is on a prospective basis, rather than on a trailing basis, and is 65 to 75% of sustainable earnings per share on a prospective basis. (See Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures.)

Calculation of Dividend payout ratio

Years ended December 31 ($)	2017	2016
Numerator — sum of the last four quarterly dividends declared per Common Share	1.97	1.84
Denominator — Net income per Common Share	2.46	2.06
Ratio (%)	80	89

Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings: This ratio is a historical measure calculated as the sum of the last four quarterly dividends declared per Common Share, as reported in the financial statements, divided by adjusted net earnings per share. Adjusted net earnings per share is basic earnings per share, as used in the Dividend payout ratio, adjusted to exclude the gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences, net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments, provisions related to business combinations, immediately vesting transformative compensation (transformative compensation) expense, long-term debt prepayment premium (when applicable) and income tax-related adjustments.

Calculation of Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings

Years ended December 31 ($)	2017		2016
Numerator — sum of the last four quarterly dividends declared per Common Share	1.97		1.84
Adjusted net earnings ($ millions):
Net income attributable to Common Shares	1,460		1,223
Deduct net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments, after income taxes	(1	)	(16	)
Deduct gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes	—		(13	)
Provisions related to business combinations, after income taxes	(22	)	15
Add back transformative compensation expense, after income taxes	—		224
Add back net unfavourable (deduct net favourable) income tax-related adjustments	21		(17	)
	1,458		1,416
Denominator — Adjusted net earnings per Common Share	2.46		2.39
Adjusted ratio (%)	80		77

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Earnings coverage: This measure is defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 41-101 and related instruments, and is calculated as follows:

Calculation of Earnings coverage

Years ended December 31 ($ millions, except ratio)	2017	2016
Net income attributable to Common Shares	1,460	1,223
Income taxes (attributable to Common Shares)	546	423
Borrowing costs (attributable to Common Shares)1	562	540
Numerator	2,568	2,186
Denominator — Borrowing costs	562	540
Ratio (times)	4.6	4.0

(1)Interest on Long-term debt plus Interest on short-term borrowings and other plus long-term debt prepayment premium, adding back capitalized interest and deducting borrowing costs attributable to non-controlling interests.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization): We have issued guidance on and report EBITDA because it is a key measure used to evaluate performance at a consolidated level. EBITDA is commonly reported and widely used by investors and lending institutions as an indicator of a company’s operating performance and ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to Net income in measuring TELUS’ performance, nor should it be used as an exclusive measure of cash flow. EBITDA as calculated by TELUS is equivalent to Operating revenues less the total of Goods and services purchased expense and Employee benefits expense.

We calculate EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs, as it is a component of the EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage ratio and the Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio.

We may also calculate Adjusted EBITDA to exclude items of an unusual nature that do not reflect our ongoing operations and should not, in our opinion, be considered in a valuation metric, or should not be included in an assessment of our ability to service or incur debt.

EBITDA reconciliation

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016
Net income	1,479		1,236
Financing costs	573		520
Income taxes	553		426
Depreciation	1,617		1,564
Amortization of intangible assets	552		483
EBITDA	4,774		4,229
Add back restructuring and other costs included in EBITDA1	139		479
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs	4,913		4,708
Deduct gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences	—		(15	)
Deduct net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments	(1	)	(26	)
Deduct MTS net recovery	(21	)	—
Adjusted EBITDA	4,891		4,667

(1)Includes transformative compensation expense of $305 million recorded in other costs in the fourth quarter of 2016.

EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage: This measure is defined as EBITDA —excluding restructuring and other costs, divided by Net interest cost, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis. This measure is similar to the coverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities, as described in Section 7.6 Credit facilities.

Free cash flow: We report this measure as a supplementary indicator of our operating performance. It should not be considered an alternative to the measures in the Consolidated statements of cash flows. Free cash flow excludes certain working capital changes (such as trade receivables and trade payables), proceeds from divested assets and other sources and uses of cash, as found in the Consolidated statements of cash flows. It provides an indication of how much cash generated by operations is available after capital expenditures (excluding purchases of spectrum licences) that may be used to, among other things, pay dividends, repay debt, purchase shares or make other investments. Free cash flow may be supplemented from time to time by proceeds from divested assets or financing activities.

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Free cash flow calculation

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016
EBITDA	4,774		4,229
Deduct gain on the exchange of wireless spectrum licences	—		(15	)
Deduct net gains and equity income from real estate joint venture developments	(1	)	(26	)
Deduct non-cash gains from the sale of property, plant and equipment	(7	)	(17	)
Restructuring and other costs, net of disbursements	(21	)	24
Items from the Consolidated statements of cash flows:
Share-based compensation	17		(2	)
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	82		93
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(67	)	(71	)
Interest paid	(539	)	(510	)
Interest received	7		4
Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences)	(3,094	)	(2,968	)
Other	6		—
Free cash flow before income taxes	1,157		741
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	(191	)	(600	)
Free cash flow	966		141

The following reconciles our definition of free cash flow with cash provided by operating activities.

Free cash flow reconciliation with Cash provided by operating activities

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016
Free cash flow	966		141
Add (deduct):
Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences)	3,094		2,968
Adjustments to reconcile to Cash provided by operating activities	(113	)	110
Cash provided by operating activities	3,947		3,219

Net debt: We believe that net debt is a useful measure because it represents the amount of Short-term borrowings and long-term debt obligations that are not covered by available Cash and temporary investments. The nearest IFRS measure to net debt is Long-term debt, including Current maturities of Long-term debt. Net debt is a component of the Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio.

Calculation of Net debt

As at December 31 ($ millions)	2017		2016
Long-term debt including current maturities	13,660		12,931
Debt issuance costs netted against long-term debt	73		67
Derivative liabilities, net	93		20
Accumulated other comprehensive income amounts arising from financial instruments used to manage interest rate and currency risks associated with U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (excluding tax effects)	5		(34	)
Cash and temporary investments	(509	)	(432	)
Short-term borrowings	100		100
Net debt	13,422		12,652

Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs: This measure is defined as net debt at the end of the period divided by 12-month trailing EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs. Our long-term policy guideline for this ratio is from 2.00 to 2.50 times. (See discussion in Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures.) This measure is similar to the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities, as described in Section 7.6 Credit facilities.

Net interest cost: This measure is the denominator in the calculation of EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage. Net interest cost is defined as financing costs, excluding capitalized long-term debt interest, employee defined benefit plans net interest and recoveries on redemption and repayment of debt, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis. No recoveries on redemption and repayment of debt were recorded in 2017 and 2016. Expenses recorded for the long-term debt prepayment premium, if any, are included in net interest cost. Net interest cost was $567 million in 2017 and $566 million in 2016.

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Restructuring and other costs: With the objective of reducing ongoing costs, we incur associated incremental, non-recurring restructuring costs. We may also incur atypical charges, which are included in other costs, when undertaking major or transformational changes to our business or operating models. In addition, we include incremental external costs incurred in connection with business acquisition or disposition activity, as well as litigation costs, in the context of significant losses and settlements, in other costs.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we made transformative compensation lump-sum payments to substantially all of our existing unionized and non-unionized Canadian-situated workforces that were recorded in other costs.

Components of restructuring and other costs

Years ended December 31 ($ millions)	2017	2016
Goods and services purchased	103	62
Employee benefits expense1	36	417
Restructuring and other costs included in EBITDA	139	479

(1)Includes transformative compensation expense of $305 million recorded in other costs in the fourth quarter of 2016.

11.2 Operating indicators

The following measures are industry metrics that are useful in assessing the operating performance of a wireless and wireline telecommunications entity, but do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS-IASB.

Average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) for wireless subscribers is calculated as network revenue divided by the average number of subscriber units on the network during the period and is expressed as a rate per month.

Churn per month (or churn) is calculated as the number of subscriber units deactivated during a given period divided by the average number of subscriber units on the network during the period and is expressed as a rate per month. A TELUS, Koodo or Public Mobile brand prepaid wireless subscriber is deactivated when the subscriber has no usage for 90 days following expiry of the prepaid credits.

Wireless subscriber unit (subscriber) is defined as an active mobile recurring revenue-generating unit (e.g. mobile phone, tablet or mobile Internet key) with a unique subscriber identifier (SIM or IMEI number). In addition, TELUS has a direct billing or support relationship with the user of each device. Subscriber units exclude machine-to-machine devices (a subset of the Internet of Things), such as those used for asset tracking, remote control monitoring and meter readings, vending machines and wireless automated teller machines.

Wireline subscriber connection is defined as an active recurring revenue-generating unit that has access to stand-alone services, including fixed Internet access, TELUS TV and residential network access lines (NALs). In addition, TELUS has a direct billing or support relationship with the user of each service. Reported subscriber units exclude business NALs, as the impact of migrating from voice lines to IP services has led to business NAL losses without a similar decline in revenue, thus diminishing its relevance as a key performance indicator.

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EX-99.5

Exhibit 99.5:

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-213497 on Form F-10, Registration Statement No. 333-186874 on Form F-3 and Registration Statement No. 333-125486 on Form S-8 and to the use of our reports dated February 8, 2018 relating to the consolidated financial statements of TELUS Corporation and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of TELUS Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 40-F of TELUS Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2017.

/s/Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
February 8, 2018

EX-99.6

Exhibit 99.6:

Amended 2018 Code of Ethics and Conduct

TELUS Code of
Ethics & Conduct

February 2018

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TELUS Code of Ethics & Conduct

Table of Contents
Introduction	4
Responsibilities	5
All TELUS Team Members	5
Leaders	5
Team members with internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure control roles	5
Members of the TELUS Board of Directors	6
Team Members and Board Members who represent TELUS as directors on the boards of other organizations	6
Ethics Office	6
Integrity Work Group	6
Compliance/Exceptions	6
Waivers	7
Ethical Decision Making	7
1. Questions to Ask Yourself	7
2. Talk to Your Leader	8
3. Expert Assistance	8
4. TELUS EthicsLine	8
5. Last Resort Resolution	10
Guidelines	11
Privacy and Confidentiality of Information	11
Personal Integrity	13
Fraud	13
Travel & Expenses	13
Compliance with Domestic and Foreign Laws	13
Contributing to our Communities	14
Competing Ethically/Lawfully/Fairly	14
Bribes and Facilitation Payments	14
Other Parties’ Confidential Information	14
Lawful Competition	15
Dealing with Governments	15
Political Activities	16
Proprietary Rights and Assets of Others	16
Involvement in a legal matter	16
Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits	16
Respectful Workplace / Human Rights	16
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion	17
Health and Safety	17
Environment & Sustainability	18
Company Assets and Information	19
Company Information	19
Public Disclosure	20
Business Records	20
Financial Transactions	21
Safeguarding Assets	21
Intellectual Property	21
Personal Use of Communication Devices	22
Conflict of Interest	24
Personal Gain	25
Family Members and Personal Relationships	25
Ethical Sales Practices	26
Outside employment and other non-TELUS activities	26
Future TELUS Business	27
Insider Trading	27
Putting Conflict of Interest Concepts into Practice	27
Gifts and Benefits	27
Dealing with Suppliers	32
Selecting Suppliers	32
Adherence to applicable TELUS policies	32
Supplier-funded incentive programs	33
Review Guidelines and Policies	33

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All TELUS team members:

At TELUS, our commitment to ethical behaviour reflects our collective belief in transparency, integrity and inclusiveness. We understand that in order to uphold our accountability of making the future friendly for our stakeholders, including delivering on our Customers First promise, we need to be consistently mindful of our professional values, ethics and conduct. All team members, as well as our suppliers, vendors, community partners and members of our Board of Directors and TELUS Community Boards should share this commitment to personal and professional integrity.

We strive to uphold our brand and reputation as a highly regarded and world leading corporate citizen. Importantly, our Code of Ethics & Conduct helps to guide these efforts.  This document addresses a range of essential topics, including: conflict of interest; the acceptance of gifts and benefits; and the protection of our company’s assets and information. Respectfully, we ask that you familiarise yourself with our Code and ensure that its policies, procedures and standards inform your decisions and actions at all times.  Building and maintaining an ethical culture is a shared responsibility, and it is incumbent upon our leaders to set the standard and lead by example. To this end, TELUS requires that every member of our team use the Code as a resource to assist you in doing the right thing.

Increasingly, citizens are choosing to do business with, and work for, organisations that reflect their values. This is one reason why integrity matters so much at TELUS given that it is our top priority to put customers first in all that we do. Indeed, acting with integrity creates yet another competitive advantage for our organisation and team.
As the most authentic ambassadors of our brand, you define us as a company of passionately committed to honouring its responsibilities to our clients, communities, team members and shareholders; a company that people around the world choose to recommend to their friends, family and personal networks.

Thank you for embracing this learning opportunity to further elevate your daily interactions with one another, as well as with our customers, investors and the communities that we serve as proud citizens

With deep appreciation for your commitment,

Darren Entwistle

President and Chief Executive Officer

Doug French

Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

Sandy McIntosh

Executive Vice-President People & Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer

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Introduction

Why do we have a Code?

TELUS’ Code of Ethics & Conduct (the “Code”) outlines the behaviours that we must exhibit in order to meet and uphold TELUS’ ethical and conduct standards. The Code is intended to set the tone for how we work at TELUS and to help us recognize ethical and compliance issues before they arise and guide how we deal with those issues should they arise.

The Code applies to the directors, officers and employees (referred to as “team members” or “TELUS team members”) of the TELUS group of companies (i.e. TELUS Corporation, TELUS International and all of their subsidiaries and affiliates) (“TELUS” or the “Company”) that in each case, are directly or indirectly controlled or managed by TELUS. Team members are required to review this Code at least annually to remain familiar with its terms and to adhere to them.

To assist team members in remaining familiar with the Code, they are required to complete the Integrity training course each year. Team members must also complete any other required ethics and compliance courses in a timely manner.

The Code cannot address every possible situation, so it is up to team members to use good judgment and seek help whenever they have questions or are not sure about the right course of action. The Code is reviewed annually and revised as necessary.

The Code constitutes a term of the employment contract of all TELUS team members.

TELUS reserves the right to revoke or amend any term of the Code if required by the needs of the business. TELUS will notify team members of any amendments to the Code prior to the changes becoming effective.

The Code is available on the Company’s intranet under Go/Ethics, and is publicly available at about.telus.com/governance/ethics.html.

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Responsibilities

All TELUS Team Members

Ethical behavior is an individual responsibility and reflecting high ethical standards is the expectation of all of us. All team members are expected to act honestly in all their dealings, comply with the laws governing our businesses, and maintain an ethical work environment. This standard requires that all team members understand and apply the guidelines in this Code to everyday actions and decisions.

At TELUS, we not only do things right, but we should strive to do the right things.

All business activities should be able to stand up to any possible public scrutiny and further investigation if required.

The guidelines in this Code are based upon generally accepted standards of ethical business conduct and applicable laws. The absence of a guideline covering a particular situation does not relieve any of us from the responsibility for acting ethically and within the law.

Leaders

In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, TELUS managers (referred to as leaders) have responsibility to:

·Be familiar with the Code and resolution procedures

·Demonstrate leadership by promoting and maintaining a climate in which honest, ethical and legal business conduct is the norm

·Ensure that annual Integrity training is completed by all team members and that violations of the Code are appropriately addressed

·Identify any risks of non-compliance with this Code within their area of responsibility and take appropriate steps to address such risks

·Maintain a work environment that encourages open discussion and resolution of all ethical and conduct concerns without the fear of retaliation

·Maintain, without compromise, our ethical and other conduct standards in achieving goals, objectives and Customer First priorities

·Use our performance review process to evaluate team members not only on the business objectives achieved, but also how they are achieved

·Recognize team members whose behaviour and actions demonstrate strong ethical decision making and adherence to conduct standards.

Team members with internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure control roles

In addition to the above responsibilities, team members who have roles related to internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls have, as outlined in the Policy on Corporate Disclosure and Confidentiality of Information, the responsibility to make full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that TELUS files with, or submits to, securities commissions and in other public communications made by TELUS.

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Members of the TELUS Board of Directors

TELUS Board members have the responsibility to notify the Chair of the Board of any potential or perceived conflict of interest or other Code issues which arise during the course of their Board service.

Team Members and Board Members who represent TELUS as directors on the boards of other organizations

In addition to the above responsibilities, TELUS team members and Board members who represent TELUS on the boards of other organizations have the responsibility to notify the Chair of the Board (if they are a Board member) or the TELUS Integrity Work Group (if they are a team member) of any potential perceived conflict of interest or other Code issues which arise during the course of their service on another organizations’ board. In providing such notice, Board members and team members should exercise due care to ensure that they act in compliance with their fiduciary and other obligations to the other organization and, for example, do not disclose that organization’s confidential information to TELUS, without prior written approval of that organization.

Ethics Office

The Ethics Office is established to provide team members with a resource regarding ethical and conduct matters. This office oversees the Code, conducts investigations, provides advice on ethical issues and conduct matters and develops and administers training for TELUS’ expected standards of business conduct. The office reports on its activities, including on breaches of the Code, to the President and Chief Executive Officer and financial officers (unless implicated) and to the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis.

Integrity Work Group

An Integrity Work Group supports the Ethics Office in overseeing the Code and quarterly reporting to senior leadership and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee of the TELUS Board. Members of the Integrity Work Group include representatives from Risk Management, People & Culture, Legal Services, the Data & Trust Office, TELUS International and the TELUS Security Office.

Compliance/Exceptions

In situations where the right ethical behaviour is unclear, or where there may be the appearance of a contravention of these guidelines, we support each other in seeking advice and clarification. If you are unsure as to the proper course of action to take in a particular situation, you should first discuss the situation with your leader (supporting manager) or the applicable department identified in this Code. Team members should retain all documentation and save a written record of the guidance provided by their leader or members of other departments and any decision made in the event there is a future investigation with respect to a possible violation of the Code.

If you become aware of a possible violation of the Code, you are required to report it to the Ethics Office. For more details, please refer to the TELUS EthicsLine section. Members of the TELUS Board may also advise the Chair of the Board of potential violations. The Chair will refer the matter to the Ethics Office for investigation, resolution

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and reporting. Possible violation of applicable laws will be directed to Legal Services for review and investigation.

Failure to act in accordance with the guidelines outlined in this Code may have consequences for the individual team members, may create potential harm to TELUS’ reputation and brand, and may put TELUS at risk for civil or criminal liability. Individual consequences may include disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal for just cause, as well as civil and criminal penalties. Therefore, please regard the requirement to understand and to act in accordance with the Code as a very serious obligation.

Waivers

It is not intended that there be any waivers to this Code. In the unlikely event that a waiver is considered and granted for an executive leadership team (“ELT”) member or a member of the Board, it must receive prior written approval by the Board or its delegate. The delegate must be a Board committee member. In such circumstances, any waivers granted to an ELT member or member of the Board must be disclosed, subject to the TELUS Policy on Corporate Disclosure and Confidentiality of Information.

In the unlikely event that a waiver is considered for team members other than an ELT member or a member of the Board, prior written approval must be received by the Chief Legal Officer together with the Vice President Risk Management & Chief Internal Auditor and must be promptly reported to the Audit Committee of the Board.

Ethical Decision Making

This Code reflects our commitment to high standards of integrity and ethical behaviour in our professional and business dealings. The Code is intended to support open and frank discussion and the satisfactory resolution of ethical dilemmas. We encourage “asking before acting.”

Each of us is responsible for striving to ensure our behaviour is ethical and for taking steps to resolve ethical dilemmas. The guidelines in this Code are provided to assist with ethical decision-making. However, as business becomes increasingly complex, the Code cannot provide guidance for every possible situation.

If you have an ethical issue with which you would like help, follow the process below, stopping at the point at which your situation has been resolved.

1. Questions to Ask Yourself

Gather information and then determine if the situation you face is an ethical issue. The questions below may help to clarify your situation and ethical action.

·What is my immediate feeling about this?

·Does this comply with company policies and procedures?

·Is this legal?

·Is this an expected part of my job?

·How would others perceive this action?

·Would I or TELUS be embarrassed if this situation were discussed in the media?

·Would I be putting TELUS or myself at unnecessary risk?

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·What impact would this have on my or the Company’s reputation?

·Is this taking revenue or customers away from TELUS or otherwise negatively affecting TELUS’ interests?

·Does this affect my judgment to act in the best interests of TELUS?

·Does this benefit me or a person somehow related to me economically?

·Would the action bias me or my role and accountability?

We rely on all team members to use good judgment to guide behaviour and to ask questions in situations where the proper course of action may be unclear.

2. Talk to Your Leader

Often your leader is in the best position to help you work through the issue. Your leader is responsible for supporting open discussion, working through the ethical questions and other issues you have that touch on the Code, and guiding your access to further assistance as required. In situations where you are uncomfortable talking with your leader, or your leader is unable to help, you should refer to the next level of leadership or seek expert assistance as detailed in the next section from the Ethics Office.

3. Expert Assistance

If you have tried the above steps but still have questions, assistance is available through designated subject matter experts in People & Culture, Legal Services, the Data & Trust Office, the TELUS Security Office, the Ethics Office, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Accounting & Financial Reporting. Names and contact telephone numbers are listed on the Company’s internal website, under Ethics. TELUS International team members may contact their Senior Vice President for People & Culture.

4. TELUS EthicsLine

You may also contact the TELUS EthicsLine to request ethical guidance or make a good-faith report about misconduct or a perceived violation of this Code, another Company policy or procedure, a law, questionable business practices, potential fraud or concerns or complaints with respect to any accounting, accounting controls or auditing matter. Reports may be made anonymously.

A good-faith report alleging misconduct must be made promptly after the occurrence of a violation or perceived violation, or after a team member becomes aware of it. Failure to file a report promptly may negatively impact TELUS’ ability to evaluate, investigate or resolve the alleged misconduct.

The EthicsLine is operated by an independent company and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by live operators who are fluent in multiple languages. EthicsLine operators document and forward the report to the Ethics Office for review and handling following each call or web contact. Where the report involves accounting, accounting controls or auditing matters, EthicsLine operators forward the report directly to the Chief Legal Officer, who will, as appropriate, review and assess the seriousness of such report with one or more of:

·the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer,

·the Vice President Risk Management & Chief Internal Auditor,

·the Chief Data & Trust Officer, who oversees the Data & Trust Office , or

·the Audit Committee of the TELUS Board.

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The Ethics Office forwards complaints regarding potential violation of laws to Legal Services for review and handling.

Phone toll free: 1-888-265-4112 in North America. See website for other international dialing instructions

Web: link from www.telus.ethicspoint.com or Company intranet

How the Ethics Office handles Inquiries:

The Ethics Office will assist team members in ethical decision-making by providing guidance concerning the Code. The Ethics Office may also refer to other subject matter experts within TELUS for assistance.

How the Ethics Office handles Complaints:

a)Assessment of complaint

The Ethics Office will assess the nature of the complaint. The complaint will be reviewed under the direction of Legal Services in appropriate cases. The following matters for which other remedies exist will not be investigated by the Ethics Office and will be redirected as follows:

·Labour relations issues — Labour Relations and the immediate leader or other members of leadership

·Employment issues such as promotions, remuneration, reprimands, suspensions, dismissals — People & Culture and the immediate leader or other members of leadership

·Respectful Workplace issues such as harassment and discrimination — Respectful Workplace Office

·Customer service complaints — Customer Care or Client Care

·Privacy-related issues — the Data & Trust Office is engaged where a matter involves customer or team member privacy

·Health & Safety issues- the Safety & Environment team

·Others may be redirected on a one off basis as determined by the Ethics Office.

b)Investigation

All complaints to the Ethics Office are taken seriously and investigated, in partnership with TELUS Security where appropriate, in a timely manner. If substantiated, the complaint will be resolved through appropriate corrective action and/or discipline. If you make a complaint and choose to identify yourself, you will be notified when the Ethics Office has completed its review. Every effort will be made to maintain privacy and confidentiality for those who contact the Ethics Office or who are accused of a breach of this Code (although disclosure may be necessary in some cases to effectively conduct an investigation, take corrective action or support legal proceedings or otherwise as required by law). It is expected that all reports to the Ethics Office will be made in good faith. Deliberately or recklessly making false complaints will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for just cause.

c)Protection for Reporting

We support and encourage our team members to come forward in order for the Ethics Office and other subject matter experts to investigate and allow for a proactive

9

response to potential areas of concern. Retaliation or retribution against a team member for contacting the Ethics Office or for assisting or participating in an investigation of a complaint violates our ethical principles and will not be tolerated. If you feel you have been retaliated against, you should contact People & Culture or the Ethics Office immediately.

d)Opportunity to Respond

If it has been found that a team member has breached or has likely breached this Code, the team member will be informed of the complaint in due course. He or she will be provided the opportunity to respond and, where appropriate, to contribute to the correction of the breach.

e)Reporting of Breaches

Any breach of the Code will be reported to senior leadership with recommendations for action. Ethical issues reported to the Ethics Office will be summarized quarterly and reported to the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board, together with results of investigations, recommendations and action. The Chief Legal Officer will report significant complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters directly to the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board.

f)File Documentation

Records of the report and investigation, including contents of meetings, interviews, results of investigations and other relevant material, will be maintained by the Ethics Office in a separate file, and managed in accordance with the TELUS Privacy Policies and commitments set out at telus.com/privacy and Record Retention Policy. Disclosure of information internally will be strictly limited to a need-to-know basis.

5. Last Resort Resolution

If an ethical issue remains unresolved, the Integrity Work Group is available as the body of last resort to discuss the issue and guide the resolution of any ethical issue brought forward. Every ethical issue referred to the Integrity Work Group will first be reviewed by a sub-committee of the Integrity Work Group to assess its merits and relevance. If the sub-committee determines, based upon a review of the evidence submitted, that the issue has not been reported in good faith but is frivolous and / or vexatious, or that it is made in bad faith, it may recommend to the Integrity Work Group that no further action be taken. The Integrity Work Group will review the recommendation from the sub-committee and make a decision whether to assess the merits of the issue or determine that no further action be taken.

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Guidelines

Privacy and Confidentiality of Information

We respect and protect the confidentiality, security and integrity of the information of others whether it belongs to other team members, contractors, suppliers, vendors, community partners, customers or competitors and we earn trust through effective and ethical management of their information.

The definition of “customer” includes our direct customers, customers who are also our competitors, a third party’s customers (customers of our customers), and may include team members who are also our customers. All customer and team member personal information is confidential and may not be disclosed except as outlined in the TELUS Privacy Code and as permitted by law.

We’re proud of the work we do at TELUS to protect the privacy of our customers and team members, and of the excellent reputation we have built for doing so. In today’s technologically innovative world, protecting privacy is more important than ever and more challenging than ever. We all rely on our customers trusting us with their data and, accordingly, we all need to be constantly alert about how we can continue to earn and maintain that trust.

Every team member at TELUS has a responsibility to put privacy first when handling personal information and to understand the privacy commitments we make to both our customers and team members, set out, respectively, at telus.com/privacy.

Team members are only permitted to access supplier, partner, customer or team member personal information where they have a legitimate business need to do so and may only use that personal information for that specific business purpose.

In order to comply with privacy laws, protect confidential information and maintain a respectful workplace, team members must not record workplace conversations or take photographs or videos in the workplace with a recording device or camera (including, but not limited to, a smartphone) without either obtaining prior consent from all parties included in the recording, photograph or video or prior authorization from their leader or other TELUS management. Team members should contact their leader or the
Ethics Office for further information on recording workplace conversations.

The privacy policies and commitments found at telus.com/privacy set out guidelines and related practices for managing customer, supplier and team member personal information. Various areas of the Company may have additional supporting management practices in place. Refer to your leader for more information.

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Case Studies

Problem

My friend calls me at work in the Call Centre to ask me to look up the address and phone number of a TV personality since this information is not listed in the public directory. Should I look this up and provide the information?

Action

No. Unless you have a legitimate business reason to look up the information, you must not even access this customer’s account and should certainly not provide the requested information to your friend.

Problem

My next-door neighbour is a good friend of the family of one of my former team members who now works for a different leader. My neighbour asks me how this team member is doing. I explain that he no longer works on my team and is away from the office on stress leave. Should I have discussed my former team member’s status with a close family friend?

Action

No. It is not appropriate for you to discuss the status of your former team member even though you know your neighbour is a close family friend. Team members are reminded that it is inappropriate to disclose personal information of our team members for non-work related purposes. Of particular concern is sensitive personal information such as health or financial information and information about disciplinary action. This is contrary to our TELUS Privacy Policies and commitments set out at telus.com/privacy.

Problem

Today I had a challenging experience with a customer and I could not make them happy.  I have my own blog on our intranet and would like to post my experience so that I can get suggestions from my team members on how to handle similar situations. Should I post this?

Action

Soliciting feedback from your team members is an excellent idea; however, you should act cautiously. Even though you are posting this internally, you must protect the privacy of your customer. Review what you intend to post to ensure you are not inappropriately identifying your customer and, discuss with your leader before posting.

Problem

My sister is in a marital dispute with her spouse. Is it acceptable to help her by looking up the calling and account details of her spouse?

Action

No. Unless you have a business reason to look up the information, you must not access this customer’s account and should certainly not provide the requested information to your sister. Doing so would constitute a breach of privacy and would be considered a conflict of interest.

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Personal Integrity

Individually and collectively, our personal integrity supports the honest use of Company resources such as time, funds and property in dealings with co-workers and others and in delivering on our Customer First priorities. Business needs must take priority in the allocation of our time at work. Company resources are to be used for business purposes unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate leadership. While we respect the privacy and autonomy of our team members in their personal lives, their actions, both in the workplace and outside it, have the potential to negatively impact the reputation of our company.

Fraud

We have a zero tolerance stance with regards to instances of confirmed fraud. Fraud can be simply defined as any intentional act, omission, deception, falsification or misrepresentation designed to deceive others, resulting in the victim suffering a loss and/or the perpetrator achieving a gain. As team members we will not engage directly or indirectly in fraud, including account falsification, abusive sales practices, expense fraud, time fraud, or any other fraudulent practices or reporting. If you are approached by anyone who you feel is or may be suggesting engagement in fraudulent activities, or if you are aware of situations which may involve fraud, you must report the incident to your leader or contact the Ethics Office. Examples of fraudulent or otherwise improper activity include:

·Altering sales agreements or creating fictitious accounts to meet objectives / earn sales incentive payments

·Adding or modifying products or services on a customer’s account without their knowledge or authorization

·Presenting false medical information to obtain disability benefits

·Falsely reporting time worked to earn more pay or to avoid discipline for being late or absent from work

·Submitting fraudulent benefits claims to TELUS’ service providers.

Travel & Expenses

TELUS funds may only be used for legitimate business purposes. We must follow Company policies regarding allowable expenses, expense limits, the use of corporate credit cards, preferred travel vendors, management approvals, receipts, expense reports and other travel-related matters and we are expected to truthfully, accurately and completely record our travel expenses. See Employee Expense Policy and the TELUS Business Travel Policy for more information about the rules and guidelines regarding reimbursable expenses.

Compliance with Domestic and Foreign Laws

We comply with all applicable laws of the countries where we conduct business. Team members should understand and comply with the laws that relate to their work. It is the responsibility of leaders to ensure that members of their team are aware of their responsibilities in this regard and to seek advice from Legal Services, People & Culture, Regulatory Affairs or Taxation if they are unsure, especially for transactions that cross international borders or involve foreign laws.

Team members should be aware that many countries have laws that regulate the import and export of goods, services, software and technology for a variety of reasons, including national security and foreign policy.

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Contributing to our Communities

We are committed to supporting the communities where our team members live and work. We encourage team members to support our communities by volunteering and participating in charitable activities, such as the TELUS Days of Giving.

While representing TELUS and contributing to our communities, we must adhere to the following:

·Adhere to the TELUS values and uphold the standards in this Code to ensure we always represent TELUS in an ethical manner

·Ensure that these outside activities do not interfere with our job performance or create a conflict of interest

·Obtain proper approval through the Community Investment team before donating TELUS funds or making contributions in TELUS’ name

·Make it clear that the views expressed through our participation in community activities are our own personal views, not those of TELUS.

Competing Ethically/Lawfully/Fairly

We consciously and purposely apply high standards of courtesy, professionalism, fairness and honesty when dealing with partners, suppliers, customers and competitors. We will report unethical practices by any other party to our leader or the TELUS EthicsLine.

Bribes and Facilitation Payments

We do not support any form of dishonesty, including facilitation payments or other types of bribery, gifts and benefits outside the guidelines, kickbacks and extortion, either directly or indirectly through an agent or third party. Local customs do not provide an exception to this requirement. Team members should be aware there are national and international laws regarding bribery and corruption that apply to TELUS and that have significant potential civil and criminal penalties for violations. Team members should refer to the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy for further details.

Facilitation payments are typically small, unofficial payments made to secure or expedite the performance of a routine government action by a government employee or official. For example, a team member might be asked for a facilitation payment in order to obtain routine permits to do business, to process visas and work orders, to obtain mail or telephone services, or to expedite shipments through customs. Facilitation payments are bribes and are strictly prohibited, even where they may not be illegal in a particular jurisdiction. By contrast, paying government taxes, fees and other legally required charges would not be considered a facilitation payment. Further guidance on bribes may be found under Gifts and Benefits below and in the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.

Other Parties’ Confidential Information

We do not improperly seek corporate trade secrets or confidential information belonging to others. If we receive unsolicited information that appears to be another party’s corporate trade secrets or confidential information without the owner’s consent, we will immediately inform our leader and not copy, distribute, or use it until we have obtained guidance from our leadership and/or Legal Services. Team members or contractors who have worked for a partner, supplier, customer or competitor will not be requested to provide confidential information about that party. This does not preclude gathering

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information with the owner’s consent or from the public domain. Team members should refer to the TELUS Code of Conduct for Business Sales Activities for further details.

Lawful Competition

We are fair in what we say about others’ products and services and we are committed to lawful competition based upon the merits of our products and services and do not support any agreements or actions that restrict or impede fair competition in contravention of applicable law. Competition (anti-trust) law is complex, and global in reach, and its application depends on the facts of a particular case. Team members with sales, marketing and pricing responsibilities, as well as senior leadership, function in areas that tend to involve risks for violating competition laws, particularly matters that include:

·establishing terms and conditions as well as pricing and promotional strategies for TELUS products and services

·developing advertising materials for TELUS products and services

·negotiating, communicating or interacting with competitors

·handling or using data about competitors

·participating in trade associations that include competitors as participants, or

·selecting or negotiating with vendors.

Team members performing these functions should consult with Legal Services to ensure they are appropriately educated and trained with respect to competition law, and that they receive appropriate advice and specific guidelines to address relevant competition law issues that are applicable to their situation. Team members are also required to report to Legal Services any contravention or suspected breach of competition law requirements. In addition, it is often essential to involve legal counsel early in the process of developing new commercial initiatives given the many uncertainties that can arise in the application of this area of law.

Dealing with Governments

TELUS values its relationships with governments at all levels. Team members dealing with governments must be aware of legal, regulatory and policy requirements in such areas as lobbying, gifts and benefits, conflict of interest, bribery and corruption, hiring ex-government employees and procurement processes. Team members should also refer to the TELUS Code of Conduct for Business Sales Activities and the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy for further details.

TELUS actively and openly communicates with all levels of governments and legislators, expressing views that affect our business and our industry. Team members or consultants/contractors acting on behalf of TELUS will not engage in lobbying activity unless they are registered as lobbyists and authorized to do so by TELUS’ Government Relations. Team members having contact with elected officials, their staff, and government employees (including those of Crown Corporations) should consult with the Government Relations team to ensure compliance with the appropriate lobbying regulations.

Team members should be aware of laws and regulations restricting or prohibiting government officials from accepting gifts or entertainment or from placing those officials in an actual or perceived conflict of interest with regard to their employer.

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Team members hiring former government employees should be aware of restrictions placed by governments on their former employees from accepting employment or work, or advising or accepting appointment to a board of directors of entities with which they had significant official dealings for a specified period of time after leaving government employment.

Political Activities

As private citizens, we are free to engage in political activities and support causes, candidates or political parties of our choice. Unless expressly approved by TELUS, we will not, however, associate TELUS with our personal political activities. TELUS will not reimburse personal political donations in any form. As a responsible corporate citizen, TELUS will occasionally make contributions to a political party, campaign or candidate in Canada, as a means of supporting the democratic process, but only where legally permitted and not to secure favours or preferential treatment. All political contributions, whether direct, sponsorship or in-kind, must be made through the Government Relations team. No political contributions are permitted in countries other than Canada.

Proprietary Rights and Assets of Others

We respect the proprietary rights and assets of others. These include both tangible properties and intangible assets such as those protected by intellectual property rights. Intellectual property rights include trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, confidential information, know-how and trade secrets. Examples of assets containing intellectual property rights that we may come across in our work include, but are not limited to, written materials, logos, creative suggestions, pictures, audio and video products and computer software. We respect licenses and conditions of use that apply to the intellectual property of others. Copyright materials are not copied in whole or in part, or used in violation of any law or agreement with vendors, licensors or any other party. Software license conditions may be included in instruction manuals, in separate documents, or on the disk itself, and breaking the seal on a disk package may constitute acceptance of the stated agreement.

Involvement in a legal matter

If you are involved in a legal matter, whether of a civil, criminal or regulatory nature, that has the potential to affect your ability to perform your job or harm the reputation or interests of TELUS, you must immediately inform your leader.

If a team member comes across a suspected illegal activity or material (e.g. child pornography) in the course of their work, they should report it immediately to the TELUS Security Office which will determine the appropriate course of action such as reporting to the appropriate authorities.

Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits

Team members, or any person acting under the direction of a team member, are prohibited from directly or indirectly taking any action to improperly influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead the Company’s external or internal auditors or their representatives.

Respectful Workplace / Human Rights

We are committed to treating all current, potential and past team members, as well as all partners, suppliers, shareholders, and customers (and others stakeholders) in a non-discriminatory and harassment free manner. In addition, we are committed to

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maintaining a respectful work environment that supports the contribution, worth and human rights of all team members.

Every team member has the right to a workplace that is free of unacceptable behaviours and has the obligation to treat others in the same manner. Unacceptable behaviours include bullying and discrimination and harassment based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.

For the purpose of this section, TELUS “work environment” and “workplace” is not limited to TELUS’ business premises and is not limited to normal business hours. These terms also encompass any activities or events that happen outside of normal business hours or outside of TELUS business premises, but are linked to the TELUS workplace and the team member’s employment with TELUS.

Though the spirit of the law is the same, the human rights legislation that TELUS companies are subject to may differ slightly, depending on which TELUS company is involved and which jurisdiction it is operating in. For example, some of the grounds for discrimination and harassment may differ slightly. Details are provided in the Respectful Workplace Policy to which team members are referred for more information.

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion

We believe the diversity of our team is a significant competitive advantage and we believe diversity thrives when we respect the traditions, beliefs, lifestyles, abilities and perspectives of all members of our team.

Our commitment to inclusiveness includes the provision of workplace accommodation in accordance with the law to permit qualified persons who face some barrier (e.g. persons with disabilities) to do their jobs. Examples of accommodation may include physical or technical changes to work stations and changes to work duties. Details are provided in the Workplace Accommodation Policy to which Canadian team members are referred for more information. Team members are also referred to the Accessibility Policy.

Health and Safety

We are committed to having healthy and safe operations in all our locations to protect the lives and health of our team members, to protect our assets, to ensure business continuity and to engender public trust. When working on customer premises and public thoroughfares, we safeguard the rights and safety of the customer, the public and ourselves as outlined in the Health and Safety Policy.

We monitor progress towards our objective of preventing injuries, illnesses and incidents and continually assess and improve, where appropriate, our health and safety technologies and programs. We provide training to team members to help them understand and incorporate safe behaviour in their daily business activities. We have operating standards, practices, systems and resources to implement the Health and Safety Policy.

We are expected to report to, and to remain fit for work, without any limitation due to the effects of alcohol, illicit drugs, medication, or any other mood altering substance, so that

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our ability to perform our job is not weakened, diminished, or adversely affected in any way. Our actions with respect to the use of drugs, alcohol, and other mood altering substances not only reflect on us as individuals, but on TELUS as a whole. Team members are referred to the TELUS Alcohol and Drug Corporate Policy for further details.

TELUS is committed to providing a safe and violence-free workplace for all team members. Workplace violence may include conduct such as bullying, cyberbullying, teasing, abusive and other aggressive behaviours. Workplace violence is not only an employee health and safety issue, but also may be a criminal law issue. Consequently, workplace violence will not be tolerated and every incident will be investigated. Team members are referred to the Violence Prevention in the Workplace: Investigation and Reporting Policy for further details.

Environment & Sustainability

We believe there is a harmonious relationship between our company, our team and the health and prosperity of our communities and are committed to environmental stewardship and responsible corporate citizenship. We advance this commitment and responsibility through our balanced approach to business, delivering economic growth with a diligent focus on meeting our environmental and social objectives.

TELUS’ values are demonstrated by our compliance with applicable environmental legal requirements, our actions to continually improve our environmental performance and build a sustainability culture. Team members are encouraged to consider economic, social and environmental factors in their day-to-day strategic planning, decision making and operations.

Detailed information on our commitment to the environment can be found in our Environmental Policy and the Company’s intranet at go/green, where team members will find guidance on our ISO 14001:2004 certified environmental management system and other important resources. Detailed information on our Sustainability strategy and progress can be found in our Sustainability Report.

Case Studies

Problem

We recently hired someone who held an executive position with one of our competitors. This person was deeply involved in planning the competitor’s expansion strategy and has information that would be very valuable to us. Can we ask her to disclose confidential aspects of this information?

Action

No. The new team member has an obligation to protect her former company’s confidential or proprietary information, just as you would be obliged to protect the confidential or proprietary information of TELUS if you were to leave the company. You must respect the team member’s personal integrity as well as her obligation to her former employer.

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Problem

I become aware that a team member is disclosing third party (competitors, suppliers, customers, etc.) confidential information to other TELUS team members. What should I do?

Action

Report this to your leader and the EthicsLine immediately. TELUS’ reputation could be significantly harmed by such disclosure, and this could also expose TELUS to potential legal action. Taking immediate steps to contain the confidential information is critical.

Problem

A co-worker and I had a disagreement in the workplace. We are Facebook friends, as are several of our peers, and I began seeing posts where they are making negative comments about me and calling me a loser. Could this be seen as cyberbullying?

Action

Yes. Comments such as these are considered cyberbullying, and are unacceptable. Cyberbullying can be in the form of, but not limited to, offensive email, email threats, posts, comments or spreading gossip on Social Media or work chat platforms.  If you are experiencing or witnessing such behavior, you should speak to the Respectful Workplace Office in People & Culture or your leader.

Problem

We use a contractor to dispose of hazardous materials such as lead. I know the contractor’s crew chief and I get the feeling that they may not be disposing of the materials correctly, at least not according to the law. Should I care about this? After all, it is not my company and they are probably saving us money.

Action

Yes, you should care because what the contractor is doing may expose TELUS to liability. In addition, improper waste disposal is inconsistent with our commitment to sustainable practices and to reduce the environmental impact of our activities. If team members believe someone we work with is doing something wrong they should talk with their leader, the TELUS Environment department or call the EthicsLine.

Company Assets and Information

Company assets are both physical (e.g. equipment, supplies, tools, funds, communications networks, real estate) and non-physical (e.g. software, non-public information, electronic records, intellectual property, brand, goodwill, reputation). We take appropriate care to protect Company assets against undue risks, exposures and liabilities.

Company Information

As team members of TELUS, we have access to information about our company that belongs to TELUS and is used by the Company for its business. Unless specifically published for external use and public dissemination has occurred, all Company records, information, reports, data, plans, processes and methods are considered Company information and should not be disclosed without proper authorization. Access should be limited to those team members with a legitimate business reason to know the

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information. Team members are referred to the Security Policies for further details on the classification and safeguarding of TELUS’ information assets.

Team members and past team members must not use or disclose Company trade secrets, competitive information or other confidential and/or proprietary information to benefit themselves or others. In situations where we would be willing to share confidential information, Legal Services can assist in preparing a confidentiality agreement or license agreement to protect TELUS.

To protect the safety and integrity of our networks, only approved software is to be used on TELUS equipment. No team member should knowingly install or use a software program or code that could damage TELUS’ information assets. All team members are responsible for taking reasonable measures to ensure that software and data is clear of malicious code and safe for use in TELUS’ electronic data processing environment.

Public Disclosure

TELUS is subject to strict securities rules regarding disclosure of financial and other material information to the public. Selective disclosure of confidential information by any team member can create liabilities for TELUS and for that team member. All discussions about TELUS in a public environment should comply with the Policy on Corporate Disclosure and Confidentiality of Information, to which team members should refer to for further details.

Examples of situations that may lead to inappropriate public disclosure include:

·Participating in an investment-related discussion forum, social networking site, chat room, blog or bulletin board on the Internet. The team member must not discuss any confidential information about TELUS when participating in these activities.

·Discussion regarding TELUS with a member of the investment community or the media. All inquiries from these groups must be referred to those team members specifically trained and authorized to communicate on behalf of TELUS.
For further information, contact Investor Relations or Corporate Communications.

·Presentations to business, educational or community groups. Team members invited to make such presentations should receive approval from the Vice President Investor Relations prior to accepting the invitation. In addition, all such public speeches and presentations must be provided in advance to Investor Relations for review where requested by them.

·For presentations to internal TELUS audiences, team members should confirm with their leader if such presentations include confidential or sensitive information.

Business Records

Accurate and reliable records are essential to enable us to meet our business, legal and financial obligations. We strive to ensure all reports (whether for external or internal use), records and other data are factual, complete, timely and understandable. Restricted and confidential information should be properly identified and respected as such as outlined in our Security Policies.

Every business needs an orderly process for retaining and disposing of records and documents in order to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Team members

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are referred to the Records Retention Policy for guidance on minimum and maximum retention periods, storage of records, and suspension of records destruction due to a potential or on-going litigation matter or investigation and where to obtain further information.

It is a violation of this Code as well as other TELUS policies to create false or misleading Company records or documents (including, for example, contracts, orders, time sheets, benefit claims, adjustments and expense statements).

Financial Transactions

All team members are expected to understand their role and responsibility for the Company’s financial transactions and records and follow approved procedures to protect, report, control and accurately reflect these transactions. Team members are referred to the Signing Authority Policy and other Finance policies for further details.

It is a violation of the Employee Expense Policy to misuse Company-issued credit cards or make misrepresentations on expense statements.

We also do not tamper with the network or systems to bypass billing and we do not make unauthorized charges or credits to customer accounts.

Team members whose duties involve authentication and approval are responsible for the close scrutiny and timely verification of all documents upon which monies are paid or received in compliance with TELUS policies.

Safeguarding Assets

We display pride of ownership on behalf of the TELUS team as we protect Company facilities, equipment, tools, supplies, vehicles, funds, communication networks and information systems against loss, theft, damage, vandalism, neglect, unauthorized use and unauthorized disposal.

Team members are expected to take reasonable measures to safeguard access controls such as passwords, identification cards, keys, cards and hand-held user authentication devices. It is also important that we not share our company-provided computer or other communication devices or their access passwords. Team members are the first line of defense in protecting TELUS assets. Team members must also ensure they do not compromise security of sites by leaving access doors open and unattended.

Intellectual Property

Our intellectual property is a valuable TELUS asset. Intellectual property rights enable TELUS to be known and recognized in the market place and help distinguish our products and services from those of our competitors. Intellectual property rights also protect the valuable intangible assets generated or acquired by the TELUS team. At TELUS, we work together to protect our intellectual property just as we respect the proprietary rights of others as noted above.

Intellectual property rights include trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, confidential information, know-how and trade secrets. Examples of materials involving intellectual property rights that we may come across in our work include, but are not limited to, branding, logos, creative suggestions and ideas, pictures, audio and video products, written materials and computer software. When we create intellectual property

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— individually or as part of a team — this property is owned by TELUS and we work to document the ownership of such intellectual property.

Team members should contact Legal Services for further information about intellectual property matters or the Brand Office for information on use of our brand.

Personal Use of Communication Devices

In our future friendly world, communication equipment and devices (whether the Company’s or our own) are used for both business and personal purposes. Electronic communication may occur via a wide range of devices including, but not limited to, computers, telephones, smartphones, webcams and fax machines. This can take the form of emails, texting, Internet searches, photographs, videos, audio files, blogs, social networking, peer-to-peer file transfers and physical exchange of media (e.g., CD’s, USB storage devices and devices such as iPods). As we communicate in any of these ways, we may identify ourselves as TELUS team members either by naming the Company or by virtue of email or IP addresses.

While we permit team members to use TELUS-provided communications equipment and devices for personal purposes, such use should be limited, should not interfere with our duties or negatively impact TELUS in any way. We expect any such personal use to take place on your own personal time, or during reasonable permitted breaks from work, subject to local leadership approval and the needs of the business.

Team members must comply with all TELUS policies when using TELUS-provided communication devices for personal use. We are responsible for all of our actions while using such devices.

TELUS uses automated tools to log team member use of its networks (e.g. voice, email, messaging, Intranet and Internet) and related equipment and devices and to monitor traffic (including content) on its networks in order to detect security threats and other problems. While TELUS does not actively monitor employee email, messaging, telephone and internet access, TELUS does reserve the right to do so. Team members are referred to the Security Policies for further details on the acceptable use of company-provided equipment and devices.

We encourage communication among our team members, customers, and partners, through social networks, blogs, forums, video, and other social-driven platforms. However, as a TELUS team member, you should:

·Remember that you can often leave a permanent footprint of your online presence and you may be operating in a public space where anyone can view your content.

·Not be formally reviewing TELUS products or services, whether you’ve identified yourself as a team member or not. This includes posting reviews in an app store, or on website forums. Doing so can result in legal ramifications for the business.

·Use common sense when offering personal opinions to avoid subjecting either TELUS or yourself to legal action. To help avoid confusion, and depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate to add the following notice: “the views expressed on this website/blog/email are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.”

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·Not disclose information that is confidential to TELUS or provided in confidence to TELUS, including upcoming promotions or device launches or financial information until the information has been made public.

·Not try to sell TELUS products or services to your followers online, or in forums, or claim that you can provide better customer offers than what is available in-store or online.

·Show respect towards other persons and organizations and avoid defamatory, discriminatory, harassing or sexual messages.

·Avoid offensive content of any kind, including pornography and materials promoting violence, discrimination or hatred.

·Not display the TELUS logo or brand images in personal communications without written permission from a senior leader or the Brand Office.

·Not disclose personal information about ourselves that we do not want the public to be aware of, nor disclose personal information about others.

·Not engage in discussions about TELUS products and services online. This can include tweets about customer service issues, news stories about network outages, negative reviews of our products and services, or Reddit threads. The social media team will handle all business-related communication and customer inquiries online.

If you are interested in sharing content or promoting TELUS initiatives, we recommend downloading the Amplify app on your phone, which can be found in the app store, and setting up an account using your TELUS email address. This app features curated feeds of approved TELUS content that can be shared directly with your social networks.

Case Studies

Problem

I have a friend who is starting a new business and has asked me for a list of TELUS customers who might be interested in her services. Is it ok to provide a list of potential customers?

Action

No. Customer information is private and should never be shared with anyone outside TELUS (or with anyone inside TELUS who does not need the information to do their job).

Problem

I am a member of a team working on a part of the quarterly financial results. In the course of my work, I regularly see the draft package of all the results before they are approved for release. One evening, my neighbor asks me, “How is TELUS doing these days?” In this casual conversation, is it acceptable if I answer, “Well, I can tell you one thing: the results are really good this quarter.”

Action

No, this is not acceptable. This information is not yet public and therefore it should be regarded as confidential and/or proprietary company information. In addition, if this information is material (i.e. would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the value or price of TELUS shares), you would be

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engaging in “tipping” in violation of securities law and the Policy on Corporate Disclosure and Confidentiality of Information.

Problem

I would like to search for a new car on the Internet and compare notes with friends on a social networking site. Is this allowed from my workstation?

Action

It depends. Reasonable personal use of your TELUS-provided communication equipment or device to access the Internet is allowed provided it complies with our policies, is carried out during personal time or permitted breaks, does not interfere with your work or negatively impact TELUS in any way. Remember that business needs must take priority in the allocation of our time at work.

Problem

While browsing the web, you came across a Facebook thread where people are discussing TELUS products and services. Some comments praise the business for its service and others are criticizing it.  What should you do?

Action

Unless you are a specifically authorized TELUS spokesperson in this forum, you should not be discussing TELUS products and services online. You may expose yourself and TELUS to unacceptable risk since you may inadvertently disclose confidential information by defending the Company or be viewed as speaking on behalf of TELUS when you have not been authorized to do so. For more information, see Social Media Guidelines.

Problem

You’ve just learned that TELUS is going to be offering a new rate plan in the coming weeks and want to sell it to potential customers online. What do you do?

Action

This is confidential information that should not be shared publicly until it is released officially. We also advise that team members not use social media to sell rate plans or promotions online or claim that they can provide better service or rates. This could be misleading information and can result in a negative customer experience.  For additional information regarding our team member policies, you can visit the Social Media Guidelines.

Note that improper use of the Company’s networks, equipment and devices may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Conflict of Interest

As team members, our first business loyalty must be to TELUS. We must avoid situations or relationships that conflict with the interests of the Company and our duties to TELUS. A conflict arises whenever we allow, or appear to allow, personal interests or relationships to impair our judgment and ability to make work related decisions with integrity and honesty. By thinking of ourselves first, we may act in a way that is damaging, or potentially damaging, to TELUS. We may also harm our personal reputation. In such circumstances, team members must take action to eliminate the conflict of interest or the perception of a conflict of interest.

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As team members, we must disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest to our leader. Each situation must be considered individually based on the parties involved, level of access to business information, decision-making authority, job duties/responsibilities, position within the organization and potential impact on others. If team members find themselves in a conflict or are unsure of whether a situation would be deemed to be a conflict of interest, they should complete a “Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form” available on the Company intranet and submit it to the Ethics Office. Remember, having a conflict of interest is not necessarily a Code violation, but failing to disclose it is.

The following is intended as a guide in those areas in which conflicts of interest most often arise. It is not intended to be definitive or all-inclusive, as guidelines cannot cover every situation that could give rise to a conflict of interest.

Personal Gain

Conflict of interest may occur when a team member or family member gains a personal benefit from: (a) a business relationship with TELUS, or (b) an outside business with which TELUS has a relationship such as a partner, supplier, customer, competitor, contractor, consultant, agent, or dealer. This personal benefit may take the form of an ownership interest in, or a role as a director, officer or employee of, an entity that is engaged in a business relationship with TELUS.

Team Members may not:

·be involved in any negotiations or transactions on behalf of TELUS with partners, suppliers, customers, contractors, consultants, agents, or outside parties where the team member has a personal, commercial or financial interest in the outcome of the negotiations, or transactions unrelated to their role at TELUS.

·access or make adjustments to their own TELUS accounts or services or those of their family or friends.

This guideline does not prohibit team members from holding publicly traded shares of an entity with which TELUS has a business relationship or a competitor provided that the team member does not have a significant investment in the entity and does not acquire the shares based on material undisclosed confidential information obtained as a result of employment with TELUS or by being a member of the Board of a TELUS company.

Family Members and Personal Relationships

A conflict of interest may occur when a team member has the ability to enhance or promote the interests of a family member.

Team members may not:

·participate in a decision to hire, transfer or promote a family member, or someone with whom they have a romantic or sexual relationship, or be in a position of direct or indirect influence over a family member who is an employee or contractor of TELUS. Team members recommending the hire of an employee or retainer of a contractor must disclose any current or past relationships, both professional and personal.

·supervise a family member nor have direct or indirect authority over employment or contract-related decisions that impact a family member or someone with whom they have a romantic or sexual relationship, such as pay, performance ratings, work assignments, discipline, training or termination.

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·access or make adjustments to the accounts or services of family members, friends, co-workers or acquaintances without authorization from their leader. Team members in Customer Solutions Delivery may only do so if specifically authorized by trouble ticket or customer order and authorization is gained from their leader.

·Work for an independent TELUS dealer or a provincially regulated TELUS entity, such as TELUS Retail Limited and TELUS at the same time.

For the purposes of this part of the Code, “Family member” is defined as a spouse (including a common-law spouse and/or same-sex partner), child, stepchild, parent, sibling, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent, grandchild, in-law (including mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law). It also includes close personal friendships and any person (other than domestic employees) residing in the same household as the TELUS team member.

Situations may arise where broader familial relationships, friendships and other close personal associations (e.g. persons residing in same household as the TELUS team member) cause real or perceived conflicts of interest or the possibility of real or perceived improper influence. Team members should be sensitive to these concerns and demonstrate good business judgment in the best interest of TELUS and in keeping with the spirit and intent of this Code. Any uncertainty should be discussed with the appropriate People & Culture business partner or with the Ethics Office.

TELUS Board members must disclose any family or personal relationship with TELUS team members or with TELUS job applicants to the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board in order that the Committee may determine whether the relationship impacts the Director’s independent status.

Board members, executives and senior leaders have a duty to disclose whether they have a relationship with the Company’s external auditor.

Ethical Sales Practices

Team members share a commitment to delivering on our Customers First priorities, which include being consistently mindful of our professional conduct and ethical sales practices. We need to ensure when selling to a customer, that we provide the customer options that will allow them to make informed choices on the products and services that best meet their needs. We do not direct customers to sales that are not aligned with their requirements.

Outside employment and other non-TELUS activities

As team members, we are free to engage in outside business activities on our own time. However, these activities must not conflict, or have the potential to conflict, with TELUS’ best interests or with our ability to perform our job for TELUS. As a general guideline, team members may not work for, or be engaged in business activities for, enterprises that are competitors or suppliers of TELUS. A conflict may also arise if, for example, we use assets such as time, our corporate phone or laptop, or tools paid for or developed by TELUS, when engaged in such outside business activities. If you are considering starting your own business, accepting a second job, or joining a Board, you are required to advise your leader to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

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It is a conflict of interest to have an outside interest that demands so much time and energy that it interferes with the team member’s ability to complete their TELUS work.

This could include any personal, community and charitable activities that require time and effort during normal working hours, except for situations where the individual is acting in a representative capacity at the request of TELUS with the explicit and written permission of their leader.

Future TELUS Business

Over time, TELUS may expand into new businesses or change its product lines or services. Team members are responsible for re-examining their individual situations on a regular basis to avoid becoming involved in a conflict of interest situation where no such conflict previously existed.

Information

Team members may not disclose or use for any personal reason, including personal gain, any confidential information (including competitive intelligence) obtained through employment with TELUS or by being a member of the Board of a TELUS company.

Insider Trading

As detailed in the TELUS Insider Trading Policy and summarized here, team members may not trade in shares or other securities of TELUS or any other company while in possession of undisclosed material information relative to the company whose securities are being traded. Nor may team members inform any other person, including their family, of any undisclosed material information except in very limited circumstances.Please see the TELUS Insider Trading Policy and the TELUS Policy on Disclosure and Confidentiality of Information for more information.

Material information in respect of a company is information that could reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the market price or value of any securities of that company.

Putting Conflict of Interest Concepts into Practice

To determine if you have a conflict of interest that should be disclosed, ask yourself these questions:

· Do my outside interests influence, or appear to influence, my ability to make sound business decisions for TELUS?

· Do I stand to improperly benefit from my involvement in this situation? Does a friend or relative of mine stand to improperly benefit?

· Could my participation in this activity interfere with my ability to do my job at TELUS?

· Is the situation causing me to put my own interests ahead of TELUS’ interests?

· If the situation became public knowledge, could it negatively reflect on me or TELUS?

Gifts and Benefits

A gift can be anything of value. A gift may include tangible items, but not limited to, items such as cash, art, jewelry, travel or tickets to an event.

A benefit includes intangible items such as discounts, services, loans, favours, special privileges, preferential treatment, advantages, and rights that are not available to the general public. They include invitations to sporting, cultural, charitable or social events, or access to discounts and loyalty programs. While their value may sometimes be difficult to quantify in dollars, they may be highly valued by the intended recipient and

27

therefore used to take advantage or influence their behaviour. Accepting substantial gifts from contractors, suppliers, vendors and/or community partners could be seen as “presumptively fraudulent” because of the potential to create undue influence. If ever unsure of an offering, please contact your leader or the Ethics Office.

It is important to remember that “anything of value” can also include things that benefit the recipient’s family members or friends.

TELUS team members shall not authorize, offer or accept, directly or indirectly, gifts, or benefits to or from any organization or person having business dealings with TELUS other than as described below. These guidelines apply at all times and do not change during traditional giving events or seasons.

It is not a conflict of interest to authorize, offer or accept hospitality or entertainment or to offer a discount or gift certificate for TELUS products and services, provided it is reasonable, and is within the limits of responsible and generally accepted business practices. However, team members should not authorize, offer or accept gifts or benefits that are intended to influence, or appear to influence, a particular business decision.

Gifts of cash or cash equivalent (such as a gift card) should not be authorized, offered or accepted, regardless of the amount.

Reasonable gifts and entertainment are courtesies intended to engender goodwill and positive working relationships among business partners. We do not, however, want to use improper means to obtain business or gain any special advantage in a business relationship or put ourselves in a situation where we feel a sense of obligation created by accepting a gift.

Gifts and benefits that are acceptable for TELUS team members to authorize, offer or accept in the normal course of business are typically less than $250 Canadian or the close equivalent in other currencies and include:

·Attendance at local sporting or cultural events

·Business lunches or dinners

·Transportation to or from the customer’s or supplier’s place of business

·Hospitality suites or

·Small seasonal holiday gifts or prizes to be used in office draws and raffles.

Business meals and entertainment provided by external parties must be unsolicited, infrequent with any particular business or person, in good taste, and undertaken for legitimate business reasons, including engendering goodwill. If the provider of the meal or entertainment is not in attendance, it is considered a gift and can only be of nominal value.

If you are not sure whether a gift or benefit is acceptable, ask yourself:

·Would the gift be considered customary given the nature of your role with TELUS?

·If the gift or benefit was reported in the media or to the TELUS President and CEO, would the perception be neutral or positive?

·Would the gift complement or enhance a business relationship?

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·For offers of hospitality or entertainment, is the person extending the offer attending with you?

If the answers to these questions are “yes,” based on your good faith assessment, you may accept the gift.

If the answers to these questions are “no”, you should politely decline the gifts or entertainment. If that would be difficult or embarrassing to the provider, ask your leader or contact the Ethics Office for advice.

It is important to remember that while something less than $250 is typically considered an acceptable value for a gift or benefit, in certain circumstances it may be considered a bribe (and therefore not permitted) since a bribe does not have a specific minimum value. A bribe is any payment, gift or benefit intended to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of power, authority or trust to try to obtain a business advantage. It also includes a payment, gift or other benefit that is intended to reward a person for a business advantage that has already been given. As mentioned above in the context of facilitation payments, bribe amounts can often be relatively small. The determining element is the exchange of personal benefit for business advantage. Reasonable hospitality conferred with a view to engendering goodwill and without an expectation of a specific business advantage in return is not a bribe.

It may be appropriate to attend third-party paid seminars, conferences or vendor-hosted events if there is a clear benefit to TELUS for attending and the attendance is approved in advance by the team member’s leader. To avoid a real or perceived conflict of interest, team members should consider having TELUS fund incremental expenses (e.g. airfare and hotel) and remember, prizes given out at such events are considered gifts and should follow the same gifts & benefits guidelines as outlined above.

Team members with supplier selection, negotiation, purchasing or contract management roles within TELUS are subject to more stringent professional purchasing requirements regarding gifts and benefits and maintaining appropriate relationships with suppliers and should therefore not accept any gifts or benefits from suppliers or potential suppliers without the explicit and written permission of their leader. Where the value of any gift or benefit is $250 or greater, the leader must also provide a copy of their authorization of that particular gift or benefit to the Ethics Office including a description of the gift or benefit, approximate value, the name of the party conferring the gift or benefit and the reason).

Team members with supplier selection, negotiation, purchasing or contract management roles are not limited to team members within the Procurement and Supply Chain Management team, but include team members in any area of TELUS that have the ability to either make or influence decisions around matters including:

·the selection of suppliers, including service providers such as law firms, accounting firms, IT professionals, consultants, and suppliers of any type of hardware, software, equipment or other tangible items;

·the negotiation of contract terms with one or more supplier(s);

·the volume of goods or services to be purchased or acquired from one or more supplier(s); or

29

·the ongoing management of the relationship with one or more supplier(s), including decisions whether to renew or terminate any such relationship.

Case Studies

Problem

A vendor has offered me tickets to a local hockey game. Can I accept them?

Action

Possibly. If the vendor is inviting you to attend the game with a representative of the vendor, this may be acceptable business entertainment providing that it is:

· undertaken for business reasons, including engendering goodwill

· infrequent

· without intent of influencing business decisions

· consistent with our Code and values.

If the vendor is not attending, then the tickets would be considered a gift and must comply with the Gifts and Benefits guidelines.

Problem

I work in a senior marketing position at TELUS and operate my own business after hours. Though I use my marketing skills, the business in no way competes with TELUS business and does not affect my ability to perform my duties at TELUS. I started small, working out of my basement, but my business is gradually generating more and more revenue. I am considering hiring a part-time manager, as I am not ready to leave my full-time employment. Once my own business can pay me as much as TELUS does, I will devote my full attention to it. I have the best of both worlds - a salary from TELUS and a blossoming business for future security. Is this a conflict of interest?

Action

No. Since TELUS is not currently in the same line of business as your company, you are operating ethically, and it is not a conflict of interest as long as it remains an after-hours pursuit and does not interfere with your ability to perform your job for TELUS to the best of your abilities. If, however, TELUS decides in the future to enter the same line of business that your company is in, you will be in a conflict of interest position, even though you were in that business first. You must then decide which of your two interests, your own company or your employer’s, will receive your full attention.

Problem

I recently married the owner of a local franchise selling a competitor’s cellular phone service. We have agreed not to talk about our days at work. Recently, my leader advised me that I could be in a conflict of interest position. What should I do?

Action

You are in a situation that may leave the impression of a conflict of interest. Even though you and your new spouse have decided not to talk about your business lives, people outside the marriage—including your employer—may perceive you are in a conflict of interest position. You should discuss your situation further with your leader and the Ethics Office as necessary and identify the extent to which

30

your access to TELUS’ information could benefit your spouse’s company and develop alternatives to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

Problem

I install telecommunications inside wiring for TELUS small and medium-sized business customers. With the growth of communications services, demand for my expertise is booming. Can I take advantage of this opportunity and start up an installation business on my own time?

Action

No. You cannot engage in any outside activity that might take business away from TELUS or any of its subsidiaries. This would be considered a conflict of interest.

Problem

Part of my job involves the selection of technology suppliers. One day, a technology supplier phoned me and offered me and my family free use of his luxury vacation condominium. He says he is not using it and it would be a shame to have it sit empty. Can I accept the offer to use the supplier’s condominium?

Action

No. The supplier has made a very generous offer which could appear to be offered in exchange for future special treatment from you in your position with TELUS. You should decline the offer.

Problem

While at lunch, I overheard a conversation between two other TELUS team members regarding Company plans to make a minority investment in a software company that develops communications software. Can I buy shares in the software company or suggest to my spouse that she do so?

Action

No. Although you found out about TELUS’ planned investment by accident, you are prohibited from buying shares by virtue of the fact that you are a member of the TELUS team. Your spouse is also prohibited, because she would be obtaining information about the proposed investment from you, a TELUS team member. However, you and your spouse will be able to buy shares when TELUS’ investment in the software company becomes publicly disclosed.

Problem

As an account manager with TELUS, I am responsible for managing several customer accounts. I have known the owner of one of my customer accounts since we were kids and have always maintained a close personal relationship. I have no personal, commercial or financial interest in my customer’s business. Is there still an appearance of conflict?

Action

Yes. Although you may not have a personal, commercial or financial interest in the outcome of your customer’s business, there may still be an appearance of

31

bias or preferential treatment towards their company. You must eliminate the perception of conflict of interest by disclosing the relationship to your leader and removing yourself from managing this account. In addition, this same conflict of interest exists if you are managing an account that a family member may own/operate.

Problem

I am a customer service manager with TELUS and my nephew is seeking employment as an engineer with TELUS. Am I able to recommend him for employment?

Action

Yes. To avoid a conflict of interest, you should have no involvement in the selection decision. However, you may provide a written personal reference to the appropriate People & Culture recruiter.

Problem

I am travelling abroad later this month and need to get a work visa quickly. The person processing my request at the embassy has said that they can speed up the process if I pay a small fee in cash. Is this okay?

Action

It depends. If it is an official fee that the embassy charges for published “fast-track” services, payment of this fee would be O.K. However, if it is a payment to the person processing the request, then it is a bribe and prohibited. You must ask for a receipt or other official documentation as proof that the fee is legitimate. If the person will not provide any official documentation for the payment and you are uncertain whether it is legitimate, you should first consult with your leader or the Data & Trust Office.

Dealing with Suppliers

We value our relationship with suppliers (including contractors and consultants) and those acting on behalf of TELUS because they contribute to our overall success. We strive to ensure our business dealings with them are ethical and that they understand our expectations of them as outlined in our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Selecting Suppliers

·We strive to award business to suppliers who are in compliance with applicable laws in their business operations, including in their relationships with their employees, their communities and TELUS.

·We strive to select our suppliers based upon objective and fair criteria including, but not necessarily limited to, business need, price, service, quality, reputation for ethical conduct and health, safety and environmental business considerations.

Adherence to applicable TELUS policies

·We expect the suppliers with whom we do business to demonstrate values and standards similar to those in the applicable TELUS policies.

·We strive to ensure that our suppliers are made aware of TELUS policies that are applicable to the work for which they are being engaged.

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Supplier-funded incentive programs

·Supplier-funded incentive programs, often offered to our sales team by suppliers seeking to sell their products and services, must be approved in advance by an authorized program administrator who does not work with the eligible team members.

Review Guidelines and Policies

If you need further assistance, consider the following additional policies as they may apply to your situation.

Accessibility Policy

Alcohol and Drug Corporate Policy

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Attendance Policy

Code of Conduct for Business Sales Activities

Policy on Corporate Disclosure and Confidentiality of Information

Corporate Security Policies and Corporate Security Manual

Employee Expense Policy

Environmental Policy

Hiring Processes & Guidelines

Insider Trading Policy

Policy on TELUS and the Charter of the French Language

Procurement Policies

Records Retention Policy

Respectful Workplace Policy

Signing Authority Policy

Social Media Guidelines

Supplier Code of Conduct

TELUS Health and Safety Policy

TELUS Health Privacy Policy

TELUS Health Privacy Commitment

TELUS Privacy Commitment

Team Member Privacy Commitment

TELUS Business Travel Policy

Violence Prevention in the Workplace: Investigation and Reporting Policy

Workplace Accommodation Policy

Work Styles Policy

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XML

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 shares
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TELUS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000868675
Document Type	40-F
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	594,573,092
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

XML

Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income - CAD shares in Millions, CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	CAD 12,478	CAD 12,000
Equipment	724	725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13,202	12,725
Other operating income	102	74
Total	13,304	12,799
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	5,935	5,631
Employee benefits expense	2,595	2,939
Depreciation	1,617	1,564
Amortization of intangible assets	552	483
Total	10,699	10,617
OPERATING INCOME	2,605	2,182
Financing costs	573	520
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,032	1,662
Income taxes	553	426
NET INCOME	1,479	1,236
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	19	(20)
Foreign currency translation adjustment arising from translating financial statements of foreign operations	5	5
Change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets	(11)	0
Total items that may be reclassified to income	13	(15)
Item never subsequently reclassified to income
Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements	(172)	0
Total	(159)	(15)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	1,320	1,221
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	1,460	1,223
Non-controlling interests	19	13
NET INCOME	1,479	1,236
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	1,297	1,206
Non-controlling interests	23	15
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	CAD 1,320	CAD 1,221
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	CAD 2.46	CAD 2.06
Diluted	CAD 2.46	CAD 2.06
TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic	593	592
Diluted	593	593

XML

Consolidated statements of financial position - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	CAD 509	CAD 432
Accounts receivable	1,623	1,471
Income and other taxes receivable	96	9
Inventories	378	318
Prepaid expenses	260	233
Current derivative assets	18	11
Total	2,884	2,474
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11,368	10,464
Intangible assets, net	10,658	10,364
Goodwill, net	4,217	3,787
Other long-term assets	421	640
Total	26,664	25,255
Total	29,548	27,729
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	100	100
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	2,460	2,330
Income and other taxes payable	34	37
Dividends payable	299	284
Advance billings and customer deposits	782	737
Provisions	78	124
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,404	1,327
Current derivative liabilities	33	12
Total	5,190	4,951
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	492	395
Long-term debt	12,256	11,604
Other long-term liabilities	847	736
Deferred income taxes	2,500	2,107
Total	16,095	14,842
Liabilities	21,285	19,793
Owners' equity
Common equity	8,221	7,917
Non-controlling interests	42	19
Total	8,263	7,936
Total	29,548	27,729
Contingent Liabilities

XML

Consolidated statements of changes in owners' equity - CAD shares in Millions, CAD in Millions	Equity contributed, Common shares	Contributed surplus	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Common equity	Non-controlling interests	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	594
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	CAD 5,050	CAD 135	CAD 2,428	CAD 59	CAD 7,672		CAD 7,672
Net income			1,223		1,223	CAD 13	1,236
Other comprehensive income				(17)	(17)	2	(15)
Dividends			(1,091)		(1,091)		(1,091)
Treasury shares acquired (in shares)	(1)
Treasury shares acquired	CAD (45)				(45)		(45)
Shares settled from Treasury (in shares)	1
Shares settled from Treasury	CAD 44		(3)		41		41
Share option award net-equity settlement feature	CAD 2	(2)
Normal course issuer bid purchase of Common Shares (in shares)	(4)
Normal course issuer bid purchase of Common Shares	CAD (36)		(129)		(165)		(165)
Liability for automatic share purchase plan commitment pursuant to normal course issuer bids for Common Shares
Reversal of opening liability for automatic share purchase plan commitment pursuant to normal course issuer bids for Common Shares	CAD 14		46		60		60
Change in ownership interests of subsidiary		239			239	4	243
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	590
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	CAD 5,029	372	2,474	42	7,917	19	7,936
Net income			1,460		1,460	19	1,479
Other comprehensive income			(172)	9	(163)	4	(159)
Dividends			(1,167)		(1,167)		(1,167)
Dividends reinvested and optional cash payments (in shares)	2
Dividends reinvested and optional cash payments	CAD 71				71		71
Share option award net-equity settlement feature (in shares)	1
Share option award net-equity settlement feature	CAD 2	(2)
Issue of shares in business combination (in shares)	2
Issue of shares in business combination	CAD 100				100		100
Liability for automatic share purchase plan commitment pursuant to normal course issuer bids for Common Shares
Other	CAD 3				3		3
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	595
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	CAD 5,205	CAD 370	CAD 2,595	CAD 51	CAD 8,221	CAD 42	CAD 8,263

XML

Consolidated statements of cash flows - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	CAD 1,479	CAD 1,236
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,169	2,047
Deferred income taxes	430	(42)
Share-based compensation expense, net	17	(2)
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	82	93
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(67)	(71)
Other	(21)	29
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(142)	(71)
Cash provided by operating activities	3,947	3,219
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences	(3,081)	(2,752)
Cash payments for spectrum licences		(145)
Cash payments for acquisitions, net	(564)	(90)
Real estate joint ventures advances and contributions	(26)	(33)
Real estate joint ventures receipts	18	103
Proceeds on dispositions	28	3
Other	(18)	(9)
Cash used by investing activities	(3,643)	(2,923)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to holders of Common Shares	(1,082)	(1,070)
Purchases of Common Shares for cancellation		(179)
Long-term debt issued	6,367	5,726
Redemptions and repayment of long-term debt	(5,502)	(4,843)
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interests		294
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interests	(1)
Other	(9)	(15)
Cash used by financing activities	(227)	(87)
CASH POSITION
Increase in cash and temporary investments, net	77	209
Cash and temporary investments, net, beginning of period	432	223
Cash and temporary investments, net, end of period	509	432
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF OPERATING CASH FLOWS
Interest paid	(539)	(510)
Interest received	7	4
Income taxes paid, net	CAD (191)	CAD (600)

XML

notes to consolidated financial statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

notes to consolidated financial statements

notes to consolidated financial statements

DECEMBER 31, 2017

TELUS Corporation is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, providing a wide range of telecommunications services and products, including wireless and wireline voice and data. Data services include: Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; healthcare solutions; business process outsourcing; and home security.

TELUS Corporation was incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) on October 26, 1998, under the name BCT.TELUS Communications Inc. (BCT). On January 31, 1999, pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act among BCT, BC TELECOM Inc. and the former Alberta-based TELUS Corporation (TC), BCT acquired all of the shares of BC TELECOM Inc. and TC in exchange for Common Shares and Non-Voting Shares of BCT, and BC TELECOM Inc. was dissolved. On May 3, 2000, BCT changed its name to TELUS Corporation and in February 2005, TELUS Corporation transitioned under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), successor to the Company Act (British Columbia). TELUS Corporation maintains its registered office at Floor 7, 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 0M3.

The terms “TELUS”, “we”, “us”, “our” or “ourselves” are used to refer to TELUS Corporation and, where the context of the narrative permits or requires, its subsidiaries.

XML

summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

summary of significant accounting policies

summary of significant accounting policies

1summary of significant accounting policies

Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars. The generally accepted accounting principles that we use are International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS-IASB) and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

Generally accepted accounting principles require that we disclose the accounting policies we have selected in those instances where we have been obligated to choose from among various accounting policies that comply with generally accepted accounting principles. In certain other instances, including those in which no selection among policies is allowed, we are also required to disclose how we have applied certain accounting policies. In the selection and application of accounting policies we consider, among other factors, the fundamental qualitative characteristics of useful financial information, namely relevance and faithful representation. In our assessment, our required accounting policy disclosures are not all equally significant for us, as set out in the accompanying table; their relative significance for us will evolve over time as we do.

These consolidated financial statements for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, were authorized by our Board of Directors for issue on February 8, 2018.

		Accounting policy requiring a more significant choice among policies and/or a more significant application of judgment
Accounting policy		Yes	No
General application
(a)	Consolidation		X
(b)	Use of estimates and judgments	X
(c)	Financial instruments — recognition and measurement		X
(d)	Hedge accounting		X
Results of operations focused
(e)	Revenue recognition	X
(f)	Government assistance		X
(g)	Cost of acquisition and advertising costs		X
(h)	Research and development		X
(i)	Depreciation, amortization and impairment	X
(j)	Translation of foreign currencies		X
(k)	Income and other taxes	X
(l)	Share-based compensation		X
(m)	Employee future benefit plans	X
Financial position focused
(n)	Cash and temporary investments, net		X
(o)	Sales of trade receivables		X
(p)	Inventories		X
(q)	Property, plant and equipment; intangible assets	X
(r)	Leases		X
(s)	Investments		X

(a)Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all of our subsidiaries, the principal one of which is TELUS Communications Inc., in which we have a 100% equity interest. TELUS Communications Inc. includes substantially all of our wireless and wireline operations.

Our financing arrangements and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries do not impose restrictions on inter-corporate dividends.

On a continuing basis, we review our corporate organization and effect changes as appropriate so as to enhance the value of TELUS Corporation. This process can, and does, affect which of our subsidiaries are considered principal subsidiaries at any particular point in time.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, there was a change in our ownership interest in our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, which encompasses our TELUS International operations, resulting from the issuance of shares to Baring Private Equity Asia for approximately $302 million, exclusive of net transaction costs. We continue to control and consolidate this subsidiary, and the shares it issued to Baring Private Equity Asia are accounted for as a 35% non-controlling interest. Associated with this transaction, an amount equal to 35% of the net book value of the subsidiary has been credited to non-controlling interest in our Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity, and the net balance of the proceeds has been credited to contributed surplus. In connection with the issuance of shares to Baring Private Equity Asia, we have also arranged bank financing in the subsidiary company, as set out in Note 26(f).

(b)Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect: the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates

Examples of the significant estimates and assumptions that we make, and their relative significance and degree of difficulty, are set out in the graphic at right.

Judgments

Examples of our significant judgments, apart from those involving estimation, include the following:

· Assessments about whether line items are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the primary financial statements and, if not, whether they are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the notes to the financial statements. In the normal course, we make changes to our assessments regarding materiality for presentation so that they reflect current economic conditions. Due consideration is given to the view that it is reasonable to expect differing opinions of what is, and is not, material.

· In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments that affect the timing of the recognition of revenue. See Note 2(b) for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective and have not yet been applied, but which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of revenue and the classification of revenues presented as either service or equipment revenues.

· We must make judgments about when we have satisfied our performance obligations to our customers, either over a period of time or at a point in time. Service revenues are recognized based upon customers’ access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure; we believe that this method faithfully depicts the transfer of the services, and thus the revenues are recognized as the services are made available and/or rendered. We consider our performance obligations arising from the sale of equipment to have been satisfied when the equipment has been delivered to, and accepted by, the end-user customers (see (e) following).

· Principally in the context of revenue-generating transactions involving wireless handsets, we must make judgments about whether third-party re-sellers that deliver equipment to our customers are acting in the transaction as principals or as our agents. Upon due consideration of the relevant indicators, we believe that the decision to consider the re-sellers to be acting, solely for accounting purposes, as our agents is more representative of the economic substance of the transactions, as we are the primary obligor to the end-user customers. The effect of this judgment is that no equipment revenue is recognized upon the transfer of inventory to third-party re-sellers.

· The decision to depreciate and amortize any property, plant, equipment and intangible assets that are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis, as we believe that this method reflects the consumption of resources related to the economic lifespan of those assets better than an accelerated method and is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying use of those assets.

· The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments that affect the financial statement disclosure of information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision-maker used to make resource allocation decisions and to assess performance (segment information, Note 5). A significant judgment we make is in respect of distinguishing between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, such distinction having been significantly affected by the convergence and integration of our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations. Less than one-half of the operating expenses included in the segment performance measure currently reported to our chief operating decision-maker are direct costs; judgment, largely based upon historical experience, is applied in apportioning indirect costs which are not objectively distinguishable between our wireless and wireline operations.

Through December 31, 2015, our judgment was that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations had not experienced sufficient convergence to objectively make their respective operations and cash flows practically indistinguishable. The continued build-out of our technology-agnostic fibre-optic infrastructure, in combination with converged edge network technology, has significantly affected this judgment, as has the commercialization of fixed-wireless solutions.

It has become increasingly impractical to objectively distinguish between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise. Our judgment as to whether these operations can continue to be judged to be individual components of the business and discrete operating segments may change.

The increasing impracticality of objectively distinguishing between our wireless and wireline cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise, is evidence of their increasing interdependence; this may result in the unification of the wireless cash-generating unit and the wireline cash-generating unit as a single cash-generating unit for impairment testing purposes in the future. As our business continues to evolve, new cash-generating units may develop.

· The view that our spectrum licences granted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will likely be renewed; that we intend to renew them; that we believe we have the financial and operational ability to renew them; and thus, that they have an indefinite life, as discussed further in Note 18(d).

· In connection with the annual impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill, there are instances in which we must exercise judgment in allocating our net assets, including shared corporate and administrative assets, to our cash-generating units when determining their carrying amounts. These judgments are necessary because of the convergence that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations have experienced to date, and because of our continuous development. There are instances in which similar judgments must also be made in respect of future capital expenditures in support of both wireless and wireline operations, which are a component of the determination of recoverable amounts used in the annual impairment testing, as discussed further in Note 18(e).

· In respect of claims and lawsuits, as discussed further in Note 29(a), the determination of whether an item is a contingent liability or whether an outflow of resources is probable and thus needs to be accounted for as a provision.

(c)Financial instruments — recognition and measurement

In respect of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments, we have adopted the following policies:

	Accounting classification
Financial instrument	Fair value through net income 1, 2	Loans and receivables	Available- for-sale 3	Other financial liabilities	Part of a cash flow hedging relationship 3
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable		X **
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint ventures		X **
Short-term obligations				X **
Accounts payable				X **
Provisions				X **
Long-term debt				X **
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	X *
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 4			X ***
Foreign exchange derivatives	X *				X
Share-based compensation derivatives	X *				X

*	Will be classified as fair value through net income upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).
**	Will be classified as amortized cost upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).
***	On an investment-by-investment basis, will be classified as either fair value through net income or fair value through other comprehensive income upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).
(1)	Classification includes financial instruments held for trading. Certain qualifying financial instruments that are not required to be classified as held for trading may be classified as held for trading if we so choose.
(2)	Unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments are included in net income.
(3)	Unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments classified as available-for-sale, or the effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments held for hedging, are included in other comprehensive income.
(4)	Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are classified as available-for-sale. In respect of investments in securities for which the fair values can be reliably measured, we determine the classification on an investment-by-investment basis at the time of initial recognition.

· Trade receivables that may be sold to an arm’s-length securitization trust are accounted for as loans and receivables. We have selected this classification as the benefits of selecting the available-for-sale classification were not expected to exceed the costs of selecting and implementing that classification.

· Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are accounted for as available-for-sale. We have selected this classification as we believe that it better reflects management’s investment intentions.

· Derivatives that are part of an established and documented cash flow hedging relationship are accounted for as held for hedging. We believe that classification as held for hedging results in a better matching of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument with the risk exposure being hedged.

In respect of hedges of anticipated transactions, hedge gains/losses are included with the expenditure and are expensed when the transaction is recognized in our results of operations. We have selected this method as we believe that it results in a better matching of the hedge gains/losses with the risk exposure being hedged.

Derivatives that are not part of a documented cash flow hedging relationship are accounted for as held for trading and thus are measured at fair value through net income.

· Regular-way purchases or sales of financial assets or financial liabilities (purchases or sales that require actual delivery of financial assets or financial liabilities) are recognized on the settlement date. We have selected this method as the benefits of using the trade date method were not expected to exceed the costs of selecting and implementing that method.

· Transaction costs, other than in respect of items held for trading, are added to the initial fair value of the acquired financial asset or financial liability. We have selected this method as we believe that it results in a better matching of the transaction costs with the periods in which we benefit from the transaction costs.

(d)Hedge accounting

General

We apply hedge accounting to the financial instruments used to: establish designated currency hedging relationships for certain U.S. dollar-denominated future purchase commitments and debt repayments, as set out in Note 4(a) and (d); and fix the compensation cost arising from specific grants of restricted stock units, as set out in Note 4(f) and discussed further in Note 14(b).

Hedge accounting

The purpose of hedge accounting, in respect of our designated hedging relationships, is to ensure that counterbalancing gains and losses are recognized in the same periods. We have chosen to apply hedge accounting as we believe this is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying transactions.

In order to apply hedge accounting, a high correlation (which indicates effectiveness) is required in the offsetting changes in the risk-associated values of the financial instruments (the hedging items) used to establish the designated hedging relationships and all, or a part, of the asset, liability or transaction having an identified risk exposure that we have taken steps to modify (the hedged items). We assess the anticipated effectiveness of designated hedging relationships at inception and their actual effectiveness for each reporting period thereafter. We consider a designated hedging relationship to be effective if the following critical terms match between the hedging item and the hedged item: the notional amount of the hedging item and the principal amount of the hedged item; maturity dates; payment dates; and interest rate index (if, and as, applicable). As set out in Note 4(i), any ineffectiveness, such as would result from a difference between the notional amount of the hedging item and the principal amount of the hedged item, or from a previously effective designated hedging relationship becoming ineffective, is reflected in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Financing costs if in respect of long-term debt, as Goods and services purchased if in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated future purchase commitments or as Employee benefits expense if in respect of share-based compensation.

Hedging assets and liabilities

In the application of hedge accounting, an amount (the hedge value) is recorded in the Consolidated statements of financial position in respect of the fair value of the hedging items. The net difference, if any, between the amounts recognized in the determination of net income and the amounts necessary to reflect the fair value of the designated cash flow hedging items recorded in the Consolidated statements of financial position is recognized as a component of Other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11.

In the application of hedge accounting to the compensation cost arising from share-based compensation, the amount recognized in the determination of net income is the amount that counterbalances the difference between the quoted market price of our Common Shares at the statement of financial position date and the price of our Common Shares in the hedging items.

(e)Revenue recognition

General

We earn the majority of our revenues (wireless: network revenues (voice and data); wireline: data revenues (which include: Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; business process outsourcing; certain healthcare solutions; and home security) and voice revenues) from access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure. The majority of the balance of our revenues (wireless equipment and other) arises from providing services and products facilitating access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure.

We offer complete and integrated solutions to meet our customers’ needs. These solutions may involve deliveries of multiple services and products that occur at different points in time and/or over different periods of time; as referred to in (b), this is a significant judgment for us. As appropriate, these multiple element arrangements are separated into their component accounting units, consideration is measured and allocated among the accounting units based upon their relative fair values (derived using Company-specific objective evidence) and our relevant revenue recognition policies are then applied to the accounting units. (We estimate that approximately two-thirds of our revenues arise from multiple element arrangements.) A limitation cap restricts the consideration allocated to services or products currently transferred in multiple element arrangements to an amount that is not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. A new revenue accounting standard, which has not yet been applied but must be adopted by January 1, 2018, prohibits the use of a limitation cap, as discussed further in Note 2.

When we receive no identifiable, separable benefit for consideration given to a customer (e.g. discounts and rebates), the consideration is recorded as a reduction of revenue rather than as an expense.

Multiple contracts with a single customer are normally accounted for as separate arrangements. In instances where multiple contracts are entered into with a customer in a short period of time, the contracts are reviewed as a group to ensure that, as with multiple element arrangements, their relative fair values are appropriate.

Lease accounting is applied to an accounting unit if it conveys to a customer the right to use a specific asset but does not convey the risks and/or benefits of ownership.

Our revenues are recorded net of any value-added and/or sales taxes billed to the customer concurrent with a revenue-generating transaction.

Voice and data

We recognize revenues on an accrual basis and include an estimate of revenues earned but unbilled. Wireless and wireline service revenues are recognized based upon access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure and upon contract fees.

Advance billings are recorded when billing occurs prior to provision of the associated services; such advance billings are recognized as revenue in the period in which the services are provided. Similarly, and as appropriate, upfront customer activation and connection fees are deferred and recognized over the average expected term of the customer relationship.

We use the liability method of accounting for the amounts of our quality of service rate rebates that arise from the jurisdiction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

The CRTC has established a mechanism to subsidize local exchange carriers, such as ourselves, that provide residential basic telephone service to high cost serving areas. The CRTC has determined the per network access line/per band subsidy rate for all local exchange carriers. We recognize the subsidy on an accrual basis by applying the subsidy rate to the number of residential network access lines we provide in high cost serving areas, as discussed further in Note 7. Differences, if any, between interim and final subsidy rates set by the CRTC are accounted for as a change in estimate in the period in which the CRTC finalizes the subsidy rate.

Other and wireless equipment

We recognize product revenues, including amounts related to wireless handsets sold to re-sellers and customer premises equipment, when the products are both delivered to and accepted by the end-user customers, irrespective of which supply channel delivers the product. With respect to wireless handsets sold to re-sellers, we consider ourselves to be the principal and primary obligor to the end-user customers. Revenues from operating leases of equipment are recognized on a systematic and rational basis (normally a straight-line basis) over the term of the lease.

Non-high cost serving area deferral account

In an effort to foster competition for residential basic service in non-high cost serving areas, the concept of a deferral account mechanism was introduced by the CRTC in 2002 as an alternative to mandating price reductions. We use the liability method of accounting for the deferral account. We discharge the deferral account liability by undertaking qualifying actions. We recognize the amortization (over a period no longer than three years) of a proportionate share of the deferral account as qualifying actions are completed. Such amortization is included as a component of government assistance in Other operating income, as set out in Note 7.

(f)Government assistance

We recognize government assistance amounts on an accrual basis as the subsidized services are provided or as the subsidized costs are incurred. As set out in Note 7, government assistance amounts are included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

(g)Cost of acquisition and advertising costs

The total cost of wireless equipment sold to customers and any commissions and advertising and promotion costs related to initial customer acquisition are expensed as incurred; the cost of equipment we own that is situated at customers’ premises and associated installation costs are capitalized as incurred. Costs of acquiring customers that are expensed are included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Goods and services purchased, with the exception of amounts paid to our employees, which are included as Employee benefits expense. Costs of advertising production, advertising airtime and advertising space are expensed as incurred.

See Note 2(b) for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which we will apply commencing with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of costs of acquiring customers.

(h)Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed unless development costs meet certain identifiable criteria for capitalization. Capitalized development costs are amortized over the life of the related commercial production, or in the case of serviceable property, plant and equipment, are included in the appropriate property group and are depreciated over the group’s estimated useful life.

(i)Depreciation, amortization and impairment

Depreciation and amortization

Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as determined by a continuing program of asset life studies. Depreciation includes amortization of assets under finance leases and amortization of leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are normally amortized over the lesser of their expected average service life or the term of the lease. Intangible assets with finite lives (intangible assets subject to amortization) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are reviewed at least annually and adjusted as appropriate. As referred to in (b), the use of a straight-line basis of depreciation and amortization is a significant judgment for us.

Estimated useful lives for the majority of our property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation are as follows:

	Estimated useful lives 1
Network assets
Outside plant	17 to 40 years
Inside plant	4 to 25 years
Wireless site equipment	5 to 7 years
Balance of depreciable property, plant and equipment	3 to 40 years

(1)The composite depreciation rate for the year ended December 31, 2017, was 5.0% (2016 — 5.0%). The rate is calculated by dividing depreciation expense by an average of the gross book value of depreciable assets over the reporting period.

Estimated useful lives for the majority of our intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

	Estimated useful lives
Wireline subscriber base	25 years
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests	4 to 10 years
Software	2 to 10 years
Access to rights-of-way and other	5 to 30 years

Impairment — general

Impairment testing compares the carrying values of the assets or cash-generating units being tested with their recoverable amounts (the recoverable amount being the greater of an asset’s or a cash-generating unit’s value in use or its fair value less costs to sell); as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. Impairment losses are immediately recognized to the extent that the carrying value of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Should the recoverable amounts for impaired assets or cash-generating units subsequently increase, the impairment losses previously recognized (other than in respect of goodwill) may be reversed to the extent that the reversal is not a result of “unwinding of the discount” and that the resulting carrying values do not exceed the carrying values that would have been the result if no impairment losses had been previously recognized.

Impairment — property, plant and equipment; intangible assets subject to amortization

The continuing program of asset life studies considers such items as the timing of technological obsolescence, competitive pressures and future infrastructure utilization plans; these considerations could also indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset were not considered to be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recorded.

Impairment — intangible assets with indefinite lives; goodwill

The carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are periodically tested for impairment. The frequency of the impairment testing is generally the reciprocal of the stability of the relevant events and circumstances, but intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill must, at a minimum, be tested annually; we have selected December as our annual test date.

We assess our intangible assets with indefinite lives by comparing the recoverable amounts of our cash-generating units to their carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives allocated to a cash-generating unit, but excluding any goodwill allocated to a cash-generating unit). To the extent that the carrying value of a cash-generating unit (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives allocated to the cash-generating unit, but excluding any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit) exceeds its recoverable amount, the excess amount would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives.

Subsequent to assessing intangible assets with indefinite lives, we assess goodwill by comparing the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units to their carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to a cash-generating unit). To the extent that the carrying value of a cash-generating unit (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit) exceeds its recoverable amount, the excess amount would first be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of goodwill and any remainder would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying values of the assets of the cash-generating unit on a pro-rated basis.

(j)Translation of foreign currencies

Trade transactions completed in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the time of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the statement of financial position date, with any resulting gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs, as set out in Note 9. Hedge accounting is applied in specific instances, as discussed further in (d) preceding.

We have foreign subsidiaries that do not have the Canadian dollar as their functional currency. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of these foreign subsidiaries’ accounts into Canadian dollars subsequent to January 1, 2010, the date of our transition to IFRS-IASB, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11.

(k)Income and other taxes

We follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes; as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax and accounting bases of assets and liabilities, and also for any benefits of losses and Investment Tax Credits available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes that are more likely than not to be realized. The amounts recognized in respect of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based upon the expected timing of the reversal of temporary differences or the usage of tax losses and the application of the substantively enacted tax rates at the time of reversal or usage.

We account for any changes in substantively enacted income tax rates affecting deferred income tax assets and liabilities in full in the period in which the changes are substantively enacted. We account for changes in the estimates of tax balances for prior years as estimate revisions in the period in which changes in the estimates arise; we have selected this approach as its emphasis on the statement of financial position is more consistent with the liability method of accounting for income taxes.

Our operations are complex and the related tax interpretations, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some tax matters in question that result in uncertain tax positions. We only recognize the income tax benefit of an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of the position will result in that benefit being realized. We accrue an amount for interest charges on current tax liabilities that have not been funded, which would include interest and penalties arising from uncertain tax positions. We include such charges in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

Our research and development activities may be eligible to earn Investment Tax Credits, for which the determination of eligibility is a complex matter. We only recognize Investment Tax Credits when there is reasonable assurance that the ultimate determination of the eligibility of our research and development activities will result in the Investment Tax Credits being received, at which time they are accounted for using the cost reduction method, whereby such credits are deducted from the expenditures or assets to which they relate, as set out in Note 10(c).

(l)Share-based compensation

General

When share-based compensation vests in its entirety at one future point in time (cliff vesting), we recognize the expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. When share-based compensation vests in tranches (graded vesting), we recognize the expense using the accelerated expense attribution method. An estimate of forfeitures during the vesting period is made at the date of grant of such share-based compensation; this estimate is adjusted to reflect actual experience.

Restricted stock units

In respect of restricted stock units without market performance conditions, as set out in Note 14(b), we accrue a liability equal to the product of the number of vesting restricted stock units multiplied by the fair market value of the corresponding Common Shares at the end of the reporting period (unless hedge accounting is applied, as set out in (d) preceding). Similarly, we accrue a liability for the notional subset of our restricted stock units with market performance conditions using a fair value determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. The expense for restricted stock units that do not ultimately vest is reversed against the expense that was previously recorded in their respect.

Share option awards

A fair value for share option awards is determined at the date of grant and that fair value is recognized in the financial statements. Proceeds arising from the exercise of share option awards are credited to share capital, as are the recognized grant-date fair values of the exercised share option awards.

Share option awards that have a net-equity settlement feature, as set out in Note 14(d), are accounted for as equity instruments. We have selected the equity instrument fair value method of accounting for the net-equity settlement feature as it is consistent with the accounting treatment afforded to the associated share option awards.

(m)Employee future benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

We accrue amounts for our obligations under employee defined benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets. The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the accrued benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimates of salary escalation and the retirement ages of employees. In the determination of net income, net interest for each plan, which is the product of the plan’s surplus (deficit) multiplied by the discount rate, is included as a component of Financing costs, as set out in Note 9.

An amount reflecting the effect of differences between the discount rate and the actual rate of return on plan assets is included as a component of employee defined benefit plan re-measurements within Other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11 and Note 15. We determine the maximum economic benefit available from the plans’ assets on the basis of reductions in future contributions to the plans.

On an annual basis, at a minimum, the defined benefit plan key assumptions are assessed and revised as appropriate; as referred to in (b), these are significant estimates for us. When the defined benefit plan key assumptions fluctuate significantly relative to their immediately preceding year-end values, actuarial gains (losses) arising from such significant fluctuations are recognized on an interim basis.

Defined contribution plans

We use defined contribution accounting for the Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan and the British Columbia Public Service Pension Plan, which cover certain of our employees and provide defined benefits to their members. In the absence of any regulations governing the calculation of the share of the underlying financial position and plan performance attributable to each employer-participant, and in the absence of contractual agreements between the plans and the employer-participants related to the financing of any shortfall (or distribution of any surplus), we account for these plans as defined contribution plans in accordance with International Accounting Standard 19, Employee Benefits.

(n)Cash and temporary investments, net

Cash and temporary investments, which may include investments in money market instruments that are purchased three months or less from maturity, are presented net of outstanding items, including cheques written but not cleared by the related banks as at the statement of financial position date. Cash and temporary investments, net, are classified as a liability in the statement of financial position when the total amount of all cheques written but not cleared by the related banks exceeds the amount of cash and temporary investments. When cash and temporary investments, net, are classified as a liability, they may also include overdraft amounts drawn on our bilateral bank facilities, which revolve daily and are discussed further in Note 22.

(o)Sales of trade receivables

Sales of trade receivables in securitization transactions are recognized as collateralized short-term borrowings and thus do not result in our de-recognition of the trade receivables sold.

(p)Inventories

Our inventories primarily consist of wireless handsets, parts and accessories (totalling $320 million (2016 — totalling $266 million)) and communications equipment held for resale. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined on an average cost basis. Previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed if there is a subsequent increase in the value of the related inventories. Costs of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, totalled $1.95 billion (2016 — $1.84 billion).

(q)Property, plant and equipment; intangible assets

General

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are recorded at historical cost, which for self-constructed property, plant and equipment includes materials, direct labour and applicable overhead costs. For internally developed, internal-use software, the historical cost recorded includes materials, direct labour and direct labour-related costs. Where property, plant and equipment construction projects are of sufficient size and duration, an amount is capitalized for the cost of funds used to finance construction, as set out in Note 9. The rate for calculating the capitalized financing cost is based on our weighted average cost of borrowing experienced during the reporting period.

When we sell property, plant and/or equipment, the net book value is netted against the sale proceeds and the difference, as set out in Note 7, is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

Asset retirement obligations

Provisions for liabilities, as set out in Note 25, are recognized for statutory, contractual or legal obligations, normally when incurred, associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment (primarily certain items of outside plant and wireless site equipment) when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of the assets; as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. The obligations are measured initially at fair value, which is determined using present value methodology, and the resulting costs are capitalized as a part of the carrying value of the related asset. In subsequent periods, the liability is adjusted for the accretion of discount, for any changes in the market-based discount rate and for any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. The capitalized asset retirement cost is depreciated on the same basis as the related asset and the discount accretion, as set out in Note 9, is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

(r)Leases

Leases are classified as finance or operating depending upon the terms and conditions of the contracts. See Note 2 for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective, but which we will apply in fiscal 2019 and which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of operating lease expenses and their recognition in the Consolidated statement of financial position, as well as their classification in both the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

Where we are the lessee, asset values recorded under finance leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected use. Obligations recorded under finance leases are reduced by lease payments net of imputed interest.

(s)Investments

We account for our investments in companies over which we have significant influence using the equity method of accounting, whereby the investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted to recognize our share of earnings or losses of the investee companies and any earnings distributions received. The excess of the cost of an equity investment over its underlying book value at the date of acquisition, except for goodwill, is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets to which the excess cost is attributed.

Similarly, we account for our interests in the real estate joint ventures, discussed further in Note 21, using the equity method of accounting. Unrealized gains and losses from transactions with (including contributions to) the real estate joint ventures are deferred in proportion to our remaining interest in the real estate joint ventures.

We account for our other investments as available-for-sale at their fair values unless they are investment securities that do not have quoted market prices in an active market or do not have other clear and objective evidence of fair value. When we do not account for our available-for-sale investments at their fair values, we use the cost basis of accounting, whereby the investments are initially recorded at cost and earnings from those investments are recognized only to the extent received or receivable. The costs of investments sold or the amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings are determined on a specific-identification basis.

Unless there is a significant or prolonged decline in the value of an available-for-sale investment, the carrying values of available-for-sale investments are adjusted to their estimated fair values, and the amount of any such adjustment is included in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income as a component of other comprehensive income. When there is a significant or prolonged decline in the value of an investment, the carrying value of any such investment accounted for using the equity, available-for-sale or cost method is reduced to its estimated fair value, and the amount of any such reduction is included in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

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accounting policy developments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

accounting policy developments

accounting policy developments

2accounting policy developments

(a)Initial application of standards, interpretations and amendments to standards and interpretations in the reporting period

In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board released Amendments to IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows as a part of its Disclosure Initiative. The amendments are required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2017; we applied them commencing with the year ended December 31, 2016, as set out in Note 31(b), and such application has had no material effect on our financial performance or disclosure.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle are required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, and such application has had no effect on our financial performance or disclosure.

(b)Standards, interpretations and amendments to standards not yet effective and not yet applied

· IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with retrospective application. The new standard includes a model for the classification and measurement of financial instruments, a single forward-looking “expected loss” impairment model and a reformed approach to hedge accounting. We will make an accounting policy choice relative to impairment, and we will be using the lifetime expected credit loss approach. Based upon current facts and circumstances, we do not expect our financial performance or disclosure to be materially affected by the application of the standard.

· IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, such date reflecting the one-year deferral approved by the International Accounting Standards Board on July 22, 2015; we are retrospectively applying the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked on this joint project to clarify the principles for the recognition of revenue. The new standard was released in May 2014 and supersedes existing standards and interpretations, including IAS 18, Revenue. In April 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board issued Clarifications to IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, clarifying application of some of the more complex aspects of the standard.

The effects of the new standard and the materiality of those effects will vary by industry and entity. Like many other telecommunications companies, we are materially affected by its application, as set out in (c) following, primarily in respect of the timing of revenue recognition, the classification of revenues, and the capitalization of costs of obtaining a contract with a customer (as defined by the new standard).

Revenue — timing of recognition; classification

The timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenues as either service revenues or equipment revenues will be affected, since the allocation of consideration in multiple element arrangements (solutions for our customers that may involve deliveries of multiple services and products that occur at different points in time and/or over different periods of time) will no longer be affected by the current limitation cap methodology.

The effects of the timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenue are expected to be most pronounced in our wireless results. Although the measurement of the total revenue recognized over the life of a contract will be largely unaffected by the new standard, the prohibition of the use of the limitation cap methodology will accelerate the recognition of total contract revenue, relative to both the associated cash inflows from customers and our current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). The acceleration of the recognition of contract revenue relative to the associated cash inflows will also result in the recognition of an amount reflecting the resulting difference as a contract asset. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during periods of sustained growth in the number of wireless subscriber connection additions, assuming comparable contract-lifetime per unit cash inflows, revenues would appear to be greater than under the current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). Wireline results arising from transactions that include the initial provision of subsidized equipment or promotional pricing plans will be similarly affected.

Costs of contract acquisition; costs of contract fulfilment — timing of recognition

Similarly, the measurement of the total costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment over the life of a contract will be unaffected by the new standard, but the timing of recognition will be. The new standard will result in our wireless and wireline costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, to the extent that they are material, being capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of a contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during periods of sustained growth in the number of customer connection additions, assuming comparable per unit costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, absolute profitability measures would appear to be greater than under the current practice (immediately expensing such costs).

Implementation

With a view to enhancing the clarity, comparability and utility of our financial information post-implementation of the standard, we will apply the standard retrospectively, subject to permitted and elected practical expedients. We are using the following practical expedients provided for in, and transitioning to, the new standard:

· No restatement for contracts that were completed as at January 1, 2017, or earlier.

· No restatement for contracts that were modified prior to January 1, 2017. The aggregate effect of all such modifications will be reflected when identifying satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations and the transaction prices to be allocated thereto and when determining the transaction prices.

· No disclosure of the aggregate transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfulfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations for periods ending prior to January 1, 2018.

For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we are using the following practical expedients provided for in the new standard:

· No adjustment of the contracted amount of consideration for the effects of financing components when, at the inception of the contract, we expect that the effect of the financing component is not significant at the individual contract level.

· No deferral of contract acquisition costs when the amortization period for such costs would be one year or less.

· When estimating minimum transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfulfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations, exclusion of amounts arising from contracts originally expected to have a duration of one year or less, as well as amounts arising from contracts in which we may recognize and bill revenue in an amount that corresponds directly with our completed performance obligations.

For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we must also make incremental judgments in respect of the new standard:

· In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments about how to determine the transaction prices and how to allocate those amounts amongst the associated performance obligations. It is our judgment that, where applicable, it is most appropriate to use a contract’s minimum transaction price (the “minimum spend” amount required in a contract with a customer) as the contract’s transaction price as it best reflects the enforceable rights and obligations of the contract. The contract’s transaction price is allocated based upon the stand-alone selling prices of the contracted equipment and services included in the minimum transaction price.

· We compensate third-party re-sellers and our employees for generating revenues, and we must exercise judgment as to whether such sales-based compensation amounts are costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers that should be capitalized. We believe that compensation amounts tangentially attributable to obtaining a contract with a customer, because the amount of such compensation could be affected in ways other than by simply obtaining the contract, should be expensed as incurred; compensation amounts directly attributable to obtaining a contract with a customer should be capitalized and subsequently amortized on a systematic basis, consistent with the satisfaction of our associated performance obligations.

Judgment must also be exercised in the capitalization of costs incurred to fulfill revenue-generating contracts with customers. Such fulfilment costs are those incurred to set up, activate or otherwise implement services involving access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure that would not otherwise be capitalized as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

· In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board released IFRS 16, Leases, which is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, and which supersedes IAS 17, Leases. We are currently assessing the impacts and transition provisions of the new standard; however, we are currently considering applying the new standard retrospectively, effective January 1, 2019. The International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked together to modify the accounting for leases, generally by eliminating lessees’ classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and, for IFRS-IASB, introducing a single lessee accounting model.

The most significant effect of the new standard will be the lessee’s recognition of the initial present value of unavoidable future lease payments as lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial position, including those for most leases that would currently be accounted for as operating leases. Both leases with durations of 12 months or less and leases for low-value assets may be exempted.

The measurement of the total lease expense over the term of a lease will be unaffected by the new standard. However, the new standard will result in the timing of lease expense recognition being accelerated for leases which would currently be accounted for as operating leases; the International Accounting Standards Board expects that this effect may be muted by a lessee having a portfolio of leases with varying maturities and lengths of term, and we expect that we will be similarly affected. The presentation on the statement of income and other comprehensive income required by the new standard will result in most non-executory lease expenses being presented as amortization of lease assets and financing costs arising from lease liabilities, rather than as a part of goods and services purchased; reported operating income would thus be higher under the new standard.

Relative to the results of applying the current standard, although actual cash flows will be unaffected, the lessee’s statement of cash flows will reflect increases in cash flows from operating activities offset equally by decreases in cash flows from financing activities. This is the result of the payments of the “principal” component of leases that would currently be accounted for as operating leases being presented as a cash flow use within financing activities under the new standard.

Implementation

As a transitional practical expedient permitted by the new standard, we do not expect to reassess whether contracts are, or contain, leases as at January 1, 2019, using the criteria of the new standard; as at January 1, 2019, only contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17, Leases and IFRIC 4, Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, will be a part of the transition to the new standard. Only contracts entered into (or changed) after January 1, 2019, will be assessed for being, or containing, leases applying the criteria of the new standard.

(c)Impacts of application of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, will affect the fiscal 2017 comparative amounts to be reported in our fiscal 2018 Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2017 (billions except per share amounts)	As currently reported			IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	$	12.5		$	(1.2	)	$	11.3
Equipment	0.7			1.3			2.0
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13.2			0.1			13.3
Other operating income	0.1			—			0.1
	13.3			0.1			13.4
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	5.9			*			5.9
Employee benefits expense	2.6			*			2.6
Depreciation	1.6			—			1.6
Amortization of intangible assets	0.6			—			0.6
	10.7			*			10.7
OPERATING INCOME	2.6			0.1			2.7
Financing costs	0.6			—			0.6
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2.0			0.1			2.1
Income taxes	0.5			*			0.5
NET INCOME	1.5			0.1			1.6
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(0.2		)	—			(0.2		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
Non-controlling interests	*			—			*
	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
Non-controlling interests	*			—			*
	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	$	2.46		$	0.15		$	2.61
Diluted	$	2.46		$	0.15		$	2.61

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

The effects of the transition to IFRS 15 on the line items in the preceding table are set out below:

	Amount of IFRS 15 effects (increase (decrease) in billions except per share amounts)
	Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
				Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
Year ended December 31, 2017						Total
Operating revenues
Service	$	(1.2	)	$	—	$	(1.2	)
Equipment	$	1.3		$	—	$	1.3
Goods and services purchased	$	*		$	*	$	*
Employee benefits expense	$	—		$	*	$	*
Income taxes	$	*		$	*	$	*
Net income attributable to:
Common Shares	$	0.1		$	*	$	0.1
Net income per Common Share
Basic	$	0.11		$	0.04	$	0.15
Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.04	$	0.15
				Previously, costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were expensed as incurred. The new standard requires that such costs be capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of the contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. This has the effect of reducing the costs recognized in the period arising from contracts with customers entered into during the period, offset by the amortization of capitalized costs arising from contracts with customers entered into in previous periods.
	Previously, a “limitation cap” constrained the recognition of revenue in a multiple element arrangement to an amount that was not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. The new standard requires that amounts contingently billable and collectible in the future are to be recognized currently as revenue to the extent we have currently satisfied our performance obligations to the customer; this is the new standard’s most significant effect on us. For a contract with a customer, this has the effect of allocating more of the consideration to equipment revenue, which is recognized at the inception of the contract, and less to future service revenue.

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, will affect the fiscal 2017 comparative amounts to be reported in our fiscal 2018 Consolidated statements of financial position as follows:

	December 31, 2017							January 1, 2017
As at (billions)	As currently reported		IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma		Excluding effects of IFRS 15		IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	0.5	$	—		$	0.5	$	0.4	$	—		$	0.4
Accounts receivable	1.6		*			1.6		1.5		*			1.5
Income and other taxes receivable	0.1		—			0.1		—		—			—
Inventories	0.4		*			0.4		0.3		*			0.3
Contract assets **	—		0.8			0.8		—		0.7			0.7
Prepaid expenses	0.3		0.2			0.5		0.2		0.2			0.4
	2.9		1.0			3.9		2.4		0.9			3.3
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11.4		—			11.4		10.5		—			10.5
Intangible assets, net	10.6		—			10.6		10.4		—			10.4
Goodwill, net	4.2		—			4.2		3.8		—			3.8
Contract assets **	—		0.4			0.4		—		0.3			0.3
Other long-term assets	0.4		0.1			0.5		0.6		0.1			0.7
	26.6		0.5			27.1		25.3		0.4			25.7
	$	29.5	$	1.5		$	31.0	$	27.7	$	1.3		$	29.0
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	$	0.1	$	—		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	—		$	0.1
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	2.4		—			2.4		2.4		—			2.4
Dividends payable	0.3		—			0.3		0.3		—			0.3
Advance billings and customer deposits	0.8		(0.1		)	0.7		0.8		(0.2		)	0.6
Provisions	0.1		—			0.1		0.1		—			0.1
Current maturities of long-term debt	1.4		—			1.4		1.3		—			1.3
	5.1		(0.1		)	5.0		5.0		(0.2		)	4.8
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	0.5		—			0.5		0.4		—			0.4
Long-term debt	12.3		—			12.3		11.6		—			11.6
Other long-term liabilities	0.8		—			0.8		0.7		—			0.7
Deferred income taxes	2.5		0.4			2.9		2.1		0.4			2.5
	16.1		0.4			16.5		14.8		0.4			15.2
Liabilities	21.2		0.3			21.5		19.8		0.2			20.0
Owners’ equity	8.3		1.2			9.5		7.9		1.1			9.0
	$	29.5	$	1.5		$	31.0	$	27.7	$	1.3		$	29.0

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

**Will be measured at and classified as amortized cost upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in (a).

The effects of the transition to IFRS 15 on the line items in the preceding table are set out below:

	Amount of IFRS 15 effects (increase (decrease) in billions)
	Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
							Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
											Total
As at	Dec. 31, 2017			Jan. 1, 2017			Dec. 31, 2017		Jan. 1, 2017		Dec. 31, 2017			Jan. 1, 2017
Current assets
Accounts receivable	$	*		$	*		$	—	$	—	$	*		$	*
Inventories	$	*		$	*		$	—	$	—	$	*		$	*
Contract assets, net	$	0.8		$	0.7		$	—	$	—	$	0.8		$	0.7
Prepaid expenses and other	$	—		$	—		$	0.2	$	0.2	$	0.2		$	0.2
Non-current assets
Contract assets, net	$	0.4		$	0.3		$	—	$	—	$	0.4		$	0.3
Other long-term assets	$	—		$	—		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.1		$	0.1
Advance billings and customer deposits	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)	$	—	$	—	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)
Deferred income taxes	$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.4		$	0.4
Common equity
Retained earnings	$	1.0		$	0.9		$	0.2	$	0.2	$	1.2		$	1.1
							Previously, costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were expensed as incurred. The new standard requires that such costs be capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of the contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Increases in the amount of costs capitalized in the period arising from contracts with customers entered into during the period are offset by the amortization of capitalized costs arising from contracts with customers entered into in previous periods.
	Previously, a “limitation cap” constrained the recognition of revenue in a multiple element arrangement to an amount that was not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. The new standard requires that amounts contingently billable and collectible in the future are to be recognized currently as revenue to the extent we have currently satisfied our performance obligations to the customer; this is the new standard’s most significant effect on us. The difference between the revenue recognized currently and the amount currently collected/collectible is recognized on the statement of financial position as a contract asset. The contract asset recorded at January 1, 2017, represents revenues that will not have been reflected at any time in our periodic results of operations, but, absent the transition to the new standard, would have been; the effect of this “pulling forward” of revenues is expected to be somewhat muted by the composite ongoing inception, maturation and expiration of millions of multi-year contracts with our customers.

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, will affect the fiscal 2017 comparative amounts to be reported in our fiscal 2018 Consolidated statement of cash flows as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2017 (billions)	As currently reported			IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2.2			—			2.2
Deferred income taxes	0.4			*			0.4
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	0.1			—			0.1
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Other	(0.1		)	*			(0.1		)
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(0.1		)	(0.1		)	(0.2		)
Cash provided by operating activities	$	3.9		$	—		$	3.9

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

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capital structure financial policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

capital structure financial policies

capital structure financial policies

3capital structure financial policies

General

Our objective when managing capital is to maintain a flexible capital structure that optimizes the cost and availability of capital at acceptable risk.

In the management of capital and in its definition, we include common equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income), long-term debt (including long-term credit facilities, commercial paper backstopped by long-term credit facilities and any hedging assets or liabilities associated with long-term debt items, net of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income), cash and temporary investments, and short-term borrowings arising from securitized trade receivables.

We manage our capital structure and make adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of our telecommunications infrastructure. In order to maintain or adjust our capital structure, we may adjust the amount of dividends paid to holders of Common Shares, purchase Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids, issue new shares, issue new debt, issue new debt to replace existing debt with different characteristics, and/or increase or decrease the amount of trade receivables sold to an arm’s-length securitization trust.

During 2017, our financial objectives, which are reviewed annually, were unchanged from 2016. We believe that our financial objectives are supportive of our long-term strategy.

We monitor capital utilizing a number of measures, including: net debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) — excluding restructuring and other costs ratio; coverage ratios; and dividend payout ratios.

Debt and coverage ratios

Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs is calculated as net debt at the end of the period divided by 12-month trailing EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs. This measure, historically, is substantially similar to the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities. Net debt and EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs are measures that do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS-IASB and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The calculation of these measures is set out in the following table. Net debt is one component of a ratio used to determine compliance with debt covenants.

As at, or for the 12-month periods ended, December 31 ($ in millions)	Objective	2017		2016
Components of debt and coverage ratios
Net debt 1		$	13,422	$	12,652
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs 2		$	4,913	$	4,708
Net interest cost 3		$	567	$	566
Debt ratio
Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs	2.00 – 2.504	2.73		2.69
Coverage ratios
Earnings coverage 5		4.6		4.0
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage 6		8.7		8.3

(1) Net debt is calculated as follows:

As at December 31	Note	2017			2016
Long-term debt	26	$	13,660		$	12,931
Debt issuance costs netted against long-term debt		73			67
Derivative (assets) liabilities, net		93			20
Accumulated other comprehensive income amounts arising from financial instruments used to manage interest rate and currency risks associated with U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (excluding tax effects)		5			(34		)
Cash and temporary investments, net		(509		)	(432		)
Short-term borrowings	22	100			100
Net debt		$	13,422		$	12,652

 EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of our business, and it is also utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.

(2) EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs is calculated as follows:

Years ended December 31	Note	2017		2016
EBITDA	5	$	4,774	$	4,229
Restructuring and other costs	16	139		479
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs		$	4,913	$	4,708

(3) Net interest cost is defined as financing costs, excluding employee defined benefit plans net interest, recoveries on long-term debt prepayment premium and repayment of debt, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis (expenses recorded for long-term debt prepayment premium, if any, are included in net interest cost).

(4) Our long-term objective range for this ratio is 2.00 — 2.50 times. The ratio as at December 31, 2017, is outside the long-term objective range. We may permit, and have permitted, this ratio to go outside the objective range (for long-term investment opportunities), but we will endeavour to return this ratio to within the objective range in the medium term, as we believe that this range is supportive of our long-term strategy. We are in compliance with our credit facilities leverage ratio covenant, which states that we may not permit our net debt to operating cash flow ratio to exceed 4.00:1.00 (see Note 26(d)); the calculation of the debt ratio is substantially similar to the calculation of the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities.

(5) Earnings coverage is defined as net income before borrowing costs and income tax expense, divided by borrowing costs (interest on long-term debt; interest on short-term borrowings and other; long-term debt prepayment premium), and adding back capitalized interest.

(6) EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage is defined as EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs, divided by net interest cost. This measure is substantially similar to the coverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities.

Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs was 2.73 times as at December 31, 2017, up from 2.69 one year earlier. The increase in net debt increased the ratio by 0.16, which was largely offset by growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs, which decreased the ratio by 0.12. The earnings coverage ratio for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, was 4.6 times, up from 4.0 times one year earlier. Higher borrowing costs reduced the ratio by 0.1 and higher income before borrowing costs and income taxes increased the ratio by 0.7. The EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage ratio for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, was 8.7 times, up from 8.3 times one year earlier. Growth in EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs increased the ratio by 0.4.

Dividend payout ratio

The dividend payout ratio presented is a historical measure calculated as the sum of the last four quarterly dividends declared per Common Share, as recorded in the financial statements, divided by the sum of basic earnings per share for the most recent four quarters for interim reporting periods (divided by annual basic earnings per share if the reported amount is in respect of a fiscal year). The dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings presented, also a historical measure, differs in that it excludes the gain on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, net gains and equity income from real estate joint ventures, provisions related to business combinations, immediately vesting transformative compensation expense, long-term debt prepayment premium and income tax-related adjustments.

For the 12-month periods ended December 31 ($ in millions)	Objective	2017		2016
Dividend payout ratio	65%–75% 1	80	%	89	%
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings		80	%	77	%

(1) Our objective range for the dividend payout ratio is 65%—75% of sustainable earnings on a prospective basis; we currently expect that we will be within our target guideline on a prospective basis within the medium term. Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares is calculated as follows:

12-month periods ended December 31	2017			2016
Net income attributable to Common Shares	$	1,460		$	1,223
Gain and net equity income related to real estate redevelopment project, after income taxes	(1		)	(16		)
Gain on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes	—			(13		)
Provisions related to business combinations, after income taxes	(22		)	15
Immediately vesting transformative compensation expense, after income taxes	—			224
Income tax-related adjustments	21			(17		)
Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares	$	1,458		$	1,416

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Dec. 31, 2017

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(a)Risks — overview

Our financial instruments, and the nature of certain risks to which they may be subject, are set out in the following table.

	Risks
			Market risks
Financial instrument	Credit	Liquidity	Currency	Interest rate	Other price
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable	X		X
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint venture				X
Short-term obligations		X	X	X
Accounts payable		X	X
Provisions (including restructuring accounts payable)		X	X		X
Long-term debt		X	X	X
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	X		X	X
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 1			X		X
Foreign exchange derivatives 2	X	X	X
Share-based compensation derivatives 2	X	X			X

(1) Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are measured at fair value if those fair values can be reliably measured.

(2) Use of derivative financial instruments is subject to a policy which requires that no derivative transaction is to be entered into for the purpose of establishing a speculative or leveraged position (the corollary being that all derivative transactions are to be entered into for risk management purposes only) and sets criteria for the creditworthiness of the transaction counterparties.

Derivative financial instruments

As set out in Note 1(d), we apply hedge accounting to financial instruments used to establish hedge accounting relationships for U.S. dollar-denominated transactions and to fix the cost of some share-based compensation. We believe that our use of derivative financial instruments for hedging or arbitrage assists us in managing our financing costs and/or lessening the uncertainty associated with our financing or other business activities. Uncertainty associated with currency risk (see (d) following for explanation of how such risk arises and the extent of the risk exposure that we manage) and other price risk (see (f) following for explanation of how such risk arises and the extent of the risk exposure that we manage) is lessened through our use of foreign exchange derivatives and share-based compensation derivatives that effectively swap currency exchange rates and share prices from floating rates and prices to fixed rates and prices. When entering into derivative financial instrument contracts, we seek to align the cash flow timing of the hedging items with that of the hedged items. The effects of the risk management strategy and its application are set out in (i) following.

(b)Credit risk

Excluding credit risk, if any, arising from currency swaps settled on a gross basis, the best representation of our maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk, which is a worst-case scenario and does not reflect results we expect, is set out in the following table:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	509	$	432
Accounts receivable	1,623		1,471
Derivative assets	24		17
	$	2,156	$	1,920

Cash and temporary investments, net

Credit risk associated with cash and temporary investments is managed by ensuring that these financial assets are placed with: governments; major financial institutions that have been accorded strong investment grade ratings by a primary rating agency; and/or other creditworthy counterparties. An ongoing review evaluates changes in the status of counterparties.

Accounts receivable

Credit risk associated with accounts receivable is inherently managed by the size and diversity of our large customer base, which includes substantially all consumer and business sectors in Canada. We follow a program of credit evaluations of customers and limit the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary.

As at December 31, 2017, the weighted average age of customer accounts receivable was 26 days (2016 — 26 days) and the weighted average age of past-due customer accounts receivable was 60 days (2016 — 61 days). Accounts are considered to be past due (in default) when the customers have failed to make the contractually required payments when due, which is generally within 30 days of the billing date. Any late payment charges are levied at an industry-based market or negotiated rate on outstanding non-current customer account balances.

		2017							2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Note	Gross		Allowance			Net 1		Gross		Allowance			Net 1
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
Less than 30 days past billing date		$	909	$	(5	)	$	904	$	908	$	(11	)	$	897
30-60 days past billing date		185		(8		)	177		185		(9		)	176
61-90 days past billing date		60		(8		)	52		44		(9		)	35
More than 90 days past billing date		67		(22		)	45		80		(25		)	55
	6	$	1,221	$	(43	)	$	1,178	$	1,217	$	(54	)	$	1,163

(1) Net amounts represent customer accounts receivable for which an allowance had not been made as at the dates of the Consolidated statements of financial position.

We maintain allowances for lifetime expected credit losses related to doubtful accounts. Current economic conditions (including forward-looking macroeconomic data), historical information (including credit agency reports, if available), reasons for the accounts being past due and line of business from which the customer accounts receivable arose are all considered when determining whether to make allowances for past-due accounts. The same factors are considered when determining whether to write off amounts charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts against the customer accounts receivable; amounts that had been written off from the allowance for doubtful accounts but were still subject to enforcement activity as at December 31, 2017, were $298 million (2016 — $231 million). The doubtful accounts expense is calculated on a specific-identification basis for customer accounts receivable above a specific balance threshold and on a statistically derived allowance basis for the remainder. No customer accounts receivable are written off directly to the doubtful accounts expense.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	54		$	52
Additions (doubtful accounts expense)	54			58
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(66		)	(65		)
Other	1			9
Balance, end of period	$	43		$	54

Derivative assets (and derivative liabilities)

Counterparties to our share-based compensation cash-settled equity forward agreements and foreign exchange derivatives are major financial institutions that have been accorded investment grade ratings by a primary credit rating agency. The total dollar amount of credit exposure under contracts with any one financial institution is limited and counterparties’ credit ratings are monitored. We do not give or receive collateral on swap agreements and hedging items due to our credit rating and those of our counterparties. While we are exposed to the risk of potential credit losses due to the possible non-performance of our counterparties, we consider this risk remote. Our derivative liabilities do not have credit risk-related contingent features.

(c)Liquidity risk

As a component of our capital structure financial policies, discussed further in Note 3, we manage liquidity risk by:

· maintaining a daily cash pooling process that enables us to manage our available liquidity and our liquidity requirements according to our actual needs;

· maintaining an agreement to sell trade receivables to an arm’s-length securitization trust (Note 22);

· maintaining bilateral bank facilities (Note 22) and syndicated credit facilities (Note 26(d),(f));

· maintaining a commercial paper program (Note 26(c));

· maintaining an in-effect shelf prospectus;

· continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows; and

· managing maturity profiles of financial assets and financial liabilities.

Our debt maturities in future years are as disclosed in Note 26(g). As at December 31, 2017, we could offer $1.2 billion of debt or equity securities pursuant to a shelf prospectus that is in effect until April 2018 (2016 — $2.2 billion). We believe that our investment grade credit ratings contribute to reasonable access to capital markets.

We closely match the contractual maturities of our derivative financial liabilities with those of the risk exposures they are being used to manage.

The expected maturities of our undiscounted financial liabilities do not differ significantly from the contractual maturities, other than as noted below. The contractual maturities of our undiscounted financial liabilities, including interest thereon (where applicable), are set out in the following tables:

	Non-derivative									Derivative
	Non-interest					Construction		Composite long-term debt
As at December 31, 2017	bearing financial		Short-term			credit facilities commitment 2		Long-term debt 1		Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged 3					Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1			(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2018	$	2,232	$	103		$	67	$	1,928	$	(1,188	)	$	1,206	$	(545	)	$	557	$	4,360
2019	40		—			—		1,531		(44		)	46		—			—		1,573
2020	19		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,501
2021	76		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,558
2022	18		—			—		1,913		(44		)	46		—			—		1,933
Thereafter	16		—			—		11,430		(1,591		)	1,679		—			—		11,534
Total	$	2,401	$		103	$	67	$	19,762	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	(545	)	$	557	$	22,459
								Total (Note 26(g))					$	19,876

(1) Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2017.

(2) The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2019.

(3) The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2017. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

	Non-derivative								Derivative
As at	Non-interest				Construction		Composite long-term debt
December 31,	bearing				credit facilities		Long-term		Currency swap agreement							Currency swap agreement
2016	financial		Short-term		commitment 2		debt 1		amounts to be exchanged 3							amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1		(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		Other		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2017	$	1,949	$	1	$	93	$	1,832	$	(634	)	$	634	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	3,872
2018	227		102		—		750		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,079
2019	16		—		—		1,498		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,514
2020	9		—		—		1,447		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,456
2021	9		—		—		1,711		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,720
Thereafter	5		—		—		11,584		(930		)	921		—		—			—		11,580
Total	$	2,215	$	103	$	93	$	18,822	$	(1,656	)	$	1,647	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	21,221
							Total					$	18,813

(1) Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2016.

(2) The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2018.

(3) The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2016. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

(d)Currency risk

Our functional currency is the Canadian dollar, but certain routine revenues and operating costs are denominated in U.S. dollars and some inventory purchases and capital asset acquisitions are sourced internationally. The U.S. dollar is the only foreign currency to which we have a significant exposure.

Our foreign exchange risk management includes the use of foreign currency forward contracts and currency options to fix the exchange rates on a varying percentage, typically in the range of 50% to 75%, of our domestic short-term U.S. dollar-denominated transactions and commitments and all U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper. Other than in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, we designate only the spot element of these instruments as the hedging item; the forward element is wholly immaterial; in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, we designate the forward rate.

As discussed further in Note 26(b) and (f), we are also exposed to currency risk in that the fair value or future cash flows of our U.S. Dollar Notes and our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility U.S. dollar borrowings could fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. Currency hedging relationships have been established for the related semi-annual interest payments and the principal payment at maturity in respect of the U.S. Dollar Notes; we designate only the spot element of these instruments as the hedging item; the forward element is wholly immaterial. As the functional currency of our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary is the U.S. dollar, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates affecting its borrowings are reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment within other comprehensive income.

(e)Interest rate risk

Changes in market interest rates will cause fluctuations in the fair values or future cash flows of temporary investments, construction credit facility advances made to the real estate joint venture, short-term obligations, long-term debt and interest rate swap derivatives.

When we have temporary investments, they have short maturities and fixed interest rates and as a result, their fair values will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates; absent monetization prior to maturity, the related future cash flows will not change due to changes in market interest rates.

If the balance of short-term investments includes dividend-paying equity instruments, we could be exposed to interest rate risk.

Due to the short-term nature of the applicable rates of interest charged, the fair value of the construction credit facilities advances made to the real estate joint venture is not materially affected by changes in market interest rates; the associated cash flows representing interest payments will be affected until such advances are repaid.

As short-term obligations arising from bilateral bank facilities, which typically have variable interest rates, are rarely outstanding for periods that exceed one calendar week, interest rate risk associated with this item is not material.

Short-term borrowings arising from the sales of trade receivables to an arm’s-length securitization trust are fixed-rate debt. Due to the short maturities of these borrowings, interest rate risk associated with this item is not material.

All of our currently outstanding long-term debt, other than commercial paper and amounts drawn on our credit facilities (Note 26(d), (f)), is fixed-rate debt. The fair value of fixed-rate debt fluctuates with changes in market interest rates; absent early redemption, the related future cash flows will not change. Due to the short maturities of commercial paper, its fair value is not materially affected by changes in market interest rates, but the associated cash flows representing interest payments may be affected if the commercial paper is rolled over.

Amounts drawn on our short-term and long-term credit facilities will be affected by changes in market interest rates in a manner similar to commercial paper.

(f)Other price risk

Long-term investments

We are exposed to equity price risk arising from investments classified as available-for-sale. Such investments are held for strategic rather than trading purposes.

Share-based compensation derivatives

We are exposed to other price risk arising from cash-settled share-based compensation (appreciating Common Share prices increase both the expense and the potential cash outflow). Certain cash-settled equity swap agreements have been entered into that fix the cost associated with our estimate of TELUS Corporation restricted stock units which are expected to vest and are not subject to performance conditions (Note 14(b)).

(g)Market risks

Net income and other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, could have varied if the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar exchange rate and our Common Share price varied by reasonably possible amounts from their actual statement of financial position date amounts.

The sensitivity analysis of our exposure to currency risk at the reporting date has been determined based upon a hypothetical change taking place at the relevant statement of financial position date. The U.S. dollar-denominated balances and derivative financial instrument notional amounts as at the statement of financial position dates have been used in the calculations.

The sensitivity analysis of our exposure to other price risk arising from share-based compensation at the reporting date has been determined based upon a hypothetical change taking place at the relevant statement of financial position date. The relevant notional number of Common Shares at the statement of financial position date, which includes those in the cash-settled equity swap agreements, has been used in the calculations.

Income tax expense, which is reflected net in the sensitivity analysis, reflects the applicable statutory income tax rates for the reporting periods.

Years ended December 31	Net income						Other comprehensive income						Comprehensive income
(increase (decrease) in millions)	2017			2016			2017			2016			2017			2016
Reasonably possible changes in market risks 1
10% change in C$: US$ exchange rate
Canadian dollar appreciates	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(15	)	$	(4	)	$	(16	)	$	(5	)
Canadian dollar depreciates	$	1		$	1		$	15		$	6		$	16		$	7
25% 2 change in Common Share price 3
Price increases	$	(8	)	$	(8	)	$	13		$	16		$	5		$	8
Price decreases	$	14		$	8		$	(13	)	$	(16	)	$	1		$	(8	)

(1) These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in net income and/or other comprehensive income generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in net income and/or other comprehensive income may not be linear. In this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the amount of net income and/or other comprehensive income is calculated without changing any other factors; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

The sensitivity analysis assumes that we would realize the changes in exchange rates; in reality, the competitive marketplace in which we operate would have an effect on this assumption.

No consideration has been made for a difference in the notional number of Common Shares associated with share-based compensation awards made during the reporting period that may have arisen due to a difference in the Common Share price.

(2) To facilitate ongoing comparison of sensitivities, a constant variance of approximate magnitude has been used. Reflecting a twelve-month data period and calculated on a monthly basis, the volatility of our Common Share price as at December 31, 2017, was 7.0% (2016 — 13.1%).

(3) The hypothetical effects of changes in the price of our Common Shares are restricted to those which would arise from our share-based compensation awards that are accounted for as liability instruments and the associated cash-settled equity swap agreements.

(h)Fair values

General

The carrying values of cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable, short-term obligations, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and certain provisions (including restructuring provisions) approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values are determined directly by reference to quoted market prices in active markets.

The carrying values of our investments accounted for using the cost method do not exceed their fair values. The fair values of our investments accounted for as available-for-sale are based on quoted market prices in active markets or other clear and objective evidence of fair value.

The fair value of our long-term debt is based on quoted market prices in active markets.

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments we use to manage our exposure to currency risk are estimated based on quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar financial instruments or on the current rates offered to us for financial instruments of the same maturity, as well as discounted future cash flows determined using current rates for similar financial instruments of similar maturities subject to similar risks (such fair value estimates being largely based on the Canadian dollar: U.S. dollar forward exchange rate as at the statement of financial position dates).

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments we use to manage our exposure to increases in compensation costs arising from certain forms of share-based compensation are based on fair value estimates of the related cash-settled equity forward agreements provided by the counterparty to the transactions (such fair value estimates being largely based on our Common Share price as at the statement of financial position dates).

The financial instruments that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition and the level within the fair value hierarchy at which they are measured are set out in the following table.

					Fair value measurements at reporting date using
					Quoted prices in active markets for identical items				Significant other observable inputs				Significant unobservable inputs
	Carrying value				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Assets
Foreign exchange derivatives	$	4	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	4	$	10	$	—	$	—
Share-based compensation derivatives	20		7		—		—		20		7		—		—
Available-for-sale portfolio investments	41		62		—		—		41		62		—		—
	$	65	$	79	$	—	$	—	$	65	$	79	$	—	$	—
Liabilities
Foreign exchange derivatives	$	108	$	30	$	—	$	—	$	108	$	30	$	—	$	—
Share-based compensation derivatives	—		3		—		—		—		3		—		—
Starting interest rate derivatives	1		—		—		—		1		—		—		—
	$	109	$	33	$	—	$	—	$	109	$	33	$	—	$	—

Derivative

The derivative financial instruments that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition are set out in the following table.

	2017								2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Designation	Maximum maturity date	Notional amount		Fair value and carrying value		Price or rate		Maximum maturity date	Notional amount		Fair value and carrying value		Price or rate
Current Assets 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFH 2	2018	$	110	$	2	US$1.00: C$1.24		2017	$	263	$	7	US$1.00: C$1.30
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFT 3	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	8	—		US$1.00: C$1.28
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar revenues	HFT 3	2018	$	71	1		US$1.00: C$1.25		2017	$	4	—		US$1.00: C$1.34
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH 2	2018	$	73	14		$	40.91	2017	$	6	1		$	41.00
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH 2	2018	$	124	1		US$1.00: C$1.24		2017	$	191	3		US$1.00: C$1.32
					$	18						$	11
Other Long-Term Assets 1
Derivatives used to manage
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH 2	2019	$	63	$	6	$	45.46	2018	$	69	$	6	$	40.77
Current Liabilities 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFH 2	2018	$	376	$	14	US$1.00: C$1.30		2017	$	69	2		US$1.00: C$1.38
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar revenues	HFT  3	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	124	5		US$1.00: C$1.34
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH 2	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	65	3		$	45.76
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH 2	2018	$	1,036	18		US$1.00: C$1.28		2017	$	422	2		US$1.00: C$1.35
Interest rate risk associated with planned refinancing of debt maturing	HFH  2	2018	$	300	1		2.14%, GOC 10-year term		—	—		—		—
					$	33						$	12
Other Long-Term Liabilities 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH 2	2027	$	1,910	$	76	US$1.00: C$1.32		2027	$	1,036	21		US$1.00: C$1.32

(1) Derivative financial assets and liabilities are not set off.

(2) Designated as held for hedging (HFH) upon initial recognition (cash flow hedging item); hedge accounting is applied.

Unless otherwise noted, hedge ratio is 1:1 and is established by assessing the degree of matching between the notional amounts of hedging items and the notional amounts of the associated hedged items.

(3) Designated as held for trading (HFT) upon initial recognition; hedge accounting is not applied.

Non-derivative

Our long-term debt, which is measured at amortized cost, and the fair value thereof, are set out in the following table.

	2017				2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Carrying value		Fair value		Carrying value		Fair value
Long-term debt (Note 26)	$	13,660	$	14,255	$	12,931	$	13,533

(i)Recognition of derivative gains and losses

The following table sets out the gains and losses, excluding income tax effects, arising from derivative instruments that are classified as cash flow hedging items and their location within the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

Credit risk associated with such derivative instruments, as discussed further in (b), would be the primary source of hedge ineffectiveness. There was no ineffective portion of derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedging items for the periods presented.

		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income						Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion) (Note 11)
		(effective portion) (Note 11)							Amount
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016			Location	2017			2016
Derivatives used to manage currency risk
Arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases		$	(23	)	$	(12	)	Goods and services purchased Financing costs	$	(5	)	$	(9	)
Arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt	26(b)-(c)	(109		)	(54		)		(146		)	(20		)
		(132		)	(66		)		(151		)	(29		)
Derivatives used to manage other price risk
Arising from changes in share-based compensation costs	14(b)	24			19			Employee benefits expense	17			8
		$	(108	)	$	(47	)		$	(134	)	$	(21	)

The following table sets out the gains and losses arising from derivative instruments that are classified as held for trading and that are not designated as being in a hedging relationship, and their location within the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

		Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Location	2017		2016
Derivatives used to manage currency risk	Financing costs	$	3	$	(2	)

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12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

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5segment information

General

Operating segments are components of an entity that engage in business activities from which they earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses related to transactions with the other component(s)), the operations of which can be clearly distinguished and the operating results of which are regularly reviewed by a chief operating decision-maker to make resource allocation decisions and to assess performance.

As at December 31, 2017, we do not currently aggregate operating segments, and thus our reportable segments as at December 31, 2017, are also wireless and wireline. The wireless segment includes network revenues (mobile data and mobile voice) and equipment sales arising from mobile technologies. The wireline segment includes wireline data revenues (which include Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; business process outsourcing; certain healthcare solutions; and home security), voice and other telecommunications services revenues (excluding wireless arising from mobile technologies), and equipment sales. Segmentation is based on similarities in technology (mobile versus fixed), the technical expertise required to deliver the services and products, customer characteristics, the distribution channels used and regulatory treatment. Intersegment sales are recorded at the exchange value, which is the amount agreed to by the parties.

The segment information regularly reported to our Chief Executive Officer (our chief operating decision-maker) through December 31, 2017, and the reconciliations thereof to our revenues and income before income taxes, are set out in the following table.

Years ended December 31	Wireless				Wireline				Eliminations						Consolidated
(millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017			2016			2017		2016
Operating revenues
External revenues
Service	$	6,994	$	6,569	$	5,484	$	5,431	$	—		$	—		$	12,478	$	12,000
Equipment	505		509		219		216		—			—			724		725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	7,499		7,078		5,703		5,647		—			—			13,202		12,725
Other operating income	36		37		66		37		—			—			102		74
	7,535		7,115		5,769		5,684		—			—			13,304		12,799
Intersegment revenues	43		58		206		194		(249		)	(252		)	—		—
	$	7,578	$	7,173	$	5,975	$	5,878	$	(249	)	$	(252	)	$	13,304	$	12,799
EBITDA 1 contribution	$	3,099	$	2,906	$	1,675	$	1,323	$	—		$	—		$	4,774	$	4,229
CAPEX, excluding spectrum licences 2	$	978	$	982	$	2,116	$	1,986	$	—		$	—		$	3,094	$	2,968

Operating revenues — external (above)	$	13,304	$	12,799
Goods and services purchased	5,935		5,631
Employee benefits expense	2,595		2,939
EBITDA (above)	4,774		4,229
Depreciation	1,617		1,564
Amortization	552		483
Operating income	2,605		2,182
Financing costs	573		520
Income before income taxes	$	2,032	$	1,662

(1) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of our business, and it is also utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.

(2) Total capital expenditures (CAPEX); see Note 31(a) for a reconciliation of capital expenditures, excluding spectrum licences to cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences reported in the Consolidated statements of cash flows.

Geographical information

We attribute revenues from external customers to individual countries on the basis of the location where the goods and/or services are provided. We do not have significant revenues that we attribute to countries other than Canada (our country of domicile), nor do we have significant amounts of property, plant, equipment, intangible assets and/or goodwill located outside of Canada.

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revenue from contracts with customers

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

revenue from contracts with customers

revenue from contracts with customers

6 revenue from contracts with customers

Accounts receivable

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Customer accounts receivable	4(b)	$	1,221		$	1,217
Accrued receivables — customer		143			131
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4(b)	(43		)	(54		)
		1,321			1,294
Accrued receivables — other		302			177
		$	1,623		$	1,471

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other operating income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other operating income

other operating income

7other operating income

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Government assistance, including deferral account amortization		$	32	$	36
Investment income, gain on disposal of assets and other		44		37
Change in business combination-related accrued receivable	18(b)	26		—
Interest income	21(c)	—		1
		$	102	$	74

We receive government assistance, as defined by IFRS-IASB, from a number of sources and include such amounts received in Other operating income.

CRTC subsidy

Local exchange carriers’ costs of providing the level of residential basic telephone services that the CRTC requires to be provided in high cost serving areas are greater than the amounts the CRTC allows the local exchange carriers to charge for the level of service. To ameliorate the situation, the CRTC directs the collection of contribution payments, in a central fund, from all registered Canadian telecommunications service providers (including voice, data and wireless service providers) that are then disbursed to incumbent local exchange carriers as subsidy payments to partially offset the costs of providing residential basic telephone services in non-forborne high cost serving areas. The subsidy payments are based upon a total subsidy requirement calculated on a per network access line/per band subsidy rate. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our subsidy receipts were $19 million (2016 — $20 million).

The CRTC currently determines, at a national level, the total annual contribution requirement necessary to pay the subsidies and then collects contribution payments from the Canadian telecommunications service providers, calculated as a percentage of their CRTC-defined telecommunications service revenue. The final contribution expense rate for 2017 was 0.60% and the interim rate for 2018 has been set at 0.54%. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our contributions to the central fund, which are accounted for as goods and services purchased, were $27 million (2016 — $23 million).

Government of Quebec

Salaries for qualifying employment positions in the province of Quebec, mainly in the information technology sector, are eligible for tax credits. In respect of such tax credits, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $7 million (2016 — $6 million).

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employee benefits expense

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

employee benefits expense

employee benefits expense

8employee benefits expense

		2017			2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	Total			Traditional			Transformative compensation (Note 16(c))		Total
Employee benefits expense — gross
Wages and salaries		$	2,594		$	2,548		$	185	$	2,733
Share-based compensation 1	14	128			114			67		181
Pensions — defined benefit	15(b)	82			92			—		92
Pensions — defined contribution	15(f)	88			89			41		130
Other defined benefits	15(g)	—			1			—		1
Restructuring costs 1	16(b)	26			112			—		112
Other		156			153			12		165
		3,074			3,109			305		3,414
Capitalized internal labour costs
Property, plant and equipment		(321		)	(314		)	—		(314		)
Intangible assets subject to amortization		(158		)	(161		)	—		(161		)
		(479		)	(475		)	—		(475		)
		$	2,595		$	2,634		$	305	$	2,939

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2017, $(7) (2016 — $4) of share-based compensation expense (recovery) was included in restructuring costs.

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financing costs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

financing costs

financing costs

9financing costs

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Interest expense
Interest on long-term debt — gross		$	561		$	538
Capitalized long-term debt interest 1	18(a)	—			(52		)
Interest on long-term debt — net		561			486
Interest on short-term borrowings and other		5			4
Interest accretion on provisions	25	13			12
		579			502
Employee defined benefit plans net interest	15(b), (g)	6			6
Foreign exchange		(5		)	15
		580			523
Interest income		(7		)	(3		)
		$	573		$	520

(1) Long-term debt interest at a composite rate of 3.31% was capitalized to intangible assets with indefinite lives in the comparative period.

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income taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

income taxes

income taxes

10income taxes

(a)Expense composition and rate reconciliation

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Current income tax expense
For the current reporting period	$	205		$	506
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(82		)	(38		)
	123			468
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Arising from the origination and reversal of temporary differences	324			(64		)
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future statutory income tax rates	28			(4		)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	78			26
	430			(42		)
	$	553		$	426

Our income tax expense and effective income tax rate differ from those calculated by applying the applicable statutory rates for the following reasons:

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)	2017					2016
Income taxes calculated at applicable statutory rates	$	541		26.6	%	$	444		26.7	%
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future income tax rates	28			1.3		(4		)	(0.2	)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(4		)	(0.2	)	(12		)	(0.8	)
Other	(12		)	(0.5	)	(2		)	(0.1	)
Income tax expense per Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income	$	553		27.2	%	$	426		25.6	%

(b)Temporary differences

We must make significant estimates in respect of the composition of our deferred income tax liability. Our operations are complex and the related income tax interpretations, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some income tax matters in question.

Temporary differences comprising the net deferred income tax liability and the amounts of deferred income taxes recognized in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity are estimated as follows:

(millions)	Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization		Intangible assets with indefinite lives		Partnership income unallocated for income tax purposes			Net pension and share- based compensation amounts			Reserves not currently deductible			Losses available to be carried  forward 1			Other			Net deferred income tax liability
As at January 1, 2016	$	785	$	1,380	$	195		$	(45	)	$	(160	)	$	(3	)	$	3		$	2,155
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	85		77		(200		)	(7		)	12			(3		)	(6		)	(42		)
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			4			—			—			(10		)	(6		)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners’ equity and other	—		—		—			—			—			—			(5		)	(5		)
As at December 31, 2016 2	870		1,457		(5		)	(48		)	(148		)	(6		)	(18		)	2,102
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	348		84		5			(11		)	8			(1		)	(3		)	430
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			(61		)	—			—			4			(57		)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners’ equity and other	3		20		—			—			—			—			(3		)	20
As at December 31, 2017 3	$	1,221	$	1,561	$	—		$	(120	)	$	(140	)	$	(7	)	$	(20	)	$	2,495

(1) We expect to be able to utilize our non-capital losses prior to expiry.

(2) Deferred tax liability of $2,107, net of deferred tax asset of $5 (included in Other long-term assets).

(3) Deferred tax liability of $2,500, net of deferred tax asset of $5 (included in Other long-term assets).

IFRS-IASB requires the separate disclosure of temporary differences arising from the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries and partnerships exceeding their tax base, for which no deferred income tax liabilities have been recognized because the parent is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that it will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In our specific instance, this is relevant to our investments in Canadian subsidiaries and Canadian partnerships. We are not required to recognize such deferred income tax liabilities, as we are in a position to control the timing and manner of the reversal of the temporary differences, which would not be expected to be exigible to income tax, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. We are in a position to control the timing and manner of the reversal of temporary differences in respect of our non-Canadian subsidiaries, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

(c)Other

We have net capital losses, and such losses may only be applied against realized taxable capital gains. We expect to include a net capital loss carry-forward of $NIL (2016 — $4 million) in our Canadian income tax returns. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized the benefit of $4 million (2016 — $NIL) of net capital losses.

We conduct research and development activities, which are eligible to earn Investment Tax Credits. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded Investment Tax Credits of $12 million (2016 — $5 million). Of this amount, $7 million (2016 — $1 million) was recorded as a reduction of property, plant and equipment and/or intangible assets and the balance was recorded as a reduction of Goods and services purchased.

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other comprehensive income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other comprehensive income

other comprehensive income

11other comprehensive income

																												Item never
																												reclassified
	Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income																											to income
	Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in current period (Note 4(i))																					Change in
	Derivatives used to manage currency risk								Derivatives used to manage other price risk											Cumulative		unrealized fair
(millions)	Gains  (losses) arising			Prior period (gains) losses transferred to net income		Total			Gains (losses) arising		Prior period (gains) losses transferred to net income			Total			Total			foreign currency translation adjustment		value of available-for- sale financial assets			Accumulated other comp. income			Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements			Other comp. income
Accumulated balance as at January 1, 2016						$	6							$	(6	)	$	—		$	43	$	16		$	59
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amount arising	$	(66	)	$	29	(37		)	$	19	$	(8	)	11			(26		)	5		—			(21		)	$	—		$	(21	)
Income taxes	$	(18	)	$	9	(9		)	$	5	$	(2	)	3			(6		)	—		—			(6		)	—			(6		)
Net						(28		)						8			(20		)	5		—			(15		)	$	—		$	(15	)
Accumulated balance as at December 31, 2016						(22		)						2			(20		)	48		16			44
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amount arising	$	(132	)	$	151	19			$	24	$	(17	)	7			26			5		(13		)	18			$	(234	)	$	(216	)
Income taxes	$	(21	)	$	27	6			$	6	$	(5	)	1			7			—		(2		)	5			(62		)	(57		)
Net						13								6			19			5		(11		)	13			$	(172	)	$	(159	)
Accumulated balance as at December 31, 2017						$	(9	)						$	8		$	(1	)	$	53	$	5		$	57
Attributable to:
Common Shares																									$	51
Non-controlling interests																									6
																									$	57

As at December 31, 2017, our estimate of the net amount of existing gains (losses) arising from the unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income and are expected to be reclassified to net income in the next twelve months, excluding income tax effects, is $5 million.

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per share amounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

per share amounts

per share amounts

12per share amounts

Basic net income per Common Share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Common Shares by the total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per Common Share is calculated to give effect to share option awards and restricted stock units.

The following table presents the reconciliation of the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations. Net income was equal to diluted net income for all periods presented.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017	2016
Basic total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	592
Effect of dilutive securities
Share option awards	—	1
Diluted total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	593

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, no outstanding TELUS Corporation share option awards were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per Common Share.

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dividends per share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

dividends per share

dividends per share

13dividends per share

(a)Dividends declared

Years ended December 31 (millions
except per share amounts)	2017						2016
	Declared			Paid to			Declared			Paid to
Common Share dividends	Effective	Per share		shareholders	Total		Effective	Per share		shareholders	Total
Quarter 1 dividend	Mar. 10, 2017	$	0.4800	Apr. 3, 2017	$	283	Mar. 11, 2016	$	0.44	Apr. 1, 2016	$	261
Quarter 2 dividend	Jun. 9, 2017	0.4925		Jul. 4, 2017	293		Jun. 10, 2016	0.46		Jul. 4, 2016	274
Quarter 3 dividend	Sep. 8, 2017	0.4925		Oct. 2, 2017	292		Sep. 9, 2016	0.46		Oct. 3, 2016	272
Quarter 4 dividend	Dec. 11, 2017	0.5050		Jan. 2, 2018	299		Dec. 9, 2016	0.48		Jan. 3, 2017	284
		$	1.9700		$	1,167		$	1.84		$	1,091

On February 7, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5050 per share on our issued and outstanding Common Shares payable on April 2, 2018, to holders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018. The final amount of the dividend payment depends upon the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding at the close of business on March 9, 2018.

(b)Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan

We have a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan under which eligible holders of Common Shares may acquire additional Common Shares by reinvesting dividends and by making additional optional cash payments to the trustee. Under this Plan, we have the option of offering Common Shares from Treasury or having the trustee acquire Common Shares in the stock market. We may, at our discretion, offer Common Shares at a discount of up to 5% from the market price under the Plan.

In respect of Common Share dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2017, $58 million (2016 — $59 million) was to be reinvested in Common Shares acquired by the trustee from Treasury (2016 — in the stock market), with no discount applicable.

Under the share purchase feature of the Plan, eligible shareholders can make optional cash payments to purchase our Common Shares at the market price without brokerage commissions or service charges; such purchases are subject to a minimum investment of $100 per transaction and a maximum investment of $20,000 per calendar year.

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share-based compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

share-based compensation

share-based compensation

14share-based compensation

(a)Details of share-based compensation expense

Reflected in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Employee benefits expense and in the Consolidated statements of cash flows are the following share-based compensation amounts:

	2017								2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	Employee benefits expense		Associated operating cash outflows			Statement of cash flows adjustment		Employee benefits expense		Associated operating cash outflows			Statement of cash flows adjustment
Restricted stock units 1	(b)	$	83	$	(67	)	$	16	$	81	$	(83	)	$	(2	)
Transformative compensation 2	16(c)	—		—			—		64		(64		)	—
Employee share purchase plan 3	(c)	37		(37		)	—		40		(40		)	—
Share option awards	(d)	1		—			1		—		—			—
		$	121	$	(104	)	$	17	$	185	$	(187	)	$	(2	)

(1) The expense arising from restricted stock units was net of cash-settled equity swap agreement effects (see Note 4(i)). Within employee benefits expense (see Note 8), restricted stock unit expense of $90 (2016 — $77) is presented as share-based compensation and the balance is included in restructuring costs.

(2) As set out in Note 16(c), in 2016 we made immediately vesting, transformative compensation lump-sum payments to substantially all of our existing unionized and non-unionized Canadian-sited workforces. For the unionized and non-unionized workforces, approximately 40% of the after-tax value of such qualifying lump-sum payments was paid in our Common Shares (see Note 28(b)) by way of an employee benefit plan trust.

As a result of our being considered for accounting purposes to control an employee benefit plan trust that was used to effect these Common Share payments, such transactions have been recognized as treasury stock transactions and we have applied the cost method of accounting. As at December 31, 2016, the employee benefit plan trust held no Common Shares.

(3) Employees who received an immediately vesting, transformative compensation lump-sum payment in 2016 contributed a percentage of their payment to the employee share purchase plan consistent with their regular compensation payment, as further described in (c). Our associated employer expense and contributions were $NIL (2016 — $3).

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the associated operating cash outflows in respect of restricted stock units were net of cash inflows arising from the cash-settled equity swap agreements of $14 million (2016 — $9 million). For the year ended December 31, 2017, the income tax benefit arising from share-based compensation was $32 million (2016 — $49 million).

(b)Restricted stock units

General

We use restricted stock units as a form of retention and incentive compensation. Each restricted stock unit is nominally equal in value to one equity share and is nominally entitled to the dividends that would arise thereon if it were an issued and outstanding equity share. The notional dividends are recorded as additional issuances of restricted stock units during the life of the restricted stock unit. Due to the notional dividend mechanism, the grant-date fair value of restricted stock units equals the fair market value of the corresponding equity shares at the grant date. The restricted stock units generally become payable when vesting is complete and typically vest over a period of 33 months (the requisite service period). The vesting method of restricted stock units, which is determined on or before the date of grant, may be either cliff or graded; the majority of restricted stock units outstanding are cliff-vesting. The associated liability is normally cash-settled.

TELUS Corporation restricted stock units

We also award restricted stock units that largely have the same features as our general restricted stock units, but have a variable payout (0% — 200%) that depends upon the achievement of our total customer connections performance condition (with a weighting of 25%) and the total shareholder return on our Common Shares relative to an international peer group of telecommunications companies (with a weighting of 75%). The grant-date fair value of the notional subset of our restricted stock units affected by the total customer connections performance condition equals the fair market value of the corresponding Common Shares at the grant date, and thus the notional subset has been included in the presentation of our restricted stock units with only service conditions. The recurring estimate, which reflects a variable payout, of the fair value of the notional subset of our restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation.

The following table presents a summary of outstanding TELUS Corporation non-vested restricted stock units.

Number of non-vested restricted stock units as at December 31	2017	2016
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions
Restricted stock units with only service conditions	3,327,464	3,260,745
Notional subset affected by total customer connections performance condition	154,452	130,234
	3,481,916	3,390,979
Restricted stock units with market performance conditions
Notional subset affected by relative total shareholder return performance condition	463,357	390,703
	3,945,273	3,781,682

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to TELUS Corporation restricted stock units without market performance conditions.

	2017						2016
	Number of restricted stock units 1				Weighted average grant-		Number of restricted stock units 1				Weighted average grant-
Years ended December 31	Non-vested		Vested		date fair value		Non-vested		Vested		date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period
Non-vested	3,390,979		—		$	41.71	3,564,412		—		$	41.42
Vested	—		29,108		$	38.09	—		29,008		$	40.00
Issued
Initial award	1,825,688		—		$	43.56	1,942,446		—		$	39.74
In lieu of dividends	206,715		455		$	43.98	209,027		381		$	41.63
Vested	(1,766,680	)	1,766,680		$	43.73	(2,024,130	)	2,024,130		$	39.31
Settled in cash	—		(1,698,008	)	$	43.63	—		(2,004,126	)	$	39.29
Forfeited and cancelled	(174,786	)	(65,387	)	$	42.88	(300,776	)	(20,285	)	$	35.70
Outstanding, end of period
Non-vested	3,481,916		—		$	41.87	3,390,979		—		$	41.71
Vested	—		32,848		$	41.00	—		29,108		$	38.09

(1) Excluding the notional subset of restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition.

With respect to certain issuances of TELUS Corporation restricted stock units, we have entered into cash-settled equity forward agreements that fix our cost; that information, as well as a schedule of non-vested TELUS Corporation restricted stock units outstanding as at December 31, 2017, is set out in the following table.

Vesting in years ending December 31	Number of fixed-cost restricted stock units	Our fixed cost per restricted stock unit		Number of variable-cost restricted stock units	Total number of non-vested restricted stock units 1
2018	1,792,286	$	40.91	28,951	1,821,237
2019	1,385,734	$	45.46	274,945	1,660,679
	3,178,020			303,896	3,481,916

(1) Excluding the notional subset of restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units

We also award restricted stock units that largely have the same features as the TELUS Corporation restricted stock units, but have a variable payout (0% — 150%) that depends upon the achievement of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. financial performance and non-market quality-of-service performance conditions.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units.

	2017									2016
	US$ denominated						Canadian $ denominated			US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated
Years ended	Number of restricted stock units				Grant-date		Number of vested restricted	Grant-date		Number of non-vested restricted	Grant-date		Number of restricted stock units			Grant-date
December 31	Non-vested		Vested		fair value		stock units	fair value		stock units	fair value		Non-vested		Vested	fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period
Non-vested	163,785		—		US$	21.90	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Vested	—		—		US$	—	32,299	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Issued — initial award	213,768				US$	26.40	—	$	—	163,785	US$	21.90	32,299		—	$	21.36
Vested	(208	)	208		US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	(32,299	)	32,299	$	21.36
Exercised	—		(208	)	US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Forfeited and cancelled	(2,559	)	—		US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Outstanding, end of period
Non-vested	374,786		—		US$	24.45	—	$	—	163,785	US$	21.90	—		—	$	—
Vested	—		—		US$	—	32,299	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—		32,299	$	21.36

(c)Employee share purchase plan

We have an employee share purchase plan under which eligible employees up to a certain job classification can purchase our Common Shares through regular payroll deductions by contributing between 1% and 20% of their pay; for more highly compensated job classifications, employees may contribute between 1% and 55% of their pay. For every dollar contributed by an employee, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible employee pay, we are required to make a contribution at a percentage between 20% and 40%. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we contributed 40% for employees up to a certain job classification; for more highly compensated job classifications, we contributed 35%. We record our contributions as a component of Employee benefits expense and our contribution vests on the earlier of a plan participant’s last day in our employ or the last business day of the calendar year of our contribution, unless the plan participant’s employment is terminated with cause, in which case the plan participant will forfeit any in-year contribution from us.

In respect of Common Shares held within the employee share purchase plan, Common Share dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2017, of $31 million (2016 — $27 million) were to be reinvested in Common Shares acquired by the trustee from Treasury (2016 — in the stock market), with no discount applicable.

(d)Share option awards

General

We use share option awards as a form of retention and incentive compensation. We apply the fair value method of accounting for share-based compensation awards granted to officers and other employees. Share option awards typically have a three-year vesting period (the requisite service period), but may vest over periods of up to five years. The vesting method of share option awards, which is determined on or before the date of grant, may be either cliff or graded; all share option awards granted subsequent to 2004 have been cliff-vesting.

The weighted average fair value of share option awards granted is calculated by using the Black-Scholes model (a closed-form option pricing model). The risk-free interest rate used in determining the fair value of the share option awards is based on a Government of Canada yield curve that is current at the time of grant. The expected lives of the share option awards are based on our historical share option award exercise data. Similarly, expected volatility considers the historical volatility in the price of our Common Shares for TELUS Corporation share options and average historical volatility in the prices of a peer group’s shares in respect of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options. The dividend yield is the annualized dividend current at the time of grant divided by the share option award exercise price. Dividends are not paid on unexercised share option awards and are not subject to vesting.

TELUS Corporation share options

Employees may receive options to purchase Common Shares at a price equal to the fair market value at the time of grant. Share option awards granted under the plan may be exercised over specific periods not to exceed seven years from the time of grant. No share options were awarded in fiscal 2017 or 2016.

These share option awards have a net-equity settlement feature. The optionee does not have the choice of exercising the net-equity settlement feature; it is at our option whether the exercise of a share option award is settled as a share option or settled using the net-equity settlement feature.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to the TELUS Corporation share option plan.

	2017				2016
Years ended December 31	Number of share options		Weighted average share option price		Number of share options		Weighted average share option price
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,417,693		$	24.49	2,375,596		$	22.96
Exercised 1	(652,926	)	$	21.90	(925,682	)	$	20.75
Forfeited	(3,908	)	$	27.56	(13,112	)	$	24.49
Expired	(20,388	)	$	16.31	(19,109	)	$	15.29
Outstanding, end of period 2	740,471		$	26.99	1,417,693		$	24.49

(1) The total intrinsic value of share option awards exercised for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $15 million (2016 — $19 million), reflecting a weighted average price at the dates of exercise of $44.63 per share (2016 — $41.06 per share). The difference between the number of share options exercised and the number of Common Shares issued (as reflected in the Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity) is the effect of our choosing to settle share option award exercises using the net-equity settlement feature.

(2) All outstanding TELUS Corporation share options are vested, their range of prices is $23.08 — $31.69 per share and their weighted average remaining contractual life is 0.9 years.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options

Employees may receive equity share options (equity-settled) to purchase TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common shares at a price equal to, or a multiple of, the fair market value at the time of grant and/or phantom share options (cash-settled) that provide them with exposure to TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common share price appreciation. Share option awards granted under the plan may be exercised over specific periods not to exceed ten years from the time of grant. All equity share option awards and most phantom share option awards have a variable payout (0% — 100%) that depends upon the achievement of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. financial performance and non-market quality-of-service performance conditions.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to the TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share option plan.

	2017						2016
	US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated			US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated
Years ended December 31	Number of share options	Weighted average share option price 1		Number of share options	Share option price 2		Number of share options	Weighted average share option price 1		Number of share options	Share option price 2
Outstanding, beginning of period	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—	$	—
Granted	175,272	US$	27.70	—	$	—	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36
Outstanding, end of period	748,626	US$	30.12	53,832	$	21.36	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36

(1) The range of share option prices is US$21.90 — US$40.25 per TELUS International (Cda) Inc. equity share and the weighted average remaining contractual life is 9.2 years (2016 — 10.0 years).

(2) The weighted average remaining contractual life is 8.5 years (2016 — 9.5 years).

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employee future benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

employee future benefits

employee future benefits

15employee future benefits

We have a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans that provide pension and other retirement and post-employment benefits to most of our employees. As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, all registered defined benefit pension plans were closed to substantially all new participants and substantially all benefits had vested. The benefit plans in which our employees are participants reflect developments in our corporate history.

TELUS Corporation Pension Plan

Management and professional employees in Alberta who joined us prior to January 1, 2001, and certain unionized employees who joined us prior to June 9, 2011, are covered by this contributory defined benefit pension plan, which comprises slightly more than one-half of our total defined benefit obligation accrued. The plan contains a supplemental benefit account that may provide indexation of up to 70% of the annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index. Pensionable remuneration is determined by the average of the best five years of remuneration in the last ten years preceding retirement.

Pension Plan for Management and Professional Employees of TELUS Corporation

This defined benefit pension plan, which with certain limited exceptions ceased accepting new participants on January 1, 2006, and which comprises approximately one-quarter of our total defined benefit obligation accrued, provides a non-contributory base level of pension benefits. Additionally, on a contributory basis, employees annually can choose increased and/or enhanced levels of pension benefits above the base level. At an enhanced level of pension benefits, the plan has indexation of 100% of the annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index, to an annual maximum of 2%. Pensionable remuneration is determined by the annualized average of the best 60 consecutive months of remuneration.

TELUS Québec Defined Benefit Pension Plan

This contributory defined benefit pension plan, which ceased accepting new participants on April 14, 2009, covers any employee not governed by a collective agreement in Quebec who joined us prior to April 1, 2006, any non-supervisory employee governed by a collective agreement who joined us prior to September 6, 2006, and certain other unionized employees. The plan comprises approximately one-tenth of our total defined benefit obligation accrued. The plan has no indexation and pensionable remuneration is determined by the average of the best four years of remuneration.

TELUS Edmonton Pension Plan

This contributory defined benefit pension plan ceased accepting new participants on January 1, 1998. Indexation is 60% of the annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index and pensionable remuneration is determined by the annualized average of the best 60 consecutive months of remuneration. The plan comprises less than one-tenth of our total defined benefit obligation accrued.

Other defined benefit pension plans

In addition to the foregoing plans, we have non-registered, non-contributory supplementary defined benefit pension plans, which have the effect of maintaining the earned pension benefit once the allowable maximums in the registered plans are attained. As is common with non-registered plans of this nature, these plans are typically funded only as benefits are paid. These plans comprise less than 5% of our total defined benefit obligation accrued.

We have three contributory non-indexed defined benefit pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition, which comprise less than 1% of our total defined benefit obligation accrued; these plans ceased accepting new participants in September 1989.

Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan

Certain employees in British Columbia are covered by a negotiated-cost, target-benefit union pension plan. Our contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of negotiated labour contracts, the current one of which expires December 31, 2021, and are generally based on employee gross earnings. We are not required to guarantee the benefits or assure the solvency of the plan, and we are not liable to the plan for other participating employers’ obligations. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our contributions comprised a significant proportion of the employer contributions to the union pension plan; similarly, a significant proportion of the plan participants were our active and retired employees.

British Columbia Public Service Pension Plan

Certain employees in British Columbia are covered by a public service pension plan. Contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of labour contracts negotiated by the Province of British Columbia and are generally based on employee gross earnings.

Defined contribution pension plans

We offer three defined contribution pension plans, which are contributory, and these are the pension plans that we sponsor that are available to our non-unionized and certain of our unionized employees. Employees, annually, can generally choose to contribute to the plans at a rate of between 3% and 6% of their pensionable earnings. Generally, we match 100% of the contributions of employees up to 5% of their pensionable earnings and 80% of employee contributions greater than that. Membership in a defined contribution pension plan is generally voluntary until an employee’s third-year service anniversary. In the event that annual contributions exceed allowable maximums, excess amounts are in certain cases contributed to a non-registered supplementary defined contribution pension plan.

Other defined benefit plans

Other defined benefit plans, which are all non-contributory and, as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, non-funded, are comprised of a healthcare plan for retired employees and a life insurance plan, both of which ceased accepting new participants on January 1, 1997.

(a)Defined benefit pension plans — funded status overview

Information concerning our defined benefit pension plans, in aggregate, is as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,837		$	8,620
Current service cost	100			109
Past service cost	(2		)	2
Interest expense	331			340
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	77			25
Financial assumptions	526			184
Benefits paid	(450		)	(443		)
Balance at end of year	9,419			8,837
PLAN ASSETS
Fair value at beginning of year	8,873			8,641
Return on plan assets
Notional interest income on plan assets at discount rate	330			339
Actual return on plan assets greater than discount rate	360			247
Contributions
Employer contributions (d)	66			70
Employees’ contributions	22			25
Benefits paid	(450		)	(443		)
Administrative fees	(6		)	(6		)
Fair value at end of year	9,195			8,873
Effect of asset ceiling limit
Beginning of year	(115		)	(74		)
Change	5			(41		)
End of year	(110		)	(115		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year, net of asset ceiling limit	9,085			8,758
FUNDED STATUS — PLAN SURPLUS (DEFICIT)	$	(334	)	$	(79	)

The plan surplus (deficit) is reflected in the Consolidated statements of financial position as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Funded status — plan surplus (deficit)
Pension benefit plans		$	(334	)	$	(79	)
Other benefit plans		(47		)	(47		)
		$	(381	)	$	(126	)
Presented in the Consolidated statements of financial position as:
Other long-term assets	20	$	156		$	358
Other long-term liabilities	27	(537		)	(484		)
		$	(381	)	$	(126	)

The measurement date used to determine the plan assets and defined benefit obligations accrued was December 31.

(b)Defined benefit pension plans — details

Expense

Our defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery) was as follows:

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017												2016
Recognized in	Employee benefits expense (Note 8)			Financing costs (Note 9)			Other comp. income (Note 11)			Total			Employee benefits expense (Note 8)		Financing costs (Note 9)			Other comp. income (Note 11)			Total
Current service cost	$	78		$	—		$	—		$	78		$	84	$	—		$	—		$	84
Past service costs	(2		)	—			—			(2		)	2		—			—			2
Net interest; return on plan assets
Interest expense arising from defined benefit obligations accrued	—			331			—			331			—		340			—			340
Return, including interest income, on plan assets 1	—			(330		)	(360		)	(690		)	—		(339		)	(247		)	(586		)
Interest effect on asset ceiling limit	—			4			—			4			—		3			—			3
	—			5			(360		)	(355		)	—		4			(247		)	(243		)
Administrative fees	6			—			—			6			6		—			—			6
Re-measurements arising from:
Demographic assumptions	—			—			77			77			—		—			25			25
Financial assumptions	—			—			526			526			—		—			184			184
	—			—			603			603			—		—			209			209
Changes in the effect of limiting net defined benefit assets to the asset ceiling	—			—			(9		)	(9		)	—		—			38			38
	$	82		$	5		$	234		$	321		$	92	$	4		$	—		$	96

(1) The interest income on the plan assets portion of the employee defined benefit plans net interest amount included in Financing costs reflects a rate of return on plan assets equal to the discount rate used in determining the defined benefit obligations accrued.

Disaggregation of defined benefit pension plan funding status

Defined benefit obligations accrued are the actuarial present values of benefits attributed to employee services rendered to a particular date. Our disaggregation of defined benefit pension plan surpluses and deficits at year-end is as follows:

	2017										2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Defined benefit obligations accrued		Plan assets		Difference			PBSR solvency position 1			Defined benefit obligations accrued		Plan assets		Difference			PBSR solvency position 1
Pension plans that have plan assets in excess of defined benefit obligations accrued	$	8,116	$	8,272	$	156		$	335		$	7,610	$	7,968	$	358		$	320
Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets
Funded	1,099		813		(286		)	(80		)	1,034		790		(244		)	(67		)
Unfunded	204		—		(204		)	N/A		2	193		—		(193		)	N/A		2
	1,303		813		(490		)	(80		)	1,227		790		(437		)	(67		)
	$	9,419	$	9,085	$	(334	)	$	255		$	8,837	$	8,758	$	(79	)	$	253
Defined benefit obligations accrued owed to:
Active members	$	2,285									$	2,140
Deferred members	560										557
Pensioners	6,574										6,140
	$	9,419									$	8,837

(1) The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, by way of the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985 (PBSR) (see (d)), requires that a solvency valuation be performed on a periodic basis. The actual PBSR solvency positions are determined in conjunction with mid-year annual funding reports prepared by actuaries (see (d)); as a result, the PBSR solvency positions in this table as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, are interim estimates and updated estimates, respectively. The interim estimate as at December 31, 2016, was a net surplus of $294.

Interim estimated solvency ratios as at December 31, 2017, ranged from 90% to 105% (2016 — updated estimate is 92% to 105%; interim estimate was 93% to 107%) and the estimated three-year average solvency ratios, adjusted as required by the PBSR, ranged from 93% to 104% (2016 — updated estimate is 92% to 103%; interim estimate was 93% to 104%).

The solvency valuation effectively uses the fair value (excluding any asset ceiling limit effects) of the funded defined benefit pension plan assets (adjusted for theoretical wind-up expenses) to measure the solvency assets. Although the defined benefit obligations accrued and the solvency liabilities are calculated similarly, the assumptions used for each differ, primarily in respect of retirement ages and discount rates, and the solvency liabilities, due to the required assumption that each plan is terminated on the valuation date, do not reflect assumptions about future compensation levels. Relative to the experience-based estimates of retirement ages used for purposes of determining the defined benefit obligations accrued, the minimum no-consent retirement age used for solvency valuation purposes may result in either a greater or lesser pension liability, depending upon the provisions of each plan. The solvency positions in this table reflect composite weighted average discount rates of 3.00% (2016 — 3.10%). A hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points in the composite weighted average discount rate would result in a $316 decrease in the PBSR solvency position as at December 31, 2017 (2016 — $303); these sensitivities are hypothetical, should be used with caution, are calculated without changing any other assumption and generally cannot be extrapolated because changes in amounts may not be linear.

(2) PBSR solvency position calculations are not required for the three pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition or for the non-registered, unfunded pension plans.

Fair value measurements

Information about the fair value measurements of our defined benefit pension plan assets, in aggregate, is as follows:

							Fair value measurements at reporting date using
	Total						Quoted prices in active markets for identical items				Other
As at December 31 (millions)	2017			2016			2017		2016		2017		2016
Asset class
Equity securities
Canadian	$	1,385		$	1,172		$	1,129	$	1,135	$	256	$	37
Foreign	1,867			1,876			853		1,189		1,014		687
Debt securities
Issued by national, provincial or local governments	1,512			1,463			1,389		1,362		123		101
Corporate debt securities	1,208			1,317			—		—		1,208		1,317
Asset-backed securities	31			31			—		—		31		31
Commercial mortgages	1,659			1,107			—		—		1,659		1,107
Cash, cash equivalents and other	486			1,151			38		29		448		1,122
Real estate	1,047			756			—		—		1,047		756
	9,195			8,873			$	3,409	$	3,715	$	5,786	$	5,158
Effect of asset ceiling limit	(110		)	(115		)
	$	9,085		$	8,758

As at December 31, 2017, we administered pension benefit trusts that held no TELUS Corporation Common Shares and held debt of TELUS Corporation with a fair value of approximately $3 million (2016 — $3 million) (see (c) — Allowable and prohibited investment types). As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, pension benefit trusts that we administered did not lease real estate to us.

Future benefit payments

Estimated future benefit payments from our defined benefit pension plans, calculated as at December 31, 2017, are as follows:

Years ending December 31 (millions)
2018	$	446
2019	454
2020	458
2021	465
2022	471
2023-2027	2,440

(c)Plan investment strategies and policies

Our primary goal for the defined benefit pension plans is to ensure the security of the retirement income and other benefits of the plan members and their beneficiaries. A secondary goal is to maximize the long-term rate of return on the defined benefit plans’ assets within a level of risk acceptable to us.

Risk management

We consider absolute risk (the risk of contribution increases, inadequate plan surplus and unfunded obligations) to be more important than relative return risk. Accordingly, the defined benefit plans’ designs, the nature and maturity of defined benefit obligations and the characteristics of the plans’ memberships significantly influence investment strategies and policies. We manage risk by specifying allowable and prohibited investment types, setting diversification strategies and determining target asset allocations.

Allowable and prohibited investment types

Allowable and prohibited investment types, along with associated guidelines and limits, are set out in each plan’s required Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP), which is reviewed and approved annually by the designated governing body. The SIPP guidelines and limits are further governed by the permitted investments and lending limits set out in the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985. As well as conventional investments, each fund’s SIPP may provide for the use of derivative products to facilitate investment operations and to manage risk, provided that no short position is taken, no use of leverage is made and no guidelines and limits established in the SIPP are violated. Internally and externally managed funds are not permitted to directly invest in our securities and are prohibited from increasing grandfathered investments in our securities; any such grandfathered investments were made prior to the merger of BC TELECOM Inc. and TELUS Corporation, our predecessors.

Diversification

Our strategy for investments in equity securities is to be broadly diversified across individual securities, industry sectors and geographical regions. A meaningful portion (20% — 30% of total plan assets) of the plans’ investment in equity securities is allocated to foreign equity securities with the intent of further diversifying plan assets. Debt securities may include a meaningful allocation to mortgages, with the objective of enhancing cash flow and providing greater scope for the management of the bond component of the plan assets. Debt securities also may include real return bonds to provide inflation protection, consistent with the indexed nature of some defined benefit obligations. Real estate investments are used to provide diversification of plan assets, hedging of potential long-term inflation and comparatively stable investment income.

Relationship between plan assets and benefit obligations

With the objective of lowering the long-term costs of our defined benefit pension plans, we purposely mismatch plan assets and benefit obligations. This mismatching is effected by including equity investments in the long-term asset mix, as well as fixed income securities and mortgages with durations that differ from those of the benefit obligations.

As at December 31, 2017, the present value-weighted average timing of estimated cash flows for the obligations (duration) of the defined benefit pension plans was 13.9 years (2016 — 13.6 years) and of the other defined benefit plans was 6.8 years (2016 — 7.3 years). Compensation for liquidity issues that may have otherwise arisen from the mismatching of plan assets and benefit obligations is provided by broadly diversified investment holdings (including cash and short-term investments) and cash flows from dividends, interest and rents from those diversified investment holdings.

Asset allocations

Our defined benefit pension plans’ target asset allocations and actual asset allocations are as follows:

	Target allocation	Percentage of plan assets at end of year
Years ended December 31	2018	2017		2016
Equity securities	20-50%	35	%	34	%
Debt securities	40-75%	53	%	57	%
Real estate	5-25%	12	%	9	%
Other	0-10%	—		—
		100	%	100	%

(d)Employer contributions

The determination of the minimum funding amounts necessary for substantially all of our registered defined benefit pension plans is governed by the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, which requires that, in addition to current service costs being funded, both going-concern and solvency valuations be performed on a specified periodic basis.

· Any excess of plan assets over plan liabilities determined in the going-concern valuation reduces our minimum funding requirement for current service costs, but may not reduce the requirement to an amount less than the employees’ contributions. The going-concern valuation generally determines the excess (if any) of a plan’s assets over its liabilities on a projected benefit basis.

· As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the solvency valuation generally requires that a plan’s average solvency liabilities, determined on the basis that the plan is terminated on the valuation date, in excess of its assets (if any) be funded, at a minimum, in equal annual amounts over a period not exceeding five years. So as to manage the risk of overfunding the plans, which results from the solvency valuation for funding purposes utilizing the average solvency ratios, our funding may include the provision of letters of credit. As at December 31, 2017, undrawn letters of credit in the amount of $188 million (2016 — $175 million) secured certain obligations of the defined benefit pension plans, including non-registered, unfunded plans.

Our best estimate of fiscal 2018 employer contributions to our defined benefit plans is approximately $50 million for defined benefit pension plans. This estimate is based upon the mid-year 2017 annual funding valuations that were prepared by actuaries using December 31, 2016, actuarial valuations. The funding reports are based on the pension plans’ fiscal years, which are calendar years. The next annual funding valuations are expected to be prepared mid-year 2018.

(e)Assumptions

As referred to in Note 1(b), management is required to make significant estimates related to certain actuarial and economic assumptions that are used in determining defined benefit pension costs, defined benefit obligations accrued and pension plan assets. These significant estimates are of a long-term nature, consistent with the nature of employee future benefits.

Demographic assumptions

In determining the defined benefit pension expense recognized in net income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we utilized the Canadian Institute of Actuaries CPM 2014 mortality tables.

Financial assumptions

The discount rate, which is used to determine a plan’s defined benefit obligations accrued, is based upon the yield on long-term, high-quality fixed-term investments, and is set annually. The rate of future increases in compensation is based upon current benefits policies and economic forecasts.

The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions arising from these estimates and adopted in measuring our defined benefit obligations accrued are as follows:

	2017		2016
Discount rate 1 used to determine:
Net benefit costs for the year ended December 31	3.80	%	4.00	%
Defined benefit obligations accrued as at December 31	3.40	%	3.80	%
Current service cost in subsequent fiscal year	3.50	%	4.00	%
Rate of future increases in compensation used to determine:
Net benefit costs for the year ended December 31	2.51	%	3.00	%
Defined benefit obligations accrued as at December 31	2.70	%	2.51	%

(1) The discount rate disclosed in this table reflects the computation of an average discount rate that replicates the timing of the obligation cash flows.

Sensitivity of key assumptions

The sensitivity of our key assumptions for our defined benefit pension plans was as follows:

Years ended, or as at, December 31	2017						2016
Increase (decrease) (millions)	Change in obligations			Change in expense			Change in obligations			Change in expense
Sensitivity of key demographic assumptions to an increase of one year 1 in life expectancy	$	270		$	11		$	228		$	10
Sensitivity of key financial assumptions to a hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points 1 in:
Discount rate	$	337		$	16		$	310		$	17
Rate of future increases in compensation	$	(34	)	$	(3	)	$	(27	)	$	(3	)

(1) These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Favourable hypothetical changes in the assumptions result in decreased amounts, and unfavourable hypothetical changes in the assumptions result in increased amounts, of the obligations and expenses. Changes in amounts based on a variation in assumptions of one year or 25 basis points generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in amounts may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the change in obligations or change in expenses is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in the discount rate may result in changes in expectations about the rate of future increases in compensation), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

(f)Defined contribution plans — expense

Our total defined contribution pension plan costs recognized were as follows:

	2017				2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Total		Traditional		Transformative compensation (Notes 8, 16(c))		Total
Union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions	$	23	$	26	$	36	$	62
Other defined contribution pension plans	65		63		5		68
	$	88	$	89	$	41	$	130

We expect that our 2018 union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions will be approximately $25 million.

(g)Other defined benefit plans

For the year ended December 31, 2017, other defined benefit current service cost was $NIL (2016 — $1 million), financing cost was $1 million (2016 — $2 million) and other re-measurements recorded in other comprehensive income were $NIL (2016 — $NIL). Estimated future benefit payments from our other defined benefit plans, calculated as at December 31, 2017, are $2 million annually for the five-year period from 2018 to 2022 and $7 million for the five-year period from 2023 to 2027.

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restructuring and other costs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

restructuring and other costs

restructuring and other costs

16restructuring and other costs

(a)Details of restructuring and other costs

With the objective of reducing ongoing costs, we incur associated incremental, non-recurring restructuring costs, as discussed further in (b) following. We may also incur atypical charges when undertaking major or transformational changes to our business or operating models, as discussed further in (c) following. We also include incremental external costs incurred in connection with business acquisition or disposition activity, as well as litigation costs, in the context of significant losses or settlements, in other costs.

Restructuring and other costs are presented in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, as set out in the following table:

	Restructuring (b)				Other (c)				Total
Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Goods and services purchased	$	66	$	62	$	37	$	—	$	103	$	62
Employee benefits expense	26		112		10		305		36		417
	$	92	$	174	$	47	$	305	$	139	$	479

(b)Restructuring provisions

Employee-related provisions and other provisions, as presented in Note 25, include amounts in respect of restructuring activities. In 2017, restructuring activities included ongoing and incremental efficiency initiatives, including personnel-related costs and rationalization of real estate. These initiatives were intended to improve our long-term operating productivity and competitiveness.

(c) Other costs

For the year ended December 31, 2017, incremental external costs were incurred in connection with business acquisition activity. In connection with our acquisition of a portion of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless subscribers, as discussed further in Note 18(b), non-recurring atypical business integration expenditures that would be considered neither restructuring costs nor part of the fair value of the net assets acquired have been included in other costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, other costs were in respect of immediately vesting, transformative compensation expense for substantially all of our existing unionized (see Note 29(c)) and non-unionized Canadian-situated workforces; a portion of the expense is considered share-based compensation for accounting purposes, as set out in Note 14(a). The compensation vested immediately, and thus was expensed when incurred, as there was no requisite service period of the recipients. The one-time payment to our existing unionized Canadian-situated workforce was compensation in respect of collective agreement concessions that moderate future labour costs and underpin productivity improvements, as well as in lieu of salary increases that would otherwise have been effective July 1, 2016, 2017 and 2018; the one-time payment to our non-unionized Canadian-situated workforce was in lieu of general salary increases that would otherwise have been awarded in 2017 and 2018.

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property, plant and equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

property, plant and equipment

property, plant and equipment

17property, plant and equipment

(millions)	Note	Network assets			Buildings and leasehold improvements			Other			Land			Assets under construction			Total
At cost
As at January 1, 2016		$	27,191		$	2,847		$	1,120		$	55		$	413		$	31,626
Additions 1		762			45			39			—			1,472			2,318
Additions arising from business acquisitions		—			1			1			—			—			2
Dispositions, retirements and other		(739		)	(78		)	(223		)	—			—			(1,040		)
Assets under construction put into service		1,070			139			84			—			(1,293		)	—
As at December 31, 2016		28,284			2,954			1,021			55			592			32,906
Additions 1		972			51			44			—			1,426			2,493
Additions arising from business acquisitions	18(b)	25			8			9			—			—			42
Dispositions, retirements and other		(1,724		)	(63		)	(48		)	(7		)	—			(1,842		)
Assets under construction put into service		1,167			127			69			—			(1,363		)	—
As at December 31, 2017		$	28,724		$	3,077		$	1,095		$	48		$	655		$	33,599
Accumulated depreciation
As at January 1, 2016		$	19,351		$	1,810		$	729		$	—		$	—		$	21,890
Depreciation		1,357			99			108			—			—			1,564
Dispositions, retirements and other		(758		)	(73		)	(181		)	—			—			(1,012		)
As at December 31, 2016		19,950			1,836			656			—			—			22,442
Depreciation		1,396			106			115			—			—			1,617
Dispositions, retirements and other		(1,708		)	(58		)	(62		)	—			—			(1,828		)
As at December 31, 2017		$	19,638		$	1,884		$	709		$	—		$	—		$	22,231
Net book value
As at December 31, 2016		$	8,334		$	1,118		$	365		$	55		$	592		$	10,464
As at December 31, 2017		$	9,086		$	1,193		$	386		$	48		$	655		$	11,368

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2017, additions include $7 (2016 — $(40)) in respect of asset retirement obligations (see Note 25).

As at December 31, 2017, our contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment totalled $184 million over a period ending December 31, 2019 (2016 — $436 million over a period ending December 31, 2020).

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intangible assets and goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

intangible assets and goodwill

intangible assets and goodwill

18intangible assets and goodwill

(a)Intangible assets and goodwill, net

	Intangible assets subject to amortization															Intangible  assets with  indefinite lives
(millions)	Customer contracts,  related customer  relationships and  leasehold interests			Software			Access  to  rights-of- way and  other			Assets  under  construction			Total			Spectrum  licences		Total  intangible  assets			Goodwill 1			Total  intangible  assets and  goodwill
At cost
As at January 1, 2016	$	473		$	3,801		$	90		$	216		$	4,580		$	8,480	$	13,060		$	4,125		$	17,185
Additions	—			50			4			575			629			164		793			—			793
Additions arising from business acquisitions	12			4			—			—			16			—		16			22			38
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest (see Note 9))	—			(137		)	(3		)	—			(140		)	49		(91		)	—			(91		)
Assets under construction put into service	—			577			2			(579		)	—			—		—			—			—
Net foreign exchange differences	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			4			4
As at December 31, 2016	485			4,295			93			212			5,085			8,693		13,778			4,151			17,929
Additions	—			74			5			538			617			—		617			—			617
Additions arising from business acquisitions (b)	134			101			—			—			235			—		235			433			668
Dispositions, retirements and other	(61		)	(209		)	(1		)	—			(271		)	—		(271		)	—			(271		)
Assets under construction put into service	—			406			—			(406		)	—			—		—			—			—
Net foreign exchange differences	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(3		)	(3		)
As at December 31, 2017	$	558		$	4,667		$	97		$	344		$	5,666		$	8,693	$	14,359		$	4,581		$	18,940
Accumulated amortization
As at January 1, 2016	$	280		$	2,739		$	56		$	—		$	3,075		$	—	$	3,075		$	364		$	3,439
Amortization	43			436			4			—			483			—		483			—			483
Dispositions, retirements and other	—			(143		)	(1		)	—			(144		)	—		(144		)	—			(144		)
As at December 31, 2016	323			3,032			59			—			3,414			—		3,414			364			3,778
Amortization	48			500			4			—			552			—		552			—			552
Dispositions, retirements and other	(61		)	(202		)	(2		)	—			(265		)	—		(265		)	—			(265		)
As at December 31, 2017	$	310		$	3,330		$	61		$	—		$	3,701		$	—	$	3,701		$	364		$	4,065
Net book value
As at December 31, 2016	$	162		$	1,263		$	34		$	212		$	1,671		$	8,693	$	10,364		$	3,787		$	14,151
As at December 31, 2017	$	248		$	1,337		$	36		$	344		$	1,965		$	8,693	$	10,658		$	4,217		$	14,875

(1) Accumulated amortization of goodwill is amortization recorded prior to 2002; there are no accumulated impairment losses in the accumulated amortization of goodwill.

As at December 31, 2017, our contractual commitments for the acquisition of intangible assets totalled $36 million over a period ending December 31, 2020 (2016 — $82 million over a period ending December 31, 2020).

(b)Business acquisitions

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless

On May 2, 2016, BCE Inc. announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.; as of September 30, 2016, all court and shareholder approvals had been obtained; as of February 15, 2017, all regulatory approvals had been obtained; and the transaction closed on March 17, 2017. In June 2016, we submitted a notification and advanced ruling request to the Competition Bureau regarding our previously announced agreement in principle with BCE Inc., pursuant to which we intended to acquire a portion of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s postpaid wireless subscribers, certain network assets and dealer locations in Manitoba, upon the successful completion of BCE Inc.’s acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

On April 1, 2017, we acquired postpaid wireless customer contracts, certain network assets and rights to 15 retail locations in Manitoba. The primary reason for this acquisition is to increase the number of our postpaid wireless subscribers in Manitoba and to enhance our distribution of wireless products and customer services across all of Manitoba.

The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired business in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from the benefits of acquiring established businesses in multiple locations). The amount assigned to goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Kroll Computer Systems Inc.

On May 15, 2017, we acquired 100% of Kroll Computer Systems Inc., the primary reason for which is to enhance our geographic reach and the quality of our product offering as a national pharmacy management services provider.

The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired business in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from the acquired workforce and the benefits of acquiring an established business). The amount assigned to goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Voxpro Limited

On August 31, 2017, we acquired 55% of Voxpro Limited, a business process outsourcing and contact centre services company with facilities in Ireland, the United States and Romania. The investment was made with a view to expanding further into supporting customers providing Internet-related services and products, bolstering sales capabilities in our chosen markets, and acquiring multi-site redundancy in support of other facilities.

In respect of the 55% acquired business, we concurrently provided a written put option to the remaining selling shareholders under which they could put the remaining 45% of the shares commencing in 2021. The acquisition-date fair value of the puttable shares held by the non-controlling shareholders has been recorded as a provision (see Note 25). Also concurrent with our acquisition of the initial 55% interest, the non-controlling shareholders provided us with a purchased call option, which mirrors the written put option.

The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired business in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from the acquired workforce and the benefits of acquiring an established business). The amount assigned to goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Individually immaterial transactions

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we acquired 100% ownership of multiple businesses complementary to our existing lines of business. The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the earnings capacity of the acquired businesses in excess of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (such excess arising from: the low levels of tangible assets relative to the earnings capacity of the businesses; expected synergies; the benefits of acquiring established businesses with certain capabilities in their industries; and the geographic presence of the acquired businesses). A portion of the amounts assigned to goodwill may be deductible for income tax purposes.

Acquisition-date fair values

The acquisition-date fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are set out in the following table:

	Manitoba Telecom  Services Inc.  postpaid wireless			Kroll Computer  Systems Inc.		Voxpro  Limited 1		Individually  immaterial  transactions		Total
Assets
Current assets
Cash	$	—		$	1	$	3	$	—	$	4
Accounts receivable 2	9			3		20		—		32
Other	7			—		4		1		12
	16			4		27		1		48
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Network assets	23			—		—		2		25
Buildings and leasehold improvements	—			—		8		—		8
Other	—			1		8		—		9
Intangible assets subject to amortization 3
Customer contracts, customer relationships (including those related to customer contracts) and leasehold interests	54			26		38		16		134
Software	—			101		—		—		101
	77			128		54		18		277
Total identifiable assets acquired	93			132		81		19		325
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1			1		19		—		21
Advance billings and customer deposits	2			4		—		1		7
Provisions	7			—		—		—		7
	10			5		19		1		35
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	6			3		—		—		9
Other long-term liabilities	—			—		1		—		1
Deferred income taxes	18			—		5		—		23
	24			3		6		—		33
Total liabilities assumed	34			8		25		1		68
Net identifiable assets acquired	59			124		56		18		257
Goodwill	207			126		85		15		433
Net assets acquired	$	266		$	250	$	141	$	33	$	690
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration	$	306		$	150	$	58	$	31	$	545
Accrued receivable 4	(40		)	—		—		—		(40		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			—		—		2		2
Provisions	—			—		60		—		60
Issue of TELUS Corporation Common Shares	—			100		—		—		100
Pre-existing relationship effectively settled	—			—		23		—		23
	$	266		$	250	$	141	$	33	$	690

(1) The purchase price allocation, primarily in respect of customer relationships, had not been finalized as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. As is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to Voxpro Limited’s books and records. Upon having sufficient time to review Voxpro Limited’s books and records, we expect to finalize our purchase price allocation.

Prior to acquisition, we had advanced $23 to Voxpro Limited; this pre-existing relationship was effectively settled at the date of the business combination with no gain or loss recognized.

(2) The fair value of the accounts receivable is equal to the gross contractual amounts receivable and reflects the best estimates at the acquisition date of the contractual cash flows expected to be collected.

(3) Customer contracts and customer relationships (including those related to customer contracts) are expected to be amortized over a period of 8 to 10 years; software is expected to be amortized over a period of 10 years.

(4) The total transaction price is a function of the number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers acquired. If less than the targeted number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers is acquired, the total transaction price will be reduced on a pro-rated basis; a receivable has been accrued for the estimate of such reduction, net of associated adjustments.

To the extent that the actual number of qualifying wireless subscribers acquired is greater (less) than provided for in the purchase price allocation, such adjustment to the transaction price will result in a charge (recovery) recorded in Other operating income, reflecting treatment as a contingent consideration deposit; during the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a change in the contingent consideration receivable of $26 (Note 7). We have accrued our best estimate of the amount of the contingent consideration deposit we expect to recover.

Pro forma disclosures

The following pro forma supplemental information represents certain results of operations as if the business acquisitions noted above had been completed at the beginning of the fiscal 2017 year.

Year ended December 31, 2017 (millions except per share amounts)	As reported 1		Pro forma 2
Operating revenues	$	13,304	$	13,426
Net income	$	1,479	$	1,474
Net income per Common Share
Basic	$	2.46	$	2.45
Diluted	$	2.46	$	2.45

(1) As reported operating revenues and net income include $49 and $20, respectively, in respect of the operations of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless (excluding the change in the contingent consideration receivable (Note 7)), $17 and $NIL, respectively, in respect of the operations of Kroll Computer Systems Inc., and $51 and $NIL, respectively, in respect of the operations of Voxpro Limited.

(2) Pro forma amounts reflect the acquired businesses. In respect of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless, pro forma adjustments for revenues and goods and services purchased are not available as the seller’s information systems were not configured to capture such information; as a proxy, the revenues and goods and services purchased amounts for the three-month period ended June 30, 2017, have been used for pro forma purposes. The results of the acquired businesses have been included in our Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income effective the dates of acquisition.

The pro forma supplemental information is based on estimates and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. The pro forma supplemental information is not necessarily indicative of our consolidated financial results in future periods or the actual results that would have been realized had the business acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma supplemental information includes incremental intangible asset amortization, financing and other charges as a result of the acquisitions, net of the related tax effects.

(c)Business acquisitions — subsequent to reporting period

AlarmForce Industries

On January 4, 2018, we acquired 100% of the customers, assets and operations of AlarmForce Industries Inc. in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, for cash consideration of approximately $69 million; the primary reason for which is to leverage our telecommunications infrastructure and expertise to continue to enhance connected home, business, security and health services for our customers.

As of February 8, 2018, our initial provision for the net identifiable assets acquired is in the range of $10 million-$20 million; as is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to the relevant portions of the books and records of AlarmForce Industries. Upon having sufficient time to review the relevant portions of the books and records of AlarmForce Industries, as well as obtaining new and additional information about the related facts and circumstances as of the acquisition date, we will adjust the provisional amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and thus finalize our purchase price allocation.

Xavient Information Systems

On February 6, 2018, through our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, we acquired 65% of Xavient Information Systems, a group of information technology consulting and software services companies with facilities in the United States and India, for consideration of approximately $144 million (US$115 million) in cash and approximately $19 million (US$15 million) in TELUS International (Cda) Inc. common shares. The investment was made with a view to enhancing our ability to provide complex and higher-value information technology services, improve our related sales and solutioning capabilities and acquire multi-site redundancy in support of other facilities.

In respect of the 65% acquired business, we concurrently provided a written put option to the remaining selling shareholders; the written put option for the remaining 35% of the economic interest would become exercisable no later than December 31, 2020. The acquisition-date fair value of the puttable shares held by the non-controlling shareholders will be recorded as a provision in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018; we currently estimate that such fair value would be in the range of $150 million (US$120 million). Also concurrent with our acquisition of the initial 65% interest, the non-controlling shareholders provided us with a purchased call option, which substantially mirrors the written put option.

As of February 8, 2018, our initial provision for the net identifiable assets acquired is in the range of $95 million-$125 million (US$75 million-US$100 million); as is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to the books and records of Xavient Information Systems. Upon having sufficient time to review the books and records of Xavient Information Systems, as well as obtaining new and additional information about the related facts and circumstances as of the acquisition date, we will adjust the provisional amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and thus finalize our purchase price allocation.

(d)Intangible assets with indefinite lives — spectrum licences

Our intangible assets with indefinite lives include spectrum licences granted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada which are used for the provision of both mobile and fixed wireless services. The spectrum licence policy terms indicate that the spectrum licences will likely be renewed. We expect our spectrum licences to be renewed every 20 years following a review of our compliance with licence terms. In addition to current usage, our licensed spectrum can be used for planned and new technologies. As a result of our assessment of the combination of these significant factors, we currently consider our spectrum licences to have indefinite lives and, as referred to in Note 1(b), this represents a significant judgment for us.

(e)Impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill

General

As referred to in Note 1(i), the carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are periodically tested for impairment and, as referred to in Note 1(b), this test represents a significant estimate for us, while also requiring significant judgments to be made.

The allocated carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are set out in the following table.

	Intangible assets with  indefinite lives				Goodwill				Total
As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Wireless	$	8,693	$	8,693	$	2,860	$	2,647	$	11,553	$	11,340
Wireline	—		—		1,357		1,140		1,357		1,140
	$	8,693	$	8,693	$	4,217	$	3,787	$	12,910	$	12,480

The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units’ assets have been determined based on a fair value less costs of disposal calculation. There is a material degree of uncertainty with respect to the estimates of the recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units’ assets, given the necessity of making key economic assumptions about the future. Recoverable amounts based on the fair value less costs of disposal are categorized as Level 3 fair value measures.

We validate our recoverable amount calculation results through a market-comparable approach and an analytical review of industry facts and facts that are specific to us. The market-comparable approach uses current (at time of test) market consensus estimates and equity trading prices for U.S. and Canadian firms in the same industry. In addition, we ensure that the combination of the valuations of the cash-generating units is reasonable based on our current (at time of test) market value.

Key assumptions

The fair value less costs of disposal and the value in use calculations both use discounted cash flow projections that employ the following key assumptions: future cash flows and growth projections (including judgments about the allocation of future capital expenditures to support both wireless and wireline operations); associated economic risk assumptions and estimates of the likelihood of achieving key operating metrics and drivers; estimates of future generational infrastructure capital expenditures; and the future weighted average cost of capital. We consider a range of reasonably possible amounts to use for key assumptions and decide upon amounts that represent management’s best estimates of market amounts. In the normal course, we make changes to key assumptions so that they reflect current (at time of test) economic conditions, updates of historical information used to develop the key assumptions and changes (if any) in our debt ratings.

The key assumptions for cash flow projections are based upon our approved financial forecasts, which span a period of three years and are discounted, for December 2017 annual test purposes, at a consolidated post-tax notional rate of 7.0% (2016 — 7.0%). For impairment testing valuations, cash flows subsequent to the three-year projection period are extrapolated, for December 2017 annual test purposes, using perpetual growth rates of 2.25% (2016 — 2.0%) for each of the wireless cash-generating unit and  the wireline cash-generating unit; these growth rates do not exceed the long-term average growth rates observed in the markets in which we operate.

We believe that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions on which the calculation of the recoverable amounts of our cash-generating units is based would not cause the cash-generating units’ carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to each cash-generating unit) to exceed their recoverable amounts. If the future were to adversely differ from management’s best estimates of key assumptions and associated cash flows were to be materially adversely affected, we could potentially experience future material impairment charges in respect of our intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill.

Sensitivity testing

Sensitivity testing was conducted as a part of the December 2017 annual impairment test, a component of which was hypothetical changes in the future weighted average cost of capital. Stress testing included a scenario of moderate declines in annual cash flows with all other assumptions being held constant; under this scenario, we would be able to recover the carrying values of our intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill for the foreseeable future.

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leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

leases

leases

19leases

We occupy leased premises in various locations and have the right of use of land, buildings and equipment under operating leases. For the year ended December 31, 2017, real estate and vehicle operating lease expenses, which are net of the amortization of deferred gains on the sale-leaseback of buildings and the occupancy costs associated with leased real estate, were $191 million (2016 — $176 million); occupancy costs associated with leased real estate totalled $128 million (2016 — $133 million).

As referred to in Note 16, we have consolidated our administrative real estate holdings and, in some instances, this has resulted in subletting land and buildings. The future minimum lease payments under operating leases are as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017						2016
Years ending	Operating  leases with  arm’s-length  lessors 1		Operating  leases with  related party  lessors 2		Total		Operating  leases with  arm’s-length  lessors1		Operating  leases with  related party lessors 2		Total
1 year hence	$	218	$	6	$	224	$	211	$	6	$	217
2 years hence	191		12		203		192		6		198
3 years hence	169		13		182		171		12		183
4 years hence	147		13		160		147		13		160
5 years hence	122		13		135		125		13		138
Thereafter	534		208		742		599		220		819
	$	1,381	$	265	$	1,646	$	1,445	$	270	$	1,715

(1) Immaterial amounts for minimum lease receipts from sublet land and buildings have been netted against the minimum lease payments in this table. Minimum lease payments exclude occupancy costs and thus will differ from future amounts reported for operating lease expenses. As at December 31, 2017, commitments for occupancy costs under operating leases totalled $816 (2016 — $869).

(2) As set out in Note 21(c), we have entered into leases with the real estate joint ventures. This table includes 100% of the minimum lease payment amounts due under these leases; of the total, $109 (2016 — $112) is due to our economic interests in the real estate joint ventures and $156 (2016 — $158) is due to our partners’ economic interests in the real estate joint ventures.

Of the total amount above as at December 31, 2017:

· Approximately 33% (2016 — 34%) was in respect of our five largest leases, all of which were for office premises over various terms, with expiry dates ranging from 2024 to 2036 (2016 — ranging from 2024 to 2036); the weighted average remaining term of these leases is approximately 13 years (2016 — 14 years).

· Approximately 29% (2016 — 30%) was in respect of wireless site leases; the weighted average remaining term of these leases is approximately 17 years (2016 — 17 years).

Most of our leases for real estate that we use for office or network (including wireless site) purposes typically have extension options which we use to protect our investment in leasehold improvements (including wireless site equipment) and/or which reflect the importance of the underlying right-of-use lease assets to our operations.

See Note 2(b) for details of significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective and have not yet been applied, but which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of operating lease expenses and their recognition in the Consolidated statement of financial position, as well as their classification in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

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other long-term assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other long-term assets

other long-term assets

20other long-term assets

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Pension assets	15(a)	$	156	$	358
Investments		41		62
Prepaid maintenance		57		62
Real estate joint venture advances	21(c)	47		21
Real estate joint ventures	21(c)	15		30
Other		105		107
		$	421	$	640

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real estate joint ventures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

real estate joint ventures

real estate joint ventures

21real estate joint ventures

(a)General

In 2011, we partnered, as equals, with an arm’s-length party in a residential condominium, retail and commercial real estate redevelopment project, TELUS Garden, in Vancouver, British Columbia. TELUS is a tenant in TELUS Garden, which is now our global headquarters. The new-build office tower received 2009 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, and the neighbouring new-build residential condominium tower was built to the LEED Gold standard.

In 2013, we partnered, as equals, with two arm’s-length parties (one of which is our TELUS Garden partner) in a residential, retail and commercial real estate redevelopment project, TELUS Sky, in Calgary, Alberta. The new-build tower, scheduled for completion in 2019, is to be built to the LEED Platinum standard.

(b)Real estate joint ventures — summarized financial information

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	20	$	15
Escrowed deposits for tenant inducements and liens	1		5
Sales contract deposits held by arm’s-length trustee	—		2
Other	4		6
Property under development — residential condominiums (subject to sales contracts)	—		13
	25		41
Non-current assets
Property under development — investment property	194		121
Investment property	256		261
	450		382
	$	475	$	423
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13	$	18
Sales contract deposits
Payable	—		3
Held by arm’s-length trustee	—		2
Current portion of 3.7% mortgage and senior secured 3.4% bonds	5		4
Construction holdback liabilities	10		7
	28		34
Non-current liabilities
Construction credit facilities	141		63
3.7% mortgage due September 2024	27		—
Senior secured 3.4% bonds due July 2025	208		213
	376		276
Liabilities	404		310
Owners’ equity
TELUS 1	29		48
Other partners	42		65
	71		113
	$	475	$	423

(1) The equity amounts recorded by the real estate joint ventures differ from those recorded by us by the amount of the deferred gains on our real estate contributed and the valuation provision we have recorded in excess of that recorded by one of the real estate joint ventures.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Revenue
From investment property	$	34		$	34
From sale of residential condominiums	$	19		$	262
Depreciation and amortization	$	8		$	8
Interest expense 1	$	8		$	10
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 2	$	(6	)	$	72

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2017, the real estate joint ventures capitalized $3 (2016 — $4) of financing costs.

(2) As the real estate joint ventures are partnerships, no provision for income taxes of the partners is made in determining the real estate joint ventures’ net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

(c)Our real estate joint ventures activity

Our real estate joint ventures investment activity is set out in the following table.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017								2016
	Loans and receivables 1		Equity 2			Total			Loans and receivables 1			Equity 2			Total
Related to real estate joint ventures’ statements of income and other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us 3	$	—	$	2		$	2		$	—		$	33		$	33
Related to real estate joint ventures’ statements of financial position
Items not affecting currently reported cash flows
Recognition of gain initially deferred on our real estate initially contributed	—		1			1			—			8			8
Construction credit facilities financing costs charged by us and other (Note 7)	—		—			—			1			—			1
Cash flows in the current reporting period
Construction credit facilities
Amounts advanced	26		—			26			33			—			33
Amounts repaid	—		—			—			(63		)	—			(63		)
Financing costs paid to us	—		—			—			(1		)	—			(1		)
Repayment of funds advanced	—		—			—			(18		)	—			(18		)
Funds repaid to us and earnings distributed	—		(18		)	(18		)	—			(21		)	(21		)
Net increase (decrease)	26		(15		)	11			(48		)	20			(28		)
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Balance, beginning of period	21		30			51			69			25			94
Valuation provision	—		—			—			—			(15		)	(15		)
Balance, end of period	$	47	$	15		$	62		$	21		$	30		$	51

(1) Loans and receivables are included in our Consolidated statements of financial position as Real estate joint venture advances and are comprised of advances under construction credit facilities (see (d)) and, prior to its repayment during the year ended December 31, 2016, an $18 mortgage on the TELUS Garden residential condominium tower.

(2) We account for our interests in the real estate joint ventures using the equity method of accounting.

(3) As the real estate joint ventures are partnerships, no provision for income taxes of the partners is made in determining the real estate joint ventures’ net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss); provision for income taxes is made in determining the comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the TELUS Garden real estate joint venture recognized $12 million (2016 — $11 million) of revenue from our TELUS Garden office tenancy; of this amount, one-half is due to our economic interest in the real estate joint venture and one-half is due to our partner’s economic interest in the real estate joint venture.

(d)Commitments and contingent liabilities

Construction commitments

The TELUS Sky real estate joint venture is expected to spend a total of approximately $400 million on the construction of a mixed-use tower. As at December 31, 2017, the real estate joint venture’s construction-related contractual commitments were approximately $82 million through to 2019 (2016 — $121 million through to 2018).

Construction credit facilities

The TELUS Sky real estate joint venture has a credit agreement with three Canadian financial institutions (as 66-2/3% lender) and TELUS Corporation (as 33-1/3% lender) to provide $342 million of construction financing for the project. The TELUS Garden real estate joint venture had a credit agreement with two Canadian financial institutions (as 50% lender) and TELUS Corporation (as 50% lender) to provide construction financing for the residential condominium project; as at December 31, 2016, all outstanding amounts had been repaid.

The construction credit facilities contain customary real estate construction financing representations, warranties and covenants and are secured by demand debentures constituting first fixed and floating charge mortgages over the underlying real estate assets. The construction credit facilities are available by way of bankers’ acceptance or prime loan and bear interest at rates in line with similar construction financing facilities.

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Construction credit facilities commitment — TELUS Corporation
Undrawn	4(c)	$	67	$	93
Advances		47		21
		114		114
Construction credit facilities commitment — other		228		228
		$	342	$	342

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short-term borrowings

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

short-term borrowings

short-term borrowings

22short-term borrowings

On July 26, 2002, one of our subsidiaries, TELUS Communications Inc., entered into an agreement with an arm’s-length securitization trust associated with a major Schedule I bank under which it is able to sell an interest in certain trade receivables up to a maximum of $500 million (2016 — $500 million). This revolving-period securitization agreement term ends December 31, 2018, and it requires minimum cash proceeds of $100 million from monthly sales of interests in certain trade receivables. TELUS Communications Inc. is required to maintain a credit rating of at least BB (2016 — BB) from Dominion Bond Rating Service or the securitization trust may require the sale program to be wound down prior to the end of the term.

When we sell our trade receivables, we retain reserve accounts, which are retained interests in the securitized trade receivables, and servicing rights. As at December 31, 2017, we had sold to the trust (but continued to recognize) trade receivables of $119 million (2016 — $116 million). Short-term borrowings of $100 million (2016 — $100 million) are comprised of amounts advanced to us by the arm’s-length securitization trust pursuant to the sale of trade receivables.

The balance of short-term borrowings (if any) is comprised of amounts drawn on our bilateral bank facilities.

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accounts payable and accrued liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

accounts payable and accrued liabilities

accounts payable and accrued liabilities

23accounts payable and accrued liabilities

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Accrued liabilities	$	1,066	$	1,013
Payroll and other employee-related liabilities	403		460
Restricted stock units liability	66		55
	1,535		1,528
Trade accounts payable	717		578
Interest payable	147		144
Other	61		80
	$	2,460	$	2,330

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advance billings and customer deposits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

advance billings and customer deposits

advance billings and customer deposits

24advance billings and customer deposits

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Advance billings	$	747	$	697
Deferred customer activation and connection fees	13		17
Customer deposits	21		15
Regulatory deferral accounts	1		8
	$	782	$	737

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provisions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

provisions

provisions

25provisions

(millions)	Asset retirement obligation			Employee- related			Written put options			Other			Total
As at January 1, 2016	$	377		$	109		$	46		$	98		$	630
Additions 1	15			113			17			54			199
Use	(9		)	(141		)	(54		)	(41		)	(245		)
Reversal	—			(4		)	—			(8		)	(12		)
Interest effect 2	(44		)	—			1			—			(43		)
Foreign exchange effects	—			—			(10		)	—			(10		)
As at December 31, 2016	339			77			—			103			519
Additions 1	13			39			71			58			181
Use	(6		)	(75		)	—			(40		)	(121		)
Reversal 3	(53		)	(5		)	(11		)	(1		)	(70		)
Interest effect 2	58			—			2			—			60
Foreign exchange effects	—			—			1			—			1
As at December 31, 2017	$	351		$	36		$	63		$	120		$	570
Current	$	11		$	76		$	—		$	37		$	124
Non-current	328			1			—			66			395
As at December 31, 2016	$	339		$	77		$	—		$	103		$	519
Current	$	6		$	35		$	—		$	37		$	78
Non-current	345			1			63			83			492
As at December 31, 2017	$	351		$	36		$	63		$	120		$	570

(1) Employee-related additions are net of share-based compensation of $(7) (2016 — $4).

(2) The difference of $47 (2016 — $(55)) between the interest effect in this table and the amount disclosed in Note 9 is in respect of the change in the discount rates applicable to the provision, such difference being included in the cost of the associated asset(s) by way of being included with (netted against) the additions detailed in Note 17.

(3) The written put option reversal is an adjustment to the Voxpro Limited purchase price allocation disclosed in Note 18(b).

Asset retirement obligation

We establish provisions for liabilities associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of the assets. We expect that the cash outflows in respect of the balance accrued as at the financial statement date will occur proximate to the dates these assets are retired.

Employee-related

The employee-related provisions are largely in respect of restructuring activities (as discussed further in Note 16(b)). The timing of the cash outflows in respect of the balance accrued as at the financial statement date is substantially short-term in nature.

Written put options

In connection with certain business acquisitions, we have established provisions for written put options in respect of non-controlling interests. No cash outflows for the written put options outstanding at December 31, 2017, are expected prior to their initial exercisability in 2021.

Other

The provisions for other include: legal claims; non-employee related restructuring activities (as discussed further in Note 16); and contract termination costs and onerous contracts related to business acquisitions. Other than as set out following, we expect that the cash outflows in respect of the balance accrued as at the financial statement date will occur over an indeterminate multi-year period.

As discussed further in Note 29, we are involved in a number of legal claims and we are aware of certain other possible legal claims. In respect of legal claims, we establish provisions, when warranted, after taking into account legal assessments, information presently available, and the expected availability of recourse. The timing of cash outflows associated with legal claims cannot be reasonably determined.

In connection with certain business acquisitions, we have established provisions for contingent consideration, contract termination costs and onerous contracts acquired. In respect of contract termination costs and onerous contracts acquired, cash outflows are expected to occur through mid-2018.

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long-term debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

long-term debt

long-term debt

26long-term debt

(a)Details of long-term debt

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
TELUS Corporation notes	(b)	$	11,561	$	11,367
TELUS Corporation commercial paper	(c)	1,140		613
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures	(e)	620		619
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility	(f)	339		332
Long-term debt		$	13,660	$	12,931
Current		$	1,404	$	1,327
Non-current		12,256		11,604
Long-term debt		$	13,660	$	12,931

(b)TELUS Corporation notes

The notes are senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations, are senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness, and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future obligations of, or guaranteed by, our subsidiaries. The indentures governing the notes contain certain covenants which, among other things, place limitations on our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: grant security in respect of indebtedness; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; and incur new indebtedness.

							Principal face amount				Redemption present value spread
Series 1	Issued	Maturity	Issue price		Effective interest rate 2		Originally issued		Outstanding at financial statement date		Basis points	Cessation date
4.95% Notes, Series CD	March 2007	March 2017	$	999.53	4.96	%	$	700 million	$	NIL	24 3	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CG 4	December 2009	December 2019	$	994.19	5.13	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	45.5 3	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CH 4	July 2010	July 2020	$	997.44	5.08	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	47 3	N/A
3.35% Notes, Series CJ 4	December 2012	March 2023	$	998.83	3.36	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	40 5	Dec. 15, 2022
3.35% Notes, Series CK 4	April 2013	April 2024	$	994.35	3.41	%	$	1.1 billion	$	1.1 billion	36 5	Jan. 2, 2024
4.40% Notes, Series CL 4	April 2013	April 2043	$	997.68	4.41	%	$	600 million	$	600 million	47 5	Oct. 1, 2042
3.60% Notes, Series CM 4	November 2013	January 2021	$	997.15	3.65	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	35 3	N/A
5.15% Notes, Series CN 4	November 2013	November 2043	$	995.00	5.18	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	50 5	May 26, 2043
3.20% Notes, Series CO 4	April 2014	April 2021	$	997.39	3.24	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	30 5	Mar. 5, 2021
4.85% Notes, Series CP 4	Multiple 6	April 2044	$	987.91 6	4.93	%  6	$	500 million 6	$	900 million 6	46 5	Oct. 5, 2043
3.75% Notes, Series CQ 4	September 2014	January 2025	$	997.75	3.78	%	$	800 million	$	800 million	38.5 5	Oct. 17, 2024
4.75% Notes, Series CR 4	September 2014	January 2045	$	992.91	4.80	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	51.5 5	July 17, 2044
1.50% Notes, Series CS 4	March 2015	March 2018	$	999.62	1.51	%	$	250 million	$	250 million	N/A 7	N/A
2.35% Notes, Series CT 4	March 2015	March 2022	$	997.31	2.39	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	35.5 5	Feb. 28, 2022
4.40% Notes, Series CU 4	March 2015	January 2046	$	999.72	4.40	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	60.5 5	July 29, 2045
3.75% Notes, Series CV 4	December 2015	March 2026	$	992.14	3.84	%	$	600 million	$	600 million	53.5 5	Dec. 10, 2025
2.80% U.S. Dollar Notes 4, 8	September 2016	February 2027	US$991.89		2.89	%	US$600 million		US$600 million		20 9	Nov. 16, 2026
3.70% U.S. Dollar Notes 4, 10	March 2017	September 2027	US$998.95		3.71	%	US$500 million		US$500 million		20 9	June 15, 2027
4.70% Notes, Series CW 4	March 2017	March 2048	$	990.65	4.76	%	$	325 million	$	325 million	58.5 5	Sept. 6, 2047

(1) Interest is payable semi-annually.

(2) The effective interest rate is that which the notes would yield to an initial debt holder if held to maturity.

(3) The notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption.

(4) This series of notes requires us to make an offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase upon the occurrence of a change in control triggering event, as defined in the supplemental trust indenture.

(5) At any time prior to the respective maturity dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread calculated over the period to maturity, other than in the case of the Series CT and Series CU notes, where it is calculated over the period to the redemption present value spread cessation date, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption. On or after the respective redemption present value spread cessation dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole but not in part, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, at redemption prices equal to 100% of the principal amounts thereof.

(6) $500 million of 4.85% Notes, Series CP were issued in April 2014 at an issue price of $998.74 and an effective interest rate of 4.86%. This series of notes was reopened in December 2015 and a further $400 million of notes were issued at an issue price of $974.38 and an effective interest rate of 5.02%.

(7) The notes are not redeemable at our option, other than in the event of certain changes in tax laws.

(8) We have entered into a foreign exchange derivative (a cross currency interest rate exchange agreement) which effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with a fixed interest rate of 2.95% and an issued and outstanding amount of $792 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3205).

(9) At any time prior to the respective maturity dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the U.S. Adjusted Treasury Rate plus the redemption present value spread calculated over the period to the redemption present value spread cessation date, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption. On or after the respective redemption present value spread cessation dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole but not in part, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, at redemption prices equal to 100% of the principal amounts thereof.

(10) We have entered into a foreign exchange derivative (a cross currency interest rate exchange agreement) which effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with a fixed interest rate of 3.41% and an issued and outstanding amount of $667 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3348).

(c)TELUS Corporation commercial paper

TELUS Corporation has an unsecured commercial paper program, which is backstopped by our $2.25 billion syndicated credit facility (see (d)) and is to be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and investments. This program enables us to issue commercial paper, subject to conditions related to debt ratings, up to a maximum aggregate amount at any one time of $1.4 billion (2016 — $1.4 billion). Foreign currency forward contracts are used to manage currency risk arising from issuing commercial paper denominated in U.S. dollars. Commercial paper debt is due within one year and is classified as a current portion of long-term debt, as the amounts are fully supported, and we expect that they will continue to be supported, by the revolving credit facility, which has no repayment requirements within the next year. As at December 31, 2017, we had $1,140 million of commercial paper outstanding, all of which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$908 million), with an effective weighted average interest rate of 1.83%, maturing through April 2018.

(d)TELUS Corporation credit facility

As at December 31, 2017, TELUS Corporation had an unsecured revolving $2.25 billion bank credit facility, expiring on May 31, 2021, with a syndicate of financial institutions, which is to be used for general corporate purposes, including the backstopping of commercial paper.

TELUS Corporation’s credit facility bears interest at prime rate, U.S. Dollar Base Rate, a bankers’ acceptance rate or London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) (all such terms as used or defined in the credit facility), plus applicable margins. The credit facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including two financial quarter-end ratio tests. These tests are that our net debt to operating cash flow ratio must not exceed 4.00:1.00 and our operating cash flow to interest expense ratio must not be less than 2.00:1.00, all as defined under the credit facility.

Continued access to TELUS Corporation’s credit facility is not contingent on TELUS Corporation maintaining a specific credit rating.

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Net available	$	1,110	$	1,637
Backstop of commercial paper	1,140		613
Gross available	$	2,250	$	2,250

We had $224 million of letters of credit outstanding as at December 31, 2017 (2016 — $210 million), issued under various uncommitted facilities; such letter of credit facilities are in addition to the ability to provide letters of credit pursuant to our committed bank credit facility.

(e)TELUS Communications Inc. debentures

The Series 3 and 5 Debentures were issued by a predecessor corporation of TELUS Communications Inc., BC TEL, under a Trust Indenture dated May 31, 1990. The Series B Debentures were issued by a predecessor corporation of TELUS Communications Inc., AGT Limited, under a Trust Indenture dated August 24, 1994, and a supplemental trust indenture dated September 22, 1995.

					Principal face amount				Redemption present value spread
Series 1	Issued	Maturity	Issue price		Originally issued		Outstanding at financial statement date		Basis points
10.65% Debentures, Series 3	June 1991	June 2021	$	998.00	$	175 million	$	175 million	N/A (non-redeemable)
9.65% Debentures, Series 5 2	April 1992	April 2022	$	972.00	$	150 million	$	249 million	N/A (non-redeemable)
8.80% Debentures, Series B	September 1995	September 2025	$	995.10	$	200 million	$	200 million	15 3

(1) Interest is payable semi-annually.

(2) Series 4 Debentures were exchangeable, at the holder’s option, effective on April 8 of any year during the four-year period from 1996 to 1999, for Series 5 Debentures; $99 million of Series 4 Debentures were exchanged for Series 5 Debentures.

(3) At any time prior to the maturity date set out in the table, the debentures are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not less than 30 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the debentures discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption.

The debentures became obligations of TELUS Communications Inc. pursuant to an amalgamation on January 1, 2001, are not secured by any mortgage, pledge or other charge and are governed by certain covenants, including a negative pledge and a limitation on issues of additional debt, subject to a debt to capitalization ratio and an interest coverage test. Effective June 12, 2009, TELUS Corporation guaranteed the payment of the debentures’ principal and interest.

(f)TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility

As at December 31, 2017, TELUS International (Cda) Inc. had a bank credit facility, secured by its assets, expiring on December 20, 2022, (2016 — May 31, 2021), with a syndicate of financial institutions. The credit facility is comprised of a US$350 million (2016 — US$115 million) revolving component and an amortizing US$120 million (2016 — US$215 million) term loan component. The credit facility is non-recourse to TELUS Corporation. As at December 31, 2017, $346 million ($339 million net of unamortized issue costs) was outstanding, which was denominated in U.S. dollars (US$276 million), with a weighted average interest rate of 3.32%. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, an incremental $94 million (US$75 million) was drawn (see Note 18(c)).

As at December 31 (millions)	2017						2016
	Revolving component		Term loan component		Total		Revolving component		Term loan component		Total
Available	US$	193	US$	N/A	US$	193	US$	72	US$	N/A	US$	72
Outstanding		157		119		276		43		210		253
	US$	350	US$	119	US$	469	US$	115	US$	210	US$	325

TELUS International (Cda) Inc.’s credit facility bears interest at prime rate, U.S. Dollar Base Rate, a bankers’ acceptance rate or London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) (all such terms as used or defined in the credit facility), plus applicable margins. The credit facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including two financial quarter-end ratio tests. These tests are that TELUS International (Cda) Inc.’s net debt to operating cash flow ratio generally must not exceed 3.25:1.00 and its operating cash flow to debt service (interest and scheduled principal repayment) ratio must not be less than 1.50:1.00, all as defined in the credit facility.

The term loan is subject to an amortization schedule which requires that 5% of the principal advanced be repaid each year of the term of the agreement, with the balance due at maturity.

(g)Long-term debt maturities

Anticipated requirements to meet long-term debt repayments, calculated upon such long-term debts owing as at December 31, 2017, for each of the next five fiscal years are as follows:

Long-term debt denominated in	Canadian dollars		U.S. dollars
					Derivative liability
Years ending December 31 (millions)	Debt		Debt		(Receive) 1			Pay		Total		Total
2018	$	250	$	1,147	$	(1,144	)	$	1,160	$	1,163	$	1,413
2019	1,000		8		—			—		8		1,008
2020	1,000		8		—			—		8		1,008
2021	1,075		8		—			—		8		1,083
2022	1,249		316		—			—		316		1,565
Thereafter	6,325		1,380		(1,380		)	1,460		1,460		7,785
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	10,899		2,867		(2,524		)	2,620		2,963		13,862
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs 2	5,506		490		(431		)	449		508		6,014
Undiscounted contractual maturities (Note 4(c))	$	16,405	$	3,357	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	3,471	$	19,876

(1) Where applicable, principal-related cash flows reflect foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2017.

(2) Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs for commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the rates in effect at December 31, 2017.

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27other long-term liabilities

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities	15(a)	$	537	$	484
Deferred revenues		81		72
Restricted stock unit and deferred share unit liabilities		68		62
Derivative liabilities		76		21
Other		67		73
		829		712
Deferred customer activation and connection fees		18		24
		$	847	$	736

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Common Share capital

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Common Share capital

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28Common Share capital

(a)General

Our authorized share capital is as follows:

As at December 31	2017	2016
First Preferred Shares	1 billion	1 billion
Second Preferred Shares	1 billion	1 billion
Common Shares	2 billion	2 billion

Only holders of Common Shares may vote at our general meetings, with each holder of Common Shares entitled to one vote per Common Share held at all such meetings so long as not less than 66-2/3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares are owned by Canadians. With respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of our assets among our shareholders for the purpose of winding up our affairs, preferences are as follows: First Preferred Shares; Second Preferred Shares; and finally Common Shares.

As at December 31, 2017, approximately 48 million Common Shares were reserved for issuance, from Treasury, under a share option plan (see Note 14(d)).

(b)Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bid

As referred to in Note 3, we may purchase a portion of our Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids in order to maintain or adjust our capital structure. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased a number of our Common Shares for cancellation, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative trading platforms or otherwise as may be permitted by applicable securities laws and regulations, including privately negotiated block purchases, as set out in the following table; there was no corresponding activity during the year ended December 31, 2017.

	2016
Year ended December 31 (millions except footnote amounts)	Common Shares	Cost
Normal course issuer bid period:
September 15, 2015 — September 14, 2016	3	$	130
September 30, 2016 — September 29, 2017 1	1	35
Total excluding employee benefit plan trust transactions	4	165
Employee benefit plan trust transactions	—	4
	4	$	169

(1) In November 2017, we received approval for a normal course issuer bid to purchase and cancel up to 8 million of our Common Shares (up to a maximum amount of $250 million) from November 13, 2017, to November 12, 2018. Additionally, we may enter into an automatic share purchase plan with a broker for the purpose of permitting us to purchase our Common Shares under the normal course issuer bid at times when we would not be permitted to trade in our own Common Shares during internal blackout periods, including during regularly scheduled quarterly blackout periods. Such purchases are determined by the broker in its sole discretion based on parameters we have established. We record a liability and charge share capital and retained earnings for purchases that may occur during such blackout periods based upon the parameters of the normal course issuer bid as at the statement of financial position date.

The excess of the purchase price over the average stated value of Common Shares purchased for cancellation is charged to retained earnings. We cease to consider the Common Shares to be outstanding on the date of our purchase of the Common Shares, although the actual cancellation of the Common Shares by the transfer agent and registrar occurs on a timely basis on a date shortly thereafter.

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29contingent liabilities

(a)Claims and lawsuits

General

A number of claims and lawsuits (including class actions and intellectual property infringement claims) seeking damages and other relief are pending against us and, in some cases, numerous other wireless carriers and telecommunications service providers. As well, we have received notice of, or are aware of, certain possible claims (including intellectual property infringement claims) against us.

It is not currently possible for us to predict the outcome of such claims, possible claims and lawsuits due to various factors, including: the preliminary nature of some claims; uncertain damage theories and demands; an incomplete factual record; uncertainty concerning legal theories and procedures and their resolution by the courts, at both the trial and the appeal levels; and the unpredictable nature of opposing parties and their demands.

However, subject to the foregoing limitations, management is of the opinion, based upon legal assessments and information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability, to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would have a material effect on our financial position and the results of our operations, including cash flows, with the exception of the items enumerated following.

Certified class actions

Certified class actions against us include the following:

System access fee class actions

In 2004, a class action was brought in Saskatchewan against a number of past and present wireless service providers, including us, which alleged breach of contract, misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and violation of competition, trade practices and consumer protection legislation across Canada in connection with the collection of system access fees. In September 2007, a national opt-in class was certified by the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench in relation to the unjust enrichment claim only; all appeals of this certification decision have now been exhausted. In February 2008, the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench granted an order amending the certification order so as to exclude from the class of plaintiffs any customer bound by an arbitration clause with us. All appeals of this decision have now been exhausted. In addition to the 2004 class action brought in Saskatchewan, fourteen additional class actions were brought against us and other wireless service providers in the period 2004 to date in connection with the collection of system access fees in nine provinces. None of these additional fourteen class actions has ever been certified, and all have now been dismissed, discontinued or stayed.

Per minute billing class action

In 2008, a class action was brought in Ontario against us alleging breach of contract, breach of the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, breach of the Competition Act and unjust enrichment, in connection with our practice of “rounding up” wireless airtime to the nearest minute and charging for the full minute. The action sought certification of a national class. In November 2014, an Ontario class only was certified by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in relation to the breach of contract, breach of the Consumer Protection Act and unjust enrichment claims; all appeals of the certification decision have now been exhausted. At the same time, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declined to stay the claims of our business customers notwithstanding an arbitration clause in our customer service agreements with those customers. This latter decision was appealed and on May 31, 2017, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed our appeal. We have sought leave to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Unilateral rate amendments class actions

In 2012, a class action was brought against us in Quebec alleging that we improperly unilaterally amended customer contracts to increase various wireless rates for optional services, contrary to the Quebec Consumer Protection Act and the Civil Code of Quebec. On June 13, 2013, the Superior Court of Quebec authorized this matter as a class action. This class action follows on a non-material 2008 class action brought in Quebec alleging that we improperly unilaterally amended customer contracts to charge for incoming SMS messages. On April 8, 2014, judgment was granted in part against us in the 2008 class action. We had appealed that judgment, but have now settled both the 2008 and 2012 class actions. This settlement received court approval in June 2016, is being implemented and has been fully accounted for in our financial statements.

Call set-up time class actions

In 2005, a class action was brought against us in British Columbia alleging that we have engaged in deceptive trade practices in charging for incoming calls from the moment the caller connects to the network, and not from the moment the incoming call is connected to the recipient. In 2011, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld a stay of all of the causes of action advanced by the plaintiff in this class action, with one exception, based on the arbitration clause that was included in our customer service agreements. The sole exception was the cause of action based on deceptive or unconscionable practices under the British Columbia Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which the Supreme Court of Canada declined to stay. In January 2016, the British Columbia Supreme Court certified this class action in relation to the claim under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. The class is limited to residents of British Columbia who contracted with us for wireless services in the period from January 21, 1999, to April 2010. We have appealed the certification decision and the appeal hearing is expected to occur in March 2018. A companion class action was brought against us in Alberta at the same time as the British Columbia class action. The Alberta class action duplicates the allegations in the British Columbia action, but has not proceeded to date and is not certified.

Uncertified class actions

Uncertified class actions against us include:

9-1-1 class actions

In 2008, a class action was brought in Saskatchewan against us and other Canadian telecommunications carriers alleging that, among other matters, we failed to provide proper notice of 9-1-1 charges to the public, have been deceitfully passing them off as government charges, and have charged 9-1-1 fees to customers who reside in areas where 9-1-1 service is not available. The plaintiffs advance causes of action in breach of contract, misrepresentation and false advertising and seek certification of a national class. A virtually identical class action was filed in Alberta at the same time, but the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench declared that class action expired against us as of 2009. No steps were taken in this proceeding in 2017.

Electromagnetic field radiation class actions

In 2013, a class action was brought in British Columbia against us, other telecommunications carriers, and cellular telephone manufacturers alleging that prolonged usage of cellular telephones causes adverse health effects. The British Columbia class action alleges: strict liability; negligence; failure to warn; breach of warranty; breach of competition, consumer protection and trade practices legislation; negligent misrepresentation; breach of a duty not to market the products in question; and waiver of tort. Certification of a national class is sought, but the action has not proceeded to date and no steps were taken in 2016 or 2017. In 2015, a class action was brought in Quebec against us, other telecommunications carriers, and various other defendants alleging that electromagnetic field radiation causes adverse health effects, contravenes the Quebec Environmental Quality Act, creates a nuisance, and constitutes an abuse of right pursuant to the Quebec Civil Code. This action has not yet proceeded to an authorization hearing.

Public Mobile class actions

In 2014, class actions were brought against us in Quebec and Ontario on behalf of Public Mobile’s customers, alleging that changes to the technology, services and rate plans made by us contravene our statutory and common law obligations. In particular, the Quebec action alleges that our actions constitute a breach of the Quebec Consumer Protection Act, the Quebec Civil Code, and the Ontario Consumer Protection Act. It has not yet proceeded to an authorization hearing. The Ontario class action alleges negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of the Competition Act, unjust enrichment, and waiver of tort. No steps have been taken in this proceeding since it was filed and served.

Promotional pricing class action

In 2016, a class action was brought in Quebec against us, other telecommunications carriers, and various other defendants alleging that we violated the Quebec Consumer Protection Act by enticing Quebec consumer customers to contract with us by providing goods or services to them at a reduced price, or free as a trial, for a fixed period and, at the end of the fixed period, charging them the regular price if they did not take steps to either renegotiate or cancel their contract with us. The plaintiff has agreed to discontinue this claim against us, and the court authorized the discontinuation of the class action against us on July 13, 2017.

Handset subsidy class action

In 2016, a class action was brought in Quebec against us and other telecommunications carriers alleging that we breached the Quebec Consumer Protection Act and the Civil Code of Quebec by making false or misleading representations relating to the handset subsidy provided to our wireless customers, and by charging our wireless customers inflated rate plan prices and termination fees higher than those permitted under the Act. This action has not yet proceeded to an authorization hearing.

Intellectual property infringement claims

Claims and possible claims received by us include:

4G LTE network patent infringement claim

A patent infringement claim was filed in Ontario in 2016 alleging that communications between devices, including cellular telephones, and base stations on our 4G LTE network infringe three third-party patents. The trial for this matter has been scheduled to commence on October 28, 2019.

Summary

We believe that we have good defences to the above matters. Should the ultimate resolution of these matters differ from management’s assessments and assumptions, a material adjustment to our financial position and the results of our operations, including cash flows, could result. Management’s assessments and assumptions include that reliable estimates of any such exposure cannot be made considering the continued uncertainty about: the nature of the damages that may be sought by the plaintiffs; the causes of action that are being, or may ultimately be, pursued; and, in the case of the uncertified class actions, the causes of action that may ultimately be certified.

(b)Indemnification obligations

In the normal course of operations, we provide indemnification in conjunction with certain transactions. The terms of these indemnification obligations range in duration. These indemnifications would require us to compensate the indemnified parties for costs incurred as a result of failure to comply with contractual obligations, or litigation claims or statutory sanctions, or damages that may be suffered by an indemnified party. In some cases, there is no maximum limit on these indemnification obligations. The overall maximum amount of an indemnification obligation will depend on future events and conditions and therefore cannot be reasonably estimated. Where appropriate, an indemnification obligation is recorded as a liability. Other than obligations recorded as liabilities at the time of the related transactions, historically we have not made significant payments under these indemnifications.

See Note 21(d) for details regarding our guarantees to the real estate joint ventures.

As at December 31, 2017, we had no liability recorded in respect of our indemnification obligations.

(c)Concentration of labour

In 2015, we commenced collective bargaining with the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944 to renew the collective agreement that expired on December 31, 2015; the expired contract covered approximately 40% of our Canadian workforce as at December 31, 2015.

On October 3, 2016, the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944 and ourselves announced that the two parties had reached a tentative five-year collective agreement which would be subject to ratification by members of the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944. On November 23, 2016, the Telecommunications Workers Union, United Steel Workers Local Union 1944 announced that its members had voted to accept the October 3, 2016, tentative agreement. The terms and conditions of the new collective agreement are effective from November 27, 2016, to December 31, 2021, and covered approximately 37% of our Canadian workforce as at December 31, 2016.

In December 2016, a new collective agreement between the Syndicat des agents de maîtrise de TELUS and ourselves was ratified by a majority of its members. This collective agreement took effect on April 1, 2017, and will expire on March 31, 2022.

A new collective agreement between the Syndicat québécois des employés de TELUS and ourselves was also ratified in December 2016. The new agreement is effective from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. The Syndicat québécois des employés de TELUS collective agreement in effect at the time of ratification remained in effect until its expiry on December 31, 2017.

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30related party transactions

(a)Transactions with key management personnel

Our key management personnel have authority and responsibility for overseeing, planning, directing and controlling our activities and consist of our Board of Directors and our Executive Leadership Team.

Total compensation expense for key management personnel, and the composition thereof, is as follows:

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Short-term benefits	$	12	$	12
Post-employment pension 1 and other benefits	4		7
Share-based compensation 2	34		35
	$	50	$	54

(1) Our Executive Leadership Team members are either members of our Pension Plan for Management and Professional Employees of TELUS Corporation and non-registered, non-contributory supplementary defined benefit pension plans, or members of one of our defined contribution pension plans.

(2) For the year ended December 31, 2017, share-based compensation expense was net of $4 (2016 — $2) of the effects of derivatives used to manage share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b)). For the year ended December 31, 2017, share-based compensation expense (recovery) of $(7) (2016 — $4) was included in restructuring costs (Note 16).

As disclosed in Note 14, we made initial awards of share-based compensation in 2017 and 2016, including, as set out in the following table, to our key management personnel. As most of these awards are cliff-vesting or graded-vesting and have multi-year requisite service periods, the expense will be recognized ratably over a period of years and thus only a portion of the 2017 and 2016 initial awards are included in the amounts in the table above.

Years ended December 31	2017					2016
($ in millions)	Number of restricted stock units	Notional value 1		Grant-date fair value 1		Number of restricted stock units	Notional value 1		Grant-date fair value 1
Awarded in period	686,595	$	30	$	30	585,759	$	23	$	15

(1) Notional value is determined by multiplying the Common Share price at the time of award by the number of units awarded. The grant-date fair value differs from the notional value because the fair values of some awards have been determined using a Monte Carlo simulation (see Note 14(b)).

As at December 31, 2017, no share options outstanding were held by key management personnel (including retirees). During the year ended December 31, 2017, key management personnel (including retirees) exercised 17,716 share options (2016 — 169,522 share options) that had an intrinsic value of less than $1 million (2016 — $4 million) at the time of exercise, reflecting a weighted average price at the date of exercise of $44.84 (2016 — $42.47).

The liability amounts accrued for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel are as follows:

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Restricted stock units	$	40	$	25
Deferred share units 1	24		32
	$	64	$	57

(1) Our Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan provides that, in addition to his or her annual equity grant of deferred share units, a director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer and meeting fees in deferred share units, Common Shares or cash. Deferred share units entitle directors to a specified number of, or a cash payment based on the value of, our Common Shares. Deferred share units are paid out when a director ceases to be a director, for any reason, at a time elected by the director in accordance with the Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan; during the year ended December 31, 2017, $14 (2016 — $4) was paid out.

Employment agreements with members of the Executive Leadership Team typically provide for severance payments if an executive’s employment is terminated without cause: generally 18—24 months of base salary, benefits and accrual of pension service in lieu of notice, and 50% of base salary in lieu of an annual cash bonus. In the event of a change in control, Executive Leadership Team members are not entitled to treatment any different than that given to our other employees with respect to non-vested share-based compensation.

(b)Transactions with defined benefit pension plans

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we provided management and administrative services to our defined benefit pension plans; the charges for these services were on a cost recovery basis and amounted to $6 million (2016 — $6 million).

(c)Transactions with real estate joint ventures

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had transactions with the real estate joint ventures, which are related parties, as set out in Note 21.

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31additional statement of cash flow information

(a)Statements of cash flows — operating activities and investing activities

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Net change in non-cash operating working capital
Accounts receivable		$	(70	)	$	(45	)
Inventories		(60		)	42
Prepaid expenses		(27		)	(20		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		126			126
Income and other taxes receivable and payable, net		(90		)	(128		)
Advance billings and customer deposits		38			(28		)
Provisions		(59		)	(18		)
		$	(142	)	$	(71	)
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences
Capital asset additions, excluding spectrum licences
Gross capital expenditures
Property, plant and equipment	17	$	(2,486	)	$	(2,358	)
Intangible assets	18	(617		)	(629		)
		(3,103		)	(2,987		)
Additions arising from non-monetary transactions		9			19
Capital expenditures		(3,094		)	(2,968		)
Asset retirement obligations netted (included) in additions		(7		)	40
		(3,101		)	(2,928		)
Other non-cash items included above
Change in associated non-cash investing working capital		(27		)	231
Non-cash change in asset retirement obligation		47			(55		)
		20			176
		$	(3,081	)	$	(2,752	)

(b)Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

				Year ended December 31, 2016														Year ended December 31, 2017
				Statement of cash flows						Non-cash changes								Statement of cash flows						Non-cash changes
(millions)	As at January 1, 2016			Issued or received			Redemptions, repayments or payments			Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))			Other			As at December 31, 2016		Issued or received			Redemptions, repayments or payments			Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))			Other			As at December 31, 2017
Dividends payable to holders of Common Shares	$	263		$	—		$	(1,070	)	$	—		$	1,091		$	284	$	—		$	(1,152	)	$	—		$	1,167		$	299
Dividends reinvested in shares from Treasury	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			70			—			(70		)	—
	$	263		$	—		$	(1,070	)	$	—		$	1,091		$	284	$	—		$	(1,082	)	$	—		$	1,097		$	299
Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation 1	$	10		$	—		$	(179	)	$	—		$	169		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Short-term borrowings	$	100		$	3		$	(3	)	$	—		$	—		$	100	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	100
Long-term debt
TELUS Corporation notes	$	11,164		$	785		$	(600	)	$	19		$	(1	)	$	11,367	$	990		$	(700	)	$	(91	)	$	(5	)	$	11,561
TELUS Corporation commercial paper	256			4,568			(4,181		)	(30		)	—			613		5,295			(4,710		)	(58		)	—			1,140
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures	618			—			—			—			1			619		—			—			—			1			620
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility	—			373			(42		)	9			(8		)	332		82			(56		)	(20		)	1			339
Derivatives used to manage currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt — liability (asset)	(14		)	4,181			(4,201		)	11			43			20		4,710			(4,746		)	149			(40		)	93
	12,024			9,907			(9,024		)	9			35			12,951		11,077			(10,212		)	(20		)	(43		)	13,753
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of derivatives used to manage currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt	—			(4,181		)	4,181			—			—			—		(4,710		)	4,710			—			—			—
	$	12,024		$	5,726		$	(4,843	)	$	9		$	35		$	12,951	$	6,367		$	(5,502	)	$	(20	)	$	(43	)	$	13,753
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interest
Gross proceeds on share issuance				$	302		$	—		$	—		$	(302	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Transaction costs				—			(8		)	—			12			4		—			(1		)	—			—			3
Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus 2				—			—			—			47			47		—			—			—			(3		)	44
				302			(8		)	—			(243		)	51		—			(1		)	—			(3		)	47
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of transaction costs				(8		)	8			—			—			—		—			—			—			—			—
				$	294		$	—		$	—		$	(243	)	$	51	$	—		$	(1	)	$	—		$	(3	)	$	47

(1) Normal course issuer bid transactions, including employee benefit plan trust transactions (see Note 28(b)).

(2) Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus were comprised of a current income tax charge of $(3) (2016 — $50) and a deferred income tax recovery of $NIL (2016 — $3).

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summary of significant accounting policies

Consolidation

(a)Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all of our subsidiaries, the principal one of which is TELUS Communications Inc., in which we have a 100% equity interest. TELUS Communications Inc. includes substantially all of our wireless and wireline operations.

Our financing arrangements and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries do not impose restrictions on inter-corporate dividends.

On a continuing basis, we review our corporate organization and effect changes as appropriate so as to enhance the value of TELUS Corporation. This process can, and does, affect which of our subsidiaries are considered principal subsidiaries at any particular point in time.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, there was a change in our ownership interest in our TELUS International (Cda) Inc. subsidiary, which encompasses our TELUS International operations, resulting from the issuance of shares to Baring Private Equity Asia for approximately $302 million, exclusive of net transaction costs. We continue to control and consolidate this subsidiary, and the shares it issued to Baring Private Equity Asia are accounted for as a 35% non-controlling interest. Associated with this transaction, an amount equal to 35% of the net book value of the subsidiary has been credited to non-controlling interest in our Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity, and the net balance of the proceeds has been credited to contributed surplus. In connection with the issuance of shares to Baring Private Equity Asia, we have also arranged bank financing in the subsidiary company, as set out in Note 26(f).

Use of estimates and judgments

(b)Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect: the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates

Examples of the significant estimates and assumptions that we make, and their relative significance and degree of difficulty, are set out in the graphic at right.

Judgments

Examples of our significant judgments, apart from those involving estimation, include the following:

· Assessments about whether line items are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the primary financial statements and, if not, whether they are sufficiently material to warrant separate presentation in the notes to the financial statements. In the normal course, we make changes to our assessments regarding materiality for presentation so that they reflect current economic conditions. Due consideration is given to the view that it is reasonable to expect differing opinions of what is, and is not, material.

· In respect of revenue-generating transactions, we must make judgments that affect the timing of the recognition of revenue. See Note 2(b) for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective and have not yet been applied, but which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of revenue and the classification of revenues presented as either service or equipment revenues.

· We must make judgments about when we have satisfied our performance obligations to our customers, either over a period of time or at a point in time. Service revenues are recognized based upon customers’ access to, or usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure; we believe that this method faithfully depicts the transfer of the services, and thus the revenues are recognized as the services are made available and/or rendered. We consider our performance obligations arising from the sale of equipment to have been satisfied when the equipment has been delivered to, and accepted by, the end-user customers (see (e) following).

· Principally in the context of revenue-generating transactions involving wireless handsets, we must make judgments about whether third-party re-sellers that deliver equipment to our customers are acting in the transaction as principals or as our agents. Upon due consideration of the relevant indicators, we believe that the decision to consider the re-sellers to be acting, solely for accounting purposes, as our agents is more representative of the economic substance of the transactions, as we are the primary obligor to the end-user customers. The effect of this judgment is that no equipment revenue is recognized upon the transfer of inventory to third-party re-sellers.

· The decision to depreciate and amortize any property, plant, equipment and intangible assets that are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis, as we believe that this method reflects the consumption of resources related to the economic lifespan of those assets better than an accelerated method and is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying use of those assets.

· The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments that affect the financial statement disclosure of information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision-maker used to make resource allocation decisions and to assess performance (segment information, Note 5). A significant judgment we make is in respect of distinguishing between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, such distinction having been significantly affected by the convergence and integration of our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations. Less than one-half of the operating expenses included in the segment performance measure currently reported to our chief operating decision-maker are direct costs; judgment, largely based upon historical experience, is applied in apportioning indirect costs which are not objectively distinguishable between our wireless and wireline operations.

Through December 31, 2015, our judgment was that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations had not experienced sufficient convergence to objectively make their respective operations and cash flows practically indistinguishable. The continued build-out of our technology-agnostic fibre-optic infrastructure, in combination with converged edge network technology, has significantly affected this judgment, as has the commercialization of fixed-wireless solutions.

It has become increasingly impractical to objectively distinguish between our wireless and wireline operations and cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise. Our judgment as to whether these operations can continue to be judged to be individual components of the business and discrete operating segments may change.

The increasing impracticality of objectively distinguishing between our wireless and wireline cash flows, and the assets from which those cash flows arise, is evidence of their increasing interdependence; this may result in the unification of the wireless cash-generating unit and the wireline cash-generating unit as a single cash-generating unit for impairment testing purposes in the future. As our business continues to evolve, new cash-generating units may develop.

· The view that our spectrum licences granted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will likely be renewed; that we intend to renew them; that we believe we have the financial and operational ability to renew them; and thus, that they have an indefinite life, as discussed further in Note 18(d).

· In connection with the annual impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill, there are instances in which we must exercise judgment in allocating our net assets, including shared corporate and administrative assets, to our cash-generating units when determining their carrying amounts. These judgments are necessary because of the convergence that our wireless and wireline telecommunications infrastructure technology and operations have experienced to date, and because of our continuous development. There are instances in which similar judgments must also be made in respect of future capital expenditures in support of both wireless and wireline operations, which are a component of the determination of recoverable amounts used in the annual impairment testing, as discussed further in Note 18(e).

· In respect of claims and lawsuits, as discussed further in Note 29(a), the determination of whether an item is a contingent liability or whether an outflow of resources is probable and thus needs to be accounted for as a provision.

Financial instruments - recognition and measurement

(c)Financial instruments — recognition and measurement

In respect of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments, we have adopted the following policies:

	Accounting classification
Financial instrument	Fair value through net income 1, 2	Loans and receivables	Available- for-sale 3	Other financial liabilities	Part of a cash flow hedging relationship 3
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable		X **
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint ventures		X **
Short-term obligations				X **
Accounts payable				X **
Provisions				X **
Long-term debt				X **
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	X *
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 4			X ***
Foreign exchange derivatives	X *				X
Share-based compensation derivatives	X *				X

*	Will be classified as fair value through net income upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).
**	Will be classified as amortized cost upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).
***	On an investment-by-investment basis, will be classified as either fair value through net income or fair value through other comprehensive income upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in Note 2(b).
(1)	Classification includes financial instruments held for trading. Certain qualifying financial instruments that are not required to be classified as held for trading may be classified as held for trading if we so choose.
(2)	Unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments are included in net income.
(3)	Unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments classified as available-for-sale, or the effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair values of financial instruments held for hedging, are included in other comprehensive income.
(4)	Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are classified as available-for-sale. In respect of investments in securities for which the fair values can be reliably measured, we determine the classification on an investment-by-investment basis at the time of initial recognition.

· Trade receivables that may be sold to an arm’s-length securitization trust are accounted for as loans and receivables. We have selected this classification as the benefits of selecting the available-for-sale classification were not expected to exceed the costs of selecting and implementing that classification.

· Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are accounted for as available-for-sale. We have selected this classification as we believe that it better reflects management’s investment intentions.

· Derivatives that are part of an established and documented cash flow hedging relationship are accounted for as held for hedging. We believe that classification as held for hedging results in a better matching of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument with the risk exposure being hedged.

In respect of hedges of anticipated transactions, hedge gains/losses are included with the expenditure and are expensed when the transaction is recognized in our results of operations. We have selected this method as we believe that it results in a better matching of the hedge gains/losses with the risk exposure being hedged.

Derivatives that are not part of a documented cash flow hedging relationship are accounted for as held for trading and thus are measured at fair value through net income.

· Regular-way purchases or sales of financial assets or financial liabilities (purchases or sales that require actual delivery of financial assets or financial liabilities) are recognized on the settlement date. We have selected this method as the benefits of using the trade date method were not expected to exceed the costs of selecting and implementing that method.

· Transaction costs, other than in respect of items held for trading, are added to the initial fair value of the acquired financial asset or financial liability. We have selected this method as we believe that it results in a better matching of the transaction costs with the periods in which we benefit from the transaction costs.

Hedge accounting

(d)Hedge accounting

General

We apply hedge accounting to the financial instruments used to: establish designated currency hedging relationships for certain U.S. dollar-denominated future purchase commitments and debt repayments, as set out in Note 4(a) and (d); and fix the compensation cost arising from specific grants of restricted stock units, as set out in Note 4(f) and discussed further in Note 14(b).

Hedge accounting

The purpose of hedge accounting, in respect of our designated hedging relationships, is to ensure that counterbalancing gains and losses are recognized in the same periods. We have chosen to apply hedge accounting as we believe this is more representative of the economic substance of the underlying transactions.

In order to apply hedge accounting, a high correlation (which indicates effectiveness) is required in the offsetting changes in the risk-associated values of the financial instruments (the hedging items) used to establish the designated hedging relationships and all, or a part, of the asset, liability or transaction having an identified risk exposure that we have taken steps to modify (the hedged items). We assess the anticipated effectiveness of designated hedging relationships at inception and their actual effectiveness for each reporting period thereafter. We consider a designated hedging relationship to be effective if the following critical terms match between the hedging item and the hedged item: the notional amount of the hedging item and the principal amount of the hedged item; maturity dates; payment dates; and interest rate index (if, and as, applicable). As set out in Note 4(i), any ineffectiveness, such as would result from a difference between the notional amount of the hedging item and the principal amount of the hedged item, or from a previously effective designated hedging relationship becoming ineffective, is reflected in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Financing costs if in respect of long-term debt, as Goods and services purchased if in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated future purchase commitments or as Employee benefits expense if in respect of share-based compensation.

Hedging assets and liabilities

In the application of hedge accounting, an amount (the hedge value) is recorded in the Consolidated statements of financial position in respect of the fair value of the hedging items. The net difference, if any, between the amounts recognized in the determination of net income and the amounts necessary to reflect the fair value of the designated cash flow hedging items recorded in the Consolidated statements of financial position is recognized as a component of Other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11.

In the application of hedge accounting to the compensation cost arising from share-based compensation, the amount recognized in the determination of net income is the amount that counterbalances the difference between the quoted market price of our Common Shares at the statement of financial position date and the price of our Common Shares in the hedging items.

Revenue recognition

(e)Revenue recognition

General

We earn the majority of our revenues (wireless: network revenues (voice and data); wireline: data revenues (which include: Internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology and cloud-based services; business process outsourcing; certain healthcare solutions; and home security) and voice revenues) from access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure. The majority of the balance of our revenues (wireless equipment and other) arises from providing services and products facilitating access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure.

We offer complete and integrated solutions to meet our customers’ needs. These solutions may involve deliveries of multiple services and products that occur at different points in time and/or over different periods of time; as referred to in (b), this is a significant judgment for us. As appropriate, these multiple element arrangements are separated into their component accounting units, consideration is measured and allocated among the accounting units based upon their relative fair values (derived using Company-specific objective evidence) and our relevant revenue recognition policies are then applied to the accounting units. (We estimate that approximately two-thirds of our revenues arise from multiple element arrangements.) A limitation cap restricts the consideration allocated to services or products currently transferred in multiple element arrangements to an amount that is not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. A new revenue accounting standard, which has not yet been applied but must be adopted by January 1, 2018, prohibits the use of a limitation cap, as discussed further in Note 2.

When we receive no identifiable, separable benefit for consideration given to a customer (e.g. discounts and rebates), the consideration is recorded as a reduction of revenue rather than as an expense.

Multiple contracts with a single customer are normally accounted for as separate arrangements. In instances where multiple contracts are entered into with a customer in a short period of time, the contracts are reviewed as a group to ensure that, as with multiple element arrangements, their relative fair values are appropriate.

Lease accounting is applied to an accounting unit if it conveys to a customer the right to use a specific asset but does not convey the risks and/or benefits of ownership.

Our revenues are recorded net of any value-added and/or sales taxes billed to the customer concurrent with a revenue-generating transaction.

Voice and data

We recognize revenues on an accrual basis and include an estimate of revenues earned but unbilled. Wireless and wireline service revenues are recognized based upon access to, and usage of, our telecommunications infrastructure and upon contract fees.

Advance billings are recorded when billing occurs prior to provision of the associated services; such advance billings are recognized as revenue in the period in which the services are provided. Similarly, and as appropriate, upfront customer activation and connection fees are deferred and recognized over the average expected term of the customer relationship.

We use the liability method of accounting for the amounts of our quality of service rate rebates that arise from the jurisdiction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

The CRTC has established a mechanism to subsidize local exchange carriers, such as ourselves, that provide residential basic telephone service to high cost serving areas. The CRTC has determined the per network access line/per band subsidy rate for all local exchange carriers. We recognize the subsidy on an accrual basis by applying the subsidy rate to the number of residential network access lines we provide in high cost serving areas, as discussed further in Note 7. Differences, if any, between interim and final subsidy rates set by the CRTC are accounted for as a change in estimate in the period in which the CRTC finalizes the subsidy rate.

Other and wireless equipment

We recognize product revenues, including amounts related to wireless handsets sold to re-sellers and customer premises equipment, when the products are both delivered to and accepted by the end-user customers, irrespective of which supply channel delivers the product. With respect to wireless handsets sold to re-sellers, we consider ourselves to be the principal and primary obligor to the end-user customers. Revenues from operating leases of equipment are recognized on a systematic and rational basis (normally a straight-line basis) over the term of the lease.

Non-high cost serving area deferral account

In an effort to foster competition for residential basic service in non-high cost serving areas, the concept of a deferral account mechanism was introduced by the CRTC in 2002 as an alternative to mandating price reductions. We use the liability method of accounting for the deferral account. We discharge the deferral account liability by undertaking qualifying actions. We recognize the amortization (over a period no longer than three years) of a proportionate share of the deferral account as qualifying actions are completed. Such amortization is included as a component of government assistance in Other operating income, as set out in Note 7.

Government assistance

(f)Government assistance

We recognize government assistance amounts on an accrual basis as the subsidized services are provided or as the subsidized costs are incurred. As set out in Note 7, government assistance amounts are included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

Cost of acquisition and advertising costs

(g)Cost of acquisition and advertising costs

The total cost of wireless equipment sold to customers and any commissions and advertising and promotion costs related to initial customer acquisition are expensed as incurred; the cost of equipment we own that is situated at customers’ premises and associated installation costs are capitalized as incurred. Costs of acquiring customers that are expensed are included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Goods and services purchased, with the exception of amounts paid to our employees, which are included as Employee benefits expense. Costs of advertising production, advertising airtime and advertising space are expensed as incurred.

See Note 2(b) for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which we will apply commencing with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of costs of acquiring customers.

Research and development

(h)Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed unless development costs meet certain identifiable criteria for capitalization. Capitalized development costs are amortized over the life of the related commercial production, or in the case of serviceable property, plant and equipment, are included in the appropriate property group and are depreciated over the group’s estimated useful life.

Depreciation, amortization and impairment

(i)Depreciation, amortization and impairment

Depreciation and amortization

Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as determined by a continuing program of asset life studies. Depreciation includes amortization of assets under finance leases and amortization of leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are normally amortized over the lesser of their expected average service life or the term of the lease. Intangible assets with finite lives (intangible assets subject to amortization) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are reviewed at least annually and adjusted as appropriate. As referred to in (b), the use of a straight-line basis of depreciation and amortization is a significant judgment for us.

Estimated useful lives for the majority of our property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation are as follows:

	Estimated useful lives 1
Network assets
Outside plant	17 to 40 years
Inside plant	4 to 25 years
Wireless site equipment	5 to 7 years
Balance of depreciable property, plant and equipment	3 to 40 years

(1)The composite depreciation rate for the year ended December 31, 2017, was 5.0% (2016 — 5.0%). The rate is calculated by dividing depreciation expense by an average of the gross book value of depreciable assets over the reporting period.

Estimated useful lives for the majority of our intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

	Estimated useful lives
Wireline subscriber base	25 years
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests	4 to 10 years
Software	2 to 10 years
Access to rights-of-way and other	5 to 30 years

Impairment — general

Impairment testing compares the carrying values of the assets or cash-generating units being tested with their recoverable amounts (the recoverable amount being the greater of an asset’s or a cash-generating unit’s value in use or its fair value less costs to sell); as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. Impairment losses are immediately recognized to the extent that the carrying value of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Should the recoverable amounts for impaired assets or cash-generating units subsequently increase, the impairment losses previously recognized (other than in respect of goodwill) may be reversed to the extent that the reversal is not a result of “unwinding of the discount” and that the resulting carrying values do not exceed the carrying values that would have been the result if no impairment losses had been previously recognized.

Impairment — property, plant and equipment; intangible assets subject to amortization

The continuing program of asset life studies considers such items as the timing of technological obsolescence, competitive pressures and future infrastructure utilization plans; these considerations could also indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset were not considered to be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recorded.

Impairment — intangible assets with indefinite lives; goodwill

The carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are periodically tested for impairment. The frequency of the impairment testing is generally the reciprocal of the stability of the relevant events and circumstances, but intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill must, at a minimum, be tested annually; we have selected December as our annual test date.

We assess our intangible assets with indefinite lives by comparing the recoverable amounts of our cash-generating units to their carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives allocated to a cash-generating unit, but excluding any goodwill allocated to a cash-generating unit). To the extent that the carrying value of a cash-generating unit (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives allocated to the cash-generating unit, but excluding any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit) exceeds its recoverable amount, the excess amount would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives.

Subsequent to assessing intangible assets with indefinite lives, we assess goodwill by comparing the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units to their carrying values (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to a cash-generating unit). To the extent that the carrying value of a cash-generating unit (including the intangible assets with indefinite lives and the goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit) exceeds its recoverable amount, the excess amount would first be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of goodwill and any remainder would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying values of the assets of the cash-generating unit on a pro-rated basis.

Translation of foreign currencies

(j)Translation of foreign currencies

Trade transactions completed in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the time of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the statement of financial position date, with any resulting gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs, as set out in Note 9. Hedge accounting is applied in specific instances, as discussed further in (d) preceding.

We have foreign subsidiaries that do not have the Canadian dollar as their functional currency. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of these foreign subsidiaries’ accounts into Canadian dollars subsequent to January 1, 2010, the date of our transition to IFRS-IASB, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11.

Income and other taxes

(k)Income and other taxes

We follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes; as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax and accounting bases of assets and liabilities, and also for any benefits of losses and Investment Tax Credits available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes that are more likely than not to be realized. The amounts recognized in respect of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based upon the expected timing of the reversal of temporary differences or the usage of tax losses and the application of the substantively enacted tax rates at the time of reversal or usage.

We account for any changes in substantively enacted income tax rates affecting deferred income tax assets and liabilities in full in the period in which the changes are substantively enacted. We account for changes in the estimates of tax balances for prior years as estimate revisions in the period in which changes in the estimates arise; we have selected this approach as its emphasis on the statement of financial position is more consistent with the liability method of accounting for income taxes.

Our operations are complex and the related tax interpretations, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some tax matters in question that result in uncertain tax positions. We only recognize the income tax benefit of an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of the position will result in that benefit being realized. We accrue an amount for interest charges on current tax liabilities that have not been funded, which would include interest and penalties arising from uncertain tax positions. We include such charges in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

Our research and development activities may be eligible to earn Investment Tax Credits, for which the determination of eligibility is a complex matter. We only recognize Investment Tax Credits when there is reasonable assurance that the ultimate determination of the eligibility of our research and development activities will result in the Investment Tax Credits being received, at which time they are accounted for using the cost reduction method, whereby such credits are deducted from the expenditures or assets to which they relate, as set out in Note 10(c).

Share-based compensation

(l)Share-based compensation

General

When share-based compensation vests in its entirety at one future point in time (cliff vesting), we recognize the expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. When share-based compensation vests in tranches (graded vesting), we recognize the expense using the accelerated expense attribution method. An estimate of forfeitures during the vesting period is made at the date of grant of such share-based compensation; this estimate is adjusted to reflect actual experience.

Restricted stock units

In respect of restricted stock units without market performance conditions, as set out in Note 14(b), we accrue a liability equal to the product of the number of vesting restricted stock units multiplied by the fair market value of the corresponding Common Shares at the end of the reporting period (unless hedge accounting is applied, as set out in (d) preceding). Similarly, we accrue a liability for the notional subset of our restricted stock units with market performance conditions using a fair value determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. The expense for restricted stock units that do not ultimately vest is reversed against the expense that was previously recorded in their respect.

Share option awards

A fair value for share option awards is determined at the date of grant and that fair value is recognized in the financial statements. Proceeds arising from the exercise of share option awards are credited to share capital, as are the recognized grant-date fair values of the exercised share option awards.

Share option awards that have a net-equity settlement feature, as set out in Note 14(d), are accounted for as equity instruments. We have selected the equity instrument fair value method of accounting for the net-equity settlement feature as it is consistent with the accounting treatment afforded to the associated share option awards.

Employee future benefit plans

(m)Employee future benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

We accrue amounts for our obligations under employee defined benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets. The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the accrued benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimates of salary escalation and the retirement ages of employees. In the determination of net income, net interest for each plan, which is the product of the plan’s surplus (deficit) multiplied by the discount rate, is included as a component of Financing costs, as set out in Note 9.

An amount reflecting the effect of differences between the discount rate and the actual rate of return on plan assets is included as a component of employee defined benefit plan re-measurements within Other comprehensive income, as set out in Note 11 and Note 15. We determine the maximum economic benefit available from the plans’ assets on the basis of reductions in future contributions to the plans.

On an annual basis, at a minimum, the defined benefit plan key assumptions are assessed and revised as appropriate; as referred to in (b), these are significant estimates for us. When the defined benefit plan key assumptions fluctuate significantly relative to their immediately preceding year-end values, actuarial gains (losses) arising from such significant fluctuations are recognized on an interim basis.

Defined contribution plans

We use defined contribution accounting for the Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan and the British Columbia Public Service Pension Plan, which cover certain of our employees and provide defined benefits to their members. In the absence of any regulations governing the calculation of the share of the underlying financial position and plan performance attributable to each employer-participant, and in the absence of contractual agreements between the plans and the employer-participants related to the financing of any shortfall (or distribution of any surplus), we account for these plans as defined contribution plans in accordance with International Accounting Standard 19, Employee Benefits.

Cash and temporary investments, net

(n)Cash and temporary investments, net

Cash and temporary investments, which may include investments in money market instruments that are purchased three months or less from maturity, are presented net of outstanding items, including cheques written but not cleared by the related banks as at the statement of financial position date. Cash and temporary investments, net, are classified as a liability in the statement of financial position when the total amount of all cheques written but not cleared by the related banks exceeds the amount of cash and temporary investments. When cash and temporary investments, net, are classified as a liability, they may also include overdraft amounts drawn on our bilateral bank facilities, which revolve daily and are discussed further in Note 22.

Sales of trade receivables

(o)Sales of trade receivables

Sales of trade receivables in securitization transactions are recognized as collateralized short-term borrowings and thus do not result in our de-recognition of the trade receivables sold.

Inventories

(p)Inventories

Our inventories primarily consist of wireless handsets, parts and accessories (totalling $320 million (2016 — totalling $266 million)) and communications equipment held for resale. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined on an average cost basis. Previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed if there is a subsequent increase in the value of the related inventories. Costs of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, totalled $1.95 billion (2016 — $1.84 billion).

Property, plant and equipment; intangible assets

(q)Property, plant and equipment; intangible assets

General

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are recorded at historical cost, which for self-constructed property, plant and equipment includes materials, direct labour and applicable overhead costs. For internally developed, internal-use software, the historical cost recorded includes materials, direct labour and direct labour-related costs. Where property, plant and equipment construction projects are of sufficient size and duration, an amount is capitalized for the cost of funds used to finance construction, as set out in Note 9. The rate for calculating the capitalized financing cost is based on our weighted average cost of borrowing experienced during the reporting period.

When we sell property, plant and/or equipment, the net book value is netted against the sale proceeds and the difference, as set out in Note 7, is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

Asset retirement obligations

Provisions for liabilities, as set out in Note 25, are recognized for statutory, contractual or legal obligations, normally when incurred, associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment (primarily certain items of outside plant and wireless site equipment) when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of the assets; as referred to in (b), this is a significant estimate for us. The obligations are measured initially at fair value, which is determined using present value methodology, and the resulting costs are capitalized as a part of the carrying value of the related asset. In subsequent periods, the liability is adjusted for the accretion of discount, for any changes in the market-based discount rate and for any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. The capitalized asset retirement cost is depreciated on the same basis as the related asset and the discount accretion, as set out in Note 9, is included in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income as a component of Financing costs.

Leases

(r)Leases

Leases are classified as finance or operating depending upon the terms and conditions of the contracts. See Note 2 for significant changes to IFRS-IASB which are not yet effective, but which we will apply in fiscal 2019 and which will significantly affect the timing of the recognition of operating lease expenses and their recognition in the Consolidated statement of financial position, as well as their classification in both the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income and the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

Where we are the lessee, asset values recorded under finance leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected use. Obligations recorded under finance leases are reduced by lease payments net of imputed interest.

Investments

(s)Investments

We account for our investments in companies over which we have significant influence using the equity method of accounting, whereby the investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted to recognize our share of earnings or losses of the investee companies and any earnings distributions received. The excess of the cost of an equity investment over its underlying book value at the date of acquisition, except for goodwill, is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets to which the excess cost is attributed.

Similarly, we account for our interests in the real estate joint ventures, discussed further in Note 21, using the equity method of accounting. Unrealized gains and losses from transactions with (including contributions to) the real estate joint ventures are deferred in proportion to our remaining interest in the real estate joint ventures.

We account for our other investments as available-for-sale at their fair values unless they are investment securities that do not have quoted market prices in an active market or do not have other clear and objective evidence of fair value. When we do not account for our available-for-sale investments at their fair values, we use the cost basis of accounting, whereby the investments are initially recorded at cost and earnings from those investments are recognized only to the extent received or receivable. The costs of investments sold or the amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings are determined on a specific-identification basis.

Unless there is a significant or prolonged decline in the value of an available-for-sale investment, the carrying values of available-for-sale investments are adjusted to their estimated fair values, and the amount of any such adjustment is included in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income as a component of other comprehensive income. When there is a significant or prolonged decline in the value of an investment, the carrying value of any such investment accounted for using the equity, available-for-sale or cost method is reduced to its estimated fair value, and the amount of any such reduction is included in the Consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income as Other operating income.

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summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

summary of significant accounting policies

Schedule of useful lives of property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets

	Estimated useful lives 1
Network assets
Outside plant	17 to 40 years
Inside plant	4 to 25 years
Wireless site equipment	5 to 7 years
Balance of depreciable property, plant and equipment	3 to 40 years

(1)The composite depreciation rate for the year ended December 31, 2017, was 5.0% (2016 — 5.0%). The rate is calculated by dividing depreciation expense by an average of the gross book value of depreciable assets over the reporting period.

	Estimated useful lives
Wireline subscriber base	25 years
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests	4 to 10 years
Software	2 to 10 years
Access to rights-of-way and other	5 to 30 years

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accounting policy developments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

accounting policy developments

Schedule of the impacts of application of IFRS 15 on the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income

Year ended December 31, 2017 (billions except per share amounts)	As currently reported			IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	$	12.5		$	(1.2	)	$	11.3
Equipment	0.7			1.3			2.0
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13.2			0.1			13.3
Other operating income	0.1			—			0.1
	13.3			0.1			13.4
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	5.9			*			5.9
Employee benefits expense	2.6			*			2.6
Depreciation	1.6			—			1.6
Amortization of intangible assets	0.6			—			0.6
	10.7			*			10.7
OPERATING INCOME	2.6			0.1			2.7
Financing costs	0.6			—			0.6
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2.0			0.1			2.1
Income taxes	0.5			*			0.5
NET INCOME	1.5			0.1			1.6
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(0.2		)	—			(0.2		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
Non-controlling interests	*			—			*
	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
Non-controlling interests	*			—			*
	$	1.3		$	0.1		$	1.4
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	$	2.46		$	0.15		$	2.61
Diluted	$	2.46		$	0.15		$	2.61

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

	Amount of IFRS 15 effects (increase (decrease) in billions except per share amounts)
	Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
				Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
Year ended December 31, 2017						Total
Operating revenues
Service	$	(1.2	)	$	—	$	(1.2	)
Equipment	$	1.3		$	—	$	1.3
Goods and services purchased	$	*		$	*	$	*
Employee benefits expense	$	—		$	*	$	*
Income taxes	$	*		$	*	$	*
Net income attributable to:
Common Shares	$	0.1		$	*	$	0.1
Net income per Common Share
Basic	$	0.11		$	0.04	$	0.15
Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.04	$	0.15
				Previously, costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were expensed as incurred. The new standard requires that such costs be capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of the contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. This has the effect of reducing the costs recognized in the period arising from contracts with customers entered into during the period, offset by the amortization of capitalized costs arising from contracts with customers entered into in previous periods.
	Previously, a “limitation cap” constrained the recognition of revenue in a multiple element arrangement to an amount that was not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. The new standard requires that amounts contingently billable and collectible in the future are to be recognized currently as revenue to the extent we have currently satisfied our performance obligations to the customer; this is the new standard’s most significant effect on us. For a contract with a customer, this has the effect of allocating more of the consideration to equipment revenue, which is recognized at the inception of the contract, and less to future service revenue.

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

Schedule of the impact of application of IFRS 15 on Consolidated statements of financial position

	December 31, 2017							January 1, 2017
As at (billions)	As currently reported		IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma		Excluding effects of IFRS 15		IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	0.5	$	—		$	0.5	$	0.4	$	—		$	0.4
Accounts receivable	1.6		*			1.6		1.5		*			1.5
Income and other taxes receivable	0.1		—			0.1		—		—			—
Inventories	0.4		*			0.4		0.3		*			0.3
Contract assets **	—		0.8			0.8		—		0.7			0.7
Prepaid expenses	0.3		0.2			0.5		0.2		0.2			0.4
	2.9		1.0			3.9		2.4		0.9			3.3
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11.4		—			11.4		10.5		—			10.5
Intangible assets, net	10.6		—			10.6		10.4		—			10.4
Goodwill, net	4.2		—			4.2		3.8		—			3.8
Contract assets **	—		0.4			0.4		—		0.3			0.3
Other long-term assets	0.4		0.1			0.5		0.6		0.1			0.7
	26.6		0.5			27.1		25.3		0.4			25.7
	$	29.5	$	1.5		$	31.0	$	27.7	$	1.3		$	29.0
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	$	0.1	$	—		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	—		$	0.1
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	2.4		—			2.4		2.4		—			2.4
Dividends payable	0.3		—			0.3		0.3		—			0.3
Advance billings and customer deposits	0.8		(0.1		)	0.7		0.8		(0.2		)	0.6
Provisions	0.1		—			0.1		0.1		—			0.1
Current maturities of long-term debt	1.4		—			1.4		1.3		—			1.3
	5.1		(0.1		)	5.0		5.0		(0.2		)	4.8
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	0.5		—			0.5		0.4		—			0.4
Long-term debt	12.3		—			12.3		11.6		—			11.6
Other long-term liabilities	0.8		—			0.8		0.7		—			0.7
Deferred income taxes	2.5		0.4			2.9		2.1		0.4			2.5
	16.1		0.4			16.5		14.8		0.4			15.2
Liabilities	21.2		0.3			21.5		19.8		0.2			20.0
Owners’ equity	8.3		1.2			9.5		7.9		1.1			9.0
	$	29.5	$	1.5		$	31.0	$	27.7	$	1.3		$	29.0

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

**Will be measured at and classified as amortized cost upon application of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, as discussed further in (a).

	Amount of IFRS 15 effects (increase (decrease) in billions)
	Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
							Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
											Total
As at	Dec. 31, 2017			Jan. 1, 2017			Dec. 31, 2017		Jan. 1, 2017		Dec. 31, 2017			Jan. 1, 2017
Current assets
Accounts receivable	$	*		$	*		$	—	$	—	$	*		$	*
Inventories	$	*		$	*		$	—	$	—	$	*		$	*
Contract assets, net	$	0.8		$	0.7		$	—	$	—	$	0.8		$	0.7
Prepaid expenses and other	$	—		$	—		$	0.2	$	0.2	$	0.2		$	0.2
Non-current assets
Contract assets, net	$	0.4		$	0.3		$	—	$	—	$	0.4		$	0.3
Other long-term assets	$	—		$	—		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.1		$	0.1
Advance billings and customer deposits	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)	$	—	$	—	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)
Deferred income taxes	$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.4		$	0.4
Common equity
Retained earnings	$	1.0		$	0.9		$	0.2	$	0.2	$	1.2		$	1.1
							Previously, costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were expensed as incurred. The new standard requires that such costs be capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of the contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Increases in the amount of costs capitalized in the period arising from contracts with customers entered into during the period are offset by the amortization of capitalized costs arising from contracts with customers entered into in previous periods.
	Previously, a “limitation cap” constrained the recognition of revenue in a multiple element arrangement to an amount that was not contingent upon either delivering additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. The new standard requires that amounts contingently billable and collectible in the future are to be recognized currently as revenue to the extent we have currently satisfied our performance obligations to the customer; this is the new standard’s most significant effect on us. The difference between the revenue recognized currently and the amount currently collected/collectible is recognized on the statement of financial position as a contract asset. The contract asset recorded at January 1, 2017, represents revenues that will not have been reflected at any time in our periodic results of operations, but, absent the transition to the new standard, would have been; the effect of this “pulling forward” of revenues is expected to be somewhat muted by the composite ongoing inception, maturation and expiration of millions of multi-year contracts with our customers.

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

Schedule of the impact of application of IFRS 15 on Consolidated statements of cash flows

Year ended December 31, 2017 (billions)	As currently reported			IFRS 15 effects			Pro forma
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	1.5		$	0.1		$	1.6
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2.2			—			2.2
Deferred income taxes	0.4			*			0.4
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	0.1			—			0.1
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Other	(0.1		)	*			(0.1		)
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(0.1		)	(0.1		)	(0.2		)
Cash provided by operating activities	$	3.9		$	—		$	3.9

*Amounts less than $0.1 billion.

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capital structure financial policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

capital structure financial policies

Disclosure of financial objectives that support the entity's long-term strategy

As at, or for the 12-month periods ended, December 31 ($ in millions)	Objective	2017		2016
Components of debt and coverage ratios
Net debt 1		$	13,422	$	12,652
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs 2		$	4,913	$	4,708
Net interest cost 3		$	567	$	566
Debt ratio
Net debt to EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs	2.00 – 2.504	2.73		2.69
Coverage ratios
Earnings coverage 5		4.6		4.0
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage 6		8.7		8.3

(1) Net debt is calculated as follows:

As at December 31	Note	2017			2016
Long-term debt	26	$	13,660		$	12,931
Debt issuance costs netted against long-term debt		73			67
Derivative (assets) liabilities, net		93			20
Accumulated other comprehensive income amounts arising from financial instruments used to manage interest rate and currency risks associated with U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (excluding tax effects)		5			(34		)
Cash and temporary investments, net		(509		)	(432		)
Short-term borrowings	22	100			100
Net debt		$	13,422		$	12,652

 EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of our business, and it is also utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.

(2) EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs is calculated as follows:

Years ended December 31	Note	2017		2016
EBITDA	5	$	4,774	$	4,229
Restructuring and other costs	16	139		479
EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs		$	4,913	$	4,708

(3) Net interest cost is defined as financing costs, excluding employee defined benefit plans net interest, recoveries on long-term debt prepayment premium and repayment of debt, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis (expenses recorded for long-term debt prepayment premium, if any, are included in net interest cost).

(4) Our long-term objective range for this ratio is 2.00 — 2.50 times. The ratio as at December 31, 2017, is outside the long-term objective range. We may permit, and have permitted, this ratio to go outside the objective range (for long-term investment opportunities), but we will endeavour to return this ratio to within the objective range in the medium term, as we believe that this range is supportive of our long-term strategy. We are in compliance with our credit facilities leverage ratio covenant, which states that we may not permit our net debt to operating cash flow ratio to exceed 4.00:1.00 (see Note 26(d)); the calculation of the debt ratio is substantially similar to the calculation of the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities.

(5) Earnings coverage is defined as net income before borrowing costs and income tax expense, divided by borrowing costs (interest on long-term debt; interest on short-term borrowings and other; long-term debt prepayment premium), and adding back capitalized interest.

(6) EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage is defined as EBITDA — excluding restructuring and other costs, divided by net interest cost. This measure is substantially similar to the coverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities.

Disclosure of the dividend payout ratio

For the 12-month periods ended December 31 ($ in millions)	Objective	2017		2016
Dividend payout ratio	65%–75% 1	80	%	89	%
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings		80	%	77	%

(1) Our objective range for the dividend payout ratio is 65%—75% of sustainable earnings on a prospective basis; we currently expect that we will be within our target guideline on a prospective basis within the medium term. Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares is calculated as fo

12-month periods ended December 31	2017			2016
Net income attributable to Common Shares	$	1,460		$	1,223
Gain and net equity income related to real estate redevelopment project, after income taxes	(1		)	(16		)
Gain on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes	—			(13		)
Provisions related to business combinations, after income taxes	(22		)	15
Immediately vesting transformative compensation expense, after income taxes	—			224
Income tax-related adjustments	21			(17		)
Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares	$	1,458		$	1,416

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financial instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

financial instruments

Schedule of financial instruments and the nature of certain risks to which they may be subject

	Risks
			Market risks
Financial instrument	Credit	Liquidity	Currency	Interest rate	Other price
Measured at amortized cost
Accounts receivable	X		X
Construction credit facilities advances to real estate joint venture				X
Short-term obligations		X	X	X
Accounts payable		X	X
Provisions (including restructuring accounts payable)		X	X		X
Long-term debt		X	X	X
Measured at fair value
Cash and temporary investments	X		X	X
Long-term investments (not subject to significant influence) 1			X		X
Foreign exchange derivatives 2	X	X	X
Share-based compensation derivatives 2	X	X			X

(1) Long-term investments over which we do not have significant influence are measured at fair value if those fair values can be reliably measured.

(2) Use of derivative financial instruments is subject to a policy which requires that no derivative transaction is to be entered into for the purpose of establishing a speculative or leveraged position (the corollary being that all derivative transactions are to be entered into for risk management purposes only) and sets criteria for the creditworthiness of the transaction counterparties.

Schedule of maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	509	$	432
Accounts receivable	1,623		1,471
Derivative assets	24		17
	$	2,156	$	1,920

Analysis of the age of customer accounts receivable

		2017							2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Note	Gross		Allowance			Net 1		Gross		Allowance			Net 1
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
Less than 30 days past billing date		$	909	$	(5	)	$	904	$	908	$	(11	)	$	897
30-60 days past billing date		185		(8		)	177		185		(9		)	176
61-90 days past billing date		60		(8		)	52		44		(9		)	35
More than 90 days past billing date		67		(22		)	45		80		(25		)	55
	6	$	1,221	$	(43	)	$	1,178	$	1,217	$	(54	)	$	1,163

(1) Net amounts represent customer accounts receivable for which an allowance had not been made as at the dates of the Consolidated statements of financial position.

Summary of activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	54		$	52
Additions (doubtful accounts expense)	54			58
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(66		)	(65		)
Other	1			9
Balance, end of period	$	43		$	54

Schedule of contractual maturities of undiscounted financial liabilities, Non-derivative

	Non-derivative									Derivative
	Non-interest					Construction		Composite long-term debt
As at December 31, 2017	bearing financial		Short-term			credit facilities commitment 2		Long-term debt 1		Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged 3					Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1			(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2018	$	2,232	$	103		$	67	$	1,928	$	(1,188	)	$	1,206	$	(545	)	$	557	$	4,360
2019	40		—			—		1,531		(44		)	46		—			—		1,573
2020	19		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,501
2021	76		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,558
2022	18		—			—		1,913		(44		)	46		—			—		1,933
Thereafter	16		—			—		11,430		(1,591		)	1,679		—			—		11,534
Total	$	2,401	$		103	$	67	$	19,762	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	(545	)	$	557	$	22,459
								Total (Note 26(g))					$	19,876

(1) Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2017.

(2) The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2019.

(3) The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2017. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements

	Non-derivative								Derivative
As at	Non-interest				Construction		Composite long-term debt
December 31,	bearing				credit facilities		Long-term		Currency swap agreement							Currency swap agreement
2016	financial		Short-term		commitment 2		debt 1		amounts to be exchanged 3							amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1		(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		Other		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2017	$	1,949	$	1	$	93	$	1,832	$	(634	)	$	634	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	3,872
2018	227		102		—		750		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,079
2019	16		—		—		1,498		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,514
2020	9		—		—		1,447		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,456
2021	9		—		—		1,711		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,720
Thereafter	5		—		—		11,584		(930		)	921		—		—			—		11,580
Total	$	2,215	$	103	$	93	$	18,822	$	(1,656	)	$	1,647	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	21,221
							Total					$	18,813

(1) Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2016.

(2) The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2018.

(3) The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2016. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

Schedule of contractual maturities of undiscounted financial liabilities, Derivative

	Non-derivative									Derivative
	Non-interest					Construction		Composite long-term debt
As at December 31, 2017	bearing financial		Short-term			credit facilities commitment 2		Long-term debt 1		Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged 3					Currency swap agreement amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1			(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2018	$	2,232	$	103		$	67	$	1,928	$	(1,188	)	$	1,206	$	(545	)	$	557	$	4,360
2019	40		—			—		1,531		(44		)	46		—			—		1,573
2020	19		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,501
2021	76		—			—		1,480		(44		)	46		—			—		1,558
2022	18		—			—		1,913		(44		)	46		—			—		1,933
Thereafter	16		—			—		11,430		(1,591		)	1,679		—			—		11,534
Total	$	2,401	$		103	$	67	$	19,762	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	(545	)	$	557	$	22,459
								Total (Note 26(g))					$	19,876

(1) Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2017.

(2) The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2019.

(3) The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2017. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

	Non-derivative								Derivative
As at	Non-interest				Construction		Composite long-term debt
December 31,	bearing				credit facilities		Long-term		Currency swap agreement							Currency swap agreement
2016	financial		Short-term		commitment 2		debt 1		amounts to be exchanged 3							amounts to be exchanged
(millions)	liabilities		borrowings 1		(Note 21)		(Note 26)		(Receive)			Pay		Other		(Receive)			Pay		Total
2017	$	1,949	$	1	$	93	$	1,832	$	(634	)	$	634	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	3,872
2018	227		102		—		750		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,079
2019	16		—		—		1,498		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,514
2020	9		—		—		1,447		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,456
2021	9		—		—		1,711		(23		)	23		—		—			—		1,720
Thereafter	5		—		—		11,584		(930		)	921		—		—			—		11,580
Total	$	2,215	$	103	$	93	$	18,822	$	(1,656	)	$	1,647	$	3	$	(475	)	$	469	$	21,221
							Total					$	18,813

(1) Cash outflows in respect of interest payments on our short-term borrowings, commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the interest rates in effect as at December 31, 2016.

(2) The drawdowns on the construction credit facilities are expected to occur as construction progresses through 2018.

(3) The amounts included in undiscounted non-derivative long-term debt in respect of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt, and the corresponding amounts in the long-term debt currency swaps receive column, have been determined based upon the currency exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2016. The hedged U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt contractual amounts at maturity, in effect, are reflected in the long-term debt currency swaps pay column as gross cash flows are exchanged pursuant to the currency swap agreements.

Sensitivity analysis of exposure to market risks

Years ended December 31	Net income						Other comprehensive income						Comprehensive income
(increase (decrease) in millions)	2017			2016			2017			2016			2017			2016
Reasonably possible changes in market risks 1
10% change in C$: US$ exchange rate
Canadian dollar appreciates	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(15	)	$	(4	)	$	(16	)	$	(5	)
Canadian dollar depreciates	$	1		$	1		$	15		$	6		$	16		$	7
25% 2 change in Common Share price 3
Price increases	$	(8	)	$	(8	)	$	13		$	16		$	5		$	8
Price decreases	$	14		$	8		$	(13	)	$	(16	)	$	1		$	(8	)

(1) These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in net income and/or other comprehensive income generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in net income and/or other comprehensive income may not be linear. In this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the amount of net income and/or other comprehensive income is calculated without changing any other factors; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

The sensitivity analysis assumes that we would realize the changes in exchange rates; in reality, the competitive marketplace in which we operate would have an effect on this assumption.

No consideration has been made for a difference in the notional number of Common Shares associated with share-based compensation awards made during the reporting period that may have arisen due to a difference in the Common Share price.

(2) To facilitate ongoing comparison of sensitivities, a constant variance of approximate magnitude has been used. Reflecting a twelve-month data period and calculated on a monthly basis, the volatility of our Common Share price as at December 31, 2017, was 7.0% (2016 — 13.1%).

(3) The hypothetical effects of changes in the price of our Common Shares are restricted to those which would arise from our share-based compensation awards that are accounted for as liability instruments and the associated cash-settled equity swap agreements.

Schedule of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

					Fair value measurements at reporting date using
					Quoted prices in active markets for identical items				Significant other observable inputs				Significant unobservable inputs
	Carrying value				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Assets
Foreign exchange derivatives	$	4	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	4	$	10	$	—	$	—
Share-based compensation derivatives	20		7		—		—		20		7		—		—
Available-for-sale portfolio investments	41		62		—		—		41		62		—		—
	$	65	$	79	$	—	$	—	$	65	$	79	$	—	$	—
Liabilities
Foreign exchange derivatives	$	108	$	30	$	—	$	—	$	108	$	30	$	—	$	—
Share-based compensation derivatives	—		3		—		—		—		3		—		—
Starting interest rate derivatives	1		—		—		—		1		—		—		—
	$	109	$	33	$	—	$	—	$	109	$	33	$	—	$	—

Schedule of derivative financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	2017								2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Designation	Maximum maturity date	Notional amount		Fair value and carrying value		Price or rate		Maximum maturity date	Notional amount		Fair value and carrying value		Price or rate
Current Assets 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFH 2	2018	$	110	$	2	US$1.00: C$1.24		2017	$	263	$	7	US$1.00: C$1.30
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFT 3	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	8	—		US$1.00: C$1.28
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar revenues	HFT 3	2018	$	71	1		US$1.00: C$1.25		2017	$	4	—		US$1.00: C$1.34
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH 2	2018	$	73	14		$	40.91	2017	$	6	1		$	41.00
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH 2	2018	$	124	1		US$1.00: C$1.24		2017	$	191	3		US$1.00: C$1.32
					$	18						$	11
Other Long-Term Assets 1
Derivatives used to manage
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH 2	2019	$	63	$	6	$	45.46	2018	$	69	$	6	$	40.77
Current Liabilities 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases	HFH 2	2018	$	376	$	14	US$1.00: C$1.30		2017	$	69	2		US$1.00: C$1.38
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar revenues	HFT  3	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	124	5		US$1.00: C$1.34
Changes in share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b))	HFH 2	—	$	—	—		—		2017	$	65	3		$	45.76
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH 2	2018	$	1,036	18		US$1.00: C$1.28		2017	$	422	2		US$1.00: C$1.35
Interest rate risk associated with planned refinancing of debt maturing	HFH  2	2018	$	300	1		2.14%, GOC 10-year term		—	—		—		—
					$	33						$	12
Other Long-Term Liabilities 1
Derivatives used to manage
Currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (Note 26(b)-(c))	HFH 2	2027	$	1,910	$	76	US$1.00: C$1.32		2027	$	1,036	21		US$1.00: C$1.32

(1) Derivative financial assets and liabilities are not set off.

(2) Designated as held for hedging (HFH) upon initial recognition (cash flow hedging item); hedge accounting is applied.

Unless otherwise noted, hedge ratio is 1:1 and is established by assessing the degree of matching between the notional amounts of hedging items and the notional amounts of the associated hedged items.

(3) Designated as held for trading (HFT) upon initial recognition; hedge accounting is not applied.

Schedule of long-term debt amortized cost and fair value

	2017				2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Carrying value		Fair value		Carrying value		Fair value
Long-term debt (Note 26)	$	13,660	$	14,255	$	12,931	$	13,533

Schedule of gains and losses, excluding income tax effects, on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedging items

		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income						Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion) (Note 11)
		(effective portion) (Note 11)							Amount
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016			Location	2017			2016
Derivatives used to manage currency risk
Arising from U.S. dollar-denominated purchases		$	(23	)	$	(12	)	Goods and services purchased Financing costs	$	(5	)	$	(9	)
Arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt	26(b)-(c)	(109		)	(54		)		(146		)	(20		)
		(132		)	(66		)		(151		)	(29		)
Derivatives used to manage other price risk
Arising from changes in share-based compensation costs	14(b)	24			19			Employee benefits expense	17			8
		$	(108	)	$	(47	)		$	(134	)	$	(21	)

Schedule of gains and losses arising from derivative instruments classified as held for trading

		Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Location	2017		2016
Derivatives used to manage currency risk	Financing costs	$	3	$	(2	)

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segment information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

segment information

Reconciliation of revenue and income before income taxes by segment

Years ended December 31	Wireless				Wireline				Eliminations						Consolidated
(millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017			2016			2017		2016
Operating revenues
External revenues
Service	$	6,994	$	6,569	$	5,484	$	5,431	$	—		$	—		$	12,478	$	12,000
Equipment	505		509		219		216		—			—			724		725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	7,499		7,078		5,703		5,647		—			—			13,202		12,725
Other operating income	36		37		66		37		—			—			102		74
	7,535		7,115		5,769		5,684		—			—			13,304		12,799
Intersegment revenues	43		58		206		194		(249		)	(252		)	—		—
	$	7,578	$	7,173	$	5,975	$	5,878	$	(249	)	$	(252	)	$	13,304	$	12,799
EBITDA 1 contribution	$	3,099	$	2,906	$	1,675	$	1,323	$	—		$	—		$	4,774	$	4,229
CAPEX, excluding spectrum licences 2	$	978	$	982	$	2,116	$	1,986	$	—		$	—		$	3,094	$	2,968

Operating revenues — external (above)	$	13,304	$	12,799
Goods and services purchased	5,935		5,631
Employee benefits expense	2,595		2,939
EBITDA (above)	4,774		4,229
Depreciation	1,617		1,564
Amortization	552		483
Operating income	2,605		2,182
Financing costs	573		520
Income before income taxes	$	2,032	$	1,662

(1) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of our business, and it is also utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.

(2) Total capital expenditures (CAPEX); see Note 31(a) for a reconciliation of capital expenditures, excluding spectrum licences to cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences reported in the Consolidated statements of cash flows.

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revenue from contracts with customers (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

revenue from contracts with customers

Schedule of accounts receivable

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Customer accounts receivable	4(b)	$	1,221		$	1,217
Accrued receivables — customer		143			131
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4(b)	(43		)	(54		)
		1,321			1,294
Accrued receivables — other		302			177
		$	1,623		$	1,471

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other operating income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other operating income

Schedule of other operating income

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Government assistance, including deferral account amortization		$	32	$	36
Investment income, gain on disposal of assets and other		44		37
Change in business combination-related accrued receivable	18(b)	26		—
Interest income	21(c)	—		1
		$	102	$	74

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employee benefits expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

employee benefits expense

Disclosure of information about employees

		2017			2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	Total			Traditional			Transformative compensation (Note 16(c))		Total
Employee benefits expense — gross
Wages and salaries		$	2,594		$	2,548		$	185	$	2,733
Share-based compensation 1	14	128			114			67		181
Pensions — defined benefit	15(b)	82			92			—		92
Pensions — defined contribution	15(f)	88			89			41		130
Other defined benefits	15(g)	—			1			—		1
Restructuring costs 1	16(b)	26			112			—		112
Other		156			153			12		165
		3,074			3,109			305		3,414
Capitalized internal labour costs
Property, plant and equipment		(321		)	(314		)	—		(314		)
Intangible assets subject to amortization		(158		)	(161		)	—		(161		)
		(479		)	(475		)	—		(475		)
		$	2,595		$	2,634		$	305	$	2,939

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2017, $(7) (2016 — $4) of share-based compensation expense (recovery) was included in restructuring costs.

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financing costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

financing costs

Schedule of financing costs

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Interest expense
Interest on long-term debt — gross		$	561		$	538
Capitalized long-term debt interest 1	18(a)	—			(52		)
Interest on long-term debt — net		561			486
Interest on short-term borrowings and other		5			4
Interest accretion on provisions	25	13			12
		579			502
Employee defined benefit plans net interest	15(b), (g)	6			6
Foreign exchange		(5		)	15
		580			523
Interest income		(7		)	(3		)
		$	573		$	520

(1) Long-term debt interest at a composite rate of 3.31% was capitalized to intangible assets with indefinite lives in the comparative period.

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income taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

income taxes

Expense composition

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Current income tax expense
For the current reporting period	$	205		$	506
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(82		)	(38		)
	123			468
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Arising from the origination and reversal of temporary differences	324			(64		)
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future statutory income tax rates	28			(4		)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	78			26
	430			(42		)
	$	553		$	426

Rate reconciliations

Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)	2017					2016
Income taxes calculated at applicable statutory rates	$	541		26.6	%	$	444		26.7	%
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future income tax rates	28			1.3		(4		)	(0.2	)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(4		)	(0.2	)	(12		)	(0.8	)
Other	(12		)	(0.5	)	(2		)	(0.1	)
Income tax expense per Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income	$	553		27.2	%	$	426		25.6	%

Temporary differences

(millions)	Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization		Intangible assets with indefinite lives		Partnership income unallocated for income tax purposes			Net pension and share- based compensation amounts			Reserves not currently deductible			Losses available to be carried  forward 1			Other			Net deferred income tax liability
As at January 1, 2016	$	785	$	1,380	$	195		$	(45	)	$	(160	)	$	(3	)	$	3		$	2,155
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	85		77		(200		)	(7		)	12			(3		)	(6		)	(42		)
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			4			—			—			(10		)	(6		)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners’ equity and other	—		—		—			—			—			—			(5		)	(5		)
As at December 31, 2016 2	870		1,457		(5		)	(48		)	(148		)	(6		)	(18		)	2,102
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	348		84		5			(11		)	8			(1		)	(3		)	430
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			(61		)	—			—			4			(57		)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners’ equity and other	3		20		—			—			—			—			(3		)	20
As at December 31, 2017 3	$	1,221	$	1,561	$	—		$	(120	)	$	(140	)	$	(7	)	$	(20	)	$	2,495

(1) We expect to be able to utilize our non-capital losses prior to expiry.

(2) Deferred tax liability of $2,107, net of deferred tax asset of $5 (included in Other long-term assets).

(3) Deferred tax liability of $2,500, net of deferred tax asset of $5 (included in Other long-term assets).

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other comprehensive income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other comprehensive income

Schedule of other comprehensive income

																												Item never
																												reclassified
	Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income																											to income
	Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in current period (Note 4(i))																					Change in
	Derivatives used to manage currency risk								Derivatives used to manage other price risk											Cumulative		unrealized fair
(millions)	Gains  (losses) arising			Prior period (gains) losses transferred to net income		Total			Gains (losses) arising		Prior period (gains) losses transferred to net income			Total			Total			foreign currency translation adjustment		value of available-for- sale financial assets			Accumulated other comp. income			Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements			Other comp. income
Accumulated balance as at January 1, 2016						$	6							$	(6	)	$	—		$	43	$	16		$	59
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amount arising	$	(66	)	$	29	(37		)	$	19	$	(8	)	11			(26		)	5		—			(21		)	$	—		$	(21	)
Income taxes	$	(18	)	$	9	(9		)	$	5	$	(2	)	3			(6		)	—		—			(6		)	—			(6		)
Net						(28		)						8			(20		)	5		—			(15		)	$	—		$	(15	)
Accumulated balance as at December 31, 2016						(22		)						2			(20		)	48		16			44
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Amount arising	$	(132	)	$	151	19			$	24	$	(17	)	7			26			5		(13		)	18			$	(234	)	$	(216	)
Income taxes	$	(21	)	$	27	6			$	6	$	(5	)	1			7			—		(2		)	5			(62		)	(57		)
Net						13								6			19			5		(11		)	13			$	(172	)	$	(159	)
Accumulated balance as at December 31, 2017						$	(9	)						$	8		$	(1	)	$	53	$	5		$	57
Attributable to:
Common Shares																									$	51
Non-controlling interests																									6
																									$	57

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per share amounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

per share amounts

Reconciliation of the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017	2016
Basic total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	592
Effect of dilutive securities
Share option awards	—	1
Diluted total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	593

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dividends per share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

dividends per share

Dividends per share

Years ended December 31 (millions
except per share amounts)	2017						2016
	Declared			Paid to			Declared			Paid to
Common Share dividends	Effective	Per share		shareholders	Total		Effective	Per share		shareholders	Total
Quarter 1 dividend	Mar. 10, 2017	$	0.4800	Apr. 3, 2017	$	283	Mar. 11, 2016	$	0.44	Apr. 1, 2016	$	261
Quarter 2 dividend	Jun. 9, 2017	0.4925		Jul. 4, 2017	293		Jun. 10, 2016	0.46		Jul. 4, 2016	274
Quarter 3 dividend	Sep. 8, 2017	0.4925		Oct. 2, 2017	292		Sep. 9, 2016	0.46		Oct. 3, 2016	272
Quarter 4 dividend	Dec. 11, 2017	0.5050		Jan. 2, 2018	299		Dec. 9, 2016	0.48		Jan. 3, 2017	284
		$	1.9700		$	1,167		$	1.84		$	1,091

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share-based compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

share-based compensation

Details of share-based compensation expense

	2017								2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	Employee benefits expense		Associated operating cash outflows			Statement of cash flows adjustment		Employee benefits expense		Associated operating cash outflows			Statement of cash flows adjustment
Restricted stock units 1	(b)	$	83	$	(67	)	$	16	$	81	$	(83	)	$	(2	)
Transformative compensation 2	16(c)	—		—			—		64		(64		)	—
Employee share purchase plan 3	(c)	37		(37		)	—		40		(40		)	—
Share option awards	(d)	1		—			1		—		—			—
		$	121	$	(104	)	$	17	$	185	$	(187	)	$	(2	)

(1) The expense arising from restricted stock units was net of cash-settled equity swap agreement effects (see Note 4(i)). Within employee benefits expense (see Note 8), restricted stock unit expense of $90 (2016 — $77) is presented as share-based compensation and the balance is included in restructuring costs.

(2) As set out in Note 16(c), in 2016 we made immediately vesting, transformative compensation lump-sum payments to substantially all of our existing unionized and non-unionized Canadian-sited workforces. For the unionized and non-unionized workforces, approximately 40% of the after-tax value of such qualifying lump-sum payments was paid in our Common Shares (see Note 28(b)) by way of an employee benefit plan trust.

As a result of our being considered for accounting purposes to control an employee benefit plan trust that was used to effect these Common Share payments, such transactions have been recognized as treasury stock transactions and we have applied the cost method of accounting. As at December 31, 2016, the employee benefit plan trust held no Common Shares.

(3) Employees who received an immediately vesting, transformative compensation lump-sum payment in 2016 contributed a percentage of their payment to the employee share purchase plan consistent with their regular compensation payment, as further described in (c). Our associated employer expense and contributions were $NIL (2016 — $3).

TELUS Corporation restricted stock units

share-based compensation

Disclosure of restricted stocks units

Number of non-vested restricted stock units as at December 31	2017	2016
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions
Restricted stock units with only service conditions	3,327,464	3,260,745
Notional subset affected by total customer connections performance condition	154,452	130,234
	3,481,916	3,390,979
Restricted stock units with market performance conditions
Notional subset affected by relative total shareholder return performance condition	463,357	390,703
	3,945,273	3,781,682

	2017						2016
	Number of restricted stock units 1				Weighted average grant-		Number of restricted stock units 1				Weighted average grant-
Years ended December 31	Non-vested		Vested		date fair value		Non-vested		Vested		date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period
Non-vested	3,390,979		—		$	41.71	3,564,412		—		$	41.42
Vested	—		29,108		$	38.09	—		29,008		$	40.00
Issued
Initial award	1,825,688		—		$	43.56	1,942,446		—		$	39.74
In lieu of dividends	206,715		455		$	43.98	209,027		381		$	41.63
Vested	(1,766,680	)	1,766,680		$	43.73	(2,024,130	)	2,024,130		$	39.31
Settled in cash	—		(1,698,008	)	$	43.63	—		(2,004,126	)	$	39.29
Forfeited and cancelled	(174,786	)	(65,387	)	$	42.88	(300,776	)	(20,285	)	$	35.70
Outstanding, end of period
Non-vested	3,481,916		—		$	41.87	3,390,979		—		$	41.71
Vested	—		32,848		$	41.00	—		29,108		$	38.09

(1) Excluding the notional subset of restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition.

Vesting in years ending December 31	Number of fixed-cost restricted stock units	Our fixed cost per restricted stock unit		Number of variable-cost restricted stock units	Total number of non-vested restricted stock units 1
2018	1,792,286	$	40.91	28,951	1,821,237
2019	1,385,734	$	45.46	274,945	1,660,679
	3,178,020			303,896	3,481,916

(1) Excluding the notional subset of restricted stock units affected by the relative total shareholder return performance condition.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units

share-based compensation

Disclosure of restricted stocks units

	2017									2016
	US$ denominated						Canadian $ denominated			US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated
Years ended	Number of restricted stock units				Grant-date		Number of vested restricted	Grant-date		Number of non-vested restricted	Grant-date		Number of restricted stock units			Grant-date
December 31	Non-vested		Vested		fair value		stock units	fair value		stock units	fair value		Non-vested		Vested	fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period
Non-vested	163,785		—		US$	21.90	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Vested	—		—		US$	—	32,299	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Issued — initial award	213,768				US$	26.40	—	$	—	163,785	US$	21.90	32,299		—	$	21.36
Vested	(208	)	208		US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	(32,299	)	32,299	$	21.36
Exercised	—		(208	)	US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Forfeited and cancelled	(2,559	)	—		US$	24.10	—	$	—	—	US$	—	—		—	$	—
Outstanding, end of period
Non-vested	374,786		—		US$	24.45	—	$	—	163,785	US$	21.90	—		—	$	—
Vested	—		—		US$	—	32,299	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—		32,299	$	21.36

TELUS Corporation share options

share-based compensation

Disclosure of stock options

	2017				2016
Years ended December 31	Number of share options		Weighted average share option price		Number of share options		Weighted average share option price
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,417,693		$	24.49	2,375,596		$	22.96
Exercised 1	(652,926	)	$	21.90	(925,682	)	$	20.75
Forfeited	(3,908	)	$	27.56	(13,112	)	$	24.49
Expired	(20,388	)	$	16.31	(19,109	)	$	15.29
Outstanding, end of period 2	740,471		$	26.99	1,417,693		$	24.49

(1) The total intrinsic value of share option awards exercised for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $15 million (2016 — $19 million), reflecting a weighted average price at the dates of exercise of $44.63 per share (2016 — $41.06 per share). The difference between the number of share options exercised and the number of Common Shares issued (as reflected in the Consolidated statements of changes in owners’ equity) is the effect of our choosing to settle share option award exercises using the net-equity settlement feature.

(2) All outstanding TELUS Corporation share options are vested, their range of prices is $23.08 — $31.69 per share and their weighted average remaining contractual life is 0.9 years.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options

share-based compensation

Disclosure of stock options

	2017						2016
	US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated			US$ denominated			Canadian $ denominated
Years ended December 31	Number of share options	Weighted average share option price 1		Number of share options	Share option price 2		Number of share options	Weighted average share option price 1		Number of share options	Share option price 2
Outstanding, beginning of period	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36	—	US$	—	—	$	—
Granted	175,272	US$	27.70	—	$	—	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36
Outstanding, end of period	748,626	US$	30.12	53,832	$	21.36	573,354	US$	30.86	53,832	$	21.36

(1) The range of share option prices is US$21.90 — US$40.25 per TELUS International (Cda) Inc. equity share and the weighted average remaining contractual life is 9.2 years (2016 — 10.0 years).

(2) The weighted average remaining contractual life is 8.5 years (2016 — 9.5 years).

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employee future benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

employee future benefits

Schedule of defined benefit pension plans funded status

As at December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,837		$	8,620
Current service cost	100			109
Past service cost	(2		)	2
Interest expense	331			340
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	77			25
Financial assumptions	526			184
Benefits paid	(450		)	(443		)
Balance at end of year	9,419			8,837
PLAN ASSETS
Fair value at beginning of year	8,873			8,641
Return on plan assets
Notional interest income on plan assets at discount rate	330			339
Actual return on plan assets greater than discount rate	360			247
Contributions
Employer contributions (d)	66			70
Employees’ contributions	22			25
Benefits paid	(450		)	(443		)
Administrative fees	(6		)	(6		)
Fair value at end of year	9,195			8,873
Effect of asset ceiling limit
Beginning of year	(115		)	(74		)
Change	5			(41		)
End of year	(110		)	(115		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year, net of asset ceiling limit	9,085			8,758
FUNDED STATUS — PLAN SURPLUS (DEFICIT)	$	(334	)	$	(79	)

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Funded status — plan surplus (deficit)
Pension benefit plans		$	(334	)	$	(79	)
Other benefit plans		(47		)	(47		)
		$	(381	)	$	(126	)
Presented in the Consolidated statements of financial position as:
Other long-term assets	20	$	156		$	358
Other long-term liabilities	27	(537		)	(484		)
		$	(381	)	$	(126	)

	2017										2016
As at December 31 (millions)	Defined benefit obligations accrued		Plan assets		Difference			PBSR solvency position 1			Defined benefit obligations accrued		Plan assets		Difference			PBSR solvency position 1
Pension plans that have plan assets in excess of defined benefit obligations accrued	$	8,116	$	8,272	$	156		$	335		$	7,610	$	7,968	$	358		$	320
Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets
Funded	1,099		813		(286		)	(80		)	1,034		790		(244		)	(67		)
Unfunded	204		—		(204		)	N/A		2	193		—		(193		)	N/A		2
	1,303		813		(490		)	(80		)	1,227		790		(437		)	(67		)
	$	9,419	$	9,085	$	(334	)	$	255		$	8,837	$	8,758	$	(79	)	$	253
Defined benefit obligations accrued owed to:
Active members	$	2,285									$	2,140
Deferred members	560										557
Pensioners	6,574										6,140
	$	9,419									$	8,837

(1) The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, by way of the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985 (PBSR) (see (d)), requires that a solvency valuation be performed on a periodic basis. The actual PBSR solvency positions are determined in conjunction with mid-year annual funding reports prepared by actuaries (see (d)); as a result, the PBSR solvency positions in this table as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, are interim estimates and updated estimates, respectively. The interim estimate as at December 31, 2016, was a net surplus of $294.

          Interim estimated solvency ratios as at December 31, 2017, ranged from 90% to 105% (2016 — updated estimate is 92% to 105%; interim estimate was 93% to 107%) and the estimated three-year average solvency ratios, adjusted as required by the PBSR, ranged from 93% to 104% (2016 — updated estimate is 92% to 103%; interim estimate was 93% to 104%).

          The solvency valuation effectively uses the fair value (excluding any asset ceiling limit effects) of the funded defined benefit pension plan assets (adjusted for theoretical wind-up expenses) to measure the solvency assets. Although the defined benefit obligations accrued and the solvency liabilities are calculated similarly, the assumptions used for each differ, primarily in respect of retirement ages and discount rates, and the solvency liabilities, due to the required assumption that each plan is terminated on the valuation date, do not reflect assumptions about future compensation levels. Relative to the experience-based estimates of retirement ages used for purposes of determining the defined benefit obligations accrued, the minimum no-consent retirement age used for solvency valuation purposes may result in either a greater or lesser pension liability, depending upon the provisions of each plan. The solvency positions in this table reflect composite weighted average discount rates of 3.00% (2016 — 3.10%). A hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points in the composite weighted average discount rate would result in a $316 decrease in the PBSR solvency position as at December 31, 2017 (2016 — $303); these sensitivities are hypothetical, should be used with caution, are calculated without changing any other assumption and generally cannot be extrapolated because changes in amounts may not be linear.

(2) PBSR solvency position calculations are not required for the three pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition or for the non-registered, unfunded pension plans.

Schedule of defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery)

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017												2016
Recognized in	Employee benefits expense (Note 8)			Financing costs (Note 9)			Other comp. income (Note 11)			Total			Employee benefits expense (Note 8)		Financing costs (Note 9)			Other comp. income (Note 11)			Total
Current service cost	$	78		$	—		$	—		$	78		$	84	$	—		$	—		$	84
Past service costs	(2		)	—			—			(2		)	2		—			—			2
Net interest; return on plan assets
Interest expense arising from defined benefit obligations accrued	—			331			—			331			—		340			—			340
Return, including interest income, on plan assets 1	—			(330		)	(360		)	(690		)	—		(339		)	(247		)	(586		)
Interest effect on asset ceiling limit	—			4			—			4			—		3			—			3
	—			5			(360		)	(355		)	—		4			(247		)	(243		)
Administrative fees	6			—			—			6			6		—			—			6
Re-measurements arising from:
Demographic assumptions	—			—			77			77			—		—			25			25
Financial assumptions	—			—			526			526			—		—			184			184
	—			—			603			603			—		—			209			209
Changes in the effect of limiting net defined benefit assets to the asset ceiling	—			—			(9		)	(9		)	—		—			38			38
	$	82		$	5		$	234		$	321		$	92	$	4		$	—		$	96

(1) The interest income on the plan assets portion of the employee defined benefit plans net interest amount included in Financing costs reflects a rate of return on plan assets equal to the discount rate used in determining the defined benefit obligations accrued.

Summary of fair value measurements of our defined benefit pension plan assets

							Fair value measurements at reporting date using
	Total						Quoted prices in active markets for identical items				Other
As at December 31 (millions)	2017			2016			2017		2016		2017		2016
Asset class
Equity securities
Canadian	$	1,385		$	1,172		$	1,129	$	1,135	$	256	$	37
Foreign	1,867			1,876			853		1,189		1,014		687
Debt securities
Issued by national, provincial or local governments	1,512			1,463			1,389		1,362		123		101
Corporate debt securities	1,208			1,317			—		—		1,208		1,317
Asset-backed securities	31			31			—		—		31		31
Commercial mortgages	1,659			1,107			—		—		1,659		1,107
Cash, cash equivalents and other	486			1,151			38		29		448		1,122
Real estate	1,047			756			—		—		1,047		756
	9,195			8,873			$	3,409	$	3,715	$	5,786	$	5,158
Effect of asset ceiling limit	(110		)	(115		)
	$	9,085		$	8,758

Schedule of estimated future benefit payments from our defined benefit pension plans

Years ending December 31 (millions)
2018	$	446
2019	454
2020	458
2021	465
2022	471
2023-2027	2,440

Schedule of defined benefit pension plans' target asset allocations and actual asset allocations

	Target allocation	Percentage of plan assets at end of year
Years ended December 31	2018	2017		2016
Equity securities	20-50%	35	%	34	%
Debt securities	40-75%	53	%	57	%
Real estate	5-25%	12	%	9	%
Other	0-10%	—		—
		100	%	100	%

Summary of significant weighted average actuarial assumptions in measuring defined benefit obligations and the sensitivity of key assumptions

	2017		2016
Discount rate 1 used to determine:
Net benefit costs for the year ended December 31	3.80	%	4.00	%
Defined benefit obligations accrued as at December 31	3.40	%	3.80	%
Current service cost in subsequent fiscal year	3.50	%	4.00	%
Rate of future increases in compensation used to determine:
Net benefit costs for the year ended December 31	2.51	%	3.00	%
Defined benefit obligations accrued as at December 31	2.70	%	2.51	%

(1) The discount rate disclosed in this table reflects the computation of an average discount rate that replicates the timing of the obligation cash flows.

Schedule of defined contribution pension plan expense

Years ended, or as at, December 31	2017						2016
Increase (decrease) (millions)	Change in obligations			Change in expense			Change in obligations			Change in expense
Sensitivity of key demographic assumptions to an increase of one year 1 in life expectancy	$	270		$	11		$	228		$	10
Sensitivity of key financial assumptions to a hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points 1 in:
Discount rate	$	337		$	16		$	310		$	17
Rate of future increases in compensation	$	(34	)	$	(3	)	$	(27	)	$	(3	)

(1) These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Favourable hypothetical changes in the assumptions result in decreased amounts, and unfavourable hypothetical changes in the assumptions result in increased amounts, of the obligations and expenses. Changes in amounts based on a variation in assumptions of one year or 25 basis points generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in amounts may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the change in obligations or change in expenses is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in the discount rate may result in changes in expectations about the rate of future increases in compensation), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

	2017				2016
Years ended December 31 (millions)	Total		Traditional		Transformative compensation (Notes 8, 16(c))		Total
Union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions	$	23	$	26	$	36	$	62
Other defined contribution pension plans	65		63		5		68
	$	88	$	89	$	41	$	130

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restructuring and other costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

restructuring and other costs

Schedule of restructuring and other costs presented in the Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income

	Restructuring (b)				Other (c)				Total
Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Goods and services purchased	$	66	$	62	$	37	$	—	$	103	$	62
Employee benefits expense	26		112		10		305		36		417
	$	92	$	174	$	47	$	305	$	139	$	479

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property, plant and equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

property, plant and equipment

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

(millions)	Note	Network assets			Buildings and leasehold improvements			Other			Land			Assets under construction			Total
At cost
As at January 1, 2016		$	27,191		$	2,847		$	1,120		$	55		$	413		$	31,626
Additions 1		762			45			39			—			1,472			2,318
Additions arising from business acquisitions		—			1			1			—			—			2
Dispositions, retirements and other		(739		)	(78		)	(223		)	—			—			(1,040		)
Assets under construction put into service		1,070			139			84			—			(1,293		)	—
As at December 31, 2016		28,284			2,954			1,021			55			592			32,906
Additions 1		972			51			44			—			1,426			2,493
Additions arising from business acquisitions	18(b)	25			8			9			—			—			42
Dispositions, retirements and other		(1,724		)	(63		)	(48		)	(7		)	—			(1,842		)
Assets under construction put into service		1,167			127			69			—			(1,363		)	—
As at December 31, 2017		$	28,724		$	3,077		$	1,095		$	48		$	655		$	33,599
Accumulated depreciation
As at January 1, 2016		$	19,351		$	1,810		$	729		$	—		$	—		$	21,890
Depreciation		1,357			99			108			—			—			1,564
Dispositions, retirements and other		(758		)	(73		)	(181		)	—			—			(1,012		)
As at December 31, 2016		19,950			1,836			656			—			—			22,442
Depreciation		1,396			106			115			—			—			1,617
Dispositions, retirements and other		(1,708		)	(58		)	(62		)	—			—			(1,828		)
As at December 31, 2017		$	19,638		$	1,884		$	709		$	—		$	—		$	22,231
Net book value
As at December 31, 2016		$	8,334		$	1,118		$	365		$	55		$	592		$	10,464
As at December 31, 2017		$	9,086		$	1,193		$	386		$	48		$	655		$	11,368

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2017, additions include $7 (2016 — $(40)) in respect of asset retirement obligations (see Note 25).

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intangible assets and goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

intangible assets and goodwill

Schedule of intangible assets and goodwill

	Intangible assets subject to amortization															Intangible  assets with  indefinite lives
(millions)	Customer contracts,  related customer  relationships and  leasehold interests			Software			Access  to  rights-of- way and  other			Assets  under  construction			Total			Spectrum  licences		Total  intangible  assets			Goodwill 1			Total  intangible  assets and  goodwill
At cost
As at January 1, 2016	$	473		$	3,801		$	90		$	216		$	4,580		$	8,480	$	13,060		$	4,125		$	17,185
Additions	—			50			4			575			629			164		793			—			793
Additions arising from business acquisitions	12			4			—			—			16			—		16			22			38
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest (see Note 9))	—			(137		)	(3		)	—			(140		)	49		(91		)	—			(91		)
Assets under construction put into service	—			577			2			(579		)	—			—		—			—			—
Net foreign exchange differences	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			4			4
As at December 31, 2016	485			4,295			93			212			5,085			8,693		13,778			4,151			17,929
Additions	—			74			5			538			617			—		617			—			617
Additions arising from business acquisitions (b)	134			101			—			—			235			—		235			433			668
Dispositions, retirements and other	(61		)	(209		)	(1		)	—			(271		)	—		(271		)	—			(271		)
Assets under construction put into service	—			406			—			(406		)	—			—		—			—			—
Net foreign exchange differences	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(3		)	(3		)
As at December 31, 2017	$	558		$	4,667		$	97		$	344		$	5,666		$	8,693	$	14,359		$	4,581		$	18,940
Accumulated amortization
As at January 1, 2016	$	280		$	2,739		$	56		$	—		$	3,075		$	—	$	3,075		$	364		$	3,439
Amortization	43			436			4			—			483			—		483			—			483
Dispositions, retirements and other	—			(143		)	(1		)	—			(144		)	—		(144		)	—			(144		)
As at December 31, 2016	323			3,032			59			—			3,414			—		3,414			364			3,778
Amortization	48			500			4			—			552			—		552			—			552
Dispositions, retirements and other	(61		)	(202		)	(2		)	—			(265		)	—		(265		)	—			(265		)
As at December 31, 2017	$	310		$	3,330		$	61		$	—		$	3,701		$	—	$	3,701		$	364		$	4,065
Net book value
As at December 31, 2016	$	162		$	1,263		$	34		$	212		$	1,671		$	8,693	$	10,364		$	3,787		$	14,151
As at December 31, 2017	$	248		$	1,337		$	36		$	344		$	1,965		$	8,693	$	10,658		$	4,217		$	14,875

(1) Accumulated amortization of goodwill is amortization recorded prior to 2002; there are no accumulated impairment losses in the accumulated amortization of goodwill.

Summary of acquisition-date fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed

	Manitoba Telecom  Services Inc.  postpaid wireless			Kroll Computer  Systems Inc.		Voxpro  Limited 1		Individually  immaterial  transactions		Total
Assets
Current assets
Cash	$	—		$	1	$	3	$	—	$	4
Accounts receivable 2	9			3		20		—		32
Other	7			—		4		1		12
	16			4		27		1		48
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Network assets	23			—		—		2		25
Buildings and leasehold improvements	—			—		8		—		8
Other	—			1		8		—		9
Intangible assets subject to amortization 3
Customer contracts, customer relationships (including those related to customer contracts) and leasehold interests	54			26		38		16		134
Software	—			101		—		—		101
	77			128		54		18		277
Total identifiable assets acquired	93			132		81		19		325
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1			1		19		—		21
Advance billings and customer deposits	2			4		—		1		7
Provisions	7			—		—		—		7
	10			5		19		1		35
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	6			3		—		—		9
Other long-term liabilities	—			—		1		—		1
Deferred income taxes	18			—		5		—		23
	24			3		6		—		33
Total liabilities assumed	34			8		25		1		68
Net identifiable assets acquired	59			124		56		18		257
Goodwill	207			126		85		15		433
Net assets acquired	$	266		$	250	$	141	$	33	$	690
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration	$	306		$	150	$	58	$	31	$	545
Accrued receivable 4	(40		)	—		—		—		(40		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			—		—		2		2
Provisions	—			—		60		—		60
Issue of TELUS Corporation Common Shares	—			100		—		—		100
Pre-existing relationship effectively settled	—			—		23		—		23
	$	266		$	250	$	141	$	33	$	690

(1) The purchase price allocation, primarily in respect of customer relationships, had not been finalized as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. As is customary in a business acquisition transaction, until the time of acquisition of control, we did not have full access to Voxpro Limited’s books and records. Upon having sufficient time to review Voxpro Limited’s books and records, we expect to finalize our purchase price allocation.

Prior to acquisition, we had advanced $23 to Voxpro Limited; this pre-existing relationship was effectively settled at the date of the business combination with no gain or loss recognized.

(2) The fair value of the accounts receivable is equal to the gross contractual amounts receivable and reflects the best estimates at the acquisition date of the contractual cash flows expected to be collected.

(3) Customer contracts and customer relationships (including those related to customer contracts) are expected to be amortized over a period of 8 to 10 years; software is expected to be amortized over a period of 10 years.

(4) The total transaction price is a function of the number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers acquired. If less than the targeted number of qualifying postpaid wireless subscribers is acquired, the total transaction price will be reduced on a pro-rated basis; a receivable has been accrued for the estimate of such reduction, net of associated adjustments.

Summary of pro forma information of business acquisition operating results

Year ended December 31, 2017 (millions except per share amounts)	As reported 1		Pro forma 2
Operating revenues	$	13,304	$	13,426
Net income	$	1,479	$	1,474
Net income per Common Share
Basic	$	2.46	$	2.45
Diluted	$	2.46	$	2.45

(1) As reported operating revenues and net income include $49 and $20, respectively, in respect of the operations of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless (excluding the change in the contingent consideration receivable (Note 7)), $17 and $NIL, respectively, in respect of the operations of Kroll Computer Systems Inc., and $51 and $NIL, respectively, in respect of the operations of Voxpro Limited.

(2) Pro forma amounts reflect the acquired businesses. In respect of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless, pro forma adjustments for revenues and goods and services purchased are not available as the seller’s information systems were not configured to capture such information; as a proxy, the revenues and goods and services purchased amounts for the three-month period ended June 30, 2017, have been used for pro forma purposes. The results of the acquired businesses have been included in our Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income effective the dates of acquisition.

Schedule of carrying values of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill

	Intangible assets with  indefinite lives				Goodwill				Total
As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Wireless	$	8,693	$	8,693	$	2,860	$	2,647	$	11,553	$	11,340
Wireline	—		—		1,357		1,140		1,357		1,140
	$	8,693	$	8,693	$	4,217	$	3,787	$	12,910	$	12,480

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leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

leases

Minimum lease payments under operating leases

As at December 31 (millions)	2017						2016
Years ending	Operating  leases with  arm’s-length  lessors 1		Operating  leases with  related party  lessors 2		Total		Operating  leases with  arm’s-length  lessors1		Operating  leases with  related party lessors 2		Total
1 year hence	$	218	$	6	$	224	$	211	$	6	$	217
2 years hence	191		12		203		192		6		198
3 years hence	169		13		182		171		12		183
4 years hence	147		13		160		147		13		160
5 years hence	122		13		135		125		13		138
Thereafter	534		208		742		599		220		819
	$	1,381	$	265	$	1,646	$	1,445	$	270	$	1,715

(1) Immaterial amounts for minimum lease receipts from sublet land and buildings have been netted against the minimum lease payments in this table. Minimum lease payments exclude occupancy costs and thus will differ from future amounts reported for operating lease expenses. As at December 31, 2017, commitments for occupancy costs under operating leases totalled $816 (2016 — $869).

(2) As set out in Note 21(c), we have entered into leases with the real estate joint ventures. This table includes 100% of the minimum lease payment amounts due under these leases; of the total, $109 (2016 — $112) is due to our economic interests in the real estate joint ventures and $156 (2016 — $158) is due to our partners’ economic interests in the real estate joint ventures.

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other long-term assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other long-term assets

Schedule of other long-term assets

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Pension assets	15(a)	$	156	$	358
Investments		41		62
Prepaid maintenance		57		62
Real estate joint venture advances	21(c)	47		21
Real estate joint ventures	21(c)	15		30
Other		105		107
		$	421	$	640

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real estate joint ventures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

real estate joint ventures

Schedule of real estate joint ventures financial information

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	$	20	$	15
Escrowed deposits for tenant inducements and liens	1		5
Sales contract deposits held by arm’s-length trustee	—		2
Other	4		6
Property under development — residential condominiums (subject to sales contracts)	—		13
	25		41
Non-current assets
Property under development — investment property	194		121
Investment property	256		261
	450		382
	$	475	$	423
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13	$	18
Sales contract deposits
Payable	—		3
Held by arm’s-length trustee	—		2
Current portion of 3.7% mortgage and senior secured 3.4% bonds	5		4
Construction holdback liabilities	10		7
	28		34
Non-current liabilities
Construction credit facilities	141		63
3.7% mortgage due September 2024	27		—
Senior secured 3.4% bonds due July 2025	208		213
	376		276
Liabilities	404		310
Owners’ equity
TELUS 1	29		48
Other partners	42		65
	71		113
	$	475	$	423

(1) The equity amounts recorded by the real estate joint ventures differ from those recorded by us by the amount of the deferred gains on our real estate contributed and the valuation provision we have recorded in excess of that recorded by one of the real estate joint ventures.

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017			2016
Revenue
From investment property	$	34		$	34
From sale of residential condominiums	$	19		$	262
Depreciation and amortization	$	8		$	8
Interest expense 1	$	8		$	10
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 2	$	(6	)	$	72

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2017, the real estate joint ventures capitalized $3 (2016 — $4) of financing costs.

(2) As the real estate joint ventures are partnerships, no provision for income taxes of the partners is made in determining the real estate joint ventures’ net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

Schedule of joint ventures investment activity

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017								2016
	Loans and receivables 1		Equity 2			Total			Loans and receivables 1			Equity 2			Total
Related to real estate joint ventures’ statements of income and other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us 3	$	—	$	2		$	2		$	—		$	33		$	33
Related to real estate joint ventures’ statements of financial position
Items not affecting currently reported cash flows
Recognition of gain initially deferred on our real estate initially contributed	—		1			1			—			8			8
Construction credit facilities financing costs charged by us and other (Note 7)	—		—			—			1			—			1
Cash flows in the current reporting period
Construction credit facilities
Amounts advanced	26		—			26			33			—			33
Amounts repaid	—		—			—			(63		)	—			(63		)
Financing costs paid to us	—		—			—			(1		)	—			(1		)
Repayment of funds advanced	—		—			—			(18		)	—			(18		)
Funds repaid to us and earnings distributed	—		(18		)	(18		)	—			(21		)	(21		)
Net increase (decrease)	26		(15		)	11			(48		)	20			(28		)
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Balance, beginning of period	21		30			51			69			25			94
Valuation provision	—		—			—			—			(15		)	(15		)
Balance, end of period	$	47	$	15		$	62		$	21		$	30		$	51

(1) Loans and receivables are included in our Consolidated statements of financial position as Real estate joint venture advances and are comprised of advances under construction credit facilities (see (d)) and, prior to its repayment during the year ended December 31, 2016, an $18 mortgage on the TELUS Garden residential condominium tower.

(2) We account for our interests in the real estate joint ventures using the equity method of accounting.

(3) As the real estate joint ventures are partnerships, no provision for income taxes of the partners is made in determining the real estate joint ventures’ net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss); provision for income taxes is made in determining the comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us.

Schedule of construction credit facility

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Construction credit facilities commitment — TELUS Corporation
Undrawn	4(c)	$	67	$	93
Advances		47		21
		114		114
Construction credit facilities commitment — other		228		228
		$	342	$	342

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accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Accrued liabilities	$	1,066	$	1,013
Payroll and other employee-related liabilities	403		460
Restricted stock units liability	66		55
	1,535		1,528
Trade accounts payable	717		578
Interest payable	147		144
Other	61		80
	$	2,460	$	2,330

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advance billings and customer deposits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

advance billings and customer deposits

Disclosure of advance billings and customer accounts

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Advance billings	$	747	$	697
Deferred customer activation and connection fees	13		17
Customer deposits	21		15
Regulatory deferral accounts	1		8
	$	782	$	737

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provisions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

provisions

Disclosure of other provisions

(millions)	Asset retirement obligation			Employee- related			Written put options			Other			Total
As at January 1, 2016	$	377		$	109		$	46		$	98		$	630
Additions 1	15			113			17			54			199
Use	(9		)	(141		)	(54		)	(41		)	(245		)
Reversal	—			(4		)	—			(8		)	(12		)
Interest effect 2	(44		)	—			1			—			(43		)
Foreign exchange effects	—			—			(10		)	—			(10		)
As at December 31, 2016	339			77			—			103			519
Additions 1	13			39			71			58			181
Use	(6		)	(75		)	—			(40		)	(121		)
Reversal 3	(53		)	(5		)	(11		)	(1		)	(70		)
Interest effect 2	58			—			2			—			60
Foreign exchange effects	—			—			1			—			1
As at December 31, 2017	$	351		$	36		$	63		$	120		$	570
Current	$	11		$	76		$	—		$	37		$	124
Non-current	328			1			—			66			395
As at December 31, 2016	$	339		$	77		$	—		$	103		$	519
Current	$	6		$	35		$	—		$	37		$	78
Non-current	345			1			63			83			492
As at December 31, 2017	$	351		$	36		$	63		$	120		$	570

(1) Employee-related additions are net of share-based compensation of $(7) (2016 — $4).

(2) The difference of $47 (2016 — $(55)) between the interest effect in this table and the amount disclosed in Note 9 is in respect of the change in the discount rates applicable to the provision, such difference being included in the cost of the associated asset(s) by way of being included with (netted against) the additions detailed in Note 17.

(3) The written put option reversal is an adjustment to the Voxpro Limited purchase price allocation disclosed in Note 18(b).

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long-term debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

long-term debt

Schedule of details of long-term debt

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
TELUS Corporation notes	(b)	$	11,561	$	11,367
TELUS Corporation commercial paper	(c)	1,140		613
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures	(e)	620		619
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility	(f)	339		332
Long-term debt		$	13,660	$	12,931
Current		$	1,404	$	1,327
Non-current		12,256		11,604
Long-term debt		$	13,660	$	12,931

Schedule of long-term debt maturities

Long-term debt denominated in	Canadian dollars		U.S. dollars
					Derivative liability
Years ending December 31 (millions)	Debt		Debt		(Receive) 1			Pay		Total		Total
2018	$	250	$	1,147	$	(1,144	)	$	1,160	$	1,163	$	1,413
2019	1,000		8		—			—		8		1,008
2020	1,000		8		—			—		8		1,008
2021	1,075		8		—			—		8		1,083
2022	1,249		316		—			—		316		1,565
Thereafter	6,325		1,380		(1,380		)	1,460		1,460		7,785
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	10,899		2,867		(2,524		)	2,620		2,963		13,862
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs 2	5,506		490		(431		)	449		508		6,014
Undiscounted contractual maturities (Note 4(c))	$	16,405	$	3,357	$	(2,955	)	$	3,069	$	3,471	$	19,876

(1) Where applicable, principal-related cash flows reflect foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2017.

(2) Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs for commercial paper and amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) have been calculated based upon the rates in effect at December 31, 2017.

TELUS Corporation notes

long-term debt

Schedule of details of long-term debt

							Principal face amount				Redemption present value spread
Series 1	Issued	Maturity	Issue price		Effective interest rate 2		Originally issued		Outstanding at financial statement date		Basis points	Cessation date
4.95% Notes, Series CD	March 2007	March 2017	$	999.53	4.96	%	$	700 million	$	NIL	24 3	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CG 4	December 2009	December 2019	$	994.19	5.13	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	45.5 3	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CH 4	July 2010	July 2020	$	997.44	5.08	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	47 3	N/A
3.35% Notes, Series CJ 4	December 2012	March 2023	$	998.83	3.36	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	40 5	Dec. 15, 2022
3.35% Notes, Series CK 4	April 2013	April 2024	$	994.35	3.41	%	$	1.1 billion	$	1.1 billion	36 5	Jan. 2, 2024
4.40% Notes, Series CL 4	April 2013	April 2043	$	997.68	4.41	%	$	600 million	$	600 million	47 5	Oct. 1, 2042
3.60% Notes, Series CM 4	November 2013	January 2021	$	997.15	3.65	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	35 3	N/A
5.15% Notes, Series CN 4	November 2013	November 2043	$	995.00	5.18	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	50 5	May 26, 2043
3.20% Notes, Series CO 4	April 2014	April 2021	$	997.39	3.24	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	30 5	Mar. 5, 2021
4.85% Notes, Series CP 4	Multiple 6	April 2044	$	987.91 6	4.93	%  6	$	500 million 6	$	900 million 6	46 5	Oct. 5, 2043
3.75% Notes, Series CQ 4	September 2014	January 2025	$	997.75	3.78	%	$	800 million	$	800 million	38.5 5	Oct. 17, 2024
4.75% Notes, Series CR 4	September 2014	January 2045	$	992.91	4.80	%	$	400 million	$	400 million	51.5 5	July 17, 2044
1.50% Notes, Series CS 4	March 2015	March 2018	$	999.62	1.51	%	$	250 million	$	250 million	N/A 7	N/A
2.35% Notes, Series CT 4	March 2015	March 2022	$	997.31	2.39	%	$	1.0 billion	$	1.0 billion	35.5 5	Feb. 28, 2022
4.40% Notes, Series CU 4	March 2015	January 2046	$	999.72	4.40	%	$	500 million	$	500 million	60.5 5	July 29, 2045
3.75% Notes, Series CV 4	December 2015	March 2026	$	992.14	3.84	%	$	600 million	$	600 million	53.5 5	Dec. 10, 2025
2.80% U.S. Dollar Notes 4, 8	September 2016	February 2027	US$991.89		2.89	%	US$600 million		US$600 million		20 9	Nov. 16, 2026
3.70% U.S. Dollar Notes 4, 10	March 2017	September 2027	US$998.95		3.71	%	US$500 million		US$500 million		20 9	June 15, 2027
4.70% Notes, Series CW 4	March 2017	March 2048	$	990.65	4.76	%	$	325 million	$	325 million	58.5 5	Sept. 6, 2047

(1) Interest is payable semi-annually.

(2) The effective interest rate is that which the notes would yield to an initial debt holder if held to maturity.

(3) The notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption.

(4) This series of notes requires us to make an offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase upon the occurrence of a change in control triggering event, as defined in the supplemental trust indenture.

(5) At any time prior to the respective maturity dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread calculated over the period to maturity, other than in the case of the Series CT and Series CU notes, where it is calculated over the period to the redemption present value spread cessation date, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption. On or after the respective redemption present value spread cessation dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole but not in part, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, at redemption prices equal to 100% of the principal amounts thereof.

(6) $500 million of 4.85% Notes, Series CP were issued in April 2014 at an issue price of $998.74 and an effective interest rate of 4.86%. This series of notes was reopened in December 2015 and a further $400 million of notes were issued at an issue price of $974.38 and an effective interest rate of 5.02%.

(7) The notes are not redeemable at our option, other than in the event of certain changes in tax laws.

(8) We have entered into a foreign exchange derivative (a cross currency interest rate exchange agreement) which effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with a fixed interest rate of 2.95% and an issued and outstanding amount of $792 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3205).

(9) At any time prior to the respective maturity dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the notes discounted at the U.S. Adjusted Treasury Rate plus the redemption present value spread calculated over the period to the redemption present value spread cessation date, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption. On or after the respective redemption present value spread cessation dates set out in the table, the notes are redeemable at our option, in whole but not in part, on not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, at redemption prices equal to 100% of the principal amounts thereof.

(10) We have entered into a foreign exchange derivative (a cross currency interest rate exchange agreement) which effectively converted the principal payments and interest obligations to Canadian dollar obligations with a fixed interest rate of 3.41% and an issued and outstanding amount of $667 million (reflecting a fixed exchange rate of $1.3348).

TELUS Corporation credit facility

long-term debt

Schedule of details of long-term debt

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Net available	$	1,110	$	1,637
Backstop of commercial paper	1,140		613
Gross available	$	2,250	$	2,250

TELUS Communications Inc. debentures

long-term debt

Schedule of details of long-term debt

					Principal face amount				Redemption present value spread
Series 1	Issued	Maturity	Issue price		Originally issued		Outstanding at financial statement date		Basis points
10.65% Debentures, Series 3	June 1991	June 2021	$	998.00	$	175 million	$	175 million	N/A (non-redeemable)
9.65% Debentures, Series 5 2	April 1992	April 2022	$	972.00	$	150 million	$	249 million	N/A (non-redeemable)
8.80% Debentures, Series B	September 1995	September 2025	$	995.10	$	200 million	$	200 million	15 3

(1) Interest is payable semi-annually.

(2) Series 4 Debentures were exchangeable, at the holder’s option, effective on April 8 of any year during the four-year period from 1996 to 1999, for Series 5 Debentures; $99 million of Series 4 Debentures were exchanged for Series 5 Debentures.

(3) At any time prior to the maturity date set out in the table, the debentures are redeemable at our option, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on not less than 30 days’ prior notice. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (i) the present value of the debentures discounted at the Government of Canada yield plus the redemption present value spread, or (ii) 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the date fixed for redemption.

TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility

long-term debt

Schedule of details of long-term debt

As at December 31 (millions)	2017						2016
	Revolving component		Term loan component		Total		Revolving component		Term loan component		Total
Available	US$	193	US$	N/A	US$	193	US$	72	US$	N/A	US$	72
Outstanding		157		119		276		43		210		253
	US$	350	US$	119	US$	469	US$	115	US$	210	US$	325

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other long-term liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

other long-term liabilities

Schedule of other long-term liabilities

As at December 31 (millions)	Note	2017		2016
Pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities	15(a)	$	537	$	484
Deferred revenues		81		72
Restricted stock unit and deferred share unit liabilities		68		62
Derivative liabilities		76		21
Other		67		73
		829		712
Deferred customer activation and connection fees		18		24
		$	847	$	736

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Common Share capital (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Common Share capital

Schedule of authorized share capital

As at December 31	2017	2016
First Preferred Shares	1 billion	1 billion
Second Preferred Shares	1 billion	1 billion
Common Shares	2 billion	2 billion

Schedule of purchase of Common Shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bid

	2016
Year ended December 31 (millions except footnote amounts)	Common Shares	Cost
Normal course issuer bid period:
September 15, 2015 — September 14, 2016	3	$	130
September 30, 2016 — September 29, 2017 1	1	35
Total excluding employee benefit plan trust transactions	4	165
Employee benefit plan trust transactions	—	4
	4	$	169

(1) In November 2017, we received approval for a normal course issuer bid to purchase and cancel up to 8 million of our Common Shares (up to a maximum amount of $250 million) from November 13, 2017, to November 12, 2018. Additionally, we may enter into an automatic share purchase plan with a broker for the purpose of permitting us to purchase our Common Shares under the normal course issuer bid at times when we would not be permitted to trade in our own Common Shares during internal blackout periods, including during regularly scheduled quarterly blackout periods. Such purchases are determined by the broker in its sole discretion based on parameters we have established. We record a liability and charge share capital and retained earnings for purchases that may occur during such blackout periods based upon the parameters of the normal course issuer bid as at the statement of financial position date.

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related party transactions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

related party transactions

Summary of transactions with key management personnel

Years ended December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Short-term benefits	$	12	$	12
Post-employment pension 1 and other benefits	4		7
Share-based compensation 2	34		35
	$	50	$	54

(1) Our Executive Leadership Team members are either members of our Pension Plan for Management and Professional Employees of TELUS Corporation and non-registered, non-contributory supplementary defined benefit pension plans, or members of one of our defined contribution pension plans.

(2) For the year ended December 31, 2017, share-based compensation expense was net of $4 (2016 — $2) of the effects of derivatives used to manage share-based compensation costs (Note 14(b)). For the year ended December 31, 2017, share-based compensation expense (recovery) of $(7) (2016 — $4) was included in restructuring costs (Note 16).

Years ended December 31	2017					2016
($ in millions)	Number of restricted stock units	Notional value 1		Grant-date fair value 1		Number of restricted stock units	Notional value 1		Grant-date fair value 1
Awarded in period	686,595	$	30	$	30	585,759	$	23	$	15

(1) Notional value is determined by multiplying the Common Share price at the time of award by the number of units awarded. The grant-date fair value differs from the notional value because the fair values of some awards have been determined using a Monte Carlo simulation (see Note 14(b)).

As at December 31 (millions)	2017		2016
Restricted stock units	$	40	$	25
Deferred share units 1	24		32
	$	64	$	57

(1) Our Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan provides that, in addition to his or her annual equity grant of deferred share units, a director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer and meeting fees in deferred share units, Common Shares or cash. Deferred share units entitle directors to a specified number of, or a cash payment based on the value of, our Common Shares. Deferred share units are paid out when a director ceases to be a director, for any reason, at a time elected by the director in accordance with the Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan; during the year ended December 31, 2017, $14 (2016 — $4) was paid out.

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additional statement of cash flow information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

additional statement of cash flow information

Schedule of operating activities and investing activities

Years ended December 31 (millions)	Note	2017			2016
Net change in non-cash operating working capital
Accounts receivable		$	(70	)	$	(45	)
Inventories		(60		)	42
Prepaid expenses		(27		)	(20		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		126			126
Income and other taxes receivable and payable, net		(90		)	(128		)
Advance billings and customer deposits		38			(28		)
Provisions		(59		)	(18		)
		$	(142	)	$	(71	)
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences
Capital asset additions, excluding spectrum licences
Gross capital expenditures
Property, plant and equipment	17	$	(2,486	)	$	(2,358	)
Intangible assets	18	(617		)	(629		)
		(3,103		)	(2,987		)
Additions arising from non-monetary transactions		9			19
Capital expenditures		(3,094		)	(2,968		)
Asset retirement obligations netted (included) in additions		(7		)	40
		(3,101		)	(2,928		)
Other non-cash items included above
Change in associated non-cash investing working capital		(27		)	231
Non-cash change in asset retirement obligation		47			(55		)
		20			176
		$	(3,081	)	$	(2,752	)

Schedule of changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

				Year ended December 31, 2016														Year ended December 31, 2017
				Statement of cash flows						Non-cash changes								Statement of cash flows						Non-cash changes
(millions)	As at January 1, 2016			Issued or received			Redemptions, repayments or payments			Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))			Other			As at December 31, 2016		Issued or received			Redemptions, repayments or payments			Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))			Other			As at December 31, 2017
Dividends payable to holders of Common Shares	$	263		$	—		$	(1,070	)	$	—		$	1,091		$	284	$	—		$	(1,152	)	$	—		$	1,167		$	299
Dividends reinvested in shares from Treasury	—			—			—			—			—			—		—			70			—			(70		)	—
	$	263		$	—		$	(1,070	)	$	—		$	1,091		$	284	$	—		$	(1,082	)	$	—		$	1,097		$	299
Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation 1	$	10		$	—		$	(179	)	$	—		$	169		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Short-term borrowings	$	100		$	3		$	(3	)	$	—		$	—		$	100	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	100
Long-term debt
TELUS Corporation notes	$	11,164		$	785		$	(600	)	$	19		$	(1	)	$	11,367	$	990		$	(700	)	$	(91	)	$	(5	)	$	11,561
TELUS Corporation commercial paper	256			4,568			(4,181		)	(30		)	—			613		5,295			(4,710		)	(58		)	—			1,140
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures	618			—			—			—			1			619		—			—			—			1			620
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility	—			373			(42		)	9			(8		)	332		82			(56		)	(20		)	1			339
Derivatives used to manage currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt — liability (asset)	(14		)	4,181			(4,201		)	11			43			20		4,710			(4,746		)	149			(40		)	93
	12,024			9,907			(9,024		)	9			35			12,951		11,077			(10,212		)	(20		)	(43		)	13,753
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of derivatives used to manage currency risk arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt	—			(4,181		)	4,181			—			—			—		(4,710		)	4,710			—			—			—
	$	12,024		$	5,726		$	(4,843	)	$	9		$	35		$	12,951	$	6,367		$	(5,502	)	$	(20	)	$	(43	)	$	13,753
Issue of shares by subsidiary to non-controlling interest
Gross proceeds on share issuance				$	302		$	—		$	—		$	(302	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Transaction costs				—			(8		)	—			12			4		—			(1		)	—			—			3
Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus 2				—			—			—			47			47		—			—			—			(3		)	44
				302			(8		)	—			(243		)	51		—			(1		)	—			(3		)	47
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of transaction costs				(8		)	8			—			—			—		—			—			—			—			—
				$	294		$	—		$	—		$	(243	)	$	51	$	—		$	(1	)	$	—		$	(3	)	$	47

(1) Normal course issuer bid transactions, including employee benefit plan trust transactions (see Note 28(b)).

(2) Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus were comprised of a current income tax charge of $(3) (2016 — $50) and a deferred income tax recovery of $NIL (2016 — $3).

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summary of significant accounting policies - Other (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidation
Change in ownership interests of subsidiary		CAD 243
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from multiple element arrangements (as a percent)	0.667
Maximum
Use of estimates and judgements
Direct costs as a percentage of operating expenses included in the segment performance measure	50.00%
Revenue Recognition
Deferral account liability amortization period	3 years
TELUS Communications Inc.
Consolidation
Per cent ownership	100.00%
TELUS International (Cda) Inc.
Consolidation
Change in ownership interests of subsidiary		CAD 302
Non-controlling interest per cent		35.00%
Per cent of net book value		35.00%

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summary of significant accounting policies - Useful lives property, plant and equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Composite depreciation rate	5.00%	5.00%
Outside plant | Minimum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	17 years
Outside plant | Maximum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	40 years
Inside plant | Minimum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	4 years
Inside plant | Maximum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	25 years
Wireless site equipment | Minimum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	5 years
Wireless site equipment | Maximum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	7 years
Other | Minimum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	3 years
Other | Maximum
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Useful lives	40 years

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summary of significant accounting policies - Useful lives intangible assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Wireline subscriber base
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	25 years
Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests | Minimum
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	4 years
Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests | Maximum
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	10 years
Software | Minimum
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	2 years
Software | Maximum
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	10 years
Access to rights-of-way and other | Minimum
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	5 years
Access to rights-of-way and other | Maximum
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
Estimated useful lives of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill	30 years

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summary of significant accounting policies - Inventories (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory
Wireless handsets, parts and accessories	CAD 320	CAD 266
Costs of goods	CAD 1,950	CAD 1,840

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accounting policy developments - Impacts of application of IFRS 15, Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (Details) - CAD CAD / shares in Units, CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	CAD 12,478	CAD 12,000
Equipment	724	725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13,202	12,725
Other operating income	102	74
Total	13,304	12,799
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	5,935	5,631
Employee benefits expense	2,595	2,939
Depreciation	1,617	1,564
Amortization of intangible assets	552	483
Total	10,699	10,617
OPERATING INCOME	2,605	2,182
Financing costs	573	520
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,032	1,662
Income taxes	553	426
NET INCOME	1,479	1,236
Other comprehensive income	(159)	(15)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	1,320	1,221
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	1,460	1,223
Non-controlling interests	19	13
NET INCOME	1,479	1,236
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	1,297	1,206
Non-controlling interests	23	15
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	CAD 1,320	CAD 1,221
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	CAD 2.46	CAD 2.06
Diluted	CAD 2.46	CAD 2.06
IFRS 15 effects
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	CAD (1,200)
Equipment	1,300
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	100
Total	100
OPERATING EXPENSES
OPERATING INCOME	100
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	100
NET INCOME	100
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	100
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	100
NET INCOME	100
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	100
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	CAD 100
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	CAD 0.15
Diluted	CAD 0.15
Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	CAD (1,200)
Equipment	1,300
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	CAD 100
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	CAD 0.11
Diluted	0.11
Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	0.04
Diluted	CAD 0.04
Pro forma
OPERATING REVENUES
Service	CAD 11,300
Equipment	2,000
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13,300
Other operating income	100
Total	13,400
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	5,900
Employee benefits expense	2,600
Depreciation	1,600
Amortization of intangible assets	600
Total	10,700
OPERATING INCOME	2,700
Financing costs	600
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,100
Income taxes	500
NET INCOME	1,600
Other comprehensive income	(200)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	1,400
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	1,600
NET INCOME	1,600
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	1,400
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	CAD 1,400
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	CAD 2.61
Diluted	CAD 2.61
Maximum | IFRS 15 effects
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	CAD 100
Employee benefits expense	100
Total	100
Income taxes	100
Maximum | Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	100
Income taxes	100
Maximum | Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased	100
Employee benefits expense	100
Income taxes	100
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Common Shares	100
Maximum | Pro forma
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Non-controlling interests	100
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Non-controlling interests	CAD 100

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accounting policy developments - Impacts of application of IFRS 15, Consolidated statements of financial position (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	CAD 509	CAD 400	CAD 432	CAD 223
Accounts receivable	1,623	1,500	1,471
Income and other taxes receivable	96		9
Inventories	378	300	318
Prepaid expenses	260	200	233
Total	2,884	2,400	2,474
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11,368	10,500	10,464
Intangible assets, net	10,658	10,400	10,364
Goodwill, net	4,217	3,800	3,787
Other long-term assets	421	600	640
Total	26,664	25,300	25,255
Total	29,548	27,700	27,729
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	100	100	100
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	2,460	2,400	2,330
Dividends payable	299	300	284
Advance billings and customer deposits	782	800	737
Provisions	78	100	124
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,404	1,300	1,327
Total	5,190	5,000	4,951
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	492	400	395
Long-term debt	12,256	11,600	11,604
Other long-term liabilities	847	700	736
Deferred income taxes	2,500	2,100	2,107
Total	16,095	14,800	14,842
Liabilities	21,285	19,800	19,793
Owners' equity	8,263	7,900	7,936	CAD 7,672
Total	29,548	27,700	CAD 27,729
IFRS 15 effects
Current assets
Contract assets	800	700
Prepaid expenses	200	200
Total	1,000	900
Non-current assets
Contract assets	400	300
Other long-term assets	100	100
Total	500	400
Total	1,500	1,300
Current liabilities
Advance billings and customer deposits	(100)	(200)
Total	(100)	(200)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred income taxes	400	400
Total	400	400
Liabilities	300	200
Owners' equity	1,200	1,100
Total	1,500	1,300
Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
Current assets
Contract assets	800	700
Non-current assets
Contract assets	400	300
Current liabilities
Advance billings and customer deposits	(100)	(200)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred income taxes	300	300
Owners' equity	1,000	900
Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer
Current assets
Prepaid expenses	200	200
Non-current assets
Other long-term assets	100	100
Non-current liabilities
Deferred income taxes	100	100
Owners' equity	200	200
Pro forma
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net	500	400
Accounts receivable	1,600	1,500
Income and other taxes receivable	100
Inventories	400	300
Contract assets	800	700
Prepaid expenses	500	400
Total	3,900	3,300
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	11,400	10,500
Intangible assets, net	10,600	10,400
Goodwill, net	4,200	3,800
Contract assets	400	300
Other long-term assets	500	700
Total	27,100	25,700
Total	31,000	29,000
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	100	100
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	2,400	2,400
Dividends payable	300	300
Advance billings and customer deposits	700	600
Provisions	100	100
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,400	1,300
Total	5,000	4,800
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	500	400
Long-term debt	12,300	11,600
Other long-term liabilities	800	700
Deferred income taxes	2,900	2,500
Total	16,500	15,200
Liabilities	21,500	20,000
Owners' equity	9,500	9,000
Total	31,000	29,000
Maximum | IFRS 15 effects
Current assets
Accounts receivable	100	100
Inventories	100	100
Maximum | Allocation of transaction price (affecting timing of revenue recognition)
Current assets
Accounts receivable	100	100
Inventories	CAD 100	CAD 100

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accounting policy developments - Impacts of application of IFRS 15, Consolidated statement of cash flows (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	CAD 1,479	CAD 1,236
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,169	2,047
Deferred income taxes	430	(42)
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	82	93
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(67)	(71)
Other	(21)	29
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(142)	(71)
Cash provided by operating activities	3,947	CAD 3,219
IFRS 15 effects
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	100
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(100)
Pro forma
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	1,600
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,200
Deferred income taxes	400
Net employee defined benefit plans expense	100
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans	(100)
Other	(100)
Net change in non-cash operating working capital	(200)
Cash provided by operating activities	3,900
Maximum | IFRS 15 effects
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	100
Other	CAD 100

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capital structure financial policies (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of debt and coverage ratios
Net debt	CAD 13,422	CAD 12,652
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs	4,913	4,708
Net interest cost	CAD 567	CAD 566
Debt ratio
Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs	2.73	2.69
Net debt to operating cash flow ratio maximum	4.00
Coverage ratios
Earnings coverage ratio	4.6	4.0
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage ratio	8.7	8.3
Calculation of net debt
Long-term debt	CAD 13,660	CAD 12,931
Debt issuance costs netted against long-term debt	73	67
Derivative (assets) liabilities, net	93	20
Accumulated other comprehensive income amounts arising from financial instruments used to manage interest rate and currency risks associated with U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt (excluding tax effects)	5	(34)
Cash and temporary investments, net	(509)	(432)	CAD (400)	CAD (223)
Short-term borrowings	100	100	CAD 100
Net debt	13,422	12,652
Calculation of EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs
EBITDA	4,774	4,229
Restructuring and other costs	139	479
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs	CAD 4,913	CAD 4,708
Changes in debt and coverage ratios
Net Debt To EBITDA Excluding Restructuring And Other Costs Ratio	2.73	2.69
Increase (decrease) in net debt to EBITDA ratio due to increase (decrease) in net debt	0.16
Increase (decrease) in net debt to EBITDA ratio due to (increase) decrease in EBITDA	(0.12)
Earnings Coverage Ratio	4.6	4.0
Increase (decrease) in earnings coverage ratio due to an (increase) decrease in borrowing costs	(0.1)
Increase (decrease) in earnings coverage ratio due to an increase (decrease) in income before borrowing costs and income taxes	0.7
Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation And Amortization Excluding Restructuring And Other Costs Interest Coverage Ratio	8.7	8.3
Increase (decrease) in EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs interest coverage ratio due to an increase (decrease) in EBITDA	0.4
Dividend payout ratio
Dividend payout ratio, (as a per cent)	80.00%	89.00%
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings, (as a per cent)	80.00%	77.00%
Calculation of adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares
Net income attributable to Common Shares	CAD 1,460	CAD 1,223
Gain and net equity income related to real estate redevelopment project, after income taxes	(1)	(16)
Gain on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, after income taxes		(13)
Provisions related to business combinations, after income taxes	(22)	15
Immediately vesting transformative compensation expense, after income taxes		224
Income tax-related adjustments	21	(17)
Adjusted net earnings attributable to Common Shares	CAD 1,458	CAD 1,416
Minimum
Debt ratio
Target Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs	2.00
Dividend payout ratio
Target dividend payout ratio, (as a per cent)	65.00%
Maximum
Debt ratio
Target Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other costs	2.50
Dividend payout ratio
Target dividend payout ratio, (as a per cent)	75.00%

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financial instruments - Credit risk (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit risk
Maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk	CAD 2,156	CAD 1,920
Cash and temporary investments, net
Credit risk
Maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk	509	432
Customer accounts receivable
Credit risk
Maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk	1,623	1,471
Derivatives
Credit risk
Maximum exposure (excluding income tax effects) to credit risk	CAD 24	CAD 17

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financial instruments - Accounts receivable (Details) - Customer accounts receivable - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit risk
Weighted average age of receivables	26 days	26 days
Weighted average age of past-due receivables	60 days	61 days
Receivable account balances	CAD 1,178	CAD 1,163
Written off amounts charged to allowance for doubtful accounts still subject to enforcement	298	231
Summary of activity related to allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance, beginning of period	54	52
Additions (doubtful accounts expense)	54	58
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(66)	(65)
Other	1	9
Balance, end of period	43	54
Less than 30 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	904	897
30-60 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	177	176
61-90 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	52	35
More than 90 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	45	55
Cost/Gross amount
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	1,221	1,217
Cost/Gross amount | Less than 30 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	909	908
Cost/Gross amount | 30-60 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	185	185
Cost/Gross amount | 61-90 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	60	44
Cost/Gross amount | More than 90 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	67	80
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	(43)	(54)
Allowance for doubtful accounts | Less than 30 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	(5)	(11)
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 30-60 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	(8)	(9)
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 61-90 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	(8)	(9)
Allowance for doubtful accounts | More than 90 days past billing date
Credit risk
Receivable account balances	CAD (22)	CAD (25)

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financial instruments - Liquidity risk (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liquidity risk
Total	CAD 22,459	CAD 21,221
Debt or equity securities pursuant to a shelf prospectus expiring April, 2018
Liquidity risk
Debt or equity securities that may be offered pursuant to a shelf prospectus	1,200
Debt or equity securities pursuant to a shelf prospectus expiring December, 2016
Liquidity risk
Debt or equity securities that may be offered pursuant to a shelf prospectus		2,200
Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	2,401	2,215
Short-term borrowings
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	103	103
Construction credit facilities commitment
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	67	93
Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	19,762	18,822
Composite long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Total	19,876
Other
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, derivative liabilities		3
First year
Liquidity risk
Total	4,360	3,872
First year | Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	2,232	1,949
First year | Short-term borrowings
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	103	1
First year | Construction credit facilities commitment
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	67	93
First year | Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	1,928	1,832
First year | Other
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, derivative liabilities		3
2 years hence
Liquidity risk
Total	1,573	1,079
2 years hence | Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	40	227
2 years hence | Short-term borrowings
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities		102
2 years hence | Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	1,531	750
3 years hence
Liquidity risk
Total	1,501	1,514
3 years hence | Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	19	16
3 years hence | Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	1,480	1,498
4 years hence
Liquidity risk
Total	1,558	1,456
4 years hence | Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	76	9
4 years hence | Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	1,480	1,447
5 years hence
Liquidity risk
Total	1,933	1,720
5 years hence | Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	18	9
5 years hence | Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	1,913	1,711
Thereafter
Liquidity risk
Total	11,534	11,580
Thereafter | Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	16	5
Thereafter | Long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Contractual maturities, non-derivative liabilities	11,430	11,584
Currency risk related to long-term debt | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(2,955)	(1,656)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	3,069	1,647
Currency risk related to long-term debt | Composite long-term debt
Liquidity risk
Total	19,876	18,813
Currency risk related to long-term debt | First year | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(1,188)	(634)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	1,206	634
Currency risk related to long-term debt | 2 years hence | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(44)	(23)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	46	23
Currency risk related to long-term debt | 3 years hence | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(44)	(23)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	46	23
Currency risk related to long-term debt | 4 years hence | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(44)	(23)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	46	23
Currency risk related to long-term debt | 5 years hence | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(44)	(23)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	46	23
Currency risk related to long-term debt | Thereafter | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(1,591)	(930)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	1,679	921
Currency risk related to foreign currency transactions | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(545)	(475)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	557	469
Currency risk related to foreign currency transactions | First year | Currency swap agreement
Liquidity risk
Amounts to be exchanged, (Receive)	(545)	(475)
Amounts to be exchanged, Pay	CAD 557	CAD 469

XML

financial instruments - Currency risk (Details) - U.S. Dollars	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Minimum
Currency risk
Exposure to exchange rate fluctuations that is hedged (as a percent)	50.00%
Maximum
Currency risk
Exposure to exchange rate fluctuations that is hedged (as a percent)	75.00%

XML

financial instruments - Market risks (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. Dollars | Currency risk
Market risks
Percentage of reasonably possible changes in market risk variable	10.00%	10.00%
Net income sensitivity to increase in risk variable	CAD (1)	CAD (1)
Other comprehensive income sensitivity to increase in risk variable	(15)	(4)
Comprehensive income sensitivity to increase in risk variable	(16)	(5)
Net income sensitivity to decrease in risk variable	1	1
Other comprehensive income sensitivity to decrease in risk variable	15	6
Comprehensive income sensitivity to decrease in risk variable	CAD 16	CAD 7
Equity contributed, Common shares
Market risks
Data period for share price volatility	12 months	12 months
Share price volatility for sensitivity analysis (as a per cent)	7.00%	13.10%
Equity contributed, Common shares | Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs
Market risks
Percentage of reasonably possible changes in market risk variable	25.00%	25.00%
Net income sensitivity to increase in risk variable	CAD (8)	CAD (8)
Other comprehensive income sensitivity to increase in risk variable	13	16
Comprehensive income sensitivity to increase in risk variable	5	8
Net income sensitivity to decrease in risk variable	14	8
Other comprehensive income sensitivity to decrease in risk variable	(13)	(16)
Comprehensive income sensitivity to decrease in risk variable	CAD 1	CAD (8)

XML

financial instruments - Fair values (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Long-term debt	CAD 13,660	CAD 12,931
Measured at amortized cost but fair value disclosed
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Long-term debt	14,255	13,533
Carrying value
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets	65	79
Liabilities	109	33
Carrying value | Foreign exchange derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets	4	10
Carrying value | Share-based compensation derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets	20	7
Carrying value | Available-for-sale portfolio investments
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets	41	62
Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets	65	79
Liabilities at fair value	109	33
Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis | Foreign exchange derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets at fair value	4	10
Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis | Share-based compensation derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets at fair value	20	7
Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis | Available-for-sale portfolio investments
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Assets at fair value	41	62
Foreign exchange derivatives | Carrying value
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Liabilities	108	30
Foreign exchange derivatives | Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Liabilities at fair value	108	30
Share-based compensation derivatives | Carrying value
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Liabilities		3
Share-based compensation derivatives | Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Liabilities at fair value		CAD 3
Starting interest rate derivatives | Carrying value
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Liabilities	1
Starting interest rate derivatives | Significant other observable inputs | Measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Liabilities at fair value	CAD 1

XML

financial instruments - Derivatives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD CAD / $	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD CAD / $
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Current Assets, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 18,000,000	CAD 11,000,000
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 33,000,000	CAD 12,000,000
Derivatives | HFH
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Hedge ratio	100.00%	100.00%
Current Asset derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Current Assets, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 18,000,000	CAD 11,000,000
Current Asset derivatives | Currency risk related to purchases | HFH | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	2017
Current Assets, Notional amount	CAD 110,000,000	CAD 263,000,000
Current Assets, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 2,000,000	CAD 7,000,000
Rate | CAD / $	1.24	1.30
Current Asset derivatives | Currency risk related to purchases | HFT | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	-	2017
Current Assets, Notional amount		CAD 8,000,000
Rate | CAD / $		1.28
Current Asset derivatives | Currency risk related to revenues | HFT | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	2017
Current Assets, Notional amount	CAD 71,000,000	CAD 4,000,000
Current Assets, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 1,000,000
Rate | CAD / $	1.25	1.34
Current Asset derivatives | Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs | HFH
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	2017
Current Assets, Notional amount	CAD 73,000,000	CAD 6,000,000
Current Assets, Fair value and carrying value	14,000,000	1,000,000
Price	CAD 40.91	CAD 41.00
Current Asset derivatives | Currency risk related to long-term debt | HFH | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	2017
Current Assets, Notional amount	CAD 124,000,000	CAD 191,000,000
Current Assets, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 1,000,000	CAD 3,000,000
Rate | CAD / $	1.24	1.32
Other Long-Term Asset derivatives | Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs | HFH
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2019	2018
Price	CAD 45.46	CAD 40.77
Other Long-Term Assets, Notional amount	63,000,000	69,000,000
Other Long-Term Assets, Fair value and carrying value	6,000,000	6,000,000
Current Liabilities derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 33,000,000	CAD 12,000,000
Current Liabilities derivatives | Currency risk related to purchases | HFH | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	2017
Rate | CAD / $	1.30	1.38
Current Liabilities, Notional amount	CAD 376,000,000	CAD 69,000,000
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 14,000,000	CAD 2,000,000
Current Liabilities derivatives | Currency risk related to revenues | HFT | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	-	2017
Rate | CAD / $		1.34
Current Liabilities, Notional amount		CAD 124,000,000
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value		CAD 5,000,000
Current Liabilities derivatives | Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs | HFH
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	-	2017
Price		CAD 45.76
Current Liabilities, Notional amount		65,000,000
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value		CAD 3,000,000
Current Liabilities derivatives | Currency risk related to long-term debt | HFH | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	2017
Rate | CAD / $	1.28	1.35
Current Liabilities, Notional amount	CAD 1,036,000,000	CAD 422,000,000
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 18,000,000	CAD 2,000,000
Current Liabilities derivatives | Interest rate risk | HFH | GOC 2.14% 10-year term note
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2018	-
Fixed interest rate	2.14%
Debt instrument term	10 years
Current Liabilities, Notional amount	CAD 300,000,000
Current Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 1,000,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities derivatives | Currency risk related to long-term debt | HFH | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Maximum maturity date	2027	2027
Rate | CAD / $	1.32	1.32
Other Long-Term Liabilities, Notional amount	CAD 1,910,000,000	CAD 1,036,000,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities, Fair value and carrying value	CAD 76,000,000	CAD 21,000,000

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financial instruments - Derivative gains and losses (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Currency risk
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	CAD (132)	CAD (66)
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	151	(29)
Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	24	19
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	(17)	(8)
Derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	(108)	(47)
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	(134)	(21)
Derivatives | Currency risk
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	(132)	(66)
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	(151)	(29)
Derivatives | Currency risk related to purchases | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	(23)	(12)
Derivatives | Currency risk related to purchases | U.S. Dollars | Goods and services purchased
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	(5)	(9)
Derivatives | Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	24	19
Derivatives | Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs | U.S. Dollars | Employee benefits expense
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	17	8
Derivatives held for hedging
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Ineffective portion of derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedging items	0	0
Derivatives held for hedging | Currency risk related to long-term debt | U.S. Dollars
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)	(109)	(54)
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)	(146)
Derivatives held for hedging | Currency risk related to long-term debt | U.S. Dollars | Financing costs
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income to income (effective portion)		(20)
Derivatives held for trading | Currency risk | Financing costs
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	CAD 3	CAD (2)

XML

segment information - Operating revenue (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating revenues
Service	CAD 12,478	CAD 12,000
Equipment	724	725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13,202	12,725
Other operating income	102	74
Total	13,304	12,799
EBITDA	4,774	4,229
Wireless
Operating revenues
Service	6,994	6,569
Equipment	505	509
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	7,499	7,078
Other operating income	36	37
Total external revenues	7,535	7,115
Intersegment revenues	43	58
Total	7,578	7,173
EBITDA	3,099	2,906
CAPEX, excluding spectrum licenses	978	982
Wireline
Operating revenues
Service	5,484	5,431
Equipment	219	216
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	5,703	5,647
Other operating income	66	37
Total external revenues	5,769	5,684
Intersegment revenues	206	194
Total	5,975	5,878
EBITDA	1,675	1,323
CAPEX, excluding spectrum licenses	2,116	1,986
Consolidated
Operating revenues
Service	12,478	12,000
Equipment	724	725
Revenues arising from contracts with customers	13,202	12,725
Other operating income	102	74
Total external revenues	13,304	12,799
Total	13,304	12,799
EBITDA	4,774	4,229
CAPEX, excluding spectrum licenses	3,094	2,968
Eliminations
Operating revenues
Intersegment revenues	(249)	(252)
Total	CAD (249)	CAD (252)

XML

segment information - Income before income taxes (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income before income taxes
Operating revenues external	CAD 13,304	CAD 12,799
Goods and services purchased	5,935	5,631
Employee benefits expense	2,595	2,939
EBITDA	4,774	4,229
Depreciation	1,617	1,564
Amortization	552	483
Operating income	2,605	2,182
Financing costs	573	520
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	CAD 2,032	CAD 1,662

XML

revenue from contracts with customers (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
revenue from contracts with customers
Customer accounts receivable	CAD 1,221		CAD 1,217
Accrued receivables - customer	143		131
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(43)		(54)
Total	1,321		1,294
Accrued receivables - other	302		177
Total	CAD 1,623	CAD 1,500	CAD 1,471

XML

other operating income (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
other operating income
Government assistance, including deferral account amortization		CAD 32	CAD 36
Investment income, gain on disposal of assets and other		44	37
Change in business combination-related accrued receivable		26
Interest income			1
Total		102	74
Subsidy receipts		CAD 19	20
Contribution expense rate		0.60%
Interim contribution expense rate	0.54%
Contributions to the central fund		CAD 27	23
Quebec employment positions tax credit		CAD 7	CAD 6

XML

employee benefits expense (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Employee benefits expense - gross
Wages and salaries	CAD 2,594	CAD 2,733
Share-based compensation	128	181
Pensions - defined benefit	82	92
Pensions - defined contribution	88	130
Other defined benefits		1
Restructuring costs	26	112
Other	156	165
Total	3,074	3,414
Capitalized internal labour costs
Property, plant and equipment	(321)	(314)
Intangible assets subject to amortization	(158)	(161)
Total	(479)	(475)
Net	2,595	2,939
Restructuring
Employee benefits expense - gross
Share-based compensation	CAD (7)	4
Traditional
Employee benefits expense - gross
Wages and salaries		2,548
Share-based compensation		114
Pensions - defined benefit		92
Pensions - defined contribution		89
Other defined benefits		1
Restructuring costs		112
Other		153
Total		3,109
Capitalized internal labour costs
Property, plant and equipment		(314)
Intangible assets subject to amortization		(161)
Total		(475)
Net		2,634
Transformative compensation
Employee benefits expense - gross
Wages and salaries		185
Share-based compensation		67
Pensions - defined contribution		41
Other		12
Total		305
Capitalized internal labour costs
Net		CAD 305

XML

financing costs (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest expense
Interest on long-term debt - gross	CAD 561	CAD 538
Capitalized long-term debt interest		(52)
Interest on long-term debt - net	561	486
Interest on short-term borrowings and other	5	4
Interest accretion on provisions	13	12
Total	579	502
Employee defined benefit plans net interest	6	6
Foreign exchange	(5)	15
Total	580	523
Interest income	(7)	(3)
Net	CAD 573	CAD 520
Capitalized interest, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (as a per cent)	3.31%	3.31%

XML

income taxes - Expense composition (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current income tax expense
For the current reporting period	CAD 205	CAD 506
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(82)	(38)
Total	123	468
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Arising from the origination and reversal of temporary differences	324	(64)
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future statutory income tax rates	28	(4)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	78	26
Total	430	(42)
Income taxes	CAD 553	CAD 426

XML

income taxes - Rate reconciliations (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
Income taxes calculated at applicable statutory rates	CAD 541	CAD 444
Revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future statutory income tax rates	28	(4)
Adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods	(4)	(12)
Other	(12)	(2)
Income taxes	CAD 553	CAD 426
Applicable statutory rate (as a per cent)	26.60%	26.70%
Tax rate effect for revaluation of deferred income tax liability to reflect future income tax rates (as a per cent)	1.30%	(0.20%)
Tax rate effect for adjustments recognized in the current period for income taxes of prior periods (as a per cent)	(0.20%)	(0.80%)
Tax rate effect for other (as a per cent)	(0.50%)	(0.10%)
Tax rate for Income tax expense per Consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (as a per cent)	27.20%	25.60%

XML

income taxes - Temporary differences (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	CAD 2,102	CAD 2,155
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	430	(42)
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income	(57)	(6)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners' equity and other	20	(5)
Balance at end of period	2,495	2,102
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities	2,500	2,107	CAD 2,100
Deferred tax assets	5	5
Property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	870	785
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	348	85
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners' equity and other	3
Balance at end of period	1,221	870
Intangible assets with indefinite lives
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	1,457	1,380
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	84	77
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners' equity and other	20
Balance at end of period	1,561	1,457
Partnership income unallocated for income tax purposes
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	(5)	195
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	5	(200)
Balance at end of period		(5)
Net pension and share-based compensation amounts
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	(48)	(45)
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	(11)	(7)
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income	(61)	4
Balance at end of period	(120)	(48)
Reserves not currently deductible
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	(148)	(160)
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	8	12
Balance at end of period	(140)	(148)
Losses available to be carried forward
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	(6)	(3)
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	(1)	(3)
Balance at end of period	(7)	(6)
Other
Reconciliation of temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	(18)	3
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Net income	(3)	(6)
Deferred income tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income	4	(10)
Deferred income taxes charged directly to owners' equity and other	(3)	(5)
Balance at end of period	CAD (20)	CAD (18)

XML

income taxes - Other (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital loss carry-forward
Other
Tax benefits recognized	CAD 4	CAD 0
Investment Tax Credits
Other
Tax benefits recognized	12	5
Property, plant, and equipment and/or intangible assets | Investment Tax Credits
Other
Tax benefits recognized	7	1
Forecast | Capital loss carry-forward
Other
Tax benefits recognized	CAD 0	CAD 4

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other comprehensive income (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Accumulated change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge balance beginning	CAD (20)
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, before tax	26	CAD (26)
Income tax relating to changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total	7	(6)
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, net	19	(20)
Accumulated change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge balance ending	(1)	(20)
Accumulated foreign currency translation balance beginning	48	43
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment, before tax	5	5
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment, net	5	5
Accumulated foreign currency translation balance ending	53	48
Accumulated available-for-sale financial assets balance beginning	16	16
Change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets, before tax	(13)
Income tax related to change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets	(2)
Change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets, net	(11)
Accumulated available-for-sale financial assets balance ending	5	16
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance beginning	44	59
Accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	18	(21)
Income tax relating to accumulated other comprehensive income	5	(6)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	13	(15)
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance ending	57	44
Item never reclassified to income
Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements, before tax	(234)
Income tax relating to employee defined benefit plan re-measurements	(62)
Employee defined benefit plans re-measurements, net	(172)	0
Other comp. income, before tax	(216)	(21)
Aggregated income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income	(57)	(6)
Total	(159)	(15)
Attributable to:
Accumulated other comprehensive income	44	59
Currency risk
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) arising, before tax	(132)	(66)
Income tax relating to changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) arising	(21)	(18)
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) transferred to net income, before tax	151	(29)
Income tax relating to change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) transferred to net income	27	9
Accumulated change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge balance beginning	(22)	6
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, before tax	19	(37)
Income tax relating to changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total	6	(9)
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, net	13	(28)
Accumulated change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge balance ending	(9)	(22)
Other price risk arising from share-based compensation costs
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) arising, before tax	24	19
Income tax relating to changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) arising	6	5
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) transferred to net income, before tax	(17)	(8)
Income tax relating to change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges gains (losses) transferred to net income	(5)	(2)
Accumulated change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge balance beginning	2	(6)
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, before tax	7	11
Income tax relating to changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total	1	3
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, net	6	8
Accumulated change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge balance ending	8	2
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges total, net	5
Item never reclassified to income
Total	9	(17)
Common equity
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance ending	51
Item never reclassified to income
Total	(163)	(17)
Attributable to:
Accumulated other comprehensive income	51
Non-controlling interests
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance ending	6
Item never reclassified to income
Total	4	CAD 2
Attributable to:
Accumulated other comprehensive income	CAD 6

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per share amounts (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
earnings per share amounts
Basic total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	592
Effect of dilutive securities
Share option awards		1
Diluted total weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding	593	593
Share option awards
Effect of dilutive securities
Outstanding share option awards excluded in the computation of diluted net income per Common Share	0	0

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dividends per share (Details) - CAD										12 Months Ended
	Feb. 07, 2018	Dec. 11, 2017	Sep. 08, 2017	Jun. 09, 2017	Mar. 10, 2017	Dec. 09, 2016	Sep. 09, 2016	Jun. 10, 2016	Mar. 11, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Dividends per share
Dividends per share	CAD 0.5050	CAD 0.5050	CAD 0.4925	CAD 0.4925	CAD 0.4800	CAD 0.48	CAD 0.46	CAD 0.46	CAD 0.44	CAD 1.9700	CAD 1.84
Dividends Declared		CAD 299,000,000	CAD 292,000,000	CAD 293,000,000	CAD 283,000,000	CAD 284,000,000	CAD 272,000,000	CAD 274,000,000	CAD 261,000,000	CAD 1,167,000,000	CAD 1,091,000,000
Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan
Dividends per share
Purchase plan discount										0.00%	0.00%
Dividend reinvestment in Common Shares										CAD 58,000,000	CAD 59,000,000
Minimum optional cash payments and purchase of TELUS common shares at market price per transaction										100
Maximum annual optional cash payments and purchase of TELUS common shares at market price										CAD 20,000
Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan | Maximum
Dividends per share
Purchase plan discount										5.00%

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share-based compensation - Expense (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
share-based compensation
Employee benefits expense	CAD 121	CAD 185
Associated operating cash outflows	(104)	(187)
Statement of cash flows adjustment	17	(2)
Cash inflows from cash-settled equity swap agreements	14	9
Income tax benefit arising from share-based compensation	32	49
Restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Employee benefits expense	83	81
Associated operating cash outflows	(67)	(83)
Statement of cash flows adjustment	16	(2)
Expense presented as share-based compensation	90	77
Transformative compensation
share-based compensation
Employee benefits expense		64
Associated operating cash outflows		CAD (64)
Approximate transformative compensation paid in common shares (as a per cent)		40.00%
Number of Common Shares held in the employee benefit plan trust		0
Employee share purchase plan
share-based compensation
Employee benefits expense	37	CAD 40
Associated operating cash outflows	(37)	(40)
Employer contributions to employee share purchase plan related to transformative compensation	0	CAD 3
Share option awards
share-based compensation
Employee benefits expense	1
Statement of cash flows adjustment	CAD 1

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share-based compensation - Restricted stock units (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 EquityInstruments shares	Dec. 31, 2016 EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2015 EquityInstruments
Restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Nominal value (in number of equity shares) | shares	1
Typical vesting period	33 months
TELUS Corporation restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Outstanding	3,945,273	3,781,682
Restricted stock units with performance condition | Maximum
share-based compensation
Variable payout (as a percent)	200.00%
Restricted stock units with performance condition | Minimum
share-based compensation
Variable payout (as a percent)	0.00%
Restricted stock units with total customer connections performance condition
share-based compensation
Total customer connection payout weight (as a per cent)	25.00%
Outstanding	154,452	130,234
Restricted stock units with relative total shareholder return performance condition
share-based compensation
Relative total shareholder return payout weight (as a per cent)	75.00%
Outstanding	463,357	390,703
Restricted stock units with only service conditions
share-based compensation
Outstanding	3,327,464	3,260,745
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions
share-based compensation
Outstanding	3,481,916	3,390,979	3,564,412

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share-based compensation - TELUS Corp restricted stock units activity (Details) - Restricted stock units without market performance conditions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD EquityInstruments
Number of restricted stock units - Non-vested
Outstanding, beginning of period	3,390,979	3,564,412
Issued - initial award	1,825,688	1,942,446
In lieu of dividends	206,715	209,027
Vested	(1,766,680)	(2,024,130)
Forfeited and cancelled	(174,786)	(300,776)
Outstanding, end of period	3,481,916	3,390,979
Number of restricted stock units - vested
Outstanding, beginning of period	29,108	29,008
In lieu dividends	455	381
Vested	1,766,680	2,024,130
Settled in cash	(1,698,008)	(2,004,126)
Forfeited and cancelled	(65,387)	(20,285)
Outstanding, end of period	32,848	29,108
Weighted average grant-date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period, non-vested | CAD	CAD 41.71	CAD 41.42
Outstanding, beginning of period, vested | CAD	38.09	40.00
Issued - initial award | CAD	43.56	39.74
In lieu of dividends | CAD	43.98	41.63
Vested | CAD	43.73	39.31
Settled in cash | CAD	43.63	39.29
Forfeited and cancelled | CAD	42.88	35.70
Outstanding, end of period, non-vested | CAD	41.87	41.71
Outstanding, end of period, vested | CAD	CAD 41.00	CAD 38.09

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share-based compensation - TELUS Corp restricted stock units vesting year (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2016 EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2015 EquityInstruments
First year
share-based compensation
Fixed cost per restricted stock units | CAD	CAD 40.91
2 years hence
share-based compensation
Fixed cost per restricted stock units | CAD	CAD 45.46
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	3,481,916	3,390,979	3,564,412
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions | First year
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	1,821,237
Restricted stock units without market performance conditions | 2 years hence
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	1,660,679
Fix-cost restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	3,178,020
Fix-cost restricted stock units | First year
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	1,792,286
Fix-cost restricted stock units | 2 years hence
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	1,385,734
Variable-cost restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	303,896
Variable-cost restricted stock units | First year
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	28,951
Variable-cost restricted stock units | 2 years hence
share-based compensation
Number of non-vested restricted stock units	274,945

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share-based compensation - TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD EquityInstruments
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. Restricted Stock Units US Dollar Denominated
Number of restricted stock units - Non-vested
Outstanding, beginning of period	163,785	163,785
Issued - initial award	213,768	213,768	163,785	163,785
Vested	(208)	(208)
Forfeited and cancelled	(2,559)	(2,559)
Outstanding, end of period	374,786	374,786	163,785	163,785
Number of restricted stock units - vested
Vested	208	208
Exercised	(208)	(208)
Weighted average grant-date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period, non-vested | $	$ 21.90
Issued - initial award | $	26.40		$ 21.90
Vested | $	24.10
Exercised | $	24.10
Forfeited and cancelled | $	24.10
Outstanding, end of period, non-vested | $	$ 24.45		$ 21.90
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. Restricted Stock Units Canadian Dollar Denominated
Number of restricted stock units - Non-vested
Issued - initial award			32,299	32,299
Vested			(32,299)	(32,299)
Number of restricted stock units - vested
Outstanding, beginning of period	32,299	32,299
Vested			32,299	32,299
Outstanding, end of period	32,299	32,299	32,299	32,299
Weighted average grant-date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of period, vested | CAD		CAD 21.36
Issued - initial award | CAD				CAD 21.36
Vested | CAD				21.36
Outstanding, end of period, vested | CAD		CAD 21.36		CAD 21.36
Maximum | TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Variable payout (as a percent)	150.00%	150.00%
Minimum | TELUS International (Cda) Inc. restricted stock units
share-based compensation
Variable payout (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%

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share-based compensation - Employee share purchase plan (Details) - Employee share purchase plan - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
share-based compensation
Maximum percentage of employee contribution from payroll matched	6.00%
Actual matching contribution	40.00%	40.00%
Actual matching contribution for highly compensated job classifications	35.00%	35.00%
Dividend reinvestment in Common Shares	CAD 31	CAD 27
Purchase plan discount	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum
share-based compensation
Employee contribution	1.00%
Employee contribution for highly compensated job classifications	1.00%
Matching contribution per plan	20.00%
Maximum
share-based compensation
Employee contribution	20.00%
Employee contribution for highly compensated job classifications	55.00%
Matching contribution per plan	40.00%

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share-based compensation - General options (Details) - Share option awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Maximum
share-based compensation
Vesting period	5 years
Minimum
share-based compensation
Vesting period	3 years

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share-based compensation - TELUS Corporation share options (Details) - TELUS Corporation share options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD Y EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD EquityInstruments
share-based compensation
Exercise period	7 years
Number of share options outstanding, beginning of period | EquityInstruments	1,417,693	2,375,596
Exercised | EquityInstruments	(652,926)	(925,682)
Number of share options forfeited | EquityInstruments	(3,908)	(13,112)
Number of share options expired | EquityInstruments	(20,388)	(19,109)
Number of share options outstanding, end of period | EquityInstruments	740,471	1,417,693
Weighted average share price of options outstanding, beginning of period	CAD 24.49	CAD 22.96
Weighted average share price of options exercised	21.90	20.75
Weighted average share price of options forfeited	27.56	24.49
Weighted average share price of options expired	16.31	15.29
Weighted average share price of options outstanding, end of period	26.99	24.49
Total intrinsic value of share option awards exercised	15,000,000	19,000,000
Weighted average share price at the dates of exercise	CAD 44.63	CAD 41.06
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | Y	0.9
Maximum
share-based compensation
Option price	CAD 31.69
Minimum
share-based compensation
Option price	CAD 23.08

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share-based compensation - TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Y Options	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD Options	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Y Options	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD Y Options
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options
share-based compensation
Exercise period	10 years	10 years
Telus International (Cda) Inc. share options, U.S. $ denominated
share-based compensation
Number of share options outstanding, beginning of period	573,354	573,354
Weighted average share price of options outstanding, beginning of period | $	$ 30.86
Granted (in shares)	175,272	175,272	573,354	573,354
Granted (in dollars per share) | $	$ 27.70		$ 30.86
Number of share options outstanding, end of period	748,626	748,626	573,354	573,354
Weighted average share price of options outstanding, end of period | $	$ 30.12		$ 30.86
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | Y	9.2		10.0	10.0
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options, Canadian $ denominated
share-based compensation
Number of share options outstanding, beginning of period	53,832	53,832
Weighted average share price of options outstanding, beginning of period | CAD		CAD 21.36
Granted (in shares)			53,832	53,832
Granted (in dollars per share) | CAD				CAD 21.36
Number of share options outstanding, end of period	53,832	53,832	53,832	53,832
Weighted average share price of options outstanding, end of period | CAD		CAD 21.36		CAD 21.36
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | Y	8.5		9.5	9.5
Minimum | TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options
share-based compensation
Variable payout (as a percent)	0.00%
Minimum | Telus International (Cda) Inc. share options, U.S. $ denominated
share-based compensation
Option price | $	$ 21.90
Maximum | TELUS International (Cda) Inc. share options
share-based compensation
Variable payout (as a percent)	100.00%
Maximum | Telus International (Cda) Inc. share options, U.S. $ denominated
share-based compensation
Option price | $	$ 40.25

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employee future benefits - Pension plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 plan
TELUS Corporation Pension Plan
employee future benefits
Pensionable remuneration period of best years	5 years
Pensionable remuneration reference period	10 years
Pension Plan for Management and Professional Employees of TELUS Corporation
employee future benefits
Percentage to total defined benefit obligation	25.00%
Indexation of annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index (as a per cent)	100.00%
Annual maximum increase in pension benefits (as a per cent)	2.00%
Pensionable remuneration period of best years	60 months
TELUS Quebec Defined Benefit Pension Plan
employee future benefits
Percentage to total defined benefit obligation	10.00%
Indexation of annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index (as a per cent)	0.00%
Pensionable remuneration period of best years	4 years
TELUS Edmonton Pension Plan
employee future benefits
Indexation of annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index (as a per cent)	60.00%
Pensionable remuneration period of best years	60 months
Non-indexed defined benefit pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition
employee future benefits
Number of defined benefit pension plans	3
Minimum | TELUS Corporation Pension Plan
employee future benefits
Percentage to total defined benefit obligation	50.00%
Maximum | TELUS Corporation Pension Plan
employee future benefits
Indexation of annual increase in a specified cost-of-living index (as a per cent)	70.00%
Maximum | TELUS Edmonton Pension Plan
employee future benefits
Percentage to total defined benefit obligation	10.00%
Maximum | Non-registered, non-contributory supplementary defined benefit pension plans
employee future benefits
Percentage to total defined benefit obligation	5.00%
Maximum | Non-indexed defined benefit pension plans arising from a pre-merger acquisition
employee future benefits
Percentage to total defined benefit obligation	1.00%

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employee future benefits - Defined contribution pension plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 plan
Defined contribution pension plans
Number of defined contribution plans	3
Matching contribution to employees' 5% contribution	100.00%
Employer matching contribution over 5% of employee's contribution	80.00%
Minimum
Defined contribution pension plans
Employees contribution to the plan (as a per cent)	3.00%
Maximum
Defined contribution pension plans
Employees contribution to the plan (as a per cent)	6.00%
Employees' contribution 100% matched (as a per cent)	5.00%

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employee future benefits - Pensions funded status (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Funded Status - Planned surplus (deficit)
Balance at beginning of year	CAD 126
Interest expense	(6)	CAD (6)
Balance at end of year	381	126
Pension plans
Funded Status - Planned surplus (deficit)
Balance at beginning of year	79
Balance at end of year	334	79
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans
Funded Status - Planned surplus (deficit)
Balance at beginning of year	8,837	8,620
Current service cost	100	109
Past service cost	(2)	2
Interest expense	331	340
Actuarial gains losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions	77	25
Actuarial gains losses arising from changes in financial assumptions	526	184
Benefits paid	(450)	(443)
Balance at end of year	9,419	8,837
Plan assets | Pension plans
Funded Status - Planned surplus (deficit)
Balance at beginning of year	(8,873)	(8,641)
Interest expense	(330)	(339)
Benefits paid	450	443
Return on plan assets - Actual return on plan assets greater than discount rate	(360)	(247)
Contributions - Employer contributions	(66)	(70)
Contributions - Employees' contributions	(22)	(25)
Administrative fees	6	6
Balance at end of year	(9,195)	(8,873)
Plan assets net of Effect of asset ceiling limit | Pension plans
Funded Status - Planned surplus (deficit)
Balance at beginning of year	(8,758)
Balance at end of year	(9,085)	(8,758)
Effect of asset ceiling limit | Pension plans
Funded Status - Planned surplus (deficit)
Balance at beginning of year	115	74
Change	(5)	41
Balance at end of year	CAD 110	CAD 115

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employee future benefits - Pensions funded status presentation in statements of financial position (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Presented in the Consolidated statements of financial position as:
Other long-term assets	CAD 156	CAD 358
Other long-term liabilities	(537)	(484)
Funded status - plan surplus (deficit)	(381)	(126)
Pension plans
Presented in the Consolidated statements of financial position as:
Funded status - plan surplus (deficit)	(334)	(79)
Other defined benefit plans
Presented in the Consolidated statements of financial position as:
Funded status - plan surplus (deficit)	CAD (47)	CAD (47)

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employee future benefits - Pension plan expense (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery)
Current service cost	CAD 78	CAD 84
Past service costs	(2)	2
Interest expense arising from defined benefit obligations accrued	331	340
Return, including interest income, on plan assets	(690)	(586)
Interest effect on asset ceiling limit	4	3
Total	(355)	(243)
Administrative fees	6	6
Re-measurements arising from demographic assumptions	77	25
Re-measurements arising financial assumptions	526	184
Total	603	209
Changes in the effect of limiting net defined benefit assets to the asset ceiling	(9)	38
Total	321	96
Total	82	92
Employee benefits expense
Defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery)
Current service cost	78	84
Past service cost	(2)	2
Administrative fees	6	6
Total	82	92
Financing costs
Defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery)
Interest expense arising from defined benefit obligations accrued	331	340
Return, including interest income, on plan assets	(330)	(339)
Interest effect on asset ceiling limit	4	3
Total	5	4
Total	5	4
Other comprehensive income
Defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery)
Return, including interest income, on plan assets	(360)	(247)
Total	(360)	(247)
Re-measurements arising from demographic assumptions	77	25
Re-measurements arising Financial assumptions	526	184
Total	603	209
Changes in the effect of limiting net defined benefit assets to the asset ceiling	(9)	CAD 38
Defined benefit pension plan expense (recovery)	CAD 234

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employee future benefits - Disaggregation of defined benefit pension (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	CAD 381	CAD 126
Pension plans
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	334	79
PBSR interim estimate of solvency position	CAD 255
PBSR prior year update of annual estimate of solvency position		253
PBSR prior year interim estimate of solvency position		CAD 294
PBSR composite weighted average discount rate	3.00%	3.10%
Hypothetical basis points decrease in PBSR composite weighted average discount rate (as a per cent)	0.25%	0.25%
Decrease in the PBSR solvency position with hypothetical decrease of 25 basis points in the composite weighted average discount rate	CAD 316	CAD 303
Pension plans | Minimum
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
PBSR interim solvency ratio	90.00%	93.00%
PBSR annual solvency ratio		92.00%
PBSR interim three-year solvency ratio	93.00%	93.00%
PBSR annual three-year solvency ratio		92.00%
Pension plans | Maximum
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
PBSR interim solvency ratio	105.00%	107.00%
PBSR annual solvency ratio		105.00%
PBSR interim three-year solvency ratio	104.00%	104.00%
PBSR annual three-year solvency ratio		103.00%
Pension plans | Pension plans that have plan assets in excess of defined benefit obligations accrued
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	CAD (156)	CAD (358)
PBSR interim estimate of solvency position	335
PBSR prior year update of annual estimate of solvency position		320
Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	490	437
PBSR interim estimate of solvency position	(80)
PBSR prior year update of annual estimate of solvency position		(67)
Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets - Funded
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	286	244
PBSR interim estimate of solvency position	(80)
PBSR prior year update of annual estimate of solvency position		(67)
Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets - Unfunded
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	204	193
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	9,419	8,837	CAD 8,620
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Active members
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	2,285	2,140
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Deferred members
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	560	557
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Pensioners
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	6,574	6,140
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Pension plans that have plan assets in excess of defined benefit obligations accrued
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	8,116	7,610
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	1,303	1,227
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets - Funded
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	1,099	1,034
Present value of the defined benefit obligations | Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets - Unfunded
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	204	193
Plan assets net of Effect of asset ceiling limit | Pension plans
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	(9,085)	(8,758)
Plan assets net of Effect of asset ceiling limit | Pension plans | Pension plans that have plan assets in excess of defined benefit obligations accrued
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	(8,272)	(7,968)
Plan assets net of Effect of asset ceiling limit | Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	(813)	(790)
Plan assets net of Effect of asset ceiling limit | Pension plans | Pension plans that have defined benefit obligations accrued in excess of plan assets - Funded
Defined benefit pension plans - funded status overview
Net defined liability/(assets)	CAD (813)	CAD (790)

XML

employee future benefits - Fair value measurements (Details) - Pension plans - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair value measurements
Asset-backed securities	CAD 31	CAD 31
Cash, cash equivalents and other	486	1,151
Real estate	1,047	756
Fair value	9,195	8,873
Effect of asset ceiling limit	(110)	(115)
Fair value after asset ceiling	9,085	8,758
Fair value of administered pension benefit trusts	3	3
Quoted prices in active markets for identical items
Fair value measurements
Cash, cash equivalents and other	38	29
Fair value	3,409	3,715
Other
Fair value measurements
Asset-backed securities	31	31
Cash, cash equivalents and other	448	1,122
Real estate	1,047	756
Fair value	5,786	5,158
Canadian
Fair value measurements
Equity securities	1,385	1,172
Canadian | Quoted prices in active markets for identical items
Fair value measurements
Equity securities	1,129	1,135
Canadian | Other
Fair value measurements
Equity securities	256	37
Foreign
Fair value measurements
Equity securities	1,867	1,876
Foreign | Quoted prices in active markets for identical items
Fair value measurements
Equity securities	853	1,189
Foreign | Other
Fair value measurements
Equity securities	1,014	687
Government securities
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	1,512	1,463
Government securities | Quoted prices in active markets for identical items
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	1,389	1,362
Government securities | Other
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	123	101
Corporate debt securities
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	1,208	1,317
Corporate debt securities | Other
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	1,208	1,317
Commercial mortgages
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	1,659	1,107
Commercial mortgages | Other
Fair value measurements
Debt securities	CAD 1,659	CAD 1,107

XML

employee future benefits - Future benefit payments (Details) - Pension plans CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD
First year
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	CAD 446
2 years hence
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	454
3 years hence
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	458
4 years hence
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	465
5 years hence
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	471
2023-2027
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	CAD 2,440

XML

employee future benefits - Plan investment strategies and policies (Details) - Y	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension plans
employee future benefits
Present value-weighted average timing of estimate cash flows for obligations	13.9	13.6
Percentage of plan assets at end of year	100.00%	100.00%
Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Present value-weighted average timing of estimate cash flows for obligations	6.8	7.3
Equity | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Percentage of plan assets at end of year	35.00%	34.00%
Equity | Minimum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	20.00%
Equity | Maximum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	50.00%
Debt securities | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Percentage of plan assets at end of year	53.00%	57.00%
Debt securities | Minimum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	40.00%
Debt securities | Maximum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	75.00%
Real estate | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Percentage of plan assets at end of year	12.00%	9.00%
Real estate | Minimum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	5.00%
Real estate | Maximum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	25.00%
Other assets | Minimum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	0.00%
Other assets | Maximum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	10.00%
Foreign | Equity | Minimum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	20.00%
Foreign | Equity | Maximum | Pension plans
employee future benefits
Target future allocation	30.00%

XML

employee future benefits - Employer contributions (Details) - Pension plans - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
employee future benefits
Undrawn letters of credit that secure obligations	CAD 188	CAD 175
Estimated contributions to defined benefit plans in 2017	CAD 50

XML

employee future benefits - Assumptions (Details) - Pension plans - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
employee future benefits
Discount rate used to determine net benefit costs	3.80%	4.00%
Discount rate used to determine defined benefit obligations	3.40%	3.80%
Discount rate used to determine current service cost in subsequent fiscal year	3.50%	4.00%
Rate of future increases in compensation used to determine net benefit costs	2.51%	3.00%
Rate of future increases in compensation used to defined benefit obligations	2.70%	2.51%
Increase in life expectancy in actuarial assumption	1 year	1 year
Decrease in actuarial assumption (as a per cent)	0.25%	0.25%
Life expectancy
employee future benefits
Effect of change in actuarial assumption in obligation	CAD 270	CAD 228
Effect of change in actuarial assumption in expense	11	10
Discount rate
employee future benefits
Effect of change in actuarial assumption in obligation	337	310
Effect of change in actuarial assumption in expense	16	17
Rate of future increases in compensation
employee future benefits
Effect of change in actuarial assumption in obligation	(34)	(27)
Effect of change in actuarial assumption in expense	CAD (3)	CAD (3)

XML

employee future benefits - Defined contribution pension plans expense (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of defined contribution plans expense
Union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions	CAD 23	CAD 62
Other defined contribution pension plans	65	68
Total	88	130
Expected union pension plan and public service pension plan contribution in following year	CAD 25
Traditional
Disclosure of defined contribution plans expense
Union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions		26
Other defined contribution pension plans		63
Total		89
Transformative compensation
Disclosure of defined contribution plans expense
Union pension plan and public service pension plan contributions		36
Other defined contribution pension plans		5
Total		CAD 41

XML

employee future benefits - Other defined benefit plans (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
employee future benefits
Other defined benefits		CAD 1
Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Other defined benefits	CAD 0	1
Financing cost	1	2
Other re-measurements recorded in other comprehensive income	0	CAD 0
First year | Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	2
2 years hence | Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	2
3 years hence | Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	2
4 years hence | Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	2
5 years hence | Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	2
2023-2027 | Other defined benefit plans
employee future benefits
Estimated future benefit payments	CAD 7

XML

restructuring and other costs (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
restructuring and other costs
Goods and services purchased	CAD 103	CAD 62
Employee benefits expense	36	417
Total	139	479
Restructuring
restructuring and other costs
Goods and services purchased	66	62
Employee benefits expense	26	112
Total	92	174
Other
restructuring and other costs
Goods and services purchased	37
Employee benefits expense	10	305
Total	CAD 47	CAD 305
Transformative compensation
restructuring and other costs
Requisite service period (in years)	0 years

XML

property, plant and equipment (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	CAD 10,464
Depreciation	1,617	CAD 1,564
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	11,368	10,464
Additions in respect of asset retirement obligations	7	(40)
Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment	184	436
Network assets
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	8,334
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	9,086	8,334
Buildings and leasehold improvements
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	1,118
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	1,193	1,118
Other
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	365
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	386	365
Land
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	55
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	48	55
Assets under construction
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	592
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	655	592
Cost/Gross amount
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	32,906	31,626
Additions	2,493	2,318
Additions arising from business acquisitions	42	2
Dispositions, retirements and other	(1,842)	(1,040)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	33,599	32,906
Cost/Gross amount | Network assets
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	28,284	27,191
Additions	972	762
Additions arising from business acquisitions	25
Dispositions, retirements and other	(1,724)	(739)
Assets under construction put into service	1,167	1,070
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	28,724	28,284
Cost/Gross amount | Buildings and leasehold improvements
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	2,954	2,847
Additions	51	45
Additions arising from business acquisitions	8	1
Dispositions, retirements and other	(63)	(78)
Assets under construction put into service	127	139
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	3,077	2,954
Cost/Gross amount | Other
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	1,021	1,120
Additions	44	39
Additions arising from business acquisitions	9	1
Dispositions, retirements and other	(48)	(223)
Assets under construction put into service	69	84
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	1,095	1,021
Cost/Gross amount | Land
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	55	55
Dispositions, retirements and other	(7)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	48	55
Cost/Gross amount | Assets under construction
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	592	413
Additions	1,426	1,472
Assets under construction put into service	(1,363)	(1,293)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	655	592
Accumulated depreciation
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(22,442)	(21,890)
Depreciation	(1,617)	(1,564)
Dispositions, retirements and other	1,828	1,012
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(22,231)	(22,442)
Accumulated depreciation | Network assets
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(19,950)	(19,351)
Depreciation	(1,396)	(1,357)
Dispositions, retirements and other	1,708	758
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(19,638)	(19,950)
Accumulated depreciation | Buildings and leasehold improvements
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(1,836)	(1,810)
Depreciation	(106)	(99)
Dispositions, retirements and other	58	73
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(1,884)	(1,836)
Accumulated depreciation | Other
property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(656)	(729)
Depreciation	(115)	(108)
Dispositions, retirements and other	62	181
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	CAD (709)	CAD (656)

XML

intangible assets and goodwill (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	CAD 14,151
Amortization	(552)	CAD (483)
Balance at end of the period	14,875	14,151
Goodwill	4,217	3,787	CAD 3,800
Contractual commitments for the acquisition of intangible assets	36	82
Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	17,929	17,185
Additions	617	793
Additions arising from business acquisitions	668	38
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	(271)	(91)
Net foreign exchange differences	(3)	4
Balance at end of the period	18,940	17,929
Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(3,778)	(3,439)
Amortization	(552)	(483)
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	265	144
Balance at end of the period	(4,065)	(3,778)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
intangible assets and goodwill
Goodwill	0
Spectrum licences
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	8,693
Balance at end of the period	CAD 8,693	8,693
Renewal of spectrum license ( in years)	20 years
Spectrum licences | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	CAD 8,693	8,480
Additions		164
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)		49
Balance at end of the period	8,693	8,693
Total intangible assets
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	10,364
Balance at end of the period	10,658	10,364
Total intangible assets | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	13,778	13,060
Additions	617	793
Additions arising from business acquisitions	235	16
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	(271)	(91)
Balance at end of the period	14,359	13,778
Total intangible assets | Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(3,414)	(3,075)
Amortization	(552)	(483)
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	265	144
Balance at end of the period	(3,701)	(3,414)
Intangible assets subject to amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	1,671
Balance at end of the period	1,965	1,671
Intangible assets subject to amortization | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	5,085	4,580
Additions	617	629
Additions arising from business acquisitions	235	16
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	(271)	(140)
Balance at end of the period	5,666	5,085
Intangible assets subject to amortization | Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(3,414)	(3,075)
Amortization	(552)	(483)
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	265	144
Balance at end of the period	(3,701)	(3,414)
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	162
Balance at end of the period	248	162
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	485	473
Additions arising from business acquisitions	134	12
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	(61)
Balance at end of the period	558	485
Customer contracts, related customer relationships and leasehold interests | Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(323)	(280)
Amortization	(48)	(43)
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	61
Balance at end of the period	(310)	(323)
Software
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	1,263
Balance at end of the period	1,337	1,263
Software | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	4,295	3,801
Additions	74	50
Additions arising from business acquisitions	101	4
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	(209)	(137)
Assets under construction put into service	406	577
Balance at end of the period	4,667	4,295
Software | Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(3,032)	(2,739)
Amortization	(500)	(436)
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	202	143
Balance at end of the period	(3,330)	(3,032)
Access to rights-of-way and other
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	34
Balance at end of the period	36	34
Access to rights-of-way and other | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	93	90
Additions	5	4
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	(1)	(3)
Assets under construction put into service		2
Balance at end of the period	97	93
Access to rights-of-way and other | Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(59)	(56)
Amortization	(4)	(4)
Dispositions, retirements and other (including capitalized interest)	2	1
Balance at end of the period	(61)	(59)
Assets under construction
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	212
Balance at end of the period	344	212
Assets under construction | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	212	216
Additions	538	575
Assets under construction put into service	(406)	(579)
Balance at end of the period	344	212
Goodwill
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	3,787
Balance at end of the period	4,217	3,787
Goodwill | Cost/Gross amount
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	4,151	4,125
Additions arising from business acquisitions	433	22
Net foreign exchange differences	(3)	4
Balance at end of the period	4,581	4,151
Goodwill | Accumulated amortization
intangible assets and goodwill
Balance at beginning of the period	(364)	(364)
Balance at end of the period	CAD (364)	CAD (364)

XML

intangible assets and goodwill - Business acquisitions (Details) CAD in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD	May 15, 2017 CAD	Apr. 01, 2017 CAD item	Jan. 01, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
Non-current liabilities
Goodwill		CAD 4,217			CAD 3,800	CAD 3,787
Acquisition effected by way of:
Change in contingent consideration receivable		CAD 26
Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests | Minimum
Acquisition effected by way of:
Useful life of intangible assets		P8Y
Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests | Maximum
Acquisition effected by way of:
Useful life of intangible assets		P10Y
Software
Acquisition effected by way of:
Useful life of intangible assets		P10Y
Combined acquisitions
Current assets
Cash		CAD 4
Accounts receivable		32
Other		12
Total current assets		48
Non-current assets
Total non current assets		277
Total identifiable assets acquired		325
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		21
Advance billings and customer deposits		7
Provisions		7
Total current liabilities		35
Non-current liabilities
Provisions		9
Other long-term liabilities		1
Deferred income taxes		23
Total non-current liabilities		33
Total liabilities assumed		68
Net identifiable assets acquired		257
Goodwill		433
Net assets acquired		690
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration		545
Accrued receivable		(40)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		2
Provisions		60
Issuance of TELUS Corporation Common Shares		100
Pre-existing relationship effectively settled		23
Total consideration transferred		690
Combined acquisitions | Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization		134
Combined acquisitions | Software
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization		CAD 101
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless
Business acquisition
Number of retail location rights acquired | item				15
Current assets
Accounts receivable				CAD 9
Other				7
Total current assets				16
Non-current assets
Total non current assets				77
Total identifiable assets acquired				93
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				1
Advance billings and customer deposits				2
Provisions				7
Total current liabilities				10
Non-current liabilities
Provisions				6
Deferred income taxes				18
Total non-current liabilities				24
Total liabilities assumed				34
Net identifiable assets acquired				59
Goodwill				207
Net assets acquired				266
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration				306
Accrued receivable				(40)
Total consideration transferred				266
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless | Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization				54
Kroll Computer Systems Inc.
Business acquisition
Ownership interest in businesses acquired (as a percentage)			100.00%
Current assets
Cash			CAD 1
Accounts receivable			3
Total current assets			4
Non-current assets
Total non current assets			128
Total identifiable assets acquired			132
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			1
Advance billings and customer deposits			4
Total current liabilities			5
Non-current liabilities
Provisions			3
Total non-current liabilities			3
Total liabilities assumed			8
Net identifiable assets acquired			124
Goodwill			126
Net assets acquired			250
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration			150
Issuance of TELUS Corporation Common Shares			100
Total consideration transferred			250
Kroll Computer Systems Inc. | Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization			26
Kroll Computer Systems Inc. | Software
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization			101
Voxpro Limited
Business acquisition
Ownership interest in businesses acquired (as a percentage)	55.00%
Percentage of shares remaining that were included in the written put option provided to the non-controlling shareholders	45.00%
Current assets
Cash	CAD 3
Accounts receivable	20
Other	4
Total current assets	27
Non-current assets
Total non current assets	54
Total identifiable assets acquired	81
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	19
Total current liabilities	19
Non-current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	1
Deferred income taxes	5
Total non-current liabilities	6
Total liabilities assumed	25
Net identifiable assets acquired	56
Goodwill	85
Net assets acquired	141
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration	58
Provisions	60
Pre-existing relationship effectively settled	23
Total consideration transferred	141
Gain (loss) recognized on settlement of pre-existing relationship	0
Voxpro Limited | Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization	38
Individually immaterial transactions
Business acquisition
Ownership interest in businesses acquired (as a percentage)		100.00%				100.00%
Current assets
Other		CAD 1
Total current assets		1
Non-current assets
Total non current assets		18
Total identifiable assets acquired		19
Current liabilities
Advance billings and customer deposits		1
Total current liabilities		1
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities assumed		1
Net identifiable assets acquired		18
Goodwill		15
Net assets acquired		33
Acquisition effected by way of:
Cash consideration		31
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		2
Total consideration transferred		33
Individually immaterial transactions | Customer contracts, customer relationships, and leasehold interests
Non-current assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization		16
Network assets | Combined acquisitions
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		25
Network assets | Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment				CAD 23
Network assets | Individually immaterial transactions
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		2
Buildings and leasehold improvements | Combined acquisitions
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		8
Buildings and leasehold improvements | Voxpro Limited
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	8
Other | Combined acquisitions
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		CAD 9
Other | Kroll Computer Systems Inc.
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment			CAD 1
Other | Voxpro Limited
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	CAD 8

XML

intangible assets and goodwill - Business acquisition pro forma information (Details) - CAD CAD / shares in Units, CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pro forma Information
Reported Operating revenues	CAD 13,304	CAD 12,799
Reported Net income	1,479	CAD 1,236
Pro forma Operating revenues	13,426
Pro forma Net income	CAD 1,474
Net income per Common Share
Basic	CAD 2.46	CAD 2.06
Diluted	2.46	CAD 2.06
Pro forma Basic	2.45
Pro forma Diluted	CAD 2.45
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. postpaid wireless
Net income per Common Share
Reported Operating revenues of acquiree	CAD 49
Reported Net income of acquiree	20
Kroll Computer Systems Inc.
Net income per Common Share
Reported Operating revenues of acquiree	17
Reported Net income of acquiree	0
Voxpro Limited
Net income per Common Share
Reported Operating revenues of acquiree	51
Reported Net income of acquiree	CAD 0

XML

intangible assets and goodwill - Business acquisitions - subsequent to reporting period (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Feb. 06, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 CAD	Feb. 08, 2018 USD ($)	Feb. 08, 2018 CAD	Feb. 06, 2018 CAD	Jan. 04, 2018 CAD
Xavient Information Systems | Minimum
Business acquisition
Net identifiable assets acquired				$ 75	CAD 95
Xavient Information Systems | Maximum
Business acquisition
Net identifiable assets acquired				$ 100	125
Xavient Information Systems | Major Business Combination
Business acquisition
Percentage of shares remaining that were included in the written put option provided to the non-controlling shareholders	35.00%
Xavient Information Systems | Major Business Combination | TELUS International (Cda) Inc.
Business acquisition
Ownership interest in businesses acquired (as a percentage)	65.00%					65.00%
Cash consideration	$ 115					CAD 144
Equity consideration	$ 15					CAD 19
AlarmForce Industries Inc. | Minimum
Business acquisition
Net identifiable assets acquired					10
AlarmForce Industries Inc. | Maximum
Business acquisition
Net identifiable assets acquired					CAD 20
AlarmForce Industries Inc. | Major Business Combination
Business acquisition
Customers, assets and operations of business acquired (as a percentage)							100.00%
Cash consideration							CAD 69
Forecast | Xavient Information Systems | Major Business Combination
Business acquisition
Fair value of non-controlling interest as on acquisition date		$ 120	CAD 150

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intangible assets and goodwill - Intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill - spectrum licences and impairment testing (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible assets and goodwill
Goodwill	CAD 4,217	CAD 3,800	CAD 3,787
Period over which management has projected cash flows	3 years
Discount rates applied to cash flow projections	7.00%		7.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	CAD 8,693		CAD 8,693
Goodwill	4,217		3,787
Total	CAD 12,910		CAD 12,480
Wireless
Intangible assets and goodwill
Growth rates applied to cash flow projections	2.25%		2.00%
Wireless | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	CAD 8,693		CAD 8,693
Goodwill	2,860		2,647
Total	CAD 11,553		CAD 11,340
Wireline
Intangible assets and goodwill
Growth rates applied to cash flow projections	2.25%		2.00%
Wireline | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Intangible assets and goodwill
Goodwill	CAD 1,357		CAD 1,140
Total	CAD 1,357		CAD 1,140
Spectrum licences
Intangible assets and goodwill
Renewal of spectrum license ( in years)	20 years

XML

leases (Details) CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	CAD 1,646	CAD 1,715
Commitments under operating leases for occupancy costs	816	869
1 year hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	224	217
2 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	203	198
3 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	182	183
4 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	160	160
5 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	135	138
Thereafter
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	742	819
Real estate and vehicle
Disclosure of operating leases by lessee
Operating lease expenses	191	176
Leased real estate
Disclosure of operating leases by lessee
Occupancy costs	128	133
Arms-length lessors
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	1,381	1,445
Arms-length lessors | 1 year hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	218	211
Arms-length lessors | 2 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	191	192
Arms-length lessors | 3 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	169	171
Arms-length lessors | 4 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	147	147
Arms-length lessors | 5 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	122	125
Arms-length lessors | Thereafter
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	534	599
Related party lessors
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	265	270
Related party lessors | 1 year hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	6	6
Related party lessors | 2 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	12	6
Related party lessors | 3 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	13	12
Related party lessors | 4 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	13	13
Related party lessors | 5 years hence
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	13	13
Related party lessors | Thereafter
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	CAD 208	CAD 220
Related party lessors | Office premises
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments due for certain leases expressed as a percentage of total leases	33.00%	34.00%
The number of the largest leases in total leases	5
Weighted average term of leases	13 years	14 years
Related party lessors | Wireless site leases
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments due for certain leases expressed as a percentage of total leases	29.00%	30.00%
Weighted average term of leases	17 years	17 years
Real estate joint ventures with related parties
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	CAD 109	CAD 112
Future minimum lease payments due under operating leases expressed as a percentage of the total leases	100.00%	100.00%
Partners' economic interest in real estate joint ventures with related parties
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, fiscal year maturity
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	CAD 156	CAD 158

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other long-term assets (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
other long-term assets
Pension assets	CAD 156		CAD 358
Investments	41		62
Prepaid maintenance	57		62
Real estate joint venture advances	47		21
Real estate joint ventures	15		30
Other	105		107
Total	CAD 421	CAD 600	CAD 640

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real estate joint ventures - Summarized financial information (Details) CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD	Jan. 01, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD	Dec. 31, 2015 CAD
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net		CAD 509	CAD 400	CAD 432	CAD 223
Total		2,884	2,400	2,474
Non-current assets
Total		26,664	25,300	25,255
Total		29,548	27,700	27,729
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other		2,460	2,400	2,330
Total		5,190	5,000	4,951
Non-current liabilities
Total		16,095	14,800	14,842
Liabilities		21,285	19,800	19,793
Owners' equity
Common equity		8,221		7,917
Other partners		42		19
Total		8,263	7,900	7,936	CAD 7,672
Total		29,548	CAD 27,700	27,729
Real estate joint ventures
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net		20		15
Escrowed deposits for tenant inducements and liens		1		5
Sales contract deposits held by arm's-length trustee				2
Other		4		6
Property under development - residential condominiums (subject to sales contracts)				13
Total		25		41
Non-current assets
Property under development - investment property		194		121
Investment property		256		261
Total		450		382
Total		475		423
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other		13		18
Sales contract deposits Payable				3
Sales contract deposits Held by arm's-length trustee				2
Current portion of 3.7% mortgage and senior secured 3.4% bonds		5		4
Construction holdback liabilities		10		7
Total		28		34
Non-current liabilities
Construction credit facilities		141		63
Total		376		276
Liabilities		404		310
Owners' equity
Common equity		29		48
Other partners		42		65
Total		71		113
Total		475		CAD 423
Real estate joint ventures | 3.7 mortgage
Non-current liabilities
3.7% mortgage due September 2024		CAD 27
Owners' equity
Interest rate on borrowings		3.70%		3.70%
Real estate joint ventures | 3.4% senior secured bonds
Non-current liabilities
Senior secured 3.4% bonds due July 2025		CAD 208		CAD 213
Owners' equity
Interest rate on borrowings		3.40%		3.40%
TELUS Sky real estate joint venture
real estate joint ventures
Number of other partners in the transaction | item	2

XML

real estate joint ventures - Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
real estate joint ventures
Interest expense	CAD 580	CAD 523
Net income	1,479	1,236
Comprehensive income	1,320	1,221
Real estate joint ventures
real estate joint ventures
Revenue from investment property	34	34
Revenue from sale of residential condominiums	19	262
Depreciation and amortization	8	8
Interest expense	8	10
Net income	(6)	72
Capitalized financing costs	3	4
Provision for income taxes of the partners recognized in net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).	CAD 0	CAD 0

XML

real estate joint ventures - Investment activity (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related to real estate joint ventures' statements of income and other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us	CAD 1,297	CAD 1,206
Real estate joint ventures
Related to real estate joint ventures' statements of income and other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us	2	33
Items not affecting currently reported cash flows
Recognition of gain initially deferred on our real estate initially contributed	1	8
Construction credit facilities financing costs charged by us and other		1
Cash flows in the current reporting period
Construction credit facilities amounts advanced	26	33
Construction credit facilities amounts repaid		(63)
Financing costs paid to us		(1)
Repayment of funds advanced		(18)
Funds repaid to us and earnings distributed	(18)	(21)
Net increase (decrease)	11	(28)
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Balance, beginning of period	51	94
Valuation provision		(15)
Balance, end of period	CAD 62	CAD 51
Mortgage on TELUS Garden residential condominium tower			CAD 18
Portion of revenue due to economic interest (as a per cent)	50.00%	50.00%
Real estate joint ventures | Joint venture partner
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Portion of revenue due to economic interest (as a per cent)	50.00%	50.00%
Real estate joint ventures | Equity
Related to real estate joint ventures' statements of income and other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to us	CAD 2	CAD 33
Items not affecting currently reported cash flows
Recognition of gain initially deferred on our real estate initially contributed	1	8
Cash flows in the current reporting period
Funds repaid to us and earnings distributed	(18)	(21)
Net increase (decrease)	(15)	20
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Balance, beginning of period	30	25
Valuation provision		(15)
Balance, end of period	15	30
Real estate joint ventures | Loans and receivables
Items not affecting currently reported cash flows
Construction credit facilities financing costs charged by us and other		1
Cash flows in the current reporting period
Construction credit facilities amounts advanced	26	33
Construction credit facilities amounts repaid		(63)
Financing costs paid to us		(1)
Repayment of funds advanced		(18)
Net increase (decrease)	26	(48)
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Balance, beginning of period	21	69
Balance, end of period	47	21
TELUS Garden real estate joint venture
Real estate joint ventures carrying amounts
Related party revenue from TELUS Garden office tenancy	CAD 12	CAD 11

XML

real estate joint ventures - Commitments and contingent liabilities (Details) CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD item	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
real estate joint ventures
Advances	CAD 13,660	CAD 12,931
Real estate joint ventures
real estate joint ventures
Construction financing amount	342	342
Real estate joint ventures | TELUS Corporation Construction Credit Facility
real estate joint ventures
Construction financing amount	114	114
Undrawn	67	93
Advances	47	21
Real estate joint ventures | Construction Credit Facility - Other
real estate joint ventures
Construction financing amount	228	228
TELUS Sky real estate joint venture
real estate joint ventures
Real estate joint venture approximate total capital spending	400
Contractual capital commitments	CAD 82	CAD 121
Percentage of financing provided	33.333%
Construction financing amount	CAD 342
TELUS Sky real estate joint venture | Three Canadian financial institutions
real estate joint ventures
Number of Canadian financial institution lenders | item	3
Percentage of financing provided	66.667%
TELUS Garden real estate joint venture
real estate joint ventures
Number of Canadian financial institution lenders | item	2
Percentage of financing provided	50.00%
TELUS Garden real estate joint venture | Two Canadian financial institutions
real estate joint ventures
Percentage of financing provided	50.00%

XML

short-term borrowings (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings
Long-term debt	CAD 13,660	CAD 12,931
Short-term borrowings	100	100	CAD 100
TELUS Communications Inc. | Revolving period securitization agreement
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings
Cash proceeds from monthly sales	100	100
Trade receivables sold	119	116
Short-term borrowings	100	100
TELUS Communications Inc. | Revolving period securitization agreement | Maximum
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings
Trade receivables that can be sold under the securitization agreement	CAD 500	CAD 500

XML

accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities	CAD 1,066		CAD 1,013
Payroll and other employee-related liabilities	403		460
Restricted stock units liability	66		55
Total	1,535		1,528
Trade accounts payable	717		578
Interest payable	147		144
Other	61		80
Total	CAD 2,460	CAD 2,400	CAD 2,330

XML

advance billings and customer deposits (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
advance billings and customer deposits
Advance billings	CAD 747		CAD 697
Deferred customer activation and connection fees	13		17
Customer deposits	21		15
Regulatory deferral accounts	1		8
Total	CAD 782	CAD 800	CAD 737

XML

provisions (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
provisions reconciliation
Balance at beginning of period	CAD 519	CAD 630
Additions	181	199
Use	(121)	(245)
Reversal	(70)	(12)
Interest effect	60	(43)
Foreign exchange effects	1	(10)
Balance at end of period	570	519
Current			CAD 78	CAD 124
Non-current			492	395
Total	519	630	570	519
Share-based compensation netted from employee-related additions	128	181
Asset retirement obligation
provisions reconciliation
Balance at beginning of period	339	377
Additions	13	15
Use	(6)	(9)
Reversal	(53)
Interest effect	58	(44)
Balance at end of period	351	339
Current			6	11
Non-current			345	328
Total	339	377	351	339
Differences of interest effect due to change in discount rates as compared to interest accretion on provisions	47	(55)
Employee related
provisions reconciliation
Balance at beginning of period	77	109
Additions	39	113
Use	(75)	(141)
Reversal	(5)	(4)
Balance at end of period	36	77
Current			35	76
Non-current			1	1
Total	77	109	36	77
Share-based compensation netted from employee-related additions	(7)	4
Written put options
provisions reconciliation
Balance at beginning of period		46
Additions	71	17
Use		(54)
Reversal	(11)
Interest effect	2	1
Foreign exchange effects	1	(10)
Balance at end of period	63
Non-current			63
Total	63	46	63
Other
provisions reconciliation
Balance at beginning of period	103	98
Additions	58	54
Use	(40)	(41)
Reversal	(1)	(8)
Balance at end of period	120	103
Current			37	37
Non-current			83	66
Total	CAD 103	CAD 98	CAD 120	CAD 103

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long-term debt (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD	Jan. 01, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
Details of long-term debt
Long-term debt		CAD 13,660		CAD 12,931
Current		1,404	CAD 1,300	1,327
Non-current		12,256	CAD 11,600	11,604
TELUS Corporation notes
Details of long-term debt
Long-term debt		11,561		11,367
TELUS Corporation commercial paper
Details of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 908	1,140		613
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures
Details of long-term debt
Long-term debt		620		619
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility
Details of long-term debt
Long-term debt		CAD 339		CAD 332

XML

long-term debt - TELUS Corporation notes (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / NotesSeries CAD / NotesSeries	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD $ / NotesSeries CAD / NotesSeries	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD	Dec. 31, 2015 CAD CAD / NotesSeries	Apr. 30, 2014 CAD CAD / NotesSeries
TELUS Corporation notes
Long-term debt		CAD 13,660	CAD 12,931
TELUS Corporation notes
TELUS Corporation notes
Long-term debt		CAD 11,561	CAD 11,367
Redemption price percentage	100.00%
TELUS Corporation notes | Minimum
TELUS Corporation notes
Redemption period	30 days
TELUS Corporation notes | Maximum
TELUS Corporation notes
Redemption period	60 days
4.95% Notes, Series CD
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	4.95%	4.95%
Issued	March 2007
Maturity	March 2017
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	999.53	999.53
Effective interest rate	4.96%	4.96%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 700
Long-term debt		CAD 0
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.24%	0.24%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CG
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	5.05%	5.05%
Issued	December 2009
Maturity	December 2019
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	994.19	994.19
Effective interest rate	5.13%	5.13%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 1,000
Long-term debt		CAD 1,000
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.455%	0.455%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	N/A
5.05% Notes, Series CH
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	5.05%	5.05%
Issued	July 2010
Maturity	July 2020
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	997.44	997.44
Effective interest rate	5.08%	5.08%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 1,000
Long-term debt		CAD 1,000
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.47%	0.47%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	N/A
3.35% Notes, Series CJ
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.35%	3.35%
Issued	December 2012
Maturity	March 2023
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	998.83	998.83
Effective interest rate	3.36%	3.36%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 500
Long-term debt		CAD 500
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.40%	0.40%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Dec. 15, 2022
3.35% Notes, Series CK
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.35%	3.35%
Issued	April 2013
Maturity	April 2024
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	994.35	994.35
Effective interest rate	3.41%	3.41%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 1,100
Long-term debt		CAD 1,100
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.36%	0.36%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Jan. 2, 2024
4.40% Notes, Series CL
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	4.40%	4.40%
Issued	April 2013
Maturity	April 2043
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	997.68	997.68
Effective interest rate	4.41%	4.41%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 600
Long-term debt		CAD 600
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.47%	0.47%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Oct. 1, 2042
3.60% Notes, Series CM
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.60%	3.60%
Issued	November 2013
Maturity	January 2021
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	997.15	997.15
Effective interest rate	3.65%	3.65%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 400
Long-term debt		CAD 400
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.35%	0.35%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	N/A
5.15% Notes, Series CN
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	5.15%	5.15%
Issued	November 2013
Maturity	November 2043
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	995.00	995.00
Effective interest rate	5.18%	5.18%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 400
Long-term debt		CAD 400
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.50%	0.50%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	May 26, 2043
3.20% Notes, Series CO
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.20%	3.20%
Issued	April 2014
Maturity	April 2021
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	997.39	997.39
Effective interest rate	3.24%	3.24%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 500
Long-term debt		CAD 500
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.30%	0.30%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Mar. 5, 2021
4.85% Notes, Series CP
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	4.85%	4.85%			4.85%
Maturity	April 2044
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	987.91	987.91		974.38	998.74
Effective interest rate	4.93%	4.93%		5.02%	4.86%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 500		CAD 400	CAD 500
Long-term debt		CAD 900
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.46%	0.46%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Oct. 5, 2043
3.75% Notes, Series CQ
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Issued	September 2014
Maturity	January 2025
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	997.75	997.75
Effective interest rate	3.78%	3.78%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 800
Long-term debt		CAD 800
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.385%	0.385%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Oct. 17, 2024
4.75% Notes, Series CR
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Issued	September 2014
Maturity	January 2045
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	992.91	992.91
Effective interest rate	4.80%	4.80%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 400
Long-term debt		CAD 400
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.515%	0.515%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	July 17, 2044
1.50% Notes, Series CS
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	1.50%	1.50%
Issued	March 2015
Maturity	March 2018
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	999.62	999.62
Effective interest rate	1.51%	1.51%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 250
Long-term debt		CAD 250
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	N/A
2.35% Notes, Series CT
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	2.35%	2.35%
Issued	March 2015
Maturity	March 2022
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	997.31	997.31
Effective interest rate	2.39%	2.39%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 1,000
Long-term debt		CAD 1,000
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.355%	0.355%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Feb. 28, 2022
4.40% Notes, Series CU
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	4.40%	4.40%
Issued	March 2015
Maturity	January 2046
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	999.72	999.72
Effective interest rate	4.40%	4.40%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 500
Long-term debt		CAD 500
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.605%	0.605%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	July 29, 2045
3.75% Notes, Series CV
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Issued	December 2015
Maturity	March 2026
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	992.14	992.14
Effective interest rate	3.84%	3.84%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 600
Long-term debt		CAD 600
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.535%	0.535%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Dec. 10, 2025
2.80% U.S. Dollar Notes
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	2.80%	2.80%
Issued	September 2016
Maturity	February 2027
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | $ / NotesSeries	991.89	991.89
Effective interest rate	2.89%	2.89%
Principal face amount: Originally issued | $	$ 600
Long-term debt | $	$ 600
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.20%	0.20%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Nov. 16, 2026
2.80% U.S. Dollar Notes | Foreign exchange derivative
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	2.95%	2.95%
Long-term debt		CAD 792
Fixed exchange rate	1.3205	1.3205
3.70% U.S. Dollar Notes
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.70%	3.70%
Issued	March 2017
Maturity	September 2027
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | $ / NotesSeries	998.95	998.95
Effective interest rate	3.71%	3.71%
Principal face amount: Originally issued | $	$ 500
Long-term debt | $	$ 500
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.20%	0.20%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	June 15, 2027
3.70% U.S. Dollar Notes | Foreign exchange derivative
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	3.41%	3.41%
Long-term debt		CAD 667
Fixed exchange rate	1.3348	1.3348
4.70% Notes, Series CW
TELUS Corporation notes
Fixed interest rate	4.70%	4.70%
Issued	March 2017
Maturity	March 2048
Issue price per $1000 increment of debt | CAD / NotesSeries	990.65	990.65
Effective interest rate	4.76%	4.76%
Principal face amount: Originally issued		CAD 325
Long-term debt		CAD 325
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.585%	0.585%
Redemption present value spread - Cessation date	Sept. 6, 2047
TELUS Corporation notes, all series except for Series CD
TELUS Corporation notes
Repurchase offer price, expressed as percentage of principal	101.00%

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long-term debt - TELUS Corporation commercial paper (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD	Jan. 01, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
TELUS Corporation commercial paper
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility		CAD 2,250		CAD 2,250
Current portion of non-current borrowings		1,404	CAD 1,300	1,327
Long-term debt		13,660		12,931
TELUS Corporation commercial paper
TELUS Corporation commercial paper
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility		1,400		1,400
Long-term debt	$ 908	CAD 1,140		CAD 613
Weighted average interest rate	1.83%	1.83%
TELUS Corporation credit facility
TELUS Corporation commercial paper
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility		CAD 2,250
Current portion of non-current borrowings		CAD 0

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long-term debt - TELUS Corporation credit facility (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD item	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
TELUS Corporation credit facility
Net available		CAD 1,110	CAD 1,637
Gross available		2,250	2,250
Long-term debt		CAD 13,660	12,931
TELUS Corporation credit facility
TELUS Corporation credit facility
Number of financial ratio tests | item	2	2
Gross available		CAD 2,250
Letters of credit outstanding		CAD 224	210
TELUS Corporation credit facility | Minimum
TELUS Corporation credit facility
Operating cash flow to interest expense ratio	2.00	2.00
TELUS Corporation credit facility | Maximum
TELUS Corporation credit facility
Net debt to operating cash flow ratio	4.00	4.00
TELUS Corporation commercial paper
TELUS Corporation credit facility
Gross available		CAD 1,400	1,400
Long-term debt	$ 908	CAD 1,140	CAD 613

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long-term debt - TELUS Communications Inc. debentures (Details) CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD CAD / NotesSeries	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures
Long-term debt	CAD 13,660	CAD 12,931
10.65% Debentures, Series 3
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures
Borrowings, interest rate	10.65%
Issued	June 1991
Maturity	June 2021
Borrowings, issue price | CAD / NotesSeries	998.00
Principal face amount: Originally issued	CAD 175
Long-term debt	CAD 175
9.65% Debentures, Series 5
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures
Borrowings, interest rate	9.65%
Issued	April 1992
Maturity	April 2022
Borrowings, issue price | CAD / NotesSeries	972.00
Principal face amount: Originally issued	CAD 150
Long-term debt	CAD 249
Period for exchange of debentures	4 years
Exchange of debentures	CAD 99
8.80% Debentures, Series B
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures
Borrowings, interest rate	8.80%
Issued	September 1995
Maturity	September 2025
Borrowings, issue price | CAD / NotesSeries	995.10
Principal face amount: Originally issued	CAD 200
Long-term debt	CAD 200
Redemption present value spread - Basis points	0.15%
Redemption of debentures, notice period	30 days
Redemption price percentage	100.00%

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long-term debt - TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 08, 2018 USD ($)	Feb. 08, 2018 CAD	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD item	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD
long-term debt
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility | CAD						CAD 2,250		CAD 2,250
Proceeds from borrowings | CAD			CAD 6,367	CAD 5,726
Long-term debt | CAD						13,660		12,931
Undrawn borrowing facilities | CAD						1,110		1,637
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility
long-term debt
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility					$ 469		$ 325
Outstanding					276	346	253
Long-term debt | CAD						CAD 339		CAD 332
Undrawn borrowing facilities					$ 193		72
Weighted average interest rate					3.32%	3.32%
Number of financial ratio tests | item					2	2
Percentage of principal advance to repay			5.00%
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility | Minimum
long-term debt
Operating cash flow to debt service ratio					1.50	1.50
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility | Maximum
long-term debt
Net debt to operating cash flow ratio					3.25	3.25
Revolving component
long-term debt
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility					$ 350		115
Proceeds from borrowings	$ 75	CAD 94
Outstanding					157		43
Undrawn borrowing facilities					193		72
Term loan component
long-term debt
Maximum aggregate amount of credit facility					120		215
Outstanding					$ 119		$ 210

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long-term debt - Long-term debt maturities - (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term debt maturities
Total	CAD 22,459	CAD 21,221
Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	19,762	18,822
Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	13,862
Total	6,014
Total	19,876
U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	2,867
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs	490
Undiscounted contractual maturities	3,357
U.S. Dollars | Derivative Liability Receive
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments - Derivative Liabilities	(2,524)
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs - Derivative Liabilities	(431)
Undiscounted contractual maturities - Derivative Liabilities, Receive	(2,955)
U.S. Dollars | Derivative Liability Pay
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments - Derivative Liabilities	2,620
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs - Derivative Liabilities	449
Undiscounted contractual maturities - Derivative Liabilities, Pay	3,069
U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	2,963
Total	508
Total	3,471
Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	10,899
Future cash outflows in respect of associated interest and like carrying costs	5,506
Undiscounted contractual maturities	16,405
First year
Long-term debt maturities
Total	4,360	3,872
First year | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	1,928	1,832
First year | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,413
First year | U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	1,147
First year | U.S. Dollars | Derivative Liability Receive
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments - Derivative Liabilities	(1,144)
First year | U.S. Dollars | Derivative Liability Pay
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments - Derivative Liabilities	1,160
First year | U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,163
First year | Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	250
2 years hence
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,573	1,079
2 years hence | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	1,531	750
2 years hence | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,008
2 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	8
2 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	8
2 years hence | Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	1,000
3 years hence
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,501	1,514
3 years hence | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	1,480	1,498
3 years hence | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,008
3 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	8
3 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	8
3 years hence | Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	1,000
4 years hence
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,558	1,456
4 years hence | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	1,480	1,447
4 years hence | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,083
4 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	8
4 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	8
4 years hence | Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	1,075
5 years hence
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,933	1,720
5 years hence | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	1,913	1,711
5 years hence | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,565
5 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	316
5 years hence | U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	316
5 years hence | Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	1,249
Thereafter
Long-term debt maturities
Total	11,534	11,580
Thereafter | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Undiscounted contractual maturities	11,430	CAD 11,584
Thereafter | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	7,785
Thereafter | U.S. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	1,380
Thereafter | U.S. Dollars | Derivative Liability Receive
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments - Derivative Liabilities	(1,380)
Thereafter | U.S. Dollars | Derivative Liability Pay
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments - Derivative Liabilities	1,460
Thereafter | U.S. Dollars | Composite long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Total	1,460
Thereafter | Cdn. Dollars | Long-term debt
Long-term debt maturities
Future cash outflows in respect of long-term debt principal repayments	CAD 6,325

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other long-term liabilities (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
other long-term liabilities
Pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities	CAD 537		CAD 484
Deferred revenues	81		72
Restricted stock unit and deferred share unit liabilities	68		62
Derivative liabilities	76		21
Other	67		73
Subtotal	829		712
Deferred customer activation and connection fees	18		24
Other long-term liabilities	CAD 847	CAD 700	CAD 736

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Common Share capital (Details) shares in Millions, CAD in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017 CAD shares	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD Vote shares	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD shares
Common Share capital
Minimum percentage of common shares issued and outstanding owned by Canadians		66.67%
Common shares reserved for issuance		48
Total | CAD			CAD 45
First preferred shares
Common Share capital
Shares authorized		1,000	1,000
Second Preferred Shares
Common Share capital
Shares authorized		1,000	1,000
Common Shares
Common Share capital
Shares authorized		2,000	2,000
Number of votes per common share | Vote		1
Purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid		0	4
Cost of purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid | CAD		CAD 0	CAD 165
Cost of purchase of common shares related to employee benefit plan trust transactions | CAD			CAD 4
Total			4
Total | CAD			CAD 169
Common Shares | September 15, 2015 - September 14, 2016
Common Share capital
Purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid			3
Cost of purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid | CAD			CAD 130
Common Shares | September 30, 2016 - September 29, 2017
Common Share capital
Purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid			1
Cost of purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid | CAD			CAD 35
Common Shares | September 30, 2016 - September 29, 2017 | Maximum
Common Share capital
Purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid	8
Cost of purchase of common shares related to normal course issuer bid | CAD	CAD 250

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contingent liabilities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD item	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD item	Dec. 31, 2015
Claims and lawsuits
Contingent liability amount | CAD
Claims and lawsuits | System access fee class actions
Claims and lawsuits
Class action lawsuits filed in connection with collection of system access fees	14
Number of provinces	9
Number of class action lawsuits that were certified	0
Claims and lawsuits | 4G LTE Network patent infringement claim
Claims and lawsuits
Number of third-party patents involved in patent infringement claim		3
Concentration of labour
Concentration of labour
Employees covered under the collective agreement (as a per cent)		37.00%	40.00%
Collective agreement duration (in years)		5 years

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related party transactions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 CAD EquityInstruments	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD EquityInstruments
Transactions with defined benefit pension plans
Charges for management and administrative services to our defined benefit pension plans	CAD 6,000,000	CAD 6,000,000
Key management personnel
Transactions with key management personnel
Short-term benefits	12,000,000	12,000,000
Post-employment pension and other benefits	4,000,000	7,000,000
Share-based compensation	34,000,000	35,000,000
Total	50,000,000	54,000,000
Effect on share-based compensation expense of derivatives used to manage costs	4,000,000	2,000,000
Amount of share-based compensation expense (recovery) included in restructuring costs	(7,000,000)	4,000,000
Liability amounts accrued for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel
Restricted stock units	40,000,000	25,000,000
Deferred share units	24,000,000	32,000,000
Total	CAD 64,000,000	CAD 57,000,000
Annual cash bonus as a percentage of base salary upon termination without cause	50.00%
Minimum | Key management personnel
Liability amounts accrued for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel
Number of months' base salary considered for severance payments	18 months
Maximum | Key management personnel
Liability amounts accrued for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel
Number of months' base salary considered for severance payments	24 months
Restricted stock units | Key management personnel
Transactions with key management personnel
Number of units awarded in period (in shares) | EquityInstruments	686,595	585,759
Notional value of units awarded in period	CAD 30,000,000	CAD 23,000,000
Grant-date fair value of units awarded in period	CAD 30,000,000	CAD 15,000,000
Share options | Key management personnel
Transactions with key management personnel
Number of share options granted and outstanding, end of period | EquityInstruments	0
Number of options exercised during the period | EquityInstruments	17,716	169,522
Intrinsic value of options exercised during the period	CAD 1,000,000	CAD 4,000,000
Weighted average share price of options at the date of exercise	44.84	42.47
Directors' Deferred Share Unit Plan | Key management personnel
Liability amounts accrued for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel
Deferred share units paid out	CAD 14,000,000	CAD 4,000,000

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additional statement of cash flow information (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net change in non-cash operating working capital
Accounts receivable	CAD (70)	CAD (45)
Inventories	(60)	42
Prepaid expenses	(27)	(20)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	126	126
Income and other taxes receivable and payable, net	(90)	(128)
Advance billings and customer deposits	38	(28)
Provisions	(59)	(18)
Total	(142)	(71)
Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences
Property, plant and equipment	(2,486)	(2,358)
Intangible assets	(617)	(629)
Total	(3,103)	(2,987)
Additions arising from non-monetary transactions	9	19
Capital expenditures	(3,094)	(2,968)
Asset retirement obligations netted (included) in additions	(7)	40
Total	(3,101)	(2,928)
Other non-cash items included above
Change in associated non-cash investing working capital	(27)	231
Non-cash change in asset retirement obligation	47	(55)
Total	20	176
Total	CAD (3,081)	CAD (2,752)

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additional statement of cash flow information - Financing activities (Details) - CAD CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Transaction costs
Redemptions, repayments or payments	CAD (1)
Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus
Deferred income tax recovery	(20)	CAD 5
To eliminate the effect of gross settlement of transaction costs
Total	51
Total		294
Total		(243)
Total	(3)
Total	47	51
Dividends payable to holders of Common Shares
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	284	263
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(1,152)	(1,070)
Other	1,167	1,091
Ending	299	284
Dividends reinvested in shares from Treasury
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Redemptions, repayments or payments	70
Other	(70)
Dividends payable to holders of Common Shares net of dividends reinvested in shares from treasury
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	284	263
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(1,082)	(1,070)
Other	1,097	1,091
Ending	299	284
Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning		10
Redemptions, repayments or payments		(179)
Other		169
Short-term borrowings
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	100	100
Issued or received		3
Redemptions, repayments or payments		(3)
Ending	100	100
Long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	12,951	12,024
Issued or received	6,367	5,726
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(5,502)	(4,843)
Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))	(20)	9
Other	(43)	35
Ending	13,753	12,951
Long-term debt including derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	12,951	12,024
Issued or received	11,077	9,907
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(10,212)	(9,024)
Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))	(20)	9
Other	(43)	35
Ending	13,753	12,951
TELUS Corporation notes | Long-term debt including derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	11,367	11,164
Issued or received	990	785
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(700)	(600)
Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))	(91)	19
Other	(5)	(1)
Ending	11,561	11,367
TELUS Corporation commercial paper | Long-term debt including derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	613	256
Issued or received	5,295	4,568
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(4,710)	(4,181)
Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))	(58)	(30)
Ending	1,140	613
TELUS Communications Inc. debentures | Long-term debt including derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	619	618
Other	1	1
Ending	620	619
TELUS International (Cda) Inc. credit facility | Long-term debt including derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	332
Issued or received	82	373
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(56)	(42)
Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))	(20)	9
Other	1	(8)
Ending	339	332
Derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt - liability (asset) | Long-term debt including derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Beginning	20	(14)
Issued or received	4,710	4,181
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(4,746)	(4,201)
Foreign exchange movement (Note 4(i))	149	11
Other	(40)	43
Ending	93	20
To eliminate effect of gross settlement of derivatives used to manage currency risks arising from U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt | Long-term debt
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Issued or received	(4,710)	(4,181)
Redemptions, repayments or payments	4,710	4,181
Subsidiary
Gross proceeds on share issuance
Issued or received		302
Other		(302)
Transaction costs
Beginning	4
Redemptions, repayments or payments	(1)	(8)
Other		12
Ending	3	4
Income taxes charged directly to contributed surplus
Beginning	47
Other	(3)	47
Ending	44	47
Current income tax charge	(3)	50
Deferred income tax recovery	CAD 0	3
To eliminate the effect of gross settlement of transaction costs
Issued or received		(8)
Redemptions, repayments or payments		CAD 8