Supported by our corporate values, our corporate culture promotes the creation of a positive work environment, which is crucial to the success of our Corporation. We uphold our values through policies and programs that foster employee commitment to sustainable development. We remain focused on building strong employee engagement and developing the skills of our workers.

Respect for Human Rights

We conduct ourselves as guests in our host countries and assume our responsibilities toward the local communities and the environment. Respect, one of our core corporate values, guides our every step. We endeavour to protect human dignity and individual beliefs, and strive to create an environment that promotes mutual respect for our employees, subcontractors, neighbouring communities, host governments and the general population.

Collective Agreements

We recognize the right to freedom of association and to collective bargaining. In this regard, in early 2011 our Memorandums of Understanding were renewed in both Burkina Faso and Niger, each for a two-year term and with no labour disputes. In so doing, we reiterated our willingness to foster healthy social dialogue and partnership conducive to smooth business operations. Of note, we reassessed and raised wages, increased compensation and bonuses, as well as improved our training and development programs. Close to 85% of our employees are covered by a collective agreement, including the majority of our national employees.

Recruitment and Training for National Employees

In keeping with our commitment to promote the development the communities neighbouring our mines, our recruitment initiatives focus on hiring national workers. We believe in the importance providing training to national employees so they can eventually benefit from positions of greater responsibility. In partnership with Montreal's Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board, we continue to develop and offer customized training programs. These initiatives are designed to empower our national employees and thereby enabling them to in turn train their colleagues.

Sustainable Development Awareness

Communications with regard to sustainable development is one of the pillars of our approach and commitment. Our multifaceted strategy includes an awareness component, including our employees' commitment to sustainable development. In fact, understanding the concept and challenges of sustainable development is fundamental to its meaningful integration into our day-to-day operations.

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