TD's economic and social impacts are not always tangible or captured in concrete numbers. We touch lives in many intangible ways - respecting and promoting basic human rights is an example.

As both an employer and a service provider, we are subject to human rights legislation, such including the Canadian Human Rights Act, and we support internationally proclaimed human rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We take our responsibility seriously in treating all employees and customers with dignity and respect and in encouraging them to treat others in the same manner.

Human rights within our work environment
We have policies, guidelines and procedures to protect and promote the human rights of our employees and customers throughout our operations. Our Respect in the Workplace policy, for instance, articulates our commitment to providing a work environment free from any form of harassment and discrimination, where every employee, customer, independent contractor and third party is treated with dignity and respect.

We carefully adhere to and in many cases exceed all applicable labour laws and standards addressing issues such as equal pay, hours of work and child labour. Our unwavering pledge to human rights is also embedded in our Employee Code of Conduct and Ethics, which states the fundamental principles, norms and behaviours expected of all employees, officers and directors worldwide in the course of their jobs:

"The principles of fairness and equity regarding the treatment of employees, customers, suppliers and other business associates underlie how TD conducts itself. You have an obligation to treat other employees with respect, dignity and fairness at all times. TDBFG will not condone any behaviour from its employees towards other employees which could be construed as harassment or discrimination. You are expected to abide by the Canadian Human Rights Act or human rights legislation of the country in which you work, whichever is the higher standard."

More info:
Employee rights
Supplier relations

Human rights in society
As part of our ongoing participation in various public policy forums and through our community investments, we also try to make a difference in human rights' issues. For example:

• Underscoring our commitment to promoting human equality and dignity, TD has donated $750,000 to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which is slated to open in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 2010. It will be the largest human rights centre in the world, with a special focus on equipping young people to become human rights leaders.
• TD continues to back anti-racism initiatives such as the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the Scadding Court Community Centre Anti-Racism Awards and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations.
• TD acknowledges the social and economic challenges affecting many Aboriginal communities in Canada, and elsewhere in the world. We have a strong tradition of supporting Aboriginal businesses, organizations and communities to promote economic development, self-sufficiency and job opportunities. Learn more about these initiatives in Diversity in Our Workplace, Diversity in the Community and Customer Diversity.
• TD made a three-year, $150,000 pledge to Equitas, a program that helps municipal governments, including increasingly racially diverse communities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Moncton and Fredericton, develop children’s and youth programs to promote nondiscrimination, multiculturalism, human rights and peaceful confl ict resolution. For example, Equitas has helped the City of Montreal introduce the innovative Play it Right toolkit to more than 80 day camps, reaching nearly 12,000 children.