Introduction

This report is produced by Julien Inc. (the "Company") for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 (the "Reporting Period"). It outlines measures taken to prevent and reduce the risks of forced labor or child labor at all stages of goods production, whether in Canada or elsewhere, or in the importation of goods into Canada by the Company.

This is the Company's first report prepared in accordance with Canada's Supply Chains Act to Combat Forced Labour and Child Labour (the "Act").

The Company considers respect for human rights to be a fundamental corporate responsibility and a value that governs all its activities. It is implied in one of its three (3) core values, which is respect. The Company expects the same commitment from its business partners, especially those in its supply chain.

Measures Taken to Prevent and Reduce Risks of Forced Labor and Child Labor

During the Reporting Period, the Company took measures to prevent and mitigate the risk of modern slavery, including forced labor and child labor. These measures, which will be detailed further below, include:

  • Supplier mapping;
  • Revision of the supplier selection process;
  • Supplier assessments.

Structure, Activities, and Supply Chains

Structure

The Company is a legal entity incorporated under the Quebec Business Corporations Act and headquartered in Quebec.

The Company employs approximately one hundred eighty (180) employees who work in Canada.

Activities

The Company manufactures and imports food service equipment, outdoor kitchens, decorative plumbing, and professional kitchens made from stainless steel, serving both commercial and residential customers. Its operations are primarily in Quebec, with sales also extending to other Canadian provinces and the United States.

The Company's supply chains are global. It sources products from North America, Asia, and Europe. Additionally, subcontractors and suppliers' supply chains are also located across these continents.

All products are predominantly manufactured using stainless steel sourced mainly from factories in Asia.

Policies and Due Diligence Processes

During the Reporting Period, the Company integrated responsible business conduct into its policies and management systems. It also identified and assessed negative impacts on its operations, supply chains, and business relationships.

Mapping

A mapping exercise of direct suppliers collaborating with the Company was conducted. As mentioned earlier, this analysis revealed its suppliers are in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Revision of Supplier Selection Process

With the aim of combating forced labor and child labor, the Company decided to revise its decision-making process for selecting suppliers. The next step in this review will be to formally incorporate the concept of modern slavery into the selection process. Previously, this concept was informally incorporated.

Supplier Assessment

Finally, the Company conducted an initial survey-based assessment of its suppliers to gain a better understanding of their situation regarding modern slavery. Based on the survey results, the Company will take additional steps with those suppliers, if necessary, who have not ensured diligent measures against modern slavery.

The Company will pay particular attention to suppliers whose products are manufactured in geographical areas with a high global slavery index or high corruption perception index.

For those suppliers who did not respond to the survey, follow-ups via email, phone calls, physical meetings, or visits have been or will be undertaken.

Risk Assessment and Management

During the Reporting Period, the Company initiated the process of risk determination. However, there are still gaps in its assessments. This evaluation highlighted risks for forced labor and child labor, particularly due to the industry in which it operates, the types of products it sells, imports, and manufactures, the location of its operations, and the raw materials and products in its supply chains. These risks are associated with the manufacturing industry.

Corrective Measure

During the Reporting Period, the Company did not identify any instances of forced labor or child labor in its operations and supply chains. Furthermore, the Company did not identify any income loss for vulnerable families resulting from measures taken to eliminate the use of forced labor or child labor in its operations and supply chains. Therefore, no corrective measures have been implemented to date.

Training

During the next fiscal year, the Company's procurement team will receive specific training to raise awareness about child labor and forced labor.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Implemented Measures

During the Reporting Period, the Company implemented measures to combat modern slavery. However, to date, the Company has not developed a mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures. The Company commits to working on evaluation measures during the next fiscal year.

Approval and Attestation

This report has been approved by the board of directors of Julien Inc., in accordance with paragraph 11(4)(a) of the Act.

In accordance with the requirements of the Act, particularly section 11, I hereby attest that I have reviewed the information contained in this report for the Company. To the best of my knowledge, and after exercising due diligence, I confirm that the information contained in this report is true, accurate, and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the above-mentioned reporting year.

I have the authority to bind Julien Inc.

By:


Name: Michel-Luc St-Pierre
Title: President
Julien inc. administrator
Date : May 28th, 2024