Human Rights Policy

Effective Date: Aug 01, 2025 | Version 1.0 | Owner: Board of Directors

1. Purpose
NorthTek Rescue Inc. (“NorthTek,” “the Company,” “we,” or “our”) is committed to conducting all aspects of its business — including all safety training services, standby confined space rescue, entry attendant services, air monitoring, and NFPA-based rope rescue — in a manner that respects the human rights and dignity of all individuals. This Policy sets out our commitment to upholding internationally recognized human rights principles across our operations, our workforce, our suppliers, and the communities and client sites where we work.

2. Scope
This Policy applies to all NorthTek directors, officers, employees, and contracted personnel, regardless of role or location, as well as to our relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and business partners engaged in connection with NorthTek’s operations.

3. Our Commitment
NorthTek supports and is guided by the principles reflected in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We are committed to:
• Respecting and upholding the fundamental human rights of all employees, contractors, and individuals affected by our operations.
• Operating in compliance with all applicable Canadian and Ontario employment, health and safety, and human rights legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Identifying, preventing, and mitigating any adverse human rights impacts connected to our business activities.
• Providing channels for employees and stakeholders to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

4. Key Principles
4.1 Forced Labour and Human Trafficking
NorthTek strictly prohibits the use of any form of forced, bonded, indentured, or involuntary labour, and prohibits any involvement in human trafficking. All work performed for NorthTek is voluntary, and personnel are free to leave their employment upon reasonable notice as required by applicable law.

4.2 Child Labour
NorthTek does not employ individuals below the minimum legal working age in Ontario and does not engage in or support the use of child labour in any part of its operations or supply chain.

4.3 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
NorthTek is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability, consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Hiring, training, and advancement decisions are based on qualifications, performance, and the safety-critical competencies required for technical rescue work.

4.4 Freedom of Association
NorthTek respects the right of employees to freely associate, organize, and engage in collective bargaining in accordance with applicable law, without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment.

4.5 Health and Safety
Given the nature of our work in safety training, confined space, rope, and hazmat rescue operations, the health and safety of our personnel and the public is foundational to our business. NorthTek maintains operating procedures aligned with NFPA 1006, 1401, and 472 standards and Ontario Regulation 632/05, and provides the training, equipment, and supervision necessary for personnel to perform their duties safely.

4.6 Fair Wages and Working Hours
NorthTek compensates personnel in compliance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act, including minimum wage, overtime, and statutory leave requirements, and does not impose excessive or illegal working hours.

5. Supply Chain and Business Partners
NorthTek expects subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and business partners with whom we work to operate in a manner consistent with the principles set out in this Policy. Where concerns regarding a partner’s practices arise, NorthTek will assess the relationship and take appropriate action, which may include raising concerns directly, requiring corrective measures, or ending the relationship.

6. NorthTek Rescue Inc. provides a formal channel for any employee, contractor, client, member of the public, or other party potentially affected by our operations to raise a concern regarding this Policy.
How to report:
Concerns may be submitted at any time by emailing info@northtekrescue.ca, by phone at 289-444-0835.  Reports may be made anonymously where preferred.
Our process:
• All reports will be acknowledged within 5 business days of receipt.
• NorthTek’s ownership group will review and investigate each report, which may include speaking with relevant personnel, reviewing records, or consulting external advisors where appropriate.
• Investigations will be completed within 30 days wherever reasonably possible, with the reporting party updated on the outcome to the extent permitted by privacy and legal considerations.
• Reports will be treated confidentially and in good faith, without fear of retaliation against the person raising the concern.
Remediation:
Where an investigation confirms that a violation of this Policy has occurred, NorthTek will take corrective action proportionate to the nature and severity of the issue. This may include, depending on the circumstances: corrective measures with the individual(s) responsible, up to and including termination of employment or contracted relationships; changes to internal procedures to prevent recurrence; and, where appropriate, taking reasonable steps to address harm experienced by the affected party.
This mechanism is available to all parties potentially affected by NorthTek’s operations, not solely employees or contractors, and is reviewed periodically alongside the rest of this Policy.

7. Governance and Review
This Policy is owned by NorthTek’s ownership group and is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains current with legal requirements and business operations. NorthTek’s three principal owners are jointly responsible for oversight of this Policy’s implementation.

Approved on behalf of NorthTek Rescue Inc.