Manulife Financial Makes 2012 Public Accountability Statement – The title of the feed item<\/p>\n
Toronto –\u00a0<\/strong>Manulife Financial has today released its\u00a02012 Public Accountability Statement<\/a>.\u00a0The statement, which reviews Manulife\u2019s commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, excellence in business conduct and corporate governance during the previous year, is now available for download at manulife.com.<\/p>\n The 2012 Statement highlights the Company\u2019s continuing efforts in Canada, Asia and the United States to build stronger communities, promote health and wellness, support educational initiatives for young people and tomorrow\u2019s leaders, enhance environmental sustainability and harness the power of volunteering in the community.<\/p>\n “Our company has a long, proud tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees, agents and customers live and work,\u201d says Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Financial.<\/p>\n New in Manulife\u2019s 2012 Public Accountability Statement are increased details, context, and metrics \u00a0that help quantify the impacts of Manulife\u2019s programs and initiatives, whether of an economic, social or environmental nature.<\/p>\n Highlights from the 2012 Statement include:<\/p>\n Economic Impact: Manulife believes in the importance of partnering with organizations which help to promote active, healthy lifestyles among its global customer base and which give back to the local community. The Company is proud of the significant economic impacts that arose through its sponsorship of events in 2012, such as the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic and the Boston Marathon.<\/p>\n In Vietnam, the Company continued offering micro-insurance policies, which it began offering in 2009.\u00a0With premiums of roughly $1 per month, the policies help women (most of whom are farmers) who want to protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with accidents, disease and natural disasters.\u00a0The introduction of micro-insurance to this region helps contribute to social welfare, eliminate poverty and create awareness of savings to area residents.<\/p>\n Social Impact: “We believe every volunteer act helps contribute to better outcomes for everyone,\u201d adds Nicole Boivin, Senior Vice President and Chief Branding & Communications Officer.\u00a0\u201cAt the same time, we think it\u2019s a forward-thinking approach toward being an engaged community partner.\u201d<\/p>\n Environmental Impact: Manulife also continued to pursue opportunities to increase the effectiveness of its business operations, while minimizing impact on the environment. \u00a0These efforts included the use of property management technologies, the introduction of data server virtualization and initiatives to encourage the reuse and recycling of electronic waste.\u00a0Data on the Company\u2019s carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, paper use and waste diversion are presented in the 2012 Statement.<\/p>\n Manulife Bank:
\n<\/strong>Manulife is proud of the role that it is able to play in facilitating positive economic impacts in the communities where it operates by virtue of its day-to-day operations.\u00a0Above and beyond these ongoing business activities, the Company engaged in a broad range of additional initiatives in 2012 which generated positive economic benefits in Canada, Asia and in the United States.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>As in previous years, the Company encouraged its employees in 2012 to volunteer at the local community level. Volunteerism has always been a priority at Manulife and being active participants in improving local communities is a vital part of the organization’s culture.\u00a0In 2012, Manulife employees and distribution partners volunteered 380,745 hours to a wide range of charities and causes. Employee donation of time is an important contribution and a way to extend the power of our corporate donations.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Through its ongoing commitment to sustainable investment, demonstrated by the Company\u2019s investments in renewable energy, forest land management and volunteer programs, Manulife is helping protect biodiversity and fragile ecosystems around the world.\u00a0From recycling and conservation programs to the generation of renewable energy, the Company continued to adopt environmentally friendly practices in its global office locations and throughout its global real estate portfolio during 2012.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>During the course of 2012, Manulife Bank surpassed $1 billion in shareholder\u2019s equity.\u00a0As such, Manulife Bank was required to prepare its first public accountability statement for its public accountability activities in 2012, which can be found on pages 44-46 of the 2012 Statement.<\/p>\n