In poll after poll, RBC Financial Group continues to be named one of Canada’s most socially responsible corporations. We take this honour seriously, as it reflects the sum of our actions, as well as our long-term commitment to corporate citizenship. Here’s how RBC sees the big picture of corporate responsibility.

COMMITMENT TO GOOD BUSINESS

Governance and ethical behaviour
RBC takes responsibility for the effects of our actions, both social and economic, and we have implemented a wide range of policies and practices to ensure we are responsible to our employees, our clients and our shareholders.

Respect for diversity
RBC provides a workplace where people understand and respect diversity. This is one key to serving our clients well and attracting and retaining employees.

Respect for the environment
Having and adhering to sound environmental policies and practices is a priority at RBC, both in our daily operations and business initiatives. Our detailed policy on the environment covers all areas of our business.

Respect for employees
RBC is committed to being an employer of choice, and we offer our employees competitive compensation and benefit packages, a wide variety of flexible workplace options and career paths, state-of-the-art learning programs, and an attractive share ownership plan.

Products and services
Talking bank machines for clients who are visually impaired ... banking outlets on Aboriginal reserves that are staffed by First Nations people ... a cheque-cashing service for low-income earners ... these are all examples of how RBC integrates a socially responsible mindset right into our business.

Donations
RBC is one of Canada’s most generous corporate donors, through the RBC Foundation. In 2003, we contributed more than $37 million worldwide.

Employee volunteer contributions
It’s impossible to calculate the number of hours and dollars our employees and pensioners around the world contribute to charitable organizations. But we know they have big hearts and capable hands. Year after year, their time, energy and enthusiasm make an enormous contribution to the quality of life in our communities.

Sharing business and financial knowledge
Our employees have a wide range of knowledge about business and financial management. The investment of this intellectual capital, such as when our employees sit as professionals on not-for-profit boards, provide money- management workshops and share knowledge about business development, can be of lasting value to helping build community prosperity.

Gifts-in-kind
Contributions aren’t always about money, but can include the donation of facilities and services. Among RBC’s most significant “gifts-in-kind” in 2003 was the provision of our Canadian branches to collect funds for the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF and the Terry Fox Foundation.

Sponsorship
RBC Financial Group sponsors community events and national organizations that add life and vitality to our communities, from classical music and live theatre to local hockey fundraisers to programs for amateur athletes who dream of Olympic gold.