The GRI index containing data for 2023 was published in May 2025

Every effort is made to ensure that LifeLabs reports accurate data. In cases where LifeLabs becomes aware of material updates to data from previous years, a restatement would be made and data updated accordingly. With respect to quantitative data, changes within +/-10% are not considered material for a restatement.

Sustainability reporting is not assured externally. Internally, there are 4 levels of employees that review sustainability data. The highest level of review is completed by a Vice President.

LifeLabs LP operates in the healthcare sector.

LifeLabs has a complex supply chain involving relationships with over 1000 suppliers, manufacturers and distributors in areas such as laboratory equipment, consumables, business services, goods for operations and more. LifeLabs leverages the expertise of Quality & Regulatory Assurance, Health & Safety, and Environment and Sustainability departments on all major procurements for assessments of risks in these areas. LifeLabs is a diagnostic healthcare provider, providing collection, analysis, and reporting services. LifeLabs is well-positioned to deliver care at home, in the community and across Canada through four core lines of business. LifeLabs has 16 laboratories, over 5,700 professionally trained staff members, 382 conveniently located collection centres in B.C., Ontario and Saskatchewan, an extensive network of couriers and mobile phlebotomists. LifeLabs also has a complete suite of testing services available to all Canadians and partner with governments and companies to develop technologies and customized services.

There were no significant material changes in LifeLabs’ value chain in 2023.

LifeLabs had 6421 employees (permanent and temporary) in 2023.

Total number of employees by employment contract (permanent and temporary) and by gender:

• Female: permanent = 4839, temporary = 107
• Male: permanent = 1453, temporary = 22

Total number of employees by employment contract (permanent and temporary) and by region:

• Permanent: AB = 6, BC = 1940, ON = 4182, SK = 164
• Temporary: AB = 0, BC = 28, ON = 94, SK = 7

Total number of employees by employment type (full-time, part-time, casual and temporary) and by gender:

• Female: full-time = 2598, part-time = 2025, casual = 216, temporary = 107
• Male: full-time = 800, part-time = 537, casual = 116, temporary = 22

Total number of employees by employment type (full-time, part-time and casual) and by region:

• Full-Time: AB = 6, BC = 1005, ON = 2313, SK = 74
• Part-Time: AB = 0, BC = 686, ON = 1791, SK = 85
• Casual: AB = 0, BC = 249, ON = 78, SK = 5

The data included in this report has been compiled using headcounts as of the end of the reporting period, December 31, 2023.

LifeLabs doesn’t have data on contracted workers readily available and is unable to report on it.

LifeLabs has a hierarchical governance structure, with an 8-person executive team, who are responsible for day-to-day operations and report to the Board. An important part of LifeLabs’ governance structure is the medical leadership team, comprised of 18 individuals. Leadership

LifeLabs’ governance structure is designed to ensure effective oversight and strategic direction. The highest governance body at LifeLabs is comprised of employees who are director level and higher.

Key committees within the highest governance body include the Audit Committee, responsible for overseeing financial reporting and compliance, and the Governance and Nominating Committee, which handles board appointments and governance practices. Additionally, the Board is supported by the Director of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability who is responsible for sustainability reporting.

LifeLabs’ highest governance body is comprised of employees who are the director level and higher:

• Non-Executive: 91%
• Executive: 9%
• Independent directors: 24%

The average tenure is 8.5 years.

• Male: 55%
• Female: 45%

With regards to the LifeLabs board, there are 10 members:

• Male board members: 6, 60%
• Female board members: 4, 40%
• Independent board members: 7, 70%
• Non-Independent board members: 3, 30%
• Executive employees serving on the board: 1, 10%

LifeLabs is controlled by a sole shareholder (the “Shareholder”) and the Board is comprised of directors appointed by the Shareholder.

The Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of LifeLabs are separate roles.

The executive team is responsible for developing, approving, and updating the organization’s purpose, value or mission statements, strategies, policies, and goals related to sustainable development. The executive team members will work with their direct reports and teams they oversee for input into specific policies.

The executive team is responsible for overseeing the organization’s due diligence and other processes to identify and manage the organization’s impacts on the economy, environment, and people.

In 2021, internal stakeholders conducted a review of the organization’s ESG strategy to ensure alignment on future management across various domains, including Employee Health and Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Legal/Privacy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Total Rewards, Procurement, IT/Security, Community/Communications, and Quality. These stakeholders utilized a modified materiality assessment to prioritize key aspects and establish goals, metrics, and targets. The executive leadership team (ELT) approved this approach, and progress is regularly reported through quarterly dashboards and annual reports.

LifeLabs does not have a formal process for stakeholder engagement on the ESG approach and associated disclosures.

Managing the organizations impacts on the economy, environment, and people is a collective effort of all executive team members.

LifeLabs measures impacts in the areas of health and safety, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, these metrics and their associated impacts are not publicly disclosed.

The VP of Culture, Communications and Engagement is responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics. Together with the SVP, People, the two parties are responsible for employee engagement metrics. The executive team has delegated the responsibility of environmental, health, safety, sustainability reporting to the Director of Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability.

Data is collected and reported to the executive team as follows:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – BIENNIAL
• Employee Engagement – QUARTERLY
• Environment and Sustainability – QUARTERLY
• Health and Safety – MONTHLY

The VP Laboratory Operations and Support Services is responsible for reviewing and approving the reported information which is collected by the Environment and Sustainability team.

Material topics for GRI reporting were last reviewed in 2017, when a multi-level stakeholder engagement was completed to determine the importance of business, social and environmental topics as it relates to LifeLabs as a company, as well as to individuals as employees.

The Shareholder requires prospective Board members to complete a Conflict of Interest declaration prior to appointment to the Board.

Board members are required to disclose any conflicts of interest relating, but not limited to: cross-board membership; cross-shareholding with suppliers and other stakeholders; existence of controlling shareholders; related parties, their relationships, transactions, and outstanding balances.

Critical concerns are brought to the Board members through the Audit, Finance, Risk & Compliance channel.

LifeLabs has an Environment Policy, published externally. This specifically refers to LifeLabs’ commitment to social and environmental impacts.

LifeLabs has implemented a ‘Respect in the Workplace’ Policy, which applies to all employees, suppliers/vendors, contractors, consultants, customers, clients, and visitors to LifeLabs locations and workplaces. This policy underscores LifeLabs’ commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment, practices that are contrary to the organization’s values.

While this policy is not published externally, it is provided to all employees, suppliers/vendors, contractors, and consultants for review and sign-off. Customers, clients, and visitors are presented with a summarized version of this policy upon entering LifeLabs locations and workplaces.

Additionally, LifeLabs has an internal Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pledge that articulates the organization’s core values and its culture of inclusion and equity. This pledge emphasizes the responsibility to seek diverse perspectives and to recognize and mitigate biases in systems, communications, and processes.

Both policy commitments are subject to review and approval by the executive team.

Responsibilities for responsible business conduct are distributed across various levels, with senior leadership overseeing implementation and specific teams managing day-to-day adherence. These commitments are integrated into the company’s strategic planning, operational policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with core values. LifeLabs collaborates with partners and suppliers to uphold these standards, ensuring all business relationships reflect their commitments. Employees receive training through the internal program, MyDevelopment, where they review and sign-off on all policies.

In the event of negative impacts that LifeLabs identifies it has caused or contributed to, LifeLabs will take measures to cooperate and remediate the impacts. The teams responsible for organizing these efforts would depend on the nature of the impact.

LifeLabs has a dedicated Customer Support team responsible for managing the customer experience. Grievances are addressed directly by this team, and customers can submit their concerns or inquiries via the Contact Us page, email, or phone. Upon receiving a complaint, the Customer Support team triages it and assigns it to the appropriate team within the organization for resolution or information gathering. The Customer Support team either connects the customer with the relevant team or remains the direct point of contact throughout the process.

Since April 2018, LifeLabs has maintained a Whistleblower program to enable those to report any concerns around issues of compliance with Code of Conduct, applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies. The program is intended to encourage and enable employees to report any serious concerns in good faith without fear of harassment or retaliation, or when the concern has not been adequately addressed through existing processes. This reporting tool, provided by a third-party provider – ClearView Connects, provides a confidential and anonymous forum to report serious concerns via telephone, a dedicated website, or by mail.

LifeLabs commits to fully complying with all applicable regulations at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. LifeLabs did not receive any fines or orders for significant instances of non-compliance in 2023.

Labs are licensed and accredited by external agencies, including the Diagnostic Accreditation Program, ISO15189, Ministry of Health, Laboratory Accreditation Program. These agencies review policies, procedures, and facilities on a regular basis. Accreditation and Licensing

Facilities are subject to random inspections by various regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Labour, Transport Canada, WorkSafe BC, Regional and Local Health Departments, Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Ministry of Environment, among others.

While some minor findings were identified by these agencies, none were significant, and all issues were successfully resolved.

LifeLabs has memberships with the following associations:

• Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences
• BC Business Council
• Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
• Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
• Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories
• Ontario Long Term Care Association
• Toronto Board of Trade
• Burnaby Board of Trade
• LifeSciences BC
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce
• Digital Health Canada
• C.D. Howe
• Practice Greenhealth

In 2021, internal stakeholders conducted a review of the organization’s ESG strategy to ensure alignment on future management across various domains, including Employee Health and Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Legal/Privacy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Total Rewards, Procurement, IT/Security, Community/Communications, and Quality. These stakeholders utilized a modified materiality assessment to prioritize key aspects and establish goals, metrics, and targets. The executive leadership team (ELT) approved this approach, and progress is regularly reported through quarterly dashboards and annual reports.

LifeLabs does not have a formal process for stakeholder engagement on the ESG approach and associated disclosures, and is in the process of developing a broader strategy amplifying stakeholder engagement.

• Non-union employees: 73.6%
• Union employees: 26.4%

LifeLabs does not reference other bargaining agreements for non-union work. Instead, LifeLabs reviews and aligns with best practices and market guidelines. LifeLabs working conditions and terms of employment fully comply with all provincial legislation.

Material topics for GRI reporting were last reviewed in 2017 through a comprehensive multi-level stakeholder engagement process. This process aimed to determine the significance of business, social, and environmental topics for LifeLabs as a company and for its employees.

Thirteen groups from BC and twenty-five groups from ON, each consisting of 6-8 participants including managers, VPs, SLT members, and employees, were surveyed to identify the most important categories. Additionally, the BC Employee Council, comprising 9 members, was surveyed. These groups ranked the importance of sixteen categories on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the most important.

The results of this assessment informed the topics included in LifeLabs’ first GRI report. Over time, the GRI reporting topics have become more comprehensive, with LifeLabs adopting the 2021 standards in the 2023 report. As of 2023, LifeLabs does not have a formal process for stakeholder engagement on the ESG approach and associated disclosures.

Biodiversity, economic performance, market presence, indirect economic impacts, procurement practices, anti-corruption, anti-competitive behaviour, energy, water & effluent, emissions, effluents & waste, waste, supplier environmental assessment, labour management relations, occupational health & safety, education and training, diversity and equal opportunity, child labour, forced or compulsory labour, rights of Indigenous peoples, local communities, supplier social assessment, public policy, customer health & safety, marketing & labelling, customer privacy.

Regarding biodiversity, LifeLabs adheres to its Environmental Policy and internal standard operating procedures to prevent the discharge of chemicals that could harm the environment. The organization responsibly manages all waste streams and reports any spills to the appropriate governmental authorities. The Environment and Sustainability team oversees and monitors all types of waste (hazardous, non-hazardous, liquid, solid, gaseous) from operations, ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations and best practices. Through effective waste management and monitoring, LifeLabs indirectly safeguards biodiversity in its operational areas.

LifeLabs ensures that all discharges to the sanitary sewer system and atmosphere comply with local, provincial, and federal regulations. Consequently, LifeLabs actively prevents the introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens, as well as the reduction of species and habitat conversion. LifeLabs maintains a clear distinction from external construction projects, manufacturing plants, mines, or transportation infrastructure, focusing on its own operations to uphold environmental standards.

However, LifeLabs recognizes that its operations contribute to direct pollution through the use of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and equipment. Additional information is available in the emissions, waste, and energy sections.

With respect to Economic Performance, LifeLabs positively impacts the economy by creating jobs and providing essential healthcare services, contributing to economic stability and growth in Canada. To enhance economic performance, LifeLabs is committed to sustainability and data security, implementing robust measures to protect sensitive information and improve operational efficiency. Stakeholder engagement plays a crucial role in informing these actions, ensuring continuous improvement and effectiveness. By addressing both positive and negative economic impacts, LifeLabs aims to maintain its economic sustainability and resilience.

In 2022, LifeLabs conducted a comprehensive climate risk assessment, identifying the top 24 physical and transitional risks to the business. This assessment is reviewed and updated annually. The primary risks identified included flooding, storms, fossil fuel technologies (decarbonization), and water protection. This assessment was an internal exercise, and details regarding each impact, financial implications, risk management methods, and associated costs are not disclosed externally.

LifeLabs adopts a business continuity approach, supported by a dedicated team responsible for business continuity planning and recovery strategies. This process involves all teams, ensuring that all potential hazards, whether related to climate change or other factors, are thoroughly reviewed.

With respect to Market Presence, LifeLabs has a significant market presence in Canada, operating 16 laboratories and over 380 collection centers across British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. This extensive network allows LifeLabs to provide essential diagnostic services to millions of Canadians, supporting public health and contributing to economic stability by creating jobs for over 6,000 professionals. LifeLabs follows provincial legislation to ensure positive impacts for the customers and communities it serves. LifeLabs works with the government to ensure LifeLabs offers services in remote areas and meets the needs of Canadians for access to diagnostic testing.

Wages at LifeLabs are not defined based on gender and comply with all provincial legislation related to pay. Pay is established based on LifeLabs’ internal job evaluation system, which groups similar roles based on the skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, and the external market for each position. This system ensures that pay decisions are free from any deliberate or systemic gender bias.

For roles which are regionally or provincially focused, LifeLabs hires qualified candidates from the local community. For roles with company-wide (national) accountability, the most qualified candidate is selected. In most cases, the candidate is not asked to relocate.

With respect to Indirect Economic Impacts, LifeLabs creates jobs for over 6,000 professionals across the 16 laboratories and over 380 collection centers in British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan that it operates. LifeLabs’ services enhance healthcare accessibility, which positively impacts community health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs through early disease detection and management.

By providing diagnostic testing services to people across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, from city center to rural towns, LifeLabs contributes to the health of Canadians and provides employment at over 380 locations across 165 municipalities. LifeLabs consistently expands its footprint by opening new locations, each involving substantial capital and technology investments.

By operating in 165 municipalities across Canada, LifeLabs is able to bring employment to many local economies and improve health outcomes of these residents by providing access to diagnostic testing.

LifeLabs primarily focuses on commercial investments and services but also engages in in-kind and charitable donations.

At the Burnaby Lab, LifeLabs partners with Spud.ca to donate gel packs used for shipping reagents. While some gel packs are reused internally, Spud.ca collects the excess weekly, cleans them, and reuses them for grocery deliveries. Annually, LifeLabs donates about 11 tons of gel packs to Spud.ca. In Toronto, LifeLabs collaborates with Second Harvest and local churches to donate approximately 1 ton of gel packs annually. The Surrey Lab donates around 2,000 expired blood tubes monthly to Vancouver Community College, totaling 840 kg per year. Additionally, the Surrey Lab donates excess Styrofoam coolers to a local insect farm, amounting to about 1,000 kg annually. LifeLabs also makes every effort to donate equipment and materials that are no longer needed but still in good condition.

The LifeLabs Employee Giving Program matches employees’ fundraising and volunteer efforts for Canadian charities and non-profit organizations. In 2023, LifeLabs and its employees donated CAD 27,342 to 30 organizations, including UNICEF, Amnesty International, Food Banks Canada, Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, and the Canadian Red Cross: 2023 Canada Wildfire Fund.

LifeLabs has not identified any significant indirect economic impacts of the organization.

Regarding Supplier Environmental Assessment, LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers who meet its standards for environmental and social responsibility. LifeLabs employs a Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Quotes (RFQ) process, which includes inquiries about environmental and social practices.

This process helps identify potential hazards that could impact LifeLabs’ operations, including health and safety risks, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts, and regulatory compliance issues. The risk assessment involves multiple teams responsible for various levels of evaluation, applicable to both existing and new equipment.

Most of LifeLabs’ suppliers, by dollar amount, are based in Canada. LifeLabs maintains close relationships with suppliers to ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and local regulations, addressing any impacts promptly.

In 2023, approximately 93.3% of total spend was local.

Local as defined as a supplier with headquarters in Canada.

‘Significant locations’ are Headquarters (HQ), Reference and Regional Labs including spend contracted by HQ which may be distributed to satellite locations (Patients Service Centres).

Regarding procurement practices, LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers who meet its environmental and social responsibility standards. Although LifeLabs does not have a formal Supplier Code of Conduct or Sustainable Procurement Policy, all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs) include inquiries about environmental and social practices. This is part of LifeLabs’ SOP: “EHS Risk Assessment for Vendors, Equipment, and Analyzers,” which identifies hazards that could impact business operations, including health and safety risks, ESG impacts, and regulatory compliance concerns. This risk assessment involves multiple teams and applies to both existing and new equipment.

Most of LifeLabs’ suppliers, by dollar amount, are based in Canada. LifeLabs maintains close relationships with suppliers to ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and local regulations, addressing any impacts promptly.

No suppliers were assessed on risk specifically related to anti-corruption. However, LifeLabs built its Supplier Sustainability Survey in 2023 (sent to suppliers in 2024) which included questions about practices related to forced and child labour, environmental impacts, social impacts, risk, and security.

The LifeLabs Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy and Whistleblower Policy applies to all LifeLabs officers and employees. It also extends to other parties acting on behalf of LifeLabs such as consultants, the Board of Directors, or other representatives of LifeLabs. A review of LifeLabs Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy and Whistleblower Policy is included in the orientation plan for all new employees.

All employees, 6421 (100%), have reviewed the LifeLabs’ anti-corruption policies and procedures above.

LifeLabs does not have a dedicated anti-corruption policy. However, all business partners are required to adhere to LifeLabs’ fair practice policies, which are communicated and agreed upon when contracts are signed

All governance body members, 10 (100%), have reviewed the LifeLabs’ policies and procedures above.

With respect to Anti-competitive Behaviour, LifeLabs focuses on maintaining fair market practices and compliance with competition laws. The organization ensures that its business practices do not harm competition or consumer choice, thereby fostering a healthy market environment. LifeLabs adheres to strict guidelines to avoid anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing or market allocation. The effectiveness of these actions is tracked through regular compliance audits and monitoring by regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability. This commitment helps maintain trust with stakeholders and supports a fair competitive landscape.

LifeLabs had zero legal actions pending (n)or completed during 2023 regarding anti-competitive behaviour and violations of anti-trust and monopoly legislation.

Regarding energy management, LifeLabs measures and monitors energy use at its owned and operated facilities whenever possible. In cases where data is unavailable, energy use is estimated based on operations. Energy is sourced from the grid in areas where LifeLabs operates, which in Canada is relatively clean, primarily deriving from renewable sources. By measuring and monitoring energy use, LifeLabs aims to maintain or reduce consumption compared to the previous year. Energy-efficient equipment is installed whenever replacements or new equipment are required. For large equipment or bulk purchases, energy efficiency is a key factor in purchasing decisions.

At LifeLabs, 76,396 GJ of fuel from non-renewable sources was used in total in 2023, including:

• Diesel (Retail): 257 GJ
• Natural Gas: 76,139 GJ

This excludes gasoline consumption, as those emissions and energy use are measured through kilometers driven for the courier fleet. LifeLabs does not use any biofuels or other renewable energy sources.

In 2023, 29,589,802 kWh of electricity was consumed across all LifeLabs facilities (laboratories, offices, and patient service centres). In the same time frame, these locations consumed 257 GJ of diesel fuel and 76,139 GJ of natural gas.

In total, 182,918 GJ of energy was consumed across all LifeLabs locations in 2023. LifeLabs does not produce or sell any energy. These figures are a combination of actual and estimated data.

LifeLabs collects actual data through utility bills and service provider reports, where possible, and tracks it using a third-party software, which converts the consumption/generation to greenhouse gas emissions – measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology.

Data is collected from the regional labs and patient service centers and extrapolated to provide accurate estimated values for all of these locations.

Conversion factors are based on best practices, following the GHG Protocol.

Not applicable. It is estimated that due to the nature of LifeLabs operations there is no significant energy consumption outside of the organization.

At LifeLabs, 562 GJ of fuel from non-renewable sources was consumed per 1,000,000 patient tests in 2023:

• Diesel (Retail): 1.89 GJ / 1M patient tests
• Natural Gas: 560 GJ / 1M patient tests

This excludes gasoline consumption, as those emissions and energy use are measured through kilometers driven for the courier fleet.

Energy use is for energy consumed inside the organization, either diesel for generators or natural gas for heating and cooling.

The baseline year for LifeLabs is 2023, as this is the first year the entire organizational footprint was included in the greenhouse gas inventory. Consequently, LifeLabs cannot accurately report on any energy reductions for 2023.

However, LifeLabs anticipates reductions due to the replacement of laboratory analyzers at the end of 2022 and early 2023, which emit less heat than their predecessors. Additionally, LifeLabs completed a 12,000 square foot microbiological integration project, consolidating multiple microbiology labs in Ontario into one existing lab. This led to an increase in samples and new equipment at this location but resulted in an overall decreased environmental footprint, including reductions in fuel (diesel and natural gas) and electricity consumption.

LifeLabs collects actual energy consumption data through utility bills where possible and tracks it using third-party software that converts consumption to greenhouse gas emissions, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology. Where actual data is unavailable, estimates are based on the square footage of buildings, with calculations derived from available utility bills at some locations

In 2023, LifeLabs completed a detailed assessment to estimate emissions for the entire organization (labs, offices, and patient services centres) to more accurately represent the organizational footprint.

LifeLabs does not offer sold products. In terms of services, LifeLabs is not able to measure any reductions in 2023, as it is the first year of a fulsome greenhouse gas inventory, as previously described. 2023 will act as the baseline for future years.

LifeLabs monitors energy consumption and emissions on a monthly basis, reporting it on a quarterly basis. LifeLabs actively looks for opportunities to decrease LifeLabs’ overall emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions have been tracked and utility data collected for the 4 main lab locations since 2017; this has been compared on a year-to-year basis to account for changes in operations such as the addition of new analyzers, equipment, and/or energy reduction initiatives.

With respect to Water and Effluents, LifeLabs follows its Environmental Policy and internal standard operating procedures to avoid discharging chemicals to the environment that are likely to cause negative impacts. LifeLabs responsibly discharges of all waste streams and reports any spills to the appropriate governmental bodies if they occur. The Environment and Sustainability team manages and monitors all wastes (hazardous, non-hazardous; liquid, solid, gaseous) from operations and ensures they align with federal and local regulations and best practices. By effectively managing and monitoring these waste streams, LifeLabs indirectly ensures water and effluents are managed appropriately as to not cause harm to people nor the environment.

Water management at LifeLabs is a critical concern due to the substantial volumes required for laboratory testing and equipment. All LifeLabs locations source water from municipal systems, with the majority consumed by lab operations. Non-contaminated wastewater is discharged through municipal sanitary sewers, while contaminated wastewater is either collected and disposed of by chemical waste haulers or treated with an ozone system before discharge. LifeLabs adheres to local wastewater guidelines and conducts monthly tests to ensure compliance.

In alignment with its environmental policy, LifeLabs is dedicated to minimizing natural resource consumption, including water, and reducing pollution from its operations.

Environmental Policy

LifeLabs’ Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability team conducts comprehensive risk assessments on all laboratory instruments and equipment before use to ensure proper waste stream management and disposal methods.

Additionally, the Environment and Sustainability team systematically tests water discharged to municipal systems annually at select locations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

All facilities follow local regulations for water discharge.

LifeLabs sources water from municipal systems and ensures that wastewater discharged into the sanitary sewer complies with local bylaws. However, LifeLabs has not implemented additional measures to manage water stewardship or collaborate with local water stewards.

The procurement process at LifeLabs incorporates specific environmental criteria, including water usage, which are applied to the assessment of all major equipment and consumable purchases.

In 2023, LifeLabs did not establish specific goals or targets related to water management.

In addition to comments in 303-1, LifeLabs is dedicated to ensuring all effluent complies with municipal regulations. Wastewater from major laboratories is collected and analyzed for due diligence, with results compared against municipal guidelines.

In 2023, LifeLabs had no regulatory violations, orders, or fines related to wastewater discharge.

In 2023, LifeLabs locations collectively withdrew a total of 174.68 megaliters of water from third-party municipal sources.

Water-stressed regions have not been identified in relation to LifeLabs’ operations.

In 2023, all LifeLabs locations discharged a total of 174.68 megaliters of water into third-party municipal sources. Water quality is measured on a monthly basis and continues to meet all provincial, regional, and federal requirements. Based on available data from third-party supply and discharge, it is assumed that water consumed is equal to water discharged.

Water-stressed regions have not been identified in relation to LifeLabs’ operations.

Ozone treatment systems are utilized to treat discharges containing sodium azide at seven LifeLabs locations. For locations without ozone systems, liquid waste containing sodium azide is collected and treated offsite by a third-party chemical waste hauler, along with other liquid wastes containing substances of concern.

The Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability team determines substances of concern through a review of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals, cross-referencing these with municipal bylaws for sanitary sewer discharges and health and safety regulations.

LifeLabs consumed a total of 174.68 megaliters of water in 2023. Although water is used in LifeLabs operations, it is estimated that water withdrawn is equal to water discharged.

Water-stressed regions have not been identified in relation to LifeLabs’ operations.

Water storage is minimal and not significant enough to have an impact.

Regarding emissions, LifeLabs adheres to its Environmental Policy and internal standard operating procedures to prevent atmospheric emissions that could cause negative impacts. The Environment and Sustainability team manages and monitors all emissions (both direct and indirect) through a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory, ensuring compliance with federal, provincial, and local regulations and best practices.

By effectively managing and monitoring emissions, LifeLabs ensures that its operations do not pose a threat to people or the environment.

In 2023, LifeLabs had the following Scope 1 (direct) CO2e emissions:

• Company vehicles (business development, facilities, and BC mobile lab services) CO2e: 209 tonnes
• Company vehicles (couriers) CO2e: 4,589 tonnes
• Diesel CO2e: 18.1 tonnes
• Fugitive emissions (refrigerants) CO2e: 11.0 tonnes
• Natural Gas CO2e: 4022 tonnes

Total 2023 Scope 1 CO2e Emissions: 8,849 tonnes.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type. Specific values for each gas are not available.

Reported CO2e emissions are based on the most current and up to date emission factors and may change annually. In 2023, LifeLabs completed a detailed assessment to estimate emissions for the entire organization (labs, offices, and patient services centres) to more accurately represent the organizational footprint. GHG emissions tracking and data collection will progressively improve, with the objective of incorporating minor additional emission sources as the data becomes available.

Until 2023, LifeLabs tracked greenhouse gas emissions and collected corresponding data for its four main laboratories and select national operations. Starting in 2023, data collection expanded to include several regional labs and patient service centers. This data was extrapolated to provide estimated values, ensuring that the greenhouse gas inventory now encompasses all operations under LifeLabs’ control.

LifeLabs collects actual energy consumption data through utility bills, where possible, and track it using a third-party software, which converts the consumption to greenhouse gas emissions – measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology. Where actual data is not possible, an estimate is used based on square footage of buildings. Calculations and formulas used to estimate were based on actual utility bills available at some locations.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Specific values for each gas are not available.

The emissions approach for LifeLabs is operational control.

In 2023, LifeLabs had the following Scope 2 (indirect) CO2e emissions across all locations:

• Electricity CO2e: 929 tonnes.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type. Specific values for each gas are not available.

Reported CO2e emissions are based on the most current and up to date emission factors and may change annually. In 2023, LifeLabs completed a detailed assessment to estimate emissions for the entire organization (labs, offices, and patient services centres) to more accurately represent the organizational footprint. GHG emissions tracking and data collection will progressively improve, with the objective of incorporating minor additional emission sources as the data becomes available.

LifeLabs collects actual data through utility bills and service provider reports, where possible, and tracks it using a third-party software, which converts the consumption/generation to greenhouse gas emissions – measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology. Where actual data is not possible, an estimate is used based on square footage of buildings. Calculations and formulas used to estimate were based on actual utility bills and service provider reports available at some locations.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Specific values for each gas are not available.
Emissions are based on operational control.

LifeLabs tracks greenhouse gas emissions and collects corresponding data for the four main laboratories and national operations for which it has operational control. Additionally, data has been collected from the regional labs and patient service centers and extrapolated to provide accurate, estimated values for all LifeLabs locations, providing a fulsome inventory.

In 2023, LifeLabs had a total of 4,628 measured Scope 3 CO2e emissions, from the following sources:

• Business travel (air) CO2e: 219 tonnes
• Business travel (hotel stays) CO2e: 17.4 tonnes
• Business travel (road) CO2e: 1,036 tonnes
• Hazardous waste CO2e: 2,607 tonnes
• Homeworking CO2e: 1.67 tonnes
• Non-hazardous waste CO2e: 682 tonnes
• Water (withdrawal + discharge) CO2e: 65.2 tonnes

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type. Specific values for each gas are not available.

The following scope 3 emissions categories and activities have been included:

Category 1:

• Water (withdrawal)

Category 5:

• Hazardous Waste (biohazardous waste treatment & landfill or incineration)
• Hazardous waste (chemical waste treatment & landfill or incineration)
• Non-hazardous, landfilled waste (garbage)
• Non-hazardous, recycled waste (cardboard, paper (confidential/shredded), organics, plastic bags and other film, polystyrene, mixed recycables, toner cartridges, batteries and IT equipment
• Non-hazardous, re-use/donation: pallets and gel packs
• Water (discharge)

Category 6:

• Business travel (air)
• Business travel (hotel stays)
• Business travel (road, employee vehicle)

Category 7:

• Homeworking

Reported CO2e emissions are based on the most current and up to date emission factors and may change annually. In 2023, LifeLabs completed a detailed assessment to estimate emissions for the entire organization (labs, offices, and patient services centres) to more accurately represent the organizational footprint. GHG emissions tracking and data collection will progressively improve, with the objective of incorporating minor additional emission sources as the data becomes available.

LifeLabs collects actual data through utility bills and service provider reports, where possible, and tracks it using a third-party software, which converts the consumption/generation to greenhouse gas emissions – measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology. Where actual data is not possible, an estimate is used based on square footage of buildings. Calculations and formulas used to estimate were based on actual utility bills and service provider reports available at some locations.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Specific values for each gas are not available.

LifeLabs was responsible for 14,406 tCO2e in 2023. Normalized, this is 106 tCO2e/1M patient tests. Normalization for emissions intensity is per 1,000,000 patient tests completed.

All emissions are included in the ratio: Scope 1, 2, and 3. All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type. Specific values for each gas are not available.

In 2023, LifeLabs established a comprehensive GHG inventory as a baseline, making it challenging to provide exact figures for emissions reduction initiatives, though estimates are available. This inventory is crucial for accurately assessing environmental progress.

Examples of 2023 initiatives include:

• Digital Biohazardous Waste Transfer:

Upgraded documentation to digital using barcodes, impacting 400 locations and avoiding approximately 0.468 tonnes of paper. This reduced Scope 3 emissions by an estimated 10.33 kg CO2e.

• Pilot Projects:

Implemented reusable tourniquets and glove recycling, avoiding a total of 58.47 kg CO2e in Scope 3 emissions. Full-scale projects could avoid over 100 tons CO2e.

• Laboratory Analyzer Replacement:

New analyzers, installed at the end of 2022/early 2023, are expected to reduce Scope 2 emissions by generating less heat, thus requiring less electricity for cooling.

• Microbiology Integration Project:

Consolidated several microbiology labs into one 12,000 square foot facility, reducing the overall environmental footprint for Scope 1 and 2 emissions despite increased sample volume and new equipment needs.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculations using corresponding emission factors, though specific values for each gas are not available. LifeLabs employs an operational control approach for emissions tracking.

Reported CO2e emissions are based on the most current and up to date emission factors and may change annually. In 2023, LifeLabs completed a detailed assessment to estimate emissions for the entire organization (labs, offices, and patient services centres) to more accurately represent the organizational footprint. GHG emissions tracking and data collection will progressively improve, with the objective of incorporating minor additional emission sources as the data becomes available.

LifeLabs collects actual data through utility bills and service provider reports, where possible, and tracks it using a third-party software, which converts the consumption/generation to greenhouse gas emissions – measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology. Where actual data is not possible, an estimate is used based on square footage of buildings. Calculations and formulas used to estimate were based on actual utility bills and service provider reports available at some locations.

All greenhouse gases are included in the calculation, by using the correlating emission factors for each emissions type following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Specific values for each gas are not available.

LifeLabs does not produce, import, nor export ozone-depleting substances.

LifeLabs does not have significant emissions for the listed substances.

Regarding effluents and waste, LifeLabs adheres to its Environmental Policy and internal standard operating procedures to prevent the discharge of harmful chemicals and ensure proper waste disposal, maximizing waste diversion. LifeLabs responsibly manages all waste streams and reports any spills to the appropriate governmental bodies.

Waste types are sorted according to the recycling options available at each location to minimize landfill disposal and its potential negative impacts. The Environment and Sustainability team oversees the management and monitoring of all waste types (hazardous, non-hazardous; liquid, solid, gaseous) to ensure compliance with federal and local regulations and best practices.

In 2023, LifeLabs had no significant spills.

Regarding waste management, LifeLabs adheres to its Environmental Policy and internal procedures to prevent improper disposal and maximize waste diversion. Waste is sorted based on available recycling options at each location to minimize landfill impact.

LifeLabs responsibly manages all waste streams and reports any spills to the appropriate authorities. The Environment and Sustainability team oversees all waste types (hazardous, non-hazardous; liquid, solid, gaseous) to ensure compliance with federal and local regulations and best practices.

Regarding waste management, LifeLabs adheres to its Environmental Policy and internal procedures to prevent improper disposal and maximize waste diversion. Waste is sorted based on available recycling options at each location to minimize landfill impact.

LifeLabs responsibly manages all waste streams and reports any spills to the appropriate authorities. The Environment and Sustainability team oversees all waste types (hazardous, non-hazardous; liquid, solid, gaseous) to ensure compliance with federal and local regulations and best practices.

The primary waste-generating activities at LifeLabs stem from biological laboratory diagnostics, producing significant volumes of chemical and biohazardous waste. Seven LifeLabs laboratories utilize onsite ozone treatment systems to treat wastewater containing sodium azide. This practice minimizes chemical waste and ensures that water released into the municipal sanitary sewer system does not harm aquatic life.

Annually, approximately 10 million liters of wastewater are treated across these seven sites, representing about 10% of the total water discharged from these locations and 6% of LifeLabs’ total discharged water.

LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers to avoid waste where possible and evaluate possible innovative solutions. Refer to 305-5-a-b for examples.

Third-party waste haulers for LifeLabs’ four largest laboratories provide monthly reports detailing the volumes and types of waste collected, as well as the treatment methods used. Any concerns are promptly addressed with the haulers, and the Environment and Sustainability team collaborates with them to resolve any issues. LifeLabs employs Canadian waste haulers, ensuring compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations, consistent with LifeLabs’ own regulatory obligations.

LifeLabs collects actual data through utility bills and service provider reports, where possible, and tracks it using a third-party software, which converts the consumption/generation to greenhouse gas emissions – measured in carbon dioxide equivalents using the GHG Protocol methodology. Where actual data is not possible, an estimate is used based on square footage of buildings. Calculations and formulas used to estimate were based on actual utility bills and service provider reports available at some locations.

Waste audits were conducted to accurately estimate the composition of waste at all locations, with treatment based on the waste diversion options available at each site. Where specific data was unavailable, averages and estimates were utilized.

The total amount of waste generated by LifeLabs in 2023 was 3,336 tonnes.

Hazardous waste (1,313 tonnes):

• 1,118 tonnes of biohazardous waste was produced; biohazardous waste is collected for third party waste haulage and is first treated with autoclave technology offsite, and then disposed of via landfill (BC, MB, SK) or waste-to-energy incineration (ON).
• 195 tonnes of chemical waste was produced; chemical waste is collected for third party waste haulage and is first treated using various methods based on material type and then finally disposed of in landfill. Flammable liquids are treated by ‘fuel blending’: the liquids are bulked, mixed and sent to be used to make fuel; this fuel is then used to power a cement kiln. Corrosive liquids are treated by ‘neutralization’: acids and bases are modified to create a neutral by product that is non-hazardous. Non-hazardous liquids are treated by ‘waste to energy’: liquids are shredded and mixed to be solidified; this is then sent to be incinerated at a waste to energy incineration plant. Non-hazardous solids are also treated by ‘waste to energy’: solids are incinerated at a waste to energy facility.

Non-hazardous waste (2,023 tonnes):

• 208 tonnes of cardboard were recycled (open loop)
• 34.9 tonnes of organics were composted
• 1093 tonnes of garbage were landfilled
• 425 tonnes of paper (confidential) were shredded and recycled (closed loop)
• 0.78 tonnes of soft plastic were recycled (open loop)
• 0.85 tonnes of polystyrene (Styrofoam) were recycled (open loop)
• 138 tonnes of mixed recycling were recycled (open loop)
• 1.80 tonnes of toner cartridges were recycled (open loop)
• 11.7 tonnes of WEEE (IT equipment, batteries, and laboratory equipment) were recycled (closed loop)
• 98.3 tonnes of pallets were donated/re-used
• 10.3 tonnes of gel packs were donated/re-used

The waste disposal methods for each type of waste are confirmed by the associated third-party waste hauler, who manages transportation from LifeLabs sites and off-site disposal or treatment. Waste volumes are reported by each contractor through monthly invoices and reports, which are monitored for trends, discrepancies, and anomalies.

To minimize waste generation, the Environment and Sustainability team collaborates with suppliers and internal teams to reduce waste both upstream and downstream. Where feasible, waste is reused, reduced, recycled, or donated to limit landfill disposal.

LifeLabs generated a total of 3,336 tonnes of waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) in 2023 at all LifeLabs locations. Data has been compiled from waste summary reports provided by vendors and through invoices.

The total weight of diverted non-hazardous waste was 929.9 tonnes, approximately 27.9% of total waste generated or 46.0% of all non-hazardous waste generated (2,023 tonnes). Below are the volumes of diverted, non-hazardous waste, by diversion and material type.

Composted (34.9 tonnes):

• Organics: 34.9 tonnes

Donated/Re-used (109 tonnes):

• Pallets: 98.3 tonnes
• Gel Packs: 10.3 tonnes

Recycled (786 tonnes):

• Cardboard: 208 tonnes
• Paper (confidential, shredded): 425 tonnes
• Plastic (Bags and Other Film): 0.78 tonnes
• Plastic (Polystyrene, Styrofoam): 0.85 tonnes
• Recyclables (Mixed): 138 tonnes
• Toner Cartridges: 1.80 tonnes
• WEEE (IT Equipment and Batteries): 11.7 tonnes

The waste disposal method for each of the above was confirmed by the waste disposal contactor, who manages the transportation from site and disposal of waste off-site. The volume of waste is provided by each contractor through monthly invoices and reports.

In 2023, 1,118 tonnes of biohazardous waste was produced by LifeLabs. Biohazardous waste is collected for third party waste haulage and is first treated with autoclave technology offsite, and then disposed of via landfill (BC, MB, SK) or waste-to-energy incineration (ON).

In 2023, LifeLabs produced 195 tonnes of chemical waste. This waste is collected by third-party haulers and treated based on the material type before final disposal.

• Flammable liquids are treated through fuel blending, where they are bulked, mixed, and used to create fuel for powering cement kilns.
• Corrosive liquids undergo neutralization, where acids and bases are modified to produce a non-hazardous, neutral byproduct.
• Non-hazardous liquids are processed through waste-to-energy methods, involving shredding, mixing, solidification, and incineration at waste-to-energy plants.
• Non-hazardous solids are also treated via waste-to-energy processes, being incinerated at waste-to-energy facilities.

This systematic approach ensures that chemical waste is managed responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations.

All waste is managed and disposed of offsite.

LifeLabs generated a total of 3,336 tonnes of waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) in 2023 at all locations. Data has been compiled from waste summaries provided by vendors and through invoices.

The total weight of non-diverted, non-hazardous waste was 1,093 tonnes, approximately 54% of the non-hazardous waste and 32.8% of the total waste generated. Below are the volumes of non-diverted waste, including hazardous waste, by material type:

• Chemical waste (hazardous): 195 tonnes
• Biohazardous waste (hazardous): 1,118 tonnes
• Garbage/Landfill (non-hazardous): 1,093 tonnes

All hazardous waste is managed in accordance with regulatory standards and is either incinerated with energy recovery or landfilled. Waste management is conducted off-site by third-party vendors. Chemical waste is treated using various methods based on material type (e.g., incineration, aqueous treatment) before final disposal in a landfill. For more details, refer to sections 306-3-a or 306-4-b. Biohazardous waste is initially treated with autoclave technology and then disposed of via landfill (in BC, MB, SK) or waste-to-energy incineration (in ON).

The majority of the waste that LifeLabs produces is from the analysis of laboratory samples for diagnostic purposes, resulting in a large volume of chemical and biohazardous waste as well as plastic chemical containers and cartridges. The downstream impacts of the organization’s non-hazardous waste stream are mitigated through source elimination, reuse, separation, recycling, and energy recovery where possible.

Exact volumes of waste that were treated by incineration (with energy recovery), Incineration (without energy recovery); landfilling; or other disposal operations is not available.

The treatment of non-hazardous waste depends on the local regulations and waste treatment options available to the waste hauler in each region. This information is unavailable to LifeLabs at this time.

All non-hazardous waste is treated offsite, with no onsite treatment conducted.

Regarding Supplier Environmental Assessment, LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers who meet its standards for environmental and social responsibility. LifeLabs employs a Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Quotes (RFQ) process, which includes inquiries about environmental and social practices.

This process helps identify potential hazards that could impact LifeLabs’ operations, including health and safety risks, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts, and regulatory compliance issues. The risk assessment involves multiple teams responsible for various levels of evaluation, applicable to both existing and new equipment.

While LifeLabs does not disclose specific numbers or percentages related to environmental screening, its procurement processes incorporate specific environmental criteria for assessing all major equipment and consumable purchases.

No suppliers were assessed on risk specifically related to environmental impacts. However, LifeLabs built its Supplier Sustainability Survey in 2023 (sent to suppliers in 2024) which included questions about practices related to environmental impacts.

With respect to Labour/Management Relations, LifeLabs follows all local, provincial, federal laws for labour and management relations. LifeLabs has collective bargaining agreements with unions for some employees, depending on the region and job function. The effectiveness of these actions is tracked through grievance mechanisms and continuous dialogue with union representatives, ensuring that stakeholder engagement informs and enhances labour relations efforts.

LifeLabs complies with relevant local and national laws and any applicable contractual requirements regarding providing notice of significant operational changes.

Notice periods and provisions for consultation and negotiation are delineated within collective agreements or mandated by provincial legislation.

Regarding Occupational Health and Safety, LifeLabs is committed to ensuring safe working conditions. Potential risks include workplace accidents and exposure to hazardous materials. LifeLabs has robust policies in place, adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations of BC, SK, and ON.

LifeLabs facilitates and monitors regular health and safety training for employees. The effectiveness of these measures is tracked through regular safety audits, incident reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives. Stakeholder engagement is integral to informing and enhancing LifeLabs’ health and safety efforts.

LifeLabs has implemented occupational health and safety management system elements that comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations of BC, SK, and ON. This system applies to all LifeLabs employees, those working at external sites, and contractors on LifeLabs premises. An internal Health & Safety Team of professionals is responsible for managing these system elements. While the occupational health and safety system is comprehensive, it is not based on a formal management system standard.

The occupational health and safety management system elements apply to all employees across the organization, including those at LifeLabs offices, laboratories, and patient service centers. It also covers employees working at external sites, such as Mobile Lab Patient Technicians performing phlebotomy at Long Term Care homes and couriers collecting specimens from hospitals and physician offices. Additionally, it extends to non-employees working at LifeLabs sites, such as facility contractors and laboratory equipment service technicians.

LifeLabs conducts risk assessments to review current and newly proposed projects, processes, and equipment. The processes are broken down step by step to identify hazards, assess the severity and frequency of risks, and identify controls to reduce unacceptable health and safety risks. The hierarchy of controls is followed to reduce risks and develop control recommendations. Depending on the processes being evaluated, risk assessments take the form of a 5×5 matrix of severity and frequency, and by assessing risk using Failure Mode Effects Analysis using a 3×10 matrix to assess severity, frequency, and detection of potential failure modes. Risk assessment teams are assembled and – depending on the nature of the process or project being assessed, will include subject matter experts from operations, the Occupational Health and Safety team, and other support functions like Quality and Regulatory affairs, Medical Sciences, Facilities, Privacy, and IT. Recommendations and additional controls are implemented when needs are identified to further reduce health and safety risks.

LifeLabs has an online system for reporting of workplace hazards (and incidents). The online hazard reporting system is accessible through a link from the homepage of the LifeLabs intranet. Supervisors investigate and implement corrective actions for the hazard reports they receive. Another way for workers to report hazards is through the monthly inspections that are conducted at the worksites. Monthly inspections are conducted by Employee Health and Safety Reps or Joint Health and Safety Committee members, and hazards and deficiencies are documented, and corrective actions are implemented to eliminate or control the risks from the hazards. Workers are encouraged to report hazards as the organization promotes hazard reporting as a way address hazards before the hazard can injure someone.

Workers have the right to refuse work they believe to be unsafe, and the organization has a procedure and form for workers to report unsafe work, for supervisors to investigate, for employee health and safety representatives or Joint Health and Safety Committee members to participate in the investigation, and to involve provincial health and safety regulatory officers if required. Workers are protected against reprisals as part of the provincial Workers Compensation Act and a statement that reprisals are prohibited is specified within LifeLabs procedures.

Work related incidents are reported through the same online reporting system as above. The incidents are investigated by supervisors to identify root cause and corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence. Investigations are documented on the online system. Hazards, incidents, and audit results are reviewed by the Health and Safety team and relevant information is shared back with the organization in the form of reminders, alerts, safety talks, and the monthly metric reports.

LifeLabs has an internal Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS) team made of safety professionals that provide advice and guidance to the organization to reduce health and safety risks. The EHS team reviews and undertakes continual improvement of the health and safety programs and procedures for health and safety training, chemical and biological safety, ergonomic hazards, equipment & electrical safety, personal protective equipment, transportation of dangerous goods, facilitation and training of Joint Health and Safety Committees and Employee Health and Safety representatives, violence prevention, inspections, risk assessments, hazard and incident reporting, and emergency response and preparedness. Employees can reach the EHS team through a general email address, or through their Employee Health and Safety or Joint Health and Safety Committee representative at their site. Employees and contractors receive training which involves all of the above programs, procedures, and policies.

Workers participate in the occupational health and safety management system through their participation as Health and Safety representatives (HSRs) and through the Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs). While all employees are represented by their site’s HSR(s), some locations may be required to form a JHSC together with management depending on the size of the location based on provincial regulation; the JHSC meeting frequency is determined by provincial requirements, either monthly or quarterly at a minimum.

Occupational health and safety information is accessed and communicated through a number of mechanisms:

• Online learning management system includes health and safety modules
• Safety programs are housed online in ‘Paradigm’, which is a controlled online document database
• Health and Safety has its own webpages of information accessible on the company’s intranet pages
• The Safety Data Sheet database is accessible online from any LifeLabs computer
• Health and Safety articles are shared through the award-winning Leaders Digest which provides information to leaders at all levels, through the OneWeekly which is a weekly company newsletter, and through direct emails to staff and to Health and Safety representatives and Joint Health and Safety Committee members
• Annual health and safety training sessions are held for the health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committee members to attend across BC, SK and ON
• Each site is required to have a physical EHS Communication board with visibility for all employees. It contains the Environment, Employee Health and Safety, and Accessibility Policies; health and safety regulations and information; the completed EHS monthly checklists; any work orders or notices; safety reminders; relevant hazard or incident alerts; and newsletters.

An HSR is a volunteer position and is open to all workers who do not exercise managerial duties. They work with the employer to identify and solve health and safety concerns at the worksite. They promote awareness and interest in health and safety and form an important part of the internal responsibility system by creating mutual accountability for health and safety. HSRs also provide support for the three basic rights: the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse unsafe work. Both the Employee Health and Safety representatives and joint health and safety committees at LifeLabs adhere to their respective provincial regulatory requirements; the responsibilities include:

• Represent the Employee Health and Safety of all employees and encourage employee participation in improving workplace incidents and improving overall workplace health and safety.
• Identify occupational hazards, and make recommendations to improve the workplace
• Review and comment on the effectiveness of the EHS Program SOPs and Training at least annually, or participate in stakeholder feedback when changes are occurring
• Make recommendations to improve the EHS Program using the LifeLabs EHS Recommendation Form
• Receive employees’ Employee Health and Safety concerns and suggestions and recommend solutions, escalating locally to Management or EHS directly, if necessary
• Conduct EHS Audits/Inspections on a monthly basis
• Investigate work refusals as required
• Investigate workplace incidents as required.
• Be present at the beginning of workplace health and safety testing.

The JHSCs are an advisory committee and provide recommendations to health and safety in the workplace to the Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS) team, which is the decision-making authority regarding health and safety within LifeLabs. Throughout the year, LifeLabs encourages all JHSC members to provide feedback for improving the programs. Workers can email the health and safety team to ask questions and suggest improvements to the program. The safety program also has a document/form that workers can complete to send feedback to the EHS team.

In addition to health and safety committees, LifeLabs has two “Employee Councils” (one in BC and one in ON) with the mandate to work in partnership with employees across the business, organizational leaders and Human Resources with the goal of contributing to make LifeLabs a great place to work. This is done by:

• Facilitating dialogue between employees and management
• Encouraging employees to express their ideas and opinions
• Openly communicating with respect and professionalism
• Creating opportunities for all employees to provide input into initiatives that impact the organization
• Employee Health and Safety is an important topic for Employee Council.

Workers complete online education modules on the health and safety programs and read through the health and safety standard operating procedures applicable to their roles. Employees receives health and safety orientation relevant to their business function. Training is delivered through a combination of online training and in-person training depending on the site and functional group. Depending on the training program and a worker’s role, training is taken at the beginning of employment and some courses are set up to be taken as refreshers. Online courses have knowledge check questions and competency quizzes that must be completed to ensure knowledge transfer.

Benefits are an important part of the employee Total Rewards package at LifeLabs. The offering is competitive with the industry, and can include Extended Health Care, Out-of-Country, Dental Care, Basic Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Optional Life & AD&D, and covers over 85% of employees (full-time and regular part-time employees).

LifeLabs has a robust wellness program that includes a wealth of resources and programs that are built around three pillars to address the total well-being of employees (financial, physical, and emotional). Here are some examples of the offerings under each pillar:

• Financial – industry-leading retirement investments that are managed by trusted experts, access to financial advice/supports in a confidential setting, and preferred pricing on a variety of services and goods from LifeLabs partner vendors
• Physical – competitive benefits, plus exclusive access to a variety of services with special discount offers to help employees manage their current health status, and also take a proactive approach to their health and well-being with services around fitness, lifestyle, nutrition and more
• Emotional – supports to help LifeLabs employees manage their mental health and wellness, achieve a sense of work-life balance, or get recognized by their team at work and in the community.

These services and programs are easily accessed by employees directly from LifeLabs vendor platforms and are heavily promoted through LifeLabs regular communications channels so they are aware of what’s available.

Health and safety risks, expectations, and requirements are built directly into the procurement process as LifeLabs works with different business partners. There is a multi-stakeholder, multi-discipline team that works together to make purchasing decisions. New business services and equipment are reviewed for health, safety, and environmental risks as part of the selection process; evaluated under a variety of criteria, including but not limited to: hazardous and non-hazardous waste, water and byproducts, air emissions and air quality, energy, sustainability, environment, social, and governance.

LifeLabs has implemented occupational health and safety management system elements that comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. While the system is not based on a formal management standard, it applies to all LifeLabs employees and contractors working in LifeLabs-controlled environments.

No workers have been excluded from this disclosure.

In 2023, there were 0 fatalities and 0 high consequence work related injuries for all LifeLabs employees.

Note: LifeLabs defines high consequence work related injuries as those types of serious or critical injury types requiring immediate reporting to the applicable provincial regulatory body.

The recordable work-related injury rate for 2023 was 2.73 and there were 146 recordable work-related injuries. The injury rate is based on the OSHA incident rate formula based on 200,000 hours worked. In 2023 there were 10,722,999 worked hours.

In 2023, the most common work-related injury types were ergonomics (33%), slips/trips/falls (17%) and contact with objects/equipment (11%).

The total number of hours worked were 10,722,999.

The top 3 work-related hazards that pose a risk of high-consequence injury are: driving, slips/trips/falls, and contact with objects. 

The hazards were determined through review of most common incident types and an assessment on the potential severity of injuries.  The likelihood is not assessed as high, but the potential severity remains.

None of these hazards have caused or contributed to high-consequence injuries in 2023.

These hazards cannot be eliminated, but the risks of injury are minimized through a variety of control methods including ensuring vehicles are safely maintained, driver training, telematics, instrument and equipment maintenance programs, inspections, training, proper footwear guidelines, hazard reporting.

The Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS) team continuously assesses work-related hazards reported by staff through the online hazard reporting system. These hazards are categorized and reviewed monthly, guiding subsequent actions to mitigate or eliminate them.

Ergonomic hazards are often managed through the use of adjustable equipment.

Additionally, safety reminders, awareness campaigns, targeted inspections, and the ongoing enhancement of standard operating procedures, education, and training are integral to LifeLabs continuous safety improvement efforts.

In 2023, LifeLabs reported zero fatalities and no cases of recordable work-related ill health among its employees. Work-related health hazards primarily stem from interactions with patients who may have communicable diseases and from handling lab specimens provided by these patients. Comprehensive risk assessments have been conducted for both patient interactions and lab samples.

To mitigate the risk of illness, LifeLabs has implemented several controls, including the use of biosafety cabinets, safety-engineered medical devices, shielding, training, standard operating procedures (SOPs), ergonomic workstation layouts, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Refer to 403-10-a.

With respect to Training and Education, effectiveness is tracked through employee feedback, performance metrics, competency assessments, and regular reviews to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with industry standards.

As of December 2023, the average hours of training per employee in 2023 was 10 hours. This includes online and in-person training hours tracked in LifeLabs company-wide learning management system.

Leaders completed additional leadership development training hours for an average of 14 additional hours per people leader (24 hours total).

LifeLabs provides employees with assistance in upgrading employee skills, through the My Performance Management Process. It provides a framework to support employees and leaders in defining and prioritizing work for the year including strategic and development goals. It helps clarify expectations, provide regular opportunities to discuss progress with employees, share feedback for improving and accelerating employee performance and identify and address barriers to success through ongoing development.

LifeLabs offers LinkedIn Learning, allowing employees and leaders to access resources that enable their personal and professional development. This program provides a personalized learning experience in 7 different languages with a digital library of over 16,000 courses in a range of topics that suit their interests.

In the event of a career ending resulting from retirement or termination of employment, LifeLabs may offer continued employability programs, based on eligibility:

• Senior Leadership Learning Sessions
• Leading @ LifeLabs, a leadership development program for managers, supervisors, and individual contributors
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) facilitated sessions
• MyPerformance online learning program on performance management at LifeLabs.
• Competency training and assessments
• Customer Experience Transformation Program for Client Services
• LearningLabs online webinars from industry experts
• College of American Pathologists online learning

LifeLabs may also offer the following programs to support the management of career ending:

• Career Transition Program by LHH (Lee Hecht Harrison) would be offered to employees who meet the eligibility requirements. This program is designed to support assistance with career planning, job search, resume preparation, interview coaching, networking strategies, and find alternate employment opportunities.

Percentage of employees at year-end, who received a regular performance/career development review by gender and employee category*:

• Female: 91% of female employees
• Male: 84% of male employees
• Full-time: 90% of full-time employees
• Part-time: 90% of part-time employees
• Casual: 77% of casual employees

Of the total employees, 89% received a regular performance/career development review.

*Employees would not receive a review if they are: on leave during the year and not worked for 3 months, a new hire of less than 3 months, a temporary worker, or a union employee.

With respect to Diversity and Equal Opportunity, LifeLabs fosters an inclusive and equitable workplace. However, potential negative impacts include the risk of diversity and equity within its operations or supply chain. LifeLabs has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program and regular training for employees. The effectiveness of these actions is tracked through employee feedback, diversity metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that stakeholder engagement informs and enhances non-discrimination efforts both for employees and the customers LifeLabs serves.

LifeLabs’ governance body is comprised of employees who are the director level and higher:

• Female: 45%
• Male: 55%
• Under 30 years old: 0%
• 30 – 50 years old: 42%
• Over 50 years old: 58%

It is important to acknowledge that there is an opportunity to improve representation for genders beyond women and men.

Percentage of all LifeLabs employees by gender and age group:

• Female: 77%
• Male: 23%
• Under 30 years old: 14%
• 30 – 50 years old: 47%
• Over 50 years old: 39%

It is important to acknowledge that there is an opportunity to improve representation for genders beyond women and men.

LifeLabs currently does not track data for salary remuneration but is actively working to gather this information for future reporting. Additionally, LifeLabs recognizes the need to improve representation for genders beyond just women and men.

LifeLabs is dedicated to ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions, particularly concerning child labor. Recognizing potential risks of labor exploitation within its supply chain, LifeLabs has initiated a supplier survey to specifically address questions related to child labor. LifeLabs itself strictly adheres to local, provincial, and federal labor laws, and does not employ underage workers.

LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers who align with its environmental and social responsibility standards. Although LifeLabs does not currently have a formal Supplier Code of Conduct or Sustainable Procurement Policy, all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs) include inquiries about environmental and social practices.

LifeLabs does not consider any operations nor suppliers to have significant risk for incidents of child labour nor young workers exposed to hazardous work. Majority of suppliers are Canadian, following local, provincial, and federal regulations against forced and child labour.

LifeLabs is committed to ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions, particularly concerning forced or compulsory labor. Recognizing potential risks of labor exploitation within its supply chain, LifeLabs has initiated a supplier survey to specifically address questions related to forced or compulsory labor. LifeLabs itself strictly adheres to local, provincial, and federal labor laws.

LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers who align with its environmental and social responsibility standards. Although LifeLabs does not currently have a formal Supplier Code of Conduct or Sustainable Procurement Policy, all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs) include inquiries about environmental and social practices.

Refer to 408-1-a.

LifeLabs is committed to supporting the rights of Indigenous Peoples through various initiatives and partnerships. The organization positively impacts Indigenous communities by providing accessible healthcare services and participating in educational activities to raise awareness about Indigenous history and culture. LifeLabs has taken steps to mitigate risk to cultural insensitivity by partnering with organizations like Indspire, which provides scholarships to Indigenous students pursuing healthcare and STEM studies and participating in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The effectiveness of these actions is tracked through community feedback and ongoing partnerships.

LifeLabs has not identified any incidents of violations involving the rights of Indigenous peoples during the reporting period.

With respect to Local Communities, LifeLabs positively impacts communities by providing accessible healthcare services to 165 different cities and townships across Canada. Potential negative impacts include environmental concerns from waste disposal and resource use. LifeLabs is committed to mitigating these impacts through strict environmental policies and community partnerships.

Caring is a core value at LifeLabs, reflecting the organization’s and employees’ commitment to the health and well-being of not only LifeLabs team members and patients but also the communities they serve in Canada and abroad.

In 2023, LifeLabs did not participate in specific impact assessments or development programs. However, LifeLabs actively supports local communities through the LifeLabs Employee Giving Program, which matches employees’ fundraising and volunteer efforts for Canadian charities and non-profit organizations they care about. Last year, LifeLabs employees generously contributed their time and donations, resulting in a total of CAD 27,342 donated. These contributions supported 30 organizations, including UNICEF, Amnesty International, Food Banks Canada, Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, and the Canadian Red Cross: 2023 Canada Wildfire Fund.

LifeLabs has not identified any operations with actual or signification potential negative impacts on local communities.

Regarding Social Screening, LifeLabs collaborates with suppliers who meet its standards for environmental and social responsibility. LifeLabs employs a Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Quotes (RFQ) process, which includes inquiries about environmental and social practices.

This process helps identify potential hazards that could impact LifeLabs’ operations, including health and safety risks, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts, and regulatory compliance issues. The risk assessment involves multiple teams responsible for various levels of evaluation, applicable to both existing and new equipment.

While LifeLabs does not disclose specific numbers or percentages related to social screening, its procurement processes incorporate specific social criteria for assessing all major equipment and consumable purchases.

No suppliers were assessed on risk specifically related to environmental impacts. However, LifeLabs built its Supplier Sustainability Survey in 2023 (sent to suppliers in 2024) which included questions about practices related to social impacts.

LifeLabs’ approach to public policy engagement is centered on advocating for policies that enhance healthcare access and quality. LifeLabs actively participates in policy discussions and collaborates with government bodies to positively influence healthcare regulations. This involvement includes providing expert insights and data to support evidence-based policymaking. LifeLabs adheres to strict ethical guidelines to ensure transparency and integrity in its public policy activities. The effectiveness of these actions is monitored through regular reviews and stakeholder feedback, ensuring that advocacy efforts align with community needs and regulatory standards.

In 2023, there were no political contributions made directly nor indirectly by the organization.

Regarding Customer Health and Safety, LifeLabs is committed to providing safe and reliable diagnostic services that positively impact public health and economic stability. However, there are inherent risks associated with handling biological samples and exposure to hazardous materials. To mitigate these risks, LifeLabs has implemented robust policies to protect customer health and safety, including strict adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regular staff training. The effectiveness of these measures is monitored through regular audits, incident reporting, and compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.

Services continuously assessed for health and safety impacts through LifeLabs internal tiered audit program. The tiers include reviews by all employees, EHS representatives, supervisors, managers and audits by members of the EHS team.

Incidents involving patients and customer experience management (CEM) issues involving health and safety are reviewed and assessed and corrective actions implemented.

LifeLabs labs are also licensed and accredited by external agencies, including the Diagnostic Accreditation Program, ISO15189, Ministry of Health, Laboratory Accreditation Program. These agencies review policies, procedures, and facilities on a regular basis. Licensing and Accreditation

Facilities are subject to random inspections by various regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Labour, Transport Canada, WorkSafe BC, Regional and Local Health Departments, Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Ministry of Environment, among others.

In 2023, LifeLabs had no incidents of non-compliance with regulations or voluntary codes concerning the health and safety impacts of its services or products.

Furthermore, LifeLabs has not identified any instances of non-compliance with regulations or voluntary codes, and no warnings, penalties, or fines were issued regarding the health and safety impacts of services.

With respect to Marketing and Labeling, LifeLabs provides clear and accurate information about its diagnostic services, ensuring informed decision-making and trust. LifeLabs adheres to strict guidelines for marketing and labeling, ensuring compliance with local, provincial and federal regulatory standards, and ethical practices. The effectiveness of these actions is tracked through customer feedback, compliance audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

LifeLabs has not identified any non-compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes concerning marketing communications.

With respect to Customer Privacy, LifeLabs has a Privacy Policy is place and it is published on the organization’s website. This Privacy Policy establishes a national standard for compliance with applicable privacy requirements, including provincial and federal privacy laws and regulations, and describes how LifeLabs collects, uses, discloses, secures, retains, and destroys personal/personal health information collected through the use of LifeLabs services. Data protection mechanisms including encryption, data access authentication and authorization are in place. LifeLabs has dedicated teams for Privacy and IT Security that manages this topic within the organization to ensure LifeLabs is compliant with laws, regulations, and internal policy.

No substantiated complaints regarding breaches of customer privacy were received during the reporting period.

No identified leaks, thefts, or losses of customer data.