Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”) is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible environment for all employees, customers and visitors and to meeting the objectives and requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”).

Integrity, fairness and respect are hallmarks of our culture, and we are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. BAM is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities and working to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.

This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, together with the Client Service Accessibility Standard Policy and the Accommodation Policy, were developed in accordance with the requirements of AODA, and together they outline the steps BAM is taking to meet those requirements, to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and our commitment and strategy to achieving accessibility.

The policies and plan are available on BAM’s intranet, external website, and can be provided in an accessible format, on request.

This plan is reviewed and updated every five years.

CLIENT SERVICE

At BAM, we expect everyone to be treated with courtesy, made to feel welcome, and have their need for accommodation, if any, respected. BAM makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with AODA, including by:

1. Ensuring that any services BAM provides are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
    
2. Using alternative or integrated methods of communication when needed to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to interact with BAM or, to the extent applicable, to obtain, use or benefit from any services provided by BAM.
    
3. Ensuring that persons with disabilities are given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use, and benefit from any services BAM provides.

Actions Taken

The following actions have been taken by BAM:

• Development of the BAM Accessible Client Service Policy, available on the BAM website.
   
• Clients, guests, and stakeholders who are accompanied by a registered service animal or support person are accommodated and permitted to access areas of our premises open to the public.
   
• People with disabilities using assistive devices may use their assistive devices when accessing our services and facilities. Employees are offered training on the use of the various assistive devices we provide that may be used by people with disabilities while accessing our services.
   
• BAM will notify the public in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to physical or digital services or facilities for persons with disabilities. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be made publicly available by such method as is reasonable in the circumstances.
   
• BAM welcomes and provides a mechanism to provide feedback on how we can provide accessible customer service. BAM ensures the feedback process is accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports on request and strives to respond to feedback as soon as reasonably possible.
   

1. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

BAM is committed to making information and feedback processes accessible to people with disabilities. We make all reasonable efforts to communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services in accessible formats or with communication supports.

BAM’s website conforms with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.1 Level AA website guidelines, with permitted exceptions.

Actions Taken

The following actions have been taken by BAM:
 

• BAM offers information and communication materials in accessible formats or with communication supports upon request in a timely manner.
   
• All new web content on the BAM website conforms with WCAG 2.1 Level AA with permitted exceptions.
   
• Feedback on BAM’s provision of accessible information and communication supports can be provided to BAM and we endeavour to provide a timely response as soon a reasonably possible.
  
  Planned Action
   
• BAM will continue to ensure that all new web content conforms to, or exceeds, WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard with permitted exceptions.

2. EMPLOYMENT

BAM is committed to providing a workplace environment that is inclusive and respects the dignity of those in our workforce. All employees have the right to a workplace free from discrimination based upon disability.

Actions Taken

• BAM informs employees and the public about the availability of and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities in our recruitment process at all stages of the recruitment process.
   
• If an employee or new hire with a disability makes a request for accommodation, we will consult with the individual and determine the provision or arrangement of suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the individual’s accessibility needs due to disability and BAM’s ability to implement the requested accommodation.
   
• BAM has established an accommodation policy and process for employees who identify the need for accommodation due to disability, and other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
   
• BAM will provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees with disabilities who identify the need for accommodation.
   
• BAM will review the individualized workplace emergency response information when the employee moves to a different location in the organization, when the employee’s overall accommodation needs or plans are reviewed, and when BAM reviews its general emergency response practices.

3. TRAINING

BAM offers training on the Accessible Client Service Standard, Accessibility Standards, and the Ontario Human Rights Code to all employees, including those who work with the public or other third parties or who are involved in the development of our customer service policies, practices and procedures.

Actions Taken

• BAM offers training as part of the new hire onboarding process in a way that best suits employees’ responsibilities.
• BAM maintains records of the training provided, when it was provided, and to whom.

4. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND RESPONDING TO FEEDBACK

Accessible formats of this document are available upon request. For more information on this accessibility plan, requests for information in accessible formats or communication supports, and feedback regarding accessibility, you can contact us by phone, e-mail, by mail, as follows: 

Canada Regional HR Lead – Nicole Lichowit, Managing Director
Phone: (416) 363-9491 
E-mail: enquiries@brookfield.com 
Postal address: 181 Bay Street, Suite #300, Bay Wellington Tower, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3