IM CANNABIS CORP.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND CODE OF ETHICS
IM CANNABIS CORP.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND CODE OF ETHICS
Section 1 Purpose
It is the policy of IMCC (as defined herein) to conduct its affairs in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdictions in which it does business.
The purpose of this Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics (the "Code") is to communicate the commitment of IMCC (as defined herein) to conducting business with integrity, honesty and respect, in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies, and in a manner that preserves IMCC's reputation and prohibits unethical behavior and wrongdoing. This Code provides an overview of requirements, standards and expectations to guide you in carrying out your duties for, your dealings with, and when acting as a representative of, IMCC. It is not intended to cover every issue that may arise and may be supplemented by other policies that may be adopted by IMCC from time to time.
The Company encourages Representatives (as defined herein) of IMCC to talk to supervisors, managers, the general counsel of the Company (the "General Counsel") or other appropriate personnel when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation. Anyone aware of a situation that he or she believes may violate or lead to a violation of this Code should follow the guidelines under "Reporting Violations of the Code" below.
Section 2 Application
This Code applies to all members of the board of directors of IMCC (the "Board"), officers, employees, consultants, contractors and agents (collectively, "Representatives") of IM Cannabis Corp. and its subsidiaries worldwide and related entities (collectively, "IMCC" or the "Company"). Adherence to this Code is a condition of employment with, or of providing services to, IMCC.
Every director, officer, employee and consultant of the Company shall execute and deliver the certificate attached to this Code, indicating such person has read, fully understands and will comply fully with the provisions of this Code.
Section 3 Ethics and Integrity
3.1 Standards of Good Professional Ethics
All of IMCC's business activities and affairs must be carried out ethically and honestly. IMCC expects all Representatives to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity and to avoid even the appearance of improper behavior; anything less is unacceptable and may be treated as a serious breach of duty.
3.2 Good Ambassadorship
All Representatives are ambassadors of IMCC. All Representatives shall represent IMCC professionally, and act and communicate in a manner which upholds its good reputation and image at all times. As Representatives' actions are seen to reflect those of IMCC, all actions must reflect IMCC's policies and standards.
3.3 Activities Outside the Company
Although the Company has no interest in preventing Representatives from engaging in lawful activities during nonworking hours, Representatives must make sure that their outside activities do not conflict or interfere with their responsibilities to the Company unless any such Representative has obtained prior written approval from the General Counsel.
3.4 Compliance with Laws, Code and Policies
All Representatives shall comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdictions where they carry out their duties and all jurisdictions where IMCC conducts its business activities. All Representatives shall comply with this Code and all IMCC policies that apply to them, including, without limitation, this Code, Stock Trading Policy, Whistleblower Policy and Procedures and Timely Disclosure and Confidentiality Policy.
The Company is subject to regulation by foreign, state and local agencies as well as the rules and regulations of all stock exchanges on which the securities of the Company are listed for trading. The Company and Representatives must comply with the regulatory requirements of these agencies and stock exchanges. Representatives are expected to take an active role by being knowledgeable about all applicable laws and regulations, attending trainings and requesting information. Representatives are required to immediately report regulatory violations, suspected regulatory violations or potentially harmful or dangerous conditions to the General Counsel.
3.5 Bribery
In Canada, the United States and in many other countries, it is illegal and/or contrary to applicable ethical codes, to provide, offer or accept a kickback or bribe. A kickback or bribe may be defined as any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, loan, reward, advantage, benefit, thing of value or compensation of any kind that is provided, directly or indirectly, and that has as one of its purposes, the improper obtaining or rewarding of favorable treatment in a business transaction. IMCC's policy is that kickbacks and bribes are illegal and not allowed.
Bribery, anti-kickback or similar laws could be applicable when a Representative receives or is offered payments, gifts or gratuities that might unduly influence IMCC's business judgment or practices. Representatives must comply with this Code and all IMCC policies that apply to them and, if offered payments, gifts or other gratuities that might unduly influence the conduct of IMCC's business, such Representative should seek guidance from the General Counsel.
3.6 Vendors, Suppliers, Customers and other Third Parties
IMCC is committed to treating all of its vendors, suppliers, customers and other third parties fairly, honestly and courteously. Representatives are to avoid unfair buying tactics and favoritism, and never take unfair advantage of any third party through manipulation, concealment, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair practice. Suppliers will be selected on the basis of objective criteria, such as, without limitation, value (quality for price), price, technical excellence, service reputation and production/service capacity.
Legally, IMCC may be held liable for the actions of any third party acting on IMCC's behalf, including agents, representatives, business partners or promoters, as if IMCC had performed such actions. It is every Representative's responsibility to ensure that a compliance due diligence is performed prior to entering into business relationships with third parties. All material agreements with vendors, suppliers, customers and third parties must be in writing and reviewed or considered by the General Counsel and must specify the goods and services to be provided and the fees to be paid. Such agreements must be in line with reasonable competitive and market practices, the principles established in this Code and relevant corporate policies. Throughout the business relationship, Representatives must continuously and properly monitor such third parties to prevent misconduct.
3.7 Fair Competition
Competition and antitrust laws in Canada, the United States and elsewhere are designed to protect competition. Generally speaking, the following types of topics, and any others that may limit competition, should never be discussed with a competitor (including a potential or prospective competitor): prices, pricing policy, discounts or rebates (including competitive bidding practices); costs, profits, or profit margins; terms or conditions of sale, including credit terms and return policies; division of markets, market territories, customers or sales territories; market share of any products; marketing, advertising or promotional plans; controlling, preventing or reducing the supply of any product; pricing or promotional practices of wholesalers, dealers, distributors or customers; classifying, rejecting, terminating or allocating customers; or any other non-public and/or competitively sensitive information about IMCC or a competitor.
Each Representative is responsible for making sure that his or her actions on behalf of the Company do not in any way violate or appear to violate antitrust laws or regulations. When in doubt, Representatives should seek assistance from the General Counsel.
3.8 Fair Dealing and Doing Business Internationally
All business dealings undertaken on behalf of IMCC, including with its security holders, customers, suppliers, competitors and Representatives, must be conducted in a manner that preserves IMCC's integrity and reputation. IMCC seeks to avoid misrepresentations of material facts, manipulation, concealment, abuse of confidential information, or any other illegal or unfair practices in all activities undertaken by or on behalf of IMCC.
The Company is committed to the highest business conduct standards wherever it operates. While no one can anticipate all the situations that may present challenges to the Company, Representatives doing business in the worldwide marketplace shall follow these general guidelines, as further discussed in this Code:
The laws governing the Company's business in foreign countries are extensive and complex, and may be different from those in Canada or the United States. The Company's services or products should be offered in accordance with the applicable local country's regulations and requirements.
3.9 Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest arises when an individual's personal interests interfere with, or appear to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company. A conflict of interest can arise when a Representative takes actions or has interests that make it difficult to undertake and perform his or her work with the Company objectively and effectively.
Representatives shall act honestly and in good faith in discharging their duties with a view to the best interests of IMCC. Representatives shall avoid situations involving a conflict, or potential conflict, between their personal, family or business interests, and the interests of IMCC, and shall promptly disclose any such conflict, or potential conflict, to the General Counsel, who can advise the Representative as to whether or not the Company believes a conflict of interest exists.
Serving as a director of another company may create a conflict of interest. Representatives must disclose such service to the General Counsel and obtain prior approval before serving on the board of another company, whether or not such company is a competitor of the Company.
Representatives should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest in their relationships with competitors.
A conflict of interest also can arise because of the business activities of a Representative's close relatives. For example, a Representative may have a potential conflict of interest wherever a close relative has a significant relationship with, or has a significant financial interest in, any supplier, commercialization, development or other partner, customer or competitor of the Company.
A Representative may not make or attempt to influence any decision that could directly or indirectly benefit his or her close relative. To protect a Representative and the Company from the appearance of a conflict of interest, he or she should make appropriate disclosure of the interest to the General Counsel.
3.10 Investment Activities
Unless a Representative has sought and received written pre-approval from the General Counsel, such Representative may not:
participate in so-called "directed shares", "friends and family" and similar stock purchase programs of material customers, vendors or suppliers of the Company;
invest in non-public companies that are, or are likely to be, material customers, vendors or suppliers of the Company; or
invest in non-public companies in which the Company has made or is expected to make a material investment in.
3.11 Corporate Opportunities
Representatives are prohibited from personally taking opportunities that arise through the use of corporate property, information or position and from using IMCC property, information or position for personal gain. Representatives are also prohibited from competing with IMCC, directly or indirectly, and owe a duty to IMCC to advance the legitimate interests of the Company when the opportunity arises.
3.12 Gifts and Entertainment
Representatives shall perform their duties and arrange their personal business affairs in a manner that does not interfere with their independent exercise of judgment. Generally, Representatives shall not give or accept any gift, favour, entertainment, special accommodation or other items of value, to or from any vendors, suppliers, potential candidates, potential or actual business partners or other third parties except in strict compliance with this Code and with applicable law. No one working for IMCC shall accept financial compensation of any kind, nor any special discount, loan or favor, from persons, corporations or organizations having dealings or potential dealings with IMCC.
From time to time, Representatives may accept unsolicited gifts or entertainment, but only under the following conditions:
gifts have a maximum value not exceeding C$1,000;
any entertainment occurs infrequently and has a maximum value not exceeding C$1,000 per instance; and
the offers of gifts and/or entertainment arise out of the ordinary course of business.
Representatives may entertain friends or relatives doing business with the Company provided that the entertainment is clearly not related to Company business. No expenses of such entertainment are reimbursable by the Company.
3.13 Charitable and Political Activities
IMCC values the culture of giving, of social engagement and of caring for others. IMCC wants to foster good relations within the communities where it operates. Representatives are encouraged to participate in local activities that address the needs of the communities in which they live and work and to participate as a private citizen in government and the political process, using their own money and their own time. It should always be clear to outside observers that these are your personal actions and not actions taken on behalf of IMCC.
Contributions to political parties and to candidates for public office are prohibited or tightly restricted in many countries, and, where not prohibited outright, can raise corruption concerns. Accordingly, you cannot make a political or campaign contribution in the name of, or on behalf of, IMCC, or where the contribution will be associated with IMCC.
Make sure any involvement in charitable or political activities is not prohibited by other Company policies or suggestive of anything improper and do not use, without specific written authorization, any Company funds, facilities or resources to help or promote any charitable cause or political candidate or party.
3.14 Public Relations
The Board and the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer, are responsible for all public relations, including all contact with the media. Unless specifically authorized to represent IMCC to the media, a Representative may not respond to inquiries or requests for information. This includes newspapers, magazines, trade publications, radio and television, as well as any other external sources requesting information about IMCC. If the media contacts a Representative about any topic, he or she must immediately refer the call to the General Counsel.
3.15 Social Media
In order to maintain the consistency and quality of the disclosures by IMCC to its stakeholders, and to better limit the potential for leaks of confidential information or selective disclosure, Representatives should, unless authorized by the General Counsel, refrain from disclosing or discussing matters relating to IMCC on blogs, tweets, bulletin boards, social networking sites and other social media sites.
Section 4 Safe, Respectful and Inclusive Workplace
4.1 No Discrimination, and Harassment
IMCC is committed to providing a collegial working environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. Any discrimination or harassment, including on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other characteristics protected by law, is strictly prohibited.
4.2 Workplace Safety
IMCC is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment that complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Workplace violence is not tolerated. Any misuse of alcohol or legal drugs (prescribed or un-prescribed), or the use of any illegal drugs, may jeopardize job safety and/or performance, and is prohibited in the workplace. No Representative shall enter the workplace under the influence of alcohol or such drugs that may impair safety and/or performance.
4.3 Environmental
The Company must comply fully with all laws, rules and regulations of any national, federal, provincial, state, local, municipal, regional, territorial or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates relating to the protection of the environment in the conduct of its business. Representatives must use, store and dispose of all hazardous materials properly and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Section 5 Safeguarding IMCC's Assets and Information
5.1 Protection and Proper Use of IMCC's Assets
All Representatives shall deal with IMCC's assets, including all data, information (confidential or otherwise), records, products, material, facilities, inventory, "know-how", trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property, and equipment, with the strictest integrity and with due regard to the interests of the Company. The accuracy, confidentiality, privacy and security of these types of information must be maintained in order to comply with all applicable privacy laws. Similarly, Representatives must not disclose commercially confidential or otherwise sensitive information. IMCC's assets may not to be used for personal gain or benefit. In addition, all Representatives must act in a manner to protect such assets from loss, damage, misuse, theft, misappropriation, disparagement and waste, and ensure that such assets are used only for legitimate business purposes.
Management of IMCC expects its Representatives to use internet access for business-related purposes (i.e., to communicate with customers and suppliers, to research relevant topics and to obtain useful business information). All existing IMCC policies apply to conduct on the internet, particularly (but not exclusively) to those policies dealing with intellectual property protection, privacy, misuse of IMCC's resources, sexual harassment, information and data security and confidentiality. All Representatives must take special care to maintain clarity, consistency and integrity of IMCC's corporate image and posture. Access to the Company's technology resources is within the sole discretion of the Company and subject to Company policies. Generally, Representatives are given access to the Company's various technologies consistent with their job functions. The Company reserves the right to limit such access by any means available to it, including revoking access altogether.
5.2 Confidentiality of IMCC's Information
Information is one of IMCC's key assets. It is IMCC's policy to ensure that its proprietary and confidential information, including proprietary and confidential information that has been entrusted to IMCC by others ("Confidential Information"), is adequately safeguarded. All Representatives are responsible for protecting Confidential Information, including information about IMCC's business, assets, opportunities, suppliers and competitors, from unauthorized advertent or inadvertent disclosure.
Representatives may not use the Company's technology resources to copy, retrieve, forward or send copyrighted materials unless they have the author's permission or are accessing a single copy only for personal reference.
Nothing contained in this Code, or any confidentiality policy of the Company, limits the Company's directors, officers, employees and others in possession of material non-public information to file a charge or complaint with a governmental regulatory agency in the United States and nothing herein limits their ability to communicate with any such agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any such agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company.
5.3 Communications
Representatives should take care to ensure that all business records and communications (including email, texts, and instant messages) are clear and accurate. Please remember that your business communications may be shared or become public through litigation, government investigation, or publication in the media. Potential risks from inaccurate or misleading statements include claims of false advertising, misrepresentation, breach of contract, securities fraud, unfair disclosure, and competition violations.
Representatives may not give an endorsement or other statement on behalf of IMCC or personal endorsement that identifies their affiliation with IMCC, except when approved by the General Counsel. In addition, Representatives may not discuss IMCC's business, including financial condition, business or financial performance, products, or business prospects with anyone, including, but not limited to, financial analysts and actual or potential investors without the prior approval of the General Counsel. All requests for a representative of IMCC to participate in a financial conference (including speaking on a panel, or attending a dinner or any event that targets the financial community) must be referred to the General Counsel for approval. If any such analysts or investors contact you, please refer such inquiries to the General Counsel.
5.4 Inside Information and Insider Trading Laws
Representatives are prohibited from buying or selling shares of IMCC if they are aware of material non-public information about IMCC (also referred to as "material information"). Trading in shares while in possession of non-public material information is a violation of applicable insider trading laws.
Material information can be positive or negative. Information is "material" if it would influence a reasonable investor in deciding whether to buy, sell or hold IMCC's shares or, if disclosed to the public, would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the market price or value of the shares. Possible examples include, but are not limited to, financial information such as consolidated sales numbers, financial projections or the Company's financial performance, the hiring or departure of key personnel, or significant inventory issues. Information is considered to be "public" one full trading day after it has been widely released to the public through a press release or by making a SEDAR, or similar, filing, giving the public markets adequate time to digest the material information.
Representatives are prohibited from disclosing inside information pursuant to the Stock Trading Policy. Only certain individuals who are authorized may publicly disclose material non-public information. Improper disclosure, even accidentally, can violate insider trading laws. Disclosing material non-public information to other people, including immediate family members or friends, or recommending the purchase or sale of IMCC's shares to others while aware of material non-public information, is known as "tipping" and is illegal. A person who receives the information (i.e., is "tipped") and then trades in IMCC shares or informs others of that information is also in violation of insider trading laws. More information about IMCC's trading policy can be found in the Company's Stock Trading Policy.
5.5 Financial Integrity and Responsibility
Representatives are expected to act responsibly and exercise sound judgment with respect to matters involving Company finances. Representatives must adhere to all applicable accepted accounting standards and practices, keep accurate, complete and timely records, submit accurate and complete reports as required, comply with IMCC's system of internal controls, and sign only those documents they believe to be correct and complete.
IMCC will not: (i) establish any undisclosed or unrecorded funds or assets for any purpose; (ii) enter into side agreements or other informal arrangements, either written or oral; or (iii) take any actions or fail to take any actions that would cause its financial records or financial disclosure to fail to comply with generally accepted accounting principles and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. All Representatives must cooperate fully and completely with IMCC's accounting and audit teams, as well as IMCC's independent public accountants and counsel, providing them with complete and accurate information and assistance. Representatives are prohibited from coercing, manipulating, misleading or improperly influencing IMCC's internal or external auditors at any time. Representatives are prohibited from knowingly making, or causing or encouraging any other person from making, in any of IMCC's public disclosure, any false or misleading statements or any omissions of any information necessary to make the disclosure complete and accurate in all material respects.
If you suspect or observe any irregularities relating to financial integrity and responsibility, immediately report them to the General Counsel.
Section 6 Compliance with and Violations of The Code
The General Counsel is responsible for reviewing and evaluating this Code at least annually and will recommend any necessary or appropriate changes to the Board for consideration.
6.1 Questions
If you have any questions about how this Code should be followed in a particular case, please contact the General Counsel.
6.2 Reporting Violations of the Code
All Representatives shall adhere to IMCC's commitment to conduct its business and affairs in a lawful and ethical manner. All Representatives are encouraged to talk to the General Counsel when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation and to report any breach or suspected breach of law, regulation, this Code or any of IMCC's corporate policies.
IMCC prohibits retaliatory action against any Representative who, in good faith, reports a possible violation of this Code. Any Representative who believes he or she has been retaliated against should promptly report it to the General Counsel.
6.3 Consequences of Violation of the Code
Representatives may be required to certify their understanding of and compliance with this Code from time to time as applicable. Failure to comply with the Code may result in severe consequences, which could include internal disciplinary action or termination of employment or consulting arrangements without notice. Violation of the Code may also violate certain Canadian, United States, German, Israeli and/or other laws. If it appears a Representative may have violated such laws, the Company may refer the matter to the appropriate authorities, which could lead to legal proceedings, penalties, fines or imprisonment.
6.4 Waivers of the Code
Certain provisions of this Code require you to act, or refrain from acting, unless prior approval is received from the appropriate person. Representatives requiring approval for certain activities governed by this Code should request such approval in writing from the General Counsel. Approvals relating to executive officers and directors must be obtained from the Company's Board or Chief Executive Officer.
Waivers or exceptions to this Code will be granted only in advance and under exceptional circumstances by the General Counsel or the Chief Executive Officer. Any waiver of this Code with respect to the General Counsel or a Director or Executive Officer of IMCC may be granted only by the Board, with interested parties recused from deliberations. Any such waiver shall be disclosed to the extent and in the manner required by applicable laws or stock exchange rules.
6.5 Publication of the Code
This Code, and any amendments, shall be posted on:
The Company's website at www.imcannabis.com; and
SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com.
This document is not an employment contract between the Company and its Representatives, nor does it modify any employment or consulting relationship with the Company.
This Code is intended to clarify the existing obligation of Representatives for proper conduct. The standards and the supporting policies and procedures may change from time to time in the Company's discretion. Representatives are responsible for knowing and complying with the current laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures that apply to the Company's business and operations.
The General Counsel of the Company is: Adv. Yael Harrosh
Address: Kibutz Glil Yam; E-mail: Yael.h@imcannabis.com
Dated: November 26, 2020 Approved by: Board of Directors of the Company
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND CODE OF ETHICS
CERTIFICATE
I certify that I have read and fully understand IM Cannabis Corp.'s CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND CODE OF ETHICS and will comply fully with its provisions.
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