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2012 Statement includes increased reporting detail and year-to-year
comparable data
TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC
SEHK:945
TORONTO, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Financial has today released its
2012 Public Accountability Statement. The statement, which reviews
Manulife's commitment to social responsibility, environmental
sustainability, excellence in business conduct and corporate governance
during the previous year, is now available for download at
manulife.com.
The 2012 Statement highlights the Company's continuing efforts in
Canada, Asia and the United States to build stronger communities,
promote health and wellness, support educational initiatives for young
people and tomorrow's leaders, enhance environmental sustainability and
harness the power of volunteering in the community.
"Our company has a long, proud tradition of giving back to the
communities where our employees, agents and customers live and work,"
says Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife
Financial.
New in Manulife's 2012 Public Accountability Statement are increased
details, context, and metrics that help quantify the impacts of
Manulife's programs and initiatives, whether of an economic, social or
environmental nature.
Highlights from the 2012 Statement include:
Economic Impact:
Manulife is proud of the role that it is able to play in facilitating
positive economic impacts in the communities where it operates by
virtue of its day-to-day operations. Above and beyond these ongoing
business activities, the Company engaged in a broad range of additional
initiatives in 2012 which generated positive economic benefits in
Canada, Asia and in the United States.
Manulife believes in the importance of partnering with organizations
which help to promote active, healthy lifestyles among its global
customer base and which give back to the local community. The Company
is proud of the significant economic impacts that arose through its
sponsorship of events in 2012, such as the Manulife Financial LPGA
Classic and the Boston Marathon.
In Vietnam, the Company continued offering micro-insurance policies,
which it began offering in 2009. With premiums of roughly $1 per
month, the policies help women (most of whom are farmers) who want to
protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with
accidents, disease and natural disasters. The introduction of
micro-insurance to this region helps contribute to social welfare,
eliminate poverty and create awareness of savings to area residents.
Social Impact:
As in previous years, the Company encouraged its employees in 2012 to
volunteer at the local community level. Volunteerism has always been a
priority at Manulife and being active participants in improving local
communities is a vital part of the organization's culture. In 2012,
Manulife employees and distribution partners volunteered 380,745 hours
to a wide range of charities and causes. Employee donation of time is
an important contribution and a way to extend the power of our
corporate donations.
"We believe every volunteer act helps contribute to better outcomes for
everyone," adds Nicole Boivin, Senior Vice President and Chief Branding
& Communications Officer. "At the same time, we think it's a
forward-thinking approach toward being an engaged community partner."
Environmental Impact:
Through its ongoing commitment to sustainable investment, demonstrated
by the Company's investments in renewable energy, forest land
management and volunteer programs, Manulife is helping protect
biodiversity and fragile ecosystems around the world. From recycling
and conservation programs to the generation of renewable energy, the
Company continued to adopt environmentally friendly practices in its
global office locations and throughout its global real estate portfolio
during 2012.
Manulife also continued to pursue opportunities to increase the
effectiveness of its business operations, while minimizing impact on
the environment. These efforts included the use of property management
technologies, the introduction of data server virtualization and
initiatives to encourage the reuse and recycling of electronic waste.
Data on the Company's carbon emissions, energy and water consumption,
paper use and waste diversion are presented in the 2012 Statement.
Manulife Bank:
During the course of 2012, Manulife Bank surpassed $1 billion in
shareholder's equity. As such, Manulife Bank was required to prepare
its first public accountability statement for its public accountability
activities in 2012, which can be found on pages 44-46 of the 2012
Statement.
The full Public Accountability Statement is available online at www.manulife.com/governance
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group
with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States.
Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and
forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial
decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and
distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management
products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset
management services to institutional customers. Funds under management
by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$555 billion (US$547
billion) as at March 31, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife
Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the
United States.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE,
and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the
Internet at manulife.com.
SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation