Laurentian Bank Releases Its 2013 Social Responsibility Report

MONTREAL, March 17, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Laurentian Bank is pleased to announce the release of its Social Responsibility Report for fiscal 2013. Available exclusively on the Internet, the document presents an overview of the events and accomplishments that marked the year. The report serves as a valuable reference for the Bank's various stakeholders — shareholders, clients, employees and communities — outlining the actions and activities implemented by the organization last year as part of its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.

"The Bank assumed its role as a socially responsible enterprise more ardently than ever in 2013," underlined President and CEO, Réjean Robitaille. "And as we work to serve the interests of all our stakeholders, we are dedicated to building on our momentum in this regard."

Following are but a few of Laurentian Bank's initiatives set forth in this latest report:

• At 38%, the Bank's Board once again had the highest proportion of female Directors within the banking sector.
• The past year marked the first edition of the Laurentian Bank Montée des sommets, an event organized by employees in Québec City that raised $50,000 in aid of the Le Petit Blanchon organization.
• The Bank took various different actions to limit the impacts of its operations on the environment, including the replacement of printers and photocopiers, the conversion of numerous paper reports and forms into digital format, as well as holding eco-responsible annual meetings.
• The Business Services group participated in a number of innovative renewable energy financing projects, such as solar and wind farms, hydroelectric dams and biomass plants.

Moreover, this latest Social Responsibility Report draws upon Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators. The Bank brought the total number of indicators to 68 last year, which testifies to the importance it assigns to maintaining the transparency of its activities.

The 2013 Social Responsibility Report is available on the Bank's Web site at laurentianbank.ca, in the Your Bank section under the Laurentian Bank tab.

About Laurentian Bank

Laurentian Bank of Canada is a banking institution whose activities extend across Canada. Recognized for its excellent service, proximity and simplicity, the Bank serves one and a half million clients throughout the country. Founded in 1846, the Bank is among the 2014 edition of the Montréal's Top Employers competition, which showcases the city's top 25 companies offering enviable places to work. It currently employs some 3,800 people whose talent and dedication has made it a major player in numerous market segments.

Laurentian Bank distinguishes itself through the excellence of its execution and its agility. Catering to the needs of retail clients via its extensive branch network and constantly evolving virtual offerings, the Bank has also earned a solid reputation among SMEs, larger businesses and real estate developers thanks to its growing presence across Canada and its specialized teams in Ontario, Québec, Alberta and British Columbia. For its part, the organization's B2B Bank subsidiary is a Canadian leader in providing banking and investment products and services to financial advisors and brokers, while Laurentian Bank Securities is an integrated broker that is also widely known for its expert and effective services nationwide. The institution has more than $33 billion in balance sheet assets and more than $39 billion in assets under administration.

SOURCE Laurentian Bank of Canada