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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
INTRODUCTION
FEEDBACK PROCESS

ACCESSIBILITY POLICY
THE POLICY
THE PRINCIPLES
MEETING THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS REGULATION
DEFINITIONS

MULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS REGULATION
CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARD – ONTARIO REGULATION
WORKPLACE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION STANDARDS
TRAINING STANDARDS
EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

MESSAGE FROM CEO 

At Microbix, we strive to provide an environment where individuals can thrive as they achieve their goals and  objectives. We are committed to excellence in serving all our employees, customers, advisors and visitors to our  offices and we will provide accommodation where required in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians  with Disabilities Act (“AODA”). Microbix is committed to meeting the requirements of AODA to address the needs  of people with disabilities and will do so in a way that respects their dignity and independence. Likewise, with  respect to integration of persons with disabilities and to meeting their needs in a timely manner. We will do so  by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility for those with disabilities and by meeting our accessibility  requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws. 

 – Cameron Groome

INTRODUCTION 

Microbix Biosystems Inc. (“Microbix”) is committed to excellence in serving all employees, customers, advisors, and visitors to our offices and will provide accommodation where required to meet the needs of people with  disabilities and in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”). For more  information, please see the following: 

  • The Microbix Accessibility Policy
  • The Microbix Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Please note that accessible formats of these documents can be made available, upon request from Microbix’ Human Resources department.

Feedback Process: 

Feedback regarding the way Microbix provides goods and services to people with disabilities can be made in  person, via telephone, fax, e-mail or in writing via our AODA & IASR Customer Feedback Form available on our  website (www.microbix.com), to: 

Human Resources

Microbix Biosystems Inc.

265 Watline Avenue

Mississauga, Ontario

L4Z 1P3

Phone: 905-361-8910| 1-800-794-6694 

Fax: 905-361-8911 

 Email: human.resources@microbix.com  

We will respond within ten (10) business days either in writing, in person, by e-mail or telephone acknowledging  receipt of feedback and will set out the action to be taken in response to any concerns. Information in accessible  formats will be provided upon request.

ACCESSIBILITY POLICY 

PURPOSE 

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) became law in 2005 with the aim to create a province fully accessible to those with disabilities by 2025. AODA outlines the rules that all businesses and organizations must follow to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities in Ontario. Over  22% of Canadians have a disability, and that figure is expected to rise over the coming years as the population ages. By 2036, 47% of Ontario’s population is expected to be over 65 years of age. 

Under the AODA, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (“IARS”) was first enacted in 2011 and, as amended, now contains the following five (5) standards: Information and Communications, Employment,  Transportation, Design of Public Spaces, and Customer Service.  

These standards outline where and how organizations need to remove barriers for people with disabilities in relation to Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation, the Design of Public Spaces and  Customer Service. The requirements in the Standards are not a replacement or a substitution for the requirements established under the Ontario Human Rights Code, nor do the Standards limit any obligations owed to persons with disabilities under other legislation. 

Microbix respects the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for Ontarians with disabilities. This Accessibility Policy (the “Policy) is intended to ensure that Microbix maintains an accessible environment for persons with disabilities with respect to the delivery and/or provision of goods, services, and facilities to Customers and all facets of employment. 

THE POLICY 

Microbix is committed to excellence in serving all its employees, customers, advisors and investors, as well as visitors to our offices and will provide accommodation where required in accordance with the AODA. Microbix is committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities and will do so in a way that respects their dignity and independence. 

Microbix will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity and will ensure that all persons with disability receive the same access to opportunities, our goods, services and facilities; taking into account their individual needs and communicating in a manner that accommodates the person’s disability.

THE PRINCIPLES 

The Company will use reasonable efforts to ensure that this policy and any related practices or procedures are  consistent with the following core principles: 

  1. Dignity: Persons with disabilities should be treated as valued customers who deserve effective and full service as other customers. 
  2. Independence: services must be provided without the control or influence of others, and the freedom of persons with disabilities to make their own decisions must be respected.
  3. Integration: persons with disabilities must be able to benefit from services or products in the same place and in the same or similar manner as other customers, whenever possible. 
  4. Equality of Opportunity: People with disabilities must have equal opportunities to obtain, use, and benefit from services.
     

MEETING THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS REGULATIONS 

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 

In order to achieve Microbix’s accessibility goals, and in accordance with the provisions of the IASR and the AODA,  the Company has implemented and will maintain and document a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. This Multi-Year  Accessibility Plan outlines our commitment to accessibility, provides a strategy to prevent and remove barriers, and outlines a plan to meet the requirements under the IASR. This Plan is available to all employees and the public on the Microbix website and will be provided in an accessible format upon request. The Company will review and update the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan every five (5) years. 

Reporting 

In accordance with the requirements of the AODA, Microbix will report accessibility achievements every three (3) Years by filing the required accessibility compliance report. 

Customer Service Standards 

Microbix is committed to providing an accommodating environment to all individuals, whatever their ability, and ensuring all goods and services are received in an accessible and timely manner. The Company will communicate with a person with a disability in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability. This may involve making  accommodations for a person who uses an assistive device, service animal or support person, and the Company will  make the following provisions: 

  • Assistive Devices: Persons with disabilities will be allowed to use their own personal assistive devices to  access our goods, services and facilities, as applicable and will also have access to assistive devices that  may be available on our premises, including accessible washrooms, alternate document formats, screen  readers and telecommunication devices for the deaf
  • Use of Service Animal or Support Persons: Persons with disabilities may always be accompanied by their required support person and/or service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to customers and other third parties.

Notice of Temporary Disruption 

We will notify our employees, customers, advisors, investors and visitors if there is a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities. This notice will be posted at the applicable premises and the Microbix website entrance. The notice will include the following information: 

  • the facility or service that is unavailable; 
  • the reason for the disruption; 
  • the anticipated duration of the disruption; and
  • alternative facilities or services, if available.

Information and Communication 

Microbix will ensure that information about our goods, services, or facilities is available in accessible formats upon request, at no additional cost, and in a timely manner. A request for an accessible format of information or communication support regarding our goods, services, and facilities can be made through our feedback process, as outlined in the Feedback Process section below. 

Microbix will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support. The IASR gives the Company the flexibility to decide on the most appropriate format or communication support, given the needs of the person with a disability and the Company’s capability to deliver. 

As outlined in the IASR, if the Company determines that we are unable to convert the information or communications into an accessible format, the Company will provide a report to the person explaining why we are unable to do so and provide a summary of the content. 

Web Content 

As outlined in the IASR, all new web content on Microbix’s websites will conform to Web Content Accessibility  Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.0 Level AA protocols, except for live captions and pre-recordings. This applies to websites and web content, including web-based applications that the Company controls directly or through a contractual relationship that allows for modification of the product unless it is not practicable to conform due to the availability of commercial software or tools or both. 

Training and Record Keeping 

Microbix will ensure that training is provided to all employees who interact with the public or other third parties on the Company’s behalf and all those involved in developing the Company’s relevant policies, practices, and procedures. 

Training will be provided as soon as possible after hiring or engagement and on the commencement of new or additional duties that require training. Training will include the following: 

  • A review of the purpose of the AODA and the requirements and review of the Human Rights Code as it  pertains to persons with disabilities; 
  • A review of Microbix’s policy and multi-year plan;
  • How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
  • How to interact with persons with a disability who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or support person; and 
  • How to assist a person with a disability that is experiencing difficulty accessing the Company’s workplace premises and/or our services. 

Microbix will keep accurate and up to date training records. These records shall include the dates that the training was provided and the individuals to whom the training was provided.

Employment Standards 

Microbix has implemented accessible employment practices pertaining to recruitment and selection, new hire orientation, performance management and career development. The company responds to all requests for accommodation, including consultation with the employee’s accessibility needs due to a disability and determination of the provision or arrangement of suitable accommodation. 

Employee Support and Individual Accommodation Plans 

Microbix is committed to the prevention and removal of barriers to people with disabilities, to the accommodation of persons with disabilities and to establish processes by which persons with disabilities may request accommodations. 

Microbix will make every effort to accommodate the needs of a person with a disability, provided that person is able to perform the essential functions of their jobs or the duties of other available work. Employees who wish to raise a potential accommodation concern shall do so by submitting a request for accommodation in writing to their immediate manager/supervisor and Human Resources.  

The request shall: 

  • describe the condition or circumstance causing the accommodation concerns, and
  •   describe in detail the accommodation sought to address the need.

Return to Work Plan 

If an employee is absent from work due to disability and requires an accommodation in order to return to work,  Microbix will work with the employee to develop an individual accommodation plan for that employee, in consultation with disability benefits providers, where suitable and necessary. After identifying the most appropriate return-to-work accommodation, safety considerations and any transitional measures, written details of the return-to-work plan will be provided. 

The return-to-work plan will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it remains effective. If the accommodation is no longer appropriate, the company will reassess the circumstances and update the plan. 

Emergency Response Procedures 

In the event that Microbix makes emergency procedures, plans and public safety information available to the  public, it will be provided, upon request, in an accessible format or with appropriate communication support. 

If Microbix is made aware of the need for accommodation due to an employee’s disability, the employee will be provided with an individualized workplace emergency response plan. If the employee who receives the individualized workplace emergency response information requires assistance, the Company will provide the workplace emergency response plan to the person designated to provide assistance upon consent from the employee.

Microbix shall provide the information required under this section as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation due to the individual’s disability. 

Microbix will review the individualized workplace emergency response plans if/when the employee moves to a differentlocationintheorganization, and/orwhentheCompany reviews its general emergency responsepolicies. 

Feedback Process 

Welcome your inquiries and feedback on this policy and its implementation. We invite all customers to complete and provide feedback via our AODA Customer Feedback Form, which is available on our website. 

The Feedback Form, and request for information, can be submitted in person, via fax, email or in writing to: 

Human Resources 

Microbix Biosystems Inc. 

265 Watline Avenue 

Mississauga, Ontario 

L4Z 1P3 

Fax: 905-361-8911 

 Email: human.resources@microbix.com  

DEFINITIONS 

“Accessible formats” shall mean formats that are an alternative to standard print and are accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible formats include large print, Braille, and audio electronic formats such as DVDs, CDs, etc. 

“Communications” refers to the interaction between two or more people or entities when information is provided, sent or received. 

“Communication supports” shall mean methods to assist communication for people with disabilities who may need to access information. Some examples include plain language formats, sign language, as well as reading out loud, captioning or using written notes to communicate. 

“Information” refers to knowledge, data, and facts that convey meaning and exist in any format, such as text,  audio, digital, or images. 

“Individualized workplace emergency response information” refers to the information prepared by employers,  in consultation with their employees who have disabilities, to help them prepare for emergencies such as fire, severe weather and power outages. 

“People with Disabilities” shall mean those individuals who have a disability. “Disability” as defined under the  Ontario Human Rights Code is: 

(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by  bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or in a wheelchair or other  remedial appliance or device;

(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability; 

(c) a learning disability or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding  or using symbols or spoken language; 

(d) a mental disorder or; 

(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act of 1997. 

“Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)” is an international standard for making websites and web  content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities.

MULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN 

INTRODUCTION 

Microbix Biosystems Inc. (“Microbix”) is committed to meeting the objectives and requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA”) and the applicable regulations, and to making our workplace meet the needs of persons with disabilities, as well as the provision of our goods, services and  facilities in an accessible manner, through implementation of the requirements of AODA and the Integrated  Accessibility Standards Regulation (Ontario Regulation 191/11) (the”IASR”). 

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT 

Microbix is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable and integrated environment whereby every  employee and job applicant receives equal opportunity with respect to employment and receives  accommodation where required, in accordance with the provisions of the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility  Standards Regulation (191/11) (the “IASR”). 

Microbix is also committed to providing access to our facilities and delivering excellent customer service to  customers and visitors to the company in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with  disabilities. We will work to promote a culture of respect and acceptance for accessibility with Ontario. 

INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS REGULATION 

GENERAL STANDARD 

Commitment 

In accordance with the IASR, the Plan was developed to address how Microbix will achieve accessibility and meet  with the requirements of the IASR. The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan was developed in accordance with the  regulation, and it outlines our strategy to address the current and future accessibility goals. 

Microbix will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent  with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. The Company will ensure that  all persons with a disability receive the same access to opportunities and our goods, services and facilities; taking  into account their individual needs and communicating in a manner that accommodates the person’s disability. 

Actions Taken 

  • Development and distribution of the Accessibility Policy and the Accessibility Standards for Customer  Service Policy. These policies are available to Microbix employees on the company’s Share drive in the  Human Resources Folders and to the public on Microbix website, or upon request; 
  • Development of Microbix Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to outline the strategy and steps taken to prevent  and remove barriers for persons with disabilities and to meet the company’s accessibility goals. 
  • Implementation of applicable AODA training, in accordance with the requirements of the IASR. 
  • Creation of process to review and update the Policies as need and review and update the Multi-Year  Accessibility Plan at least every five (5) years. 
  • Deliver training to all Microbix employees who provide services on company’s behalf, as soon as practicable; and on any changes to the prescribed policies on an ongoing basis maintains a detailed  record for training provided.
  • In accordance with the requirements of the AODA and IASR, Microbix will report accessibility compliance  every three (3) years.

CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARD – ONTARIO REGULATION 429/07 

Commitment 

Microbix’ Customer Service Standard shows Microbix’ commitment to providing access to our facilities and  delivering excellent service at all times in a way that meets the needs of people with disabilities and respects the dignity and independence of all of our customers and visitors. 

Actions Taken 

The following measures have been implemented by Microbix: 

  • Development and distribution of the Accessibility Policy and Multi-year Plan. These policies are available  to Microbix employees on the company’s Share drive in the Human Resources Folders and to the public on our website, or upon request; 
  • Frontline employees who interact directly with customers and visitors are trained and familiar with  various assistive devices; 
  • Customers and visitors 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. If customers and visitors are accompanied by a support person, the support person will be accommodated; 
  • Assistive devices canbe provided to customers andvisitorswho arehearing and visually impaired upon request; 
  • Notice is provided to customers and visitors with self-disclosed disabilities in the event of a planned or  unexpected disruption to services or office facilities. Where possible, we post a notification on Microbix’  website regarding the disruption. The notice includes the reason for the disruption, how long the disruption is expected to last, and a description of any alternative facilities or services available (where applicable); 
  • Training is provided to all employees on the purpose and requirements of the AODA legislation; 
  • Microbix has and will continue to develop feedback processes to respond to inquiries and suggestions by  fax, email, mail or in person; 
  • Training is provided to all employees during the new hire orientation process and on an ongoing basis when changes are made to relevant policies and procedures. Training records are maintained and  include the dates of the training and the people trained.

WORKPLACE EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

Commitment 

Microbix is committed to providing individualized workplace emergency response information to employees and  visitors who have a disability where the nature of the disability is such that accommodation is required. 

Actions Taken 

The following measures are in place: 

  • In the event of a building evacuation, instructions and procedures have been communicated to  individuals who have a disability, as required; and
  • Where required and with the disabled individual’s prior consent, the individualized workplace emergency  response plans are provided to emergency response providers, and to designated employees responsible  in emergency situations for the evacuation of the workplace.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION STANDARDS 

Commitment 

Microbix is committed to making company information and feedback processes accessible to people with  disabilities. 

Actions Taken 

Feedback, Accessible Formats and Communication Supports 

  • Feedback processes are accessible by providing or arranging for the provision of, upon request,  accessible formats and communication supports. The provision of accessible formats and communication supports to persons with disabilities will be done in a timely manner, taking into account  the individual’s accessibility needs, and at no extra cost above what is charged to other persons. 
  • Microbix publishes information regarding the availability of accessible formats and communication  supports on the website. 

Actions Taken 

Accessible Websites and Web Content 

  • All new web content posted on Microbix’s public website conforms to the World Wide Web Consortium  Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.0, Level AA. 
  • All new web content posted on Microbix website conforms to WCAG 2.0, Level AA protocols. 

Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information 

In the event that Microbix makes emergency procedures, plans and public safety information available to the  public, it will be provided, upon request, in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports.

TRAINING STANDARDS 

Commitment 

Microbix is committed to providing training to all company employees and part time employees who provide  services onthe company’s be half with respect to the requirementsofthe IASR and the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”), as it relates to people with disabilities. 

Actions Taken 

In accordance with the IASR, Microbix has: 

  • Reviewed and determined the appropriate training requirements in the Code and the IASR and establish  a format for delivery of training to all employees and part time employees who provide services on the  company’s behalf; 
  • Ensured that training is provided to all employees and part time employees who provide services on the  company’s behalf as soon as practicable and on any changes to the prescribed policies on an ongoing  basis; and 
  • Maintain a detailed record of the training provided 

 EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES 

Commitment 

Microbix is committed to providing accessible formats and communication support with respect to employment  practices. 

Actions Taken 

  • If an employee is absent from work due to disability and requires accommodation in order to return to  work, Human Resources develops an individual accommodation plan for that individual, in consultation  with the insurance company (if applicable) and the employee’s manager.  
  • Microbix specifies that accommodation is available for applicantswith disabilities during the recruitment andselection process. 
  • Microbix provides information in candidate communications that accommodations are available upon  request in relation to the materials or processes to be used. 
  • Applicants are informed about the company’s approach to accessibility and the process to request accommodation due to a disability at the time of the job offer. 
  • 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 applicant’s accessibility needs due to a disability. 
  • Current employees and new hires are informed of policies supporting employees withdisabilities.
  • When providing performance management information to an employee with a disability, the company takes into account the accessibility needs of the employee and as applicable, individual accommodation plans.
  • When providing career development information to an employee with a disability, the company will  take into account the accessibility needs of the employee, and as applicable, individual  accommodation plans. 

Planned Action 

  • Review and update, if necessary, our established process for the development of individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. When requested by an employee with a disability,  consult with the employee to provide or arrange for provision of suitable accessible formats and  communication supports needed to perform the employee’s job.