Vision Health Canada Inc. (VHC) appreciates the valuable contributions of its private sector supporters. As part of its commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct and to serving the best interests of people living with blinding eye diseases, VHC has adopted the following policy to clarify the expectations surrounding private sector support agreements.

1. For the purposes of this policy:

• “Private sector supporter” means a company or other entity that operates with a view to a profit.

• “Private sector support agreement” means any agreement between VHC and a private sector supporter under which (alone or cumulatively with any other agreement(s)) VHC receives a benefit exceeding $10,000 in any given calendar year from that supporter.

2. VHC staff shall ensure that all private sector support agreements are made in writing and that each written agreement is consistent with the guidelines outlined below.

3. Any private sector support agreement shall comply with the following guidelines:

• The private sector support agreement must further the mandate, goals, and objectives of VHC.

• The private sector supporter must not attempt to influence VHC’s public policy work. No contribution shall be accepted that is made, whether directly or indirectly, for the purpose of influencing VHC’s public policy work.

• VHC shall retain full editorial control over any content produced through a private sector support agreement.

• Any use of the VHC logo or name by the private sector supporter is subject to the prior written approval of VHC staff.

• VHC shall seek to avoid accepting funding or support from any private sector supporter that engages in activities or is responsible for products that harm the health of Canadians, such as tobacco.

• Any private sector support agreement with a supporter in the healthcare, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry shall specify a project for which the funds are to be used.

• Entering into a private sector support agreement does not imply endorsement or blanket support for all of the supporter’s products and/or services.

• All projects shall be developed and managed by VHC.

• Where relevant, the private sector support agreement should specify ownership of any data or intellectual property arising from the agreement.

• A private sector support agreement shall not limit VHC’s right to enter into arrangements with other private sector supporters.

• A private sector support agreement may provide for recognition of a private sector supporter but shall not require VHC to endorse any particular product or service. For greater certainty, VHC may endorse particular treatments in its public policy and education efforts where doing so furthers VHC’s mission, provided that such an endorsement is not tied to funding from a private sector supporter.

• No private sector support agreement shall place VHC in a material conflict of interest. Where the agreement would create a conflict of interest for an employee, officer, or director of VHC, VHC must be satisfied that the conflict can be adequately managed.

• VHC shall ensure that any private sector support agreement includes a termination clause that permits VHC to terminate the relationship in the event of a breach of this policy.