Active engagement in public policy improves our ability to understand and address issues that impact our stakeholders and allows us to contribute to informed government decision-making. In all jurisdictions where Manulife and its subsidiaries operate, we monitor and engage on public policy issues that could impact our business, customers, employees, and communities. As part of our efforts, we regularly report on lobbying activity, as required, to ensure accountability and transparency. The General Counsel, Global Head of Government Relations, and Segment CEOs, where appropriate, oversee our public policy activities, and the Board's Audit Committee receives reports on significant developments. [...] The Government Relations function manages our engagement with regulators and policymakers as well as many of our key industry and trade associations to advance the company's strategic objectives. The group also monitors legislative activities, analyzes regulatory and policy trends, and helps coordinate comments on regulatory and/or policy proposals in consultation with Legal, Compliance and other relevant internal stakeholders. [...] Employees must not take part in lobbying activities on behalf of the company unless specific authorization is obtained, and lobbying activity is publicly disclosed, pursuant to relevant law. For example, our policies stipulate that any lobbying efforts must be done in compliance with all local lobbying regulations, including Canada's Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and Lobbying Act, and with all local reporting requirements. We recognize that we must take special care to use our corporate positions responsibly when dealing with government agencies and representatives. Unless a regulatory/government interaction is routine, such as regular exams, regulatory filings or responses to requests for information, any contact with a government official should be pre-cleared. [...] As noted in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, our general policy is that we will not make any political contributions. In 2023, Manulife and its affiliates did not make corporate contributions to candidates for public office or political parties, and we did not use corporate funds to make independent political expenditures. In accordance with U.S. federal law, John Hancock (and any subsidiaries therein) is prohibited from making political contributions to candidates seeking federal, state, or local office. John Hancock does administer a separate segregated fund, known as the John Hancock Political Action Committee (JHPAC), which is composed of voluntary donations from eligible employees who choose to engage in the political process. All monies contributed to the JHPAC are held in a separate bank account from the general corporate treasury. The JHPAC is funded solely through these voluntary donations and its activities are overseen by a board of directors. The JHPAC operates on a bipartisan basis; as a matter of internal policy, the JHPAC does not contribute to state or local election candidates, nor does it support "Super PACs" or joint fundraising committees. All activities of the JHPAC, including fundraising and contributions, are disclosed by the company and reported to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). [...] Manulife frequently shares interests with organizations that advocate public policy positions on issues that are important to our company, the financial services industry, and the business community. As a result, organizations we join as a member may have interactions with government officials on matters of interest to our industry and may promote public policy objectives important to us, our stakeholders, or the broader community. Our membership in, or financial support of, these organizations does not imply that Manulife supports every position taken by these organizations or those of their other members. Where positions differ from ours, we voice concerns as appropriate by engaging with these organizations through boards, committees, or publicly, as necessary.