The financial statements are the responsibility of management and are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The financial information contained elsewhere in the annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements. The financial statements necessarily include amounts that are based on management’s best estimate and judgements which have been reached based on careful assessment of data available through the corporation’s information systems. In the opinion of management, the accounting practices utilized are appropriate in the circumstances and the financial statements fairly reflect the financial position and results of operations of the corporation.

In carrying out its responsibilities, management maintains appropriate systems of internal and administrative controls designed to ensure that transactions are accurately recorded on a timely basis, are properly approved and result in reliable financial statements. The adequacy and operation of the control systems are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Internal Audit Department.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors, which has overall responsibility for their contents. The Board of Directors is assisted with this responsibility by its Audit Committee (the “Committee”), which consists primarily of Directors not involved in the daily operations of the corporation.

The general responsibilities of the Committee are categorized into the following: review of financial reporting, review of internal controls and processes, review of actuarial functions, monitoring of corporate integrity, compliance with authorities and review of performance reporting. The Committee’s role is that of oversight in these areas in order to ensure management processes are in place and functioning so as to identify and minimize risks to the business operations.

In carrying out the above responsibilities, this Committee meets regularly with management, and with both the corporation’s external and internal auditors to approve the scope and timing of their respective audits, to review their findings and to satisfy itself that their responsibilities have been properly discharged. The Committee is readily accessible to the external and internal auditors.

The Committee is responsible for the review of the actuarial function. As well, the Committee recommends, for approval, the appointment of the external actuary and his fee arrangements to the Board of Directors. The actuary is responsible for ensuring that the assumptions and methods used in the valuation of policy and claims liabilities are in accordance with accepted actuarial practice, applicable legislation and associated regulations or directives. In addition, the actuary provides an opinion regarding the valuation of policy and claims liabilities at the balance sheet date to meet all policyholder obligations of the corporation. Examination of supporting data for accuracy and completeness of assets and their ability to meet the policy and claims liabilities are important elements in forming the actuary’s opinion.

KPMG LLP, the corporation’s appointed external auditors, have audited the financial statements. Their Auditors’ Report is included herein. Their opinion is based upon an examination conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, performing such tests and other procedures as they consider necessary in order to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatement and present fairly the financial position of the corporation in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.