BCE gets double recognition for excellence in corporate governance

Two national organizations praise rigorous governance and disclosure transparency

MONTREAL, Aug. 20, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - BCE Inc., Canada's largest communications provider, is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has received two awards for excellence in corporate governance.

The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (CSCS) named BCE the winner of its first-ever award for best overall corporate governance, recognizing the company's best practices in building and sustaining shareholder and stakeholder value.

The BCE Board was also recognized by the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG), receiving the organization's Gavel Award for best corporate governance disclosure. The award underscores the importance of effective communications between corporations and their shareholders.

"Since 1880, Bell has upheld the highest ethical and operational standards in every aspect of our business. These prestigious awards recognize the unmatched expertise and guidance of the BCE Board of Directors and the hard work and dedication of the Bell team in ensuring rigorous governance of our company's operations," said George Cope, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada.

The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (www.cscs.org) is one of Canada's leading advocates of good corporate governance, working to increase corporate Canada's understanding and awareness of the importance of governance ethics and best practices.

The Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (www.ccgg.ca) is made up of a wide range of institutional investors who invest in domestic capital markets on behalf of millions of Canadians.

About BCE
BCE (TSX, NYSE: BCE) is Canada's largest communications company, providing a comprehensive and innovative suite of broadband communication services to residential and business customers under the Bell and Bell Aliant brands. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels. To learn more, please visit BCE.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a national charitable and awareness program promoting mental health across Canada with the Bell Let's Talk Day anti-stigma campaign and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

SOURCE: Bell Canada