Mr. Frederic Perron reports

COGECO PUBLISHES ITS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. have published their latest sustainability report, which details their sustainability strategy, commitments, initiatives and performance. The report was prepared using the international standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

Concurrently, Cogeco is also publishing its third climate action plan and TCFD report in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The report describes how the impacts of climate change are systematically considered and integrated into Cogeco's business strategy and related decisions. It also presents the measures put in place to support the transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.

"At Cogeco, we are building a more sustainable and inclusive future through our long-standing tradition of social engagement and community involvement, prioritizing digital inclusion and climate action, implementing leading operating practices, and upholding our responsible and ethical management," said Frederic Perron, president and chief executive officer of Cogeco. "While our industry's environmental footprint is arguably smaller than many others, Cogeco remains determined to take a diligent approach and demonstrate strong leadership in climate action," continued Mr. Perron.

Creating value and strengthening the company's resilience in a sustainable way

The company is aware of the fundamental role it must play in addressing the most pressing environmental, social and economic challenges.

In order to stimulate the growth of our activities in a sustainable and responsible manner, the company continues to manage and improve its commitments focused on key environmental, social and governance (ESG) levers:

• Reducing the company's environmental footprint. At Cogeco, the company focuses on reducing its environmental impact, whether that relates to responsible waste management, pursuing circular economic opportunities, mitigating biodiversity loss through partnerships in its communities, or implementing compensation and credit practices tied to its sustainability objectives. The company's ambitious absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets align with geoscientific principles, and the company continues to accelerate its reduction efforts this year through consolidation and electrification of its fleet, improving energy efficiency in its buildings and networks, pursuing investments in renewable energy, and engaging with its suppliers to encourage a reduction in their emissions.
• Generating socioeconomic benefits in the communities the company works and lives in. Cogeco continues to invest in bridging the digital divide by deploying high-speed Internet in unserved and underserved regions of Canada and the United States, as part of its ambitious broadband network expansion plan. The company also pursues its philanthropic leadership and community involvement initiatives, evolve its comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy, and put into action its enhanced health, safety and wellness practices to ensure the well-being of its employees.
• Implementing strong governance practices. The company continues to strengthen sustainability-related data governance by improving internal assurance processes and the company is conducting a third party limited assurance of its GHG (greenhouse gas) inventory and digital inclusion commitment results. Furthermore, the company is continuing to raise awareness and trains its employees in the importance of ethical behaviour.

About Cogeco Inc.

Rooted in the communities it serves, Cogeco is a growing competitive force in the North American telecommunications and media sectors, serving 1.6 million residential and business customers. Its Cogeco Communications subsidiary provides Internet, video and phone services in Canada, and in 13 states in the United States through its business units Cogeco Connexion and Breezeline. Through Cogeco Media, it owns and operates 21 radio stations primarily in the province of Quebec, as well as a news agency.