ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation · Bylaw 11.1 All members, however and wherever they may practice, are bound by the Code of Ethics set out hereunder. This bylaw

Guidelines

ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation

March 2009

Contents

Preamble 3

Bylaw11.1 4

Bylaw11.2 4

Bylaw11.3 7

Bylaw11.3.1 7

Bylaw11.3.2 8

Bylaw11.3.3 11

Bylaw11.3.4 13

Bylaw11.3.5 14

Bylaw11.3.6 14

Bylaw11.3.7 16

Bylaw11.3.8 17

Bylaw11.3.9 17

Bylaw11.3.10 17

Bylaw11.4 18

Bylaw11.4.1 18

Bylaw11.4.2 19

Bylaw11.4.3 19

Bylaw11.4.4 20

Bylaw11.4.5 22

Bylaw11.4.6 22

Bylaw11.4.7 23

Bylaw11.5 23

Bylaw11.5.1 23

Bylaw11.5.2 24

Bylaw11.5.3 24

Bylaw11.5.4 25

Bylaw11.5.5 25

Bylaw11.5.6 26

Bylaw11.5.7 27

Bylaw11.5.8 28

Bylaw11.6 29

Bylaw11.6.1 29

Bylaw11.6.2 29

Bylaw11.6.3 30

Bylaw11.6.4 31

Bylaw11.6.5 31

Bylaw11.7 31

Bylaw11.8 31

Bylaw11.9 32

ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation (March 2009) 2

PreambleTheAssociationofBCForestProfessionals(ABCFP)hasbeenentrustedbysociety,throughtheForesters Act(2003),toregulatethepracticeofprofessionalforestryinBC.TheForesters ActandbylawsgiveABCFPmemberstheexclusiverighttopracticeprofessionalforestryonBC’sforestlandsbasedonsoundecologicalprinciplesconsistentwiththepublicinterestinthemaintenanceofallforestvalues

TheForesters ActstatesthattheprimarydutyoftheABCFPis“toserveandprotectthepublicinterest”.TomeetthisdutytheForesters ActobligatestheABCFPtoensurethecompetence,independence,professionalconductandintegrityofitsmembers.TheseobligationsarefurtherdefinedinBylawsapprovedbytheABCFPmembership.Bylaw11istheCodeofEthics.

TheCodeofEthicsestablishestheprinciplesandrulesassociatedwithmakingmoralchoiceswithinthepracticeofprofessionalforestry.Theconscientiousforestprofessionalcommits,inadvance,toasetofethicalprinciplesandbydoingso,theprofessionalismoreabletodemonstratetherightconductinavarietyofcircumstancessuchasemploymentsetting,socialconditionsorcomplexsituations.

TheCodeofEthicsdescribesonesetofobligationsforestprofessionalsmustmeetastheyfulfillpracticeresponsibilitiestothepublic,profession,clientsoremployersandfellowmembers.ThroughouttheseGuidelinesforInterpretationthereisalsoreferencetothesecondandparallelsetofobligationsforestprofessionalsmustmeet,theStandardsofProfessionalPractice(Bylaw12).ThereisoverlapbetweentheCodeofEthicsandtheStandardsofProfessionalPracticebecausemoralguidesareoftensomeofthecornerpinstoprofessionalpracticeandanymeasureofprofessionalpractice.TheCodeofEthicsdefinesthemoraleassertionrequiredinprofessionalbehavior,whilethestandardsofProfessionalPracticedefinethemeasuresofperformanceofprofessionalsintheirpractice.

Theintegrityoftheprofessionisjudgedthroughtheactionsofindividualswithinthecommunityofforestprofessionals.Theprofessionalpracticeofindividualmembersandoftheentiremembershipdeterminestheimageandpublictrustoftheprofession.ThefollowingguidanceisdesignedtohelpmembersinterpretandapplytheCodeofEthicsintheirday-to-dayworkand,insodoing,promotethecompetence,independence,professionalconduct,integrityandaccountabilitycalledforundertheForesters Act.

ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation (March 2009) �

Bylaw 11.1 All members, however and wherever they may practice, are bound by the Code of Ethics set out hereunder.

Thisbylawholdstrueforallclassesofmembersregardlessofwhethertheypractiseonpublicorprivateland,withinoroutsideofBritishColumbia.MemberswhoarenotpractisingprofessionalforestryarestillexpectedtoadheretotheABCFP’sbylaws,includingtheCodeofEthics.

Bylaw 11.2 A member has responsibilities to:

11.2.1 The public;

11.2.2 The profession;

11.2.� His/her client or the employer; and,

11.2.4 Other members

Whenindividualsbecomemembersoftheassociation,theyaregiventheprivilegetopractiseprofessionalforestryinBC.Maintainingthatprivilegeisdependentuponeachmemberrecognizingtheyhaveresponsibilitiesinfourkeyareaswhenpracticingprofessionalforestry.Theseareasofresponsibilityaboveareintendedtocarryanequalemphasisandaredefinedfurtherinthebylawsthatfollow.Fromtimetotimetheremaybeaconflict(eitherrealorperceived)betweenthevariousresponsibilitiesunderBylaw11.2specificallyandtheCodeofEthicsgenerally.MembersareexpectedtoresolvethoseconflictsinamannerconsistentwiththeForesters Actandrespectingthespiritandintentoftheapplicablecannonsofthiscodeofethics.

TheForesters Act isapublicintereststatutewhichidentifiestheprimarydutyoftheABCFP“toserveandprotectthepublicinterest”.Thepublicinterestisservedbyadvancingeachoftheabovestatedresponsibilityareasandthepriorityfortransactingprofessionalobligationsis,therefore,aquestionofcircumstanceandbalance.TheBylawsprovideanindicationoftherelativepriorityfortheresponsibilitiesthatmightexistinavarietyofcircumstances(e.g.11.3.2and11.5.2).Iftheycannotberesolved,preferencemustyieldtothepublicinterest.

Thefollowingscenariosprovideexamplesofresolvingtensionbetweenthefourareasofmembers’responsibilities.


Scenario 11.2AThefollowingisanexampleofapotentialconflict.

Anemployerorclientwantsamembertocarryoutataskthat,inthemember’sprofessionalopinion,isnotinthe‘publicinterest’relativetogoodforeststewardship.

Interpretation for Scenario 11.2AInthisbasicscenariotheemployer’sprimaryinterestisnotconsistentwiththeforestprofessional’sobligationswithinotherprovisionsoftheCodeofEthics,totheextentthataconflictarises.Theforestprofessionalcannotdowhattheemployerwouldlikeandalsomeetethicalobligations.Thememberhasthefollowingoptions(notacompletelist):(Mostcircumstancesariseoutofalackofunderstandingorpoorinformationandatthispointitisimportanthowamessageisdelivered.)

Clearlydescribefortheclientoremployerwhytheissueisnotinthepublicinterestandprovideoptionsforsolutionsthatwouldachieve,ascloseaspossible,theresultsforwhichtheclientoremployerishoping,whilestillmeetingthepublicinterest.

Contemplatetheoptionsfortheclientoremployer,andthenengageindialoguewiththeclientoremployertoreconcilethesituation.Startbystating“Thesecircumstancesrequiremetogoagainstmyprofessionalprinciplessoweneedtoworkthisout.”

Contactpeersormentorsforadviceandhelptoresolvethesituation.

Contacttheassociationforadvice.

UsethePracticeAdvisoryService.

Ultimately,ifthesituationcannotberesolvedtothemember’ssatisfaction,themembermayhavetoconsiderwithdrawalofprofessionalservices.

Attheendoftheday,themember’sobligationistoensurethepublicinterestisupheld(goodstewardshipofforestland,competence,independenceandintegrity)whileatthesametimeunderstandingandrespectingtheobligationsoftheclientoremployer,includinginformingtheclientoremployerwhenaproposedactionmaybedetrimentaltogoodstewardshipofforestland(Bylaw11.5.5).

Iflegislationorregulation(i.e.:publicinterest)didnotprovideadequatedirectionforgoodstewardshipofforestland,membersshouldconsideradvocatingforchangeofthatlegislation.Bylaw11.3.4providestwooptionsfor“whereamemberbelievesapracticeisdetrimentaltogoodstewardshipofforestland.

11.3.4.1Toadvisetheresponsiblepersonpromptlyandifthematterisnot

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


resolved,toinformtheassociationimmediatelyinwritingoftheparticulars;or,

11.3.4.2Ifitisnotpossibletoraisethematterwiththeresponsiblepersonorifitisinappropriateinthecircumstancetodoso,toinformtheassociationimmediatelyinwritingoftheparticulars.”

Bylaw12.6.1states“Membersdemonstratestewardshipbybalancingpresentandfuturevaluesagainstthecapacityofthelandtoprovideforthosevalues.”

TheresponsibilityofmemberstoeachofthevariousstakeholdersidentifiedintheCodeofEthicsisdescribedinmoredetailinsubsequentsectionsofthisdocumentandintheirassociatedinterpretationstatements.AnumberofABCFPguidancepapersalsoprovideadditionalcomments.

Scenario 11.2BAmemberisdevelopingaplanforanagreementholderundertheForestActthatproposesharvestinginanareaofhigh-valuetimber.Theareaalsocontainsunofficialrecreationtrailsthathavebecomeextremelypopularwiththepublic.Theagreementholderisentitledtooperateandharvesttimberinthearea,havingmetregulatoryapprovalsleadinguptotheharvestplanningstage.Membersofthepublicraisetheirobjectionstotheforestprofessional,governmentagenciesandinthemediademandingtheareabeprotectedfromharvesting.Theforestprofessionalfindshim/herselfinasituationinwhichtheirdutiestothepublicandhis/heremployerareinquestion.

Interpretation for Scenario 11.2BPreparingplansthatdirectwhereandwhenharvestingwilloccurwithoutconsideringpublicexpectationsmaynotmeeteither,orboth,oftheemployer’sneeds(section11.5.1)andtheprofessional’sobligationstothepublic(sections11.3.2and11.3.3).Walkingawayfromtheproposedplan,orproceedingwithoutconsiderationmaymeetoneofthepartiesneedsbutmayfailtoconsidertheneedsoftheother.Findingasolutionthatmeetstheneedsofbothissometimesmoredifficultandcanprovidegreaterbenefitstoallparties,includingthepublicexpectationofcontinuedrecreationuseandtimberharvestingfortheagreementholder.TheendresultisthattheABCFPmemberhastakenaprofessionalandreasonedapproachtoanissuethathasfullyaddressedhisorherobligationsasaforestprofessional.Inthiscase,theforestprofessionalshouldprovidearationalethatsupportsthatdecision.Keepinmindthattheforestprofessionalmustmakedecisionsinthebroaderpublicinterestwhileconsideringpublicexpectations.

RefertovariousABCFPguidancepapersformoreinformationondeterminingthepublic’sinterest.

•


Bylaw 11.�The responsibility of a member to the public is:

Bylaw 11.�.1To advocate and practise good stewardship of forest land based on sound ecological principles to sustain its ability to provide those values that have been assigned by society.

Thisisbothalandethicandasocialethic.Thelandethic(“goodstewardshipofforestlandbasedonsoundecologicalprinciples”)isexplainedbybylaw12.6.1StewardshipStandard“Membersdemonstratestewardshipbybalancingpresentandfuturevaluesagainstthecapacityoftheland1toprovideforthosevalues.”

Ecologicalprinciplesmeanthenaturalprocesseswhichgovernthedevelopmentofanecosystemanditsresponsetodisturbance.

Thesocialethic(“providethosevaluesthathavebeenassignedbysociety”)requiresaninterpretationof‘values’and‘society:’

Valuesarethespecificorcollectivesetofnaturalresourcesandhumandevelopmentsthathavemeasurableorintrinsicworth.

Society,mostoften,referstothepublicofBritishColumbiaasrepresentedbygovernment.Insomecases,thereferencetosocietyisexpectedtobeabroadergroup.TheABCFPguidancepaper:InterpretingthePublics’Interestsdefinespublicasacontinuumofindividuals,groupsandcommunitiesrangingfromindividualstotheglobalcommunity.Valuesassignedbysocietyarethereforefound,notonlyinlegislationpassedbygovernment,butalsothroughtheexpressionofvariouspublics’interests.Forestprofessionalswillconstantlyattunetoandconsiderthisbroadrangeofinterests/valueswhenpracticingprofessionalforestry.Astheguidancepaperstates,“Whileitmaybeimpossibletoknoweverysingleinterest,forestprofessionalsmustmakeareasonableefforttogatherthefullrangeofinterests.Forestprofessionalswillbeabletoidentifymostintereststhroughconsultingthepublics,understandingmanagementobjectivesstatedthroughplanningprocesses,knowledgeofpertinentlegislation,andtheirownawarenessandknowledgeoflocal,provincial,nationalandinternationalaffairs.”

1 Bylaw12:StandardsofProfessionalPractice(2008).Theword‘land’isnotlimitedto‘soil’butisusedinitsbroadestpossiblesensetoinclude(withoutlimitation):soil;water;plants;animals;air;andtheprocessesuponwhichtheydepend.

•

•


Forinformationontoolstounderstandthepublic’sinterests,refertotheABCFPInterpreting the Publics’ Interestsguidancepaper.

RefertoBylaw11.3.3anditsinterpretationandtoscenariosunderBylaw11.2.

Bylaw 11.�.2 To uphold professional principles above the demands of employment.

Members,clientsandemployersmustunderstandthatwhileprofessionalshavecertainobligationsasemployeesorconsultants,theyareindependentfromtheiremployersorclients.Thisisacornerstoneofprofessionalism.Reconcilingprofessionalandemployer/clientconflictsmaybeevenmoredifficultwhenamember’srelationshipwithhisorheremployerorclientextendsbeyondtheworkenvironment.Inanyevent,mutuallyagreeableresolutionmechanismsmustbeexploredandifnotsuccessful,themattermayberesolvedthroughalternatedisputeresolution,theABCFP’sPracticeAdvisoryServiceorreferredtoappropriateprofessionalregulatorybodiesforresolution.

RefertoBylaw12.3.1IndependenceStandard:“Membersholdparamount,publicinterestandprofessionalprinciples,”andtheStandards of Professional Practice: Guidelines for Interpretation.AlsorefertotheABCFPguidancepaper: Professional Independence and the ABCFP Member(May2000).

Managershavemanagementprerogativetomakedecisionsintheinterestoftheirorganizationorcompany.Governmentmanagersareaccountablethroughtheexecutivearmofgovernmenttothepublicfortheproperuseofthatmanagementprerogative.Companymanagersalsohavemanagementprerogativetomakedecisionssupportingthewell-beingoftheircompanies.Themanagementprerogativeoralternatedutiesmightalsobecoveredbyotherlegislativeframeworks.

Allmanagers,iftheyareABCFPmembers,areaccountabletothepublicandtheABCFPthroughtheForesters Act andassociatedbylaws.Itispossible,andinmostcasesdesirable,tobebothamanagerandaforestprofessional.Theindividualandtheirorganizationcancarryoutdutiesrequiredundermanagementprerogativeandcanmakethosedecisionsinvolvingthepracticeprofessionalforestry.

Scenario 11.�.2AMemberAworksforaconsultingcompanyandisdraftinganindependentassessmentonanimportantforestrymatterforaclient.Acolleague(memberB)reviewstheassessmentand,whileadmittingthattheassessmentrepresentsexcellentqualityworkandisaprofessionalqualitydocument,demandschangesbefore



thedocumentisreleasedtotheclient.MemberBprovidesspecificwordingandcommitmentstomemberA.Theissuesareonesofprofessionalopiniononly,buttheassessmentcannotbereleasedtotheclientuntilitisapprovedbymemberB.

Theconsultingcompanyisrelyingheavilyonthefeeanticipatedfortheassessment.ItwouldbealoteasierformemberAtodowhatmemberBdemands.Asanindependentprofessional,whatshouldmemberAdo?

Interpretation for Scenario 11.�.2AAsanindependentprofessional,MemberAshouldnotblindlyacceptMemberB’sdemands.MemberBshouldnotalsoforcehis/heropiniononMemberA.MemberBmaynothavetheright,inthesecircumstances,todemandthatthechangesbemade.MemberA,asthememberwhoprepares,signsandsealstheassessment,isprofessionallyaccountablefortheprocessandcontentoftheassessmentandisentitledtoprofessionallatitude.MemberAisundernoobligationtoacceptthedemandandmaybetakingsomeprofessionalriskiftheysimplyincorporatedthedemandintotheirprofessionalassessment.BeforeincorporatingthechangesMemberAshouldfirstmakeanobjectiveassessmentofthereasonablenessoftherequestagainstprofessionalobligations.

Asindependentprofessionals,bothmembersshouldenterintoarespectfuldialoguetoresolveanydifferencesofopinion.Debateanddifferencesofopinionarenotsomethingtobefearedwithinaprofession.Thekeytoprofessionalismisinhowprofessionalsconductthemselvesinthedialogue.

Twovariationstothescenarioare:

MemberBmaybeexercisingmanagementprerogativeinaskingforthechanges.RespectfulregardshouldstillbeexercisedinthistypeofsituationandtheremaybesomevalidreasonswhymemberBrequireschanges.TheseshouldbeexplainedclearlytoMemberA.Thematterheremaynolongerbejustadifferenceofopinion.Ifthechangesrequestedundermanagementprerogativearereasonableanddonotadverselyaffectthequalityoftheassessmentsorstewardship,MemberAwouldconsidermakingthechanges.Thekeyhereisnottocompromiseprofessionalqualityorintegritybuttolistentoeachother’sopinionsandrationales.

IfMemberBisinsistentonincorporatingtheirapproach,theycouldtakeprofessionalresponsibilityfortheworkprovidedtheyappliedappropriatediligencetowhethertherestoftheproductmetprofessionalrequirements(aspresentedinthescenario,itdoes).InthisscenarioMemberBwouldalsohavetosatisfyBylaw11.6.4.

1.

2.


Thefollowingstepsarebutoneexampletohelpresolvethedisagreement:

(AssumebothMemberAandMemberBareequalcolleaguesintheconsultingcompany.)

MemberAshouldinitiatediscussionswithMemberBandattempttoreachasolution.Ifnotsuccessfulthen---

MemberAshouldrequestoneorbothofthefollowing:

seektheinputandadviceoftheirsupervisororaseniorcompanymanager(afacilitateddiscussionisausefulmethod);

seekanoutside,independentopinionfromarespectedindividual(selectedbybothMemberAandMemberB.

Themattercouldbereferredtoaseniormembertomakethedecision,andtheprofessionalassessmentisreleasedviaManagementPrerogative.

TheprofessionalassessmentisreleasedtotheclientwiththedissentingopinionofMemberB.Thefinaldecisioncanthenbemadebytheclient.Sometimestwodifferentopinionsarevalidandbothmaybeofassistanceandvaluetotheclient.

Scenario 11.�.2.BAmemberopposesanyformofherbicideusebasedonpersonalvalues.Despitethesepersonalvalues,themember’sjobfunctionrequiresinvolvementwithherbicideproposals.Thememberisconcernedoverissuesoflong-termtoxicityandenvironmentalimpactsdespitethefactthattheherbicidesusedare:

approvedundertherelevantlegislation;and

appliedbycertifiedapplicators,

usedinanappropriatemanner.

Thescientificresearchfortheherbicidesbeinguseddoesnotindicatelong-termtoxicityordetrimentalenvironmentalimpact.

Thememberraiseshis/herconcernswiththeiremployer.Theemployerdecidestocontinuewiththeirpesticideprogramdespitethemember’sstatedconcerns.Thememberdecidestotakefurtheractionandprovideslocalinterestgroupsopposedtoherbicideusewithsensitiveproprietaryinformation.Thememberreceivesaverbalwarningtostopthisactivity.Thememberignoresthiswarningandsubsequent

1.

2.

a)

b)

3.

4.

•

•

•


writtenwarnings,andisthenfiredforinsubordination.

Wasthememberexercisingappropriateprofessionalindependence?

Interpretation for Scenario 11.�.2BAsanindependentprofessional,themembermustdistinguishbetweenprofessionalandemploymentobligations.ThememberbreachedemployeeobligationsandBylaw11.5.2byprovidingproprietaryinformationtothepublic.Inthissituation,membersneedtoaskthemselveswhetherthememberinthescenarioisfreeofinfluencefrompersonalbiasesorthoseofinterestgroups.Thereisnothingwrongwithbeinganadvocateandopposingherbicideuse,evenintheabsenceofevidencethatitisdetrimental.Thekeyishowmembersconductthemselves.

Professionalindependencedoesnotpreventmembersfrombeingadvocatesforcertainpositions.Membersareencouragedtovoicetheiropinions.Whentheydoso,theymustdeclaretheinterestforwhomtheyarespeaking,statethenegativeandpositiveaspectsoroutcomesoftheiropinions,andmustnotsuppressinformationormisrepresentfactstobolstertheiropinions.Failingtodoso,whileadvocatingacauseorvoicinganopinion,canimpugntheprofession’sindependence.

Therearealsocircumstanceswhereamemberiscompelledtoact,see11.3.4and11.4.3.

RefertoBylaw11.5.2regardingdisclosureofconfidentialinformation.

Bylaw 11.�.�To have regard for existing legislation, regulation, policy and common law; and to seek to balance the health and sustainability of forests, forest lands, forest resources and forest ecosystems with the needs of those who derive benefits from, rely on, have ownership of, have rights to, and interact with them.

Membershaveaprofessionalresponsibilitytobalanceenvironmental,socialandeconomicinterestsandobjectives,recognizingthattheyworkunderalegislativeandregulatoryframeworkthroughwhichabalanceis,attimes,explicitlystatedandatothertimes,leftforthepractitionertodetermine.Wheresocialchoiceshavenotbeenexplicitlymade,itismoreimportantforforestprofessionalstounderstandthepublics’interestasacriticalcomponentinpractisinggoodstewardshipofforestland.Membersmustrecognizethepublicinterestandactuponthoseinterestsbaseduponmembercompetence,integrityandindependence.Interpretingthebroaderpublicinterestrequiresonetoconsider:

Whoisthepublic?•


Variouspublicexpectations,

Howdoweactuponthatknowledge?

Forfurtherinformation,referto:

InterpretingthePublics’Interests(2002);

GuidanceforManagingNon-StatutoryExpectationsInForestPractices(2009)

theguidelineforinterpretationunderBylaw11.3.1;and,

scenariosunderBylaw11.2.

Thebalancingofsocial,environmentalandeconomic,values,interestsandobjectiveshavebeenmet.

Professionalhasfavoredsomeaspectsmorethanothersintheplansorprescriptions.(Thisisacceptableaslongascumulatively,decisionsdonotfavoronevalueoverothers.Inthemedium-tolong-termalldecisionsshouldcomecloseto

havingacumulativebalance;somewillachievethebalanceandroughlyanequalnumberwillfavoreachofthethreevalues.Itisimportanttoincludeavalidrationalefordecisionswhichfalloutsidethebalancebetweenthethreevalues.)

Professionalhasprobablynotmaintainedprofessionalindependenceandhasprobablyallowedpersonalinterestsortheinfluenceofanotherpartytoputonevalueaheadoftheothers.

Balanced Plans or prescriptions are achieved by acting within the centre (1) or evenly distributed around the centre (2).2

2 InterpretingthePublics’Interest.ABCFP(2002)

•

•

•

•

•

•

1.

2.

3.

Social Economic

Environment3

2 21

233

ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation (March 2009) 1�

Bylaw 11.�.4Where a member believes a practice is detrimental to good stewardship of forest land.

Bylaw 11.�.4.1 To advise the responsible person promptly and if the matter is not resolved, to inform council immediately in writing of the particulars; or

Bylaw 11.�.4.2 If it is not possible to raise the matter with the responsible person or if it is inappropriate in the circumstance to do so, to inform council immediately in writing of the particulars.

Bylaw11.3.4isthefirstoftwocircumstanceswithintheCodeofEthicsoftheABCFPwhereamemberiscompelledtoactandcannotbesilent.ThestrengthofthispositiveobligationoriginatesfromthesecondobjectoftheprofessionintheForesters Actto“advocateforandupholdprinciplesofstewardshipofforests,forestlands,forestresourcesandforestecosystems.”Thisobjectoftheassociationisensured,inpart,byeverymemberthroughthisBylaw.

Themandatoryactionistoadvisetheresponsiblepersonpromptlyor,ifnotpossible,advisecouncilinwriting.Thesensitivitiesassociatedwiththesecircumstancesaresuchthatitisalsoadvisableforamembertofirstconfirmthattheeventisamatteroffactandtheeventatissueisnotaconsequenceoflegitimatedifferenceintheapplicationofprofessionaljudgment.Insomecases,thememberwillhavetoevaluatethetimerequiredtoconfirminformationagainstthepromptnessrequiredbythespecificpractice.Amembermusttakeprofessionalcare(refertoBylaw12.2.3)toassessthesituationanditsimpactonforeststewardship(refertoBylaw12.6.1).

Bylaw11.3.4providesanapproachfordealingwithactivitiesdetrimentaltogoodstewardshipofforestland.Membersshouldactproactivelyandmakeeveryefforttodiscusstheissue,inconfidence,withtheresponsibleindividual(s).Insomecases,timepermitstheopportunitytoconsultwithmentors,peers,ortheABCFP’sPracticeAdvisoryService.Membersshouldnotethatinexceptionalcircumstancesitmaybeinappropriatetoraisethematterwiththesepersons.Inmostcases,member’sobligationunderthisBylawmaybedischargedthroughaonetoonecommunicationwiththeresponsiblepersonatasuitabletimeandlocation.Ifthematterisnotresolvedexpeditiously,membersshouldcommunicatetheirconcerninwritingtotheABCFPcouncil.

RefertotheguidelineforinterpretationunderBylaw11.2.


Bylaw 11.�.� To work to improve practices and policies affecting the stewardship of forest land.

Memberscanworktoimproveindividual,localandprovincialpracticesandpoliciesaffectingthestewardshipofforestlandinmanyways,suchas:

monitoringpracticesandpoliciesaspartofacontinuousimprovementprogramorprocess;

developinglocalizedbestmanagementpractices;

advocatingtoemployers,clientsorgovernmentforimprovedpracticesandpolicies;

becominginvolvedwithcommittees,boardsororganizationsworking/advisingonpractice/policymatters;

consultingwithvariouspublics,mentorsandspecialists;and,

engaginginvariousmethodsofcontinuingeducation(e.g.carryingoutresearch,assistingreporterswithforestrystories,readingappropriateliterature,attendingworkshopsandconferences,givingpresentationstopeersandvariouspublics).

Bylaw 11.�.�To work to extend public knowledge of forestry, and to promote truthful and accurate statements on forestry matters.

Membersareencouragedtotakeadvantageofopportunitiestoexplainaspectsofforestrytoindividualsorgroups.Forexample,membersshouldbecomeactivelyinvolvedwithschools,careerfairs,colleges,governmentagencies,communityorganizations,communityprojectsinvolvingforests,otherforestryassociationsand,inparticular,alocalNetworkofForestProfessionals(NFP).NFPsareanexcellentmechanismformembersandtheirpeerstobecomeinvolvedintheircommunitytorepresentacrediblesourceofknowledgeaboutforestpractices,professionalforestryandtheABCFP.

Membersshouldattempttocorrectmisleadingorerroneouscommentsonforestrymattersthatmaybemadeinconversationorpublicly.

Thefollowingscenarioisaspecificexampleofamemberpromotingtruthfulandaccuratestatementsonforestrymatters.

•

•

•

•

•

•


Scenario 11.�.�Alocalnewspaperhaspublishedaneditorialthatcontainsincorrectstatementsorhalf-truthsthatcouldleadthepublictothinkpoorlyofascientificallyvalidforestrypractice.

Yourealizethatunlessthe‘completestory’istold,itispossiblethatsomemembersofthepublicwillbemisledandthinkthatthelocalgovernment,industryandconsultingforestprofessionalsarenotlivinguptotheirprofessionalobligationsorpublicexpectations.

Areyouactingimproperlyifyoudonothing,hopingsomeoneelsewillrespondtotheeditorial?

Interpretation for Scenario 11.�.�Thesimpleanswerisyes,youdohavearesponsibilitytoprovideaccuratestatementsabouttheforestrypracticeinquestion.Itisimportanttospeakfromyourknowledgeandabilitiesasaprofessional,soifyouneedhelpfromanauthoritytoparticipateorprovidetheresponse,youarefulfillingyourprofessionalobligationdefinedinthisbylawbyencouragingtheresponsetobemade.Inprovidingaresponse,whetheryouoranothermembermust:

declaretheinterestforwhomtheresponderisspeaking(e.g.speakingonbehalfofaspecialinterestgroup);

statethenegativeandpositiveaspectsoroutcomesofallpositions(e.g.tellbothsidesofthestory);

notsuppressinformationormisrepresentthefactstobolsteryouropinion;and,

clearlyandsuccinctlysettherecordstraightwithoutengaginginpersonalattacksonthosewhomadetheincorrectormisleadingstatement(s).

However,itisimportanttopointoutthatamembercouldbeinvolvedinmanyotherpotentialactivitiesthatextendpublicknowledgeandpromotetruthful/accuratestatementsonforestrymatters.Whileitwouldbepreferablethatamemberrespondasindicatedintheabovesituation,therearemanysituationswheretheymightdischargetheirobligationwithaconversationorsomeotherformofcommunication.

RefertoBylaws11.4.1and11.4.7

•

•

•

•


Bylaw 11.�.�To practise only in those fields where training and ability make the member professionally competent.

Practisemeansengaginginanyactivitydefinedaspracticeofprofessionalforestryundersection1oftheForesters Act.

Competenceincludessufficientknowledgeandexperience,appropriatejudgment,discretion,andduecare,combinedtoproduceworkwhichiscorrect,completeandclear.

RefertoBylaw12.2(CompetenceStandardofProfessionalPracticeandaccompanyingGuidelineforInterpretation)andvariousABCFPguidancepapersforhowtodemonstratecompetence.

Professionalcompetencerequiresmemberstoremaincurrentinanyfieldinwhichtheypractise,andmayrequirememberstodemonstrateordefinehowtheyhavemaintainedorestablishedtheirprofessionalcompetence.RefertotheABCFPcontinuingcompetencyprogramonthewebsite.

Thisrequirementdoesnotrestrictmembersfromenteringnewareasofendeavor.Membersmayonlyenterthesenewareasafterascertainingtheyhavetherequiredresources(knowledge,expertiseorappropriatesupervision)tocompletetheworkinaprofessionalmanner.Inthesesituations,theclients/employersmustbeinformedpriortothemembersundertakingthework.

Membersareencouragedtogrowanddeveloptheirpracticesandareasofexpertisebytakingonprojects/workinnewareassolongastheydosowithoutexposingtheclientoremployertoadditionalriskorexpense.Whiletheyaregainingexpertisetheycanforexample:(1)discusswiththeclient/employerthatthisisanewareaofworkandthatitwilltakelongertodothejobwhiletheyconductresearchorconsultexperts.Theymayalsoneedtodiscussissuesofpricewiththeclient,perhapschargingalowerhourlyrateorabsorbingextracoststhemselves.Ofcoursethisdoesnotpreventanagreementwiththeclient,ifafterbeingfullyinformedandappraisedoftheoptions,inwhichtheclientwillinglypaysfortheprofessional’slearningcurve.(2)Hire,attheirownexpense(orwithfullyinformedconsentandagreementoftheclient,attheclient’sexpense)expertstoassistwiththeprojectandthroughwhichtheprofessionalcanlearnthenewskillsetsrequired.

RefertoBylaws11.5.4and11.5.5.


Bylaw 11.�.�Not to make misleading or exaggerated statements regarding the member’s qualifications or experience.

Membershaveanobligationnottoexaggeratetheirqualificationsandexperience.

Bylaw 11.�.9To express a professional opinion only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and experience.

Membersmustclearlydistinguishbetweenfacts,assumptionsandopinionsinthepreparationofdocumentsandindiscussionsinpublicforums.Opinionsshouldbeclearlystatedtobebasedonagivensetoffactsandassumptionsandqualifiedaccordingly.

Ifmembersareexpressingopinionsbasedondata,theymustbeabletoclearlyexplainthesourceofthedata,includingassumptions,limitations,methodology,andunderlyinganalysis,andbeabletoarticulatetherelevanceofthedatatotheopinion.Theymustalsobeabletoshowsomelevelofdiligenceabouttheaccuracyandthoroughnessofthedataaswellastoexplainpotentialuncertaintiesrelatedtothedataandtheopiniononwhichitisbased.

Membersmustdetermineiftheyhaveadequateknowledgeandexperienceinthesubjectareawhenexpressinganopinion.Whatconstitutesadequateknowledgeandexperiencewillvarydependinguponthecircumstances,includingtheaudience,professionalwork,etc.Adequateknowledgeandexperiencecanbeassessed,forexample,byconsultingwithaknowledgeablegroupofpeers,and/orreviewingtheexpectationsinprofessionalguidancedocuments.

RefertoBylaw11.3.7andthescenariounderBylaw11.3.6

Bylaw 11.�.10 To have proper regard in all work for the safety of others.

Membersmustunderstandthattheirplans,recommendationsandprofessionalworkmayhaveanimpactonthesafetyofothers.Membersmustensuretheyunderstandsafetylegislationandmustensuretheirplans,prescriptions,activitiescanbesafelyimplementedbyothers.Areasofparticularconcernshouldbehighlightedandwrittensafetyinstructionsproduced.Thoseinstructionsneedtobegiventopersonsinvolvedwiththeimplementationofthoseplans.


RefertoBylaw12.7andtheassociatedinterpretation.

Bylaw 11.4 The responsibility of a member to the profession is:

Bylaw 11.4.1To inspire confidence in the profession by maintaining high standards in conduct and daily work.

Beingaprofessionalrequiresconstantcareandattention.TheresultofadheringtotheCodeofEthicsandtheStandardsofProfessionalPracticeisthatamemberwillinspireconfidenceinothermembers,theiremployers,theprofession,andmostimportantly,thepublic.

Forestprofessionalsaremembersofaprofessionwithspecialrightsandprivilegesgrantedthembysocietyintheexpectationthatmembersareofgoodreputeandwillconductthemselveshonourably.TheForesters Actdefines“conductunbecomingamember”forwhichdisciplineactionmightresultandincludesconductthatbringsormaybringtheassociationoritsmembersintodisrepute.Prospectivemembersconvictedofanindictableoffencecanbedeniedentrytotheprofession.Memberssoconvictedcanberemovedfromtheprofessioneitherpermanentlyortemporarily.TheActclearlymakesbothprivateandprofessionalconductappropriatetotakeintoaccountinthemaintenanceofhighstandardsinconduct.(SeealsoBylaw11.4.3whichincludes“infamousconduct”alongwithunprofessionalconduct,conductunbecoming,negligence,andbreachesoftheAct/Bylawsgenerally).

Scenario 11.4.1Amemberisgiventhetaskofputtingtogetheraforestmanagementplaninanareawithmultiplevalues.Howcanthememberinspireconfidenceintheplansastheyaredeveloped?

Interpretation for Scenario 11.4.1Themembercanbuildconfidencewiththepublic,employers,membersandothers,throughanumberofdifferentwaysincluding:

upholdingprofessionalprinciples;

adheringtolegislativerequirements;

extendingpublicknowledgeofforestry;

providingaccuratestatements;

•

•

•

•


statingthenegativeandpositiveaspectsoroutcomesofallpositions(bothsidesofthestory);

notsuppressinginformationormisrepresentingthefactstobolsterpersonalopinion;

avoidingengaginginpersonalattacksonthosewhomakeincorrectormisleadingstatements;

havingregardforthesafetyofothers;

addressinginfamousorunprofessionalconduct;

clearlystatingonwhosebehalfprofessionalstatementsoropinionsaremade;and,

listenandshareyourknowledge.

Onceamemberhasmadethistypeofdecision,itmustbesupportedbyarationale.Therationalewillexplainhowandwhythedecisionwasmade.Therationaledoesnotmeanthatthememberwillbeabletoappeaseallstakeholders,butwillassistinbuildingconfidenceinthemember’sdecisions.

RefertotheGuidanceforProfessionalQualityRationalesandCommitments(ABCFP2008)

RefertoBylaws11.3.6and11.4.7

Bylaw 11.4.2To contribute to the work of forestry societies and educational institutions and to advance scientific and professional knowledge.

RefertoGuidelinesforInterpretationunderBylaws11.3.5and11.3.6.

Bylaw 11.4.� Where a member believes another member may be guilty of infamous or unprofessional conduct, conduct unbecoming a member, negligence, or a breach of the Foresters Act or these bylaws:

Bylaw 11.4.�.1 To raise the matter with that other member, and if the matter is not resolved, to inform council immediately in writing of the particulars; or,

Bylaw 11.4.�.2 If it is not possible to raise the matter with the other member or it is inappropriate in the circumstances to do so, to advise council immediately in writing of the particulars.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


Bylaw11.4.3isthesecondoftwocircumstanceswithintheCodeofEthicsoftheABCFPwhereamemberiscompelledtoactandcannotbesilent.ThestrengthofthispositiveobligationoriginatesfromthefirstobjectoftheprofessionintheForesters Act,to“to uphold the public interest respecting the practice of professional forestry by ensuring the competence, independence, professional conduct and integrity of its members, and ensuring that each person engaged in the practice of professional forestry is accountable to the association.”Thisobjectoftheassociationisensured,inpart,byeverymemberthroughthisBylaw.

Thisbylawdiffersfrombylaw11.3.4inthatbylaw11.3.4dealswithissuesofgoodstewardshipofforestlandandBylaw11.4.3dealswithissuesofprofessionalpractice,conductandcompliancewiththeForesters Act.

Themandatoryactionistoraisethematterwiththeothermemberor,ifnotpossibleorappropriate,advisecouncilinwriting.Thesensitivitiesassociatedwiththesecircumstancesaresuchthatitisalsoadvisableforamembertofirstconfirmthattheaction(s)isamatteroffactandtheaction(s)atissueisnotaconsequenceoflegitimatedifferenceintheapplicationofprofessionaljudgment.Amembermusttakeprofessionalcare(refertoBylaw12.2.3)whenassessingthesituation.

Havingsatisfiedthemselvesthattheirconcernmeetstheabovetest,membersshouldmakeeveryefforttoresolvetheissuebydiscussingitdirectlywiththeresponsibleindividual.Insomecases,bothpartiesmightdecidetosolicitadvicefrommentors,peersortheABCFP’sPracticeAdvisoryService.Inexceptionalcircumstancesitmaybeinappropriatetoraisethematterwiththeothermember..Inmostcases,member’sobligationunderthisBylawmaybedischargedinaonetoonecommunicationwiththeresponsiblepersonatasuitabletimeandlocation.Ifthematterisnotresolvedexpeditiously,membersshouldcommunicatetheirconcerninwritingtotheABCFPcouncil.

RefertotheguidelineforinterpretationunderBylaw11.2.

Bylaw 11.4.4Not to misrepresent facts.

Publictrustofforestprofessionalsisabsolutelyessentialifprofessionalsaretodischargetheirdutiesofstewardshipandmaintainpublictrust.ThissimplecanonoftheCodeofEthicsfocusesatthecoreofprofessionalintellectualhonesty.Aprofessionalstatementoffact,opinionorestimateadviceorprescribedcourseofactionmustbebasedonsound,unprejudicedinformationwithoutdistortionoromissionofmaterialfacts.Ifaforestprofessionalhasreliedonestimatesorcircumstantialevidence,inthemakingofastatement,estimate,adviceorprescribing


acourseofaction,thentheforestprofessionalmustclearlyacknowledgethisfactandprovideanassessmentofthevalidityoftheestimateorcircumstantialevidence.(SeealsoBylaw11.3.9)Membersneedalsoacknowledgethatothersmayinterpretthesameinformationdifferently.

Scenario 11.4.4A�

InBC,stumpagefrompublic(crown)timberisusuallylinkedtothemarketvalueofthetimbertobecut.Thatvalueisnormallycalculatedbyestimatingtheexpectedsellingpriceofthetimbertobeharvestedanddeductinganallowanceforthecosttodelivertheproducttomarket.Thisprocessisalldoneaccordingtopolicydescribedinoneoftwoappraisalmanuals;coastorinterior.Theoutcomecanbeadverselyaffectedifeitherthevalueofthestandorthecosttoproduceisnotreflectiveoftheactual(orexpected)conditionsmet.Forexample,thecosttodeveloptheareaisinfluencedbyroadconstructioncosts.Roadcostsareoftenestimatedbecausetheyhavenotactuallybeenbuiltatthetimeofappraisal.Itisthereforeveryimportanttomakesurethevariableslikeamountofrockencounteredorlengthofbridgestobeinstalledarerepresentativeandnotsignificantlyoverorunderestimated.Thatiswhyconsiderableeffortmustbeexpendedbyanexperiencedprofessionaltoensurethefactsarenotmisrepresented.Todosoknowinglywouldviolatethisbylaw.

Stumpageratesmayalsobeaffectedbyanadjustmenttotheboundariesoftheareatobelogged.Boundaryadjustmentduetoachangeinloggingplansispermitted,provideditisdonetransparently,meetsalllegislativerequirementsandthattheresultingstumpageiscalculatedusingtheagreeduponmethodsforthetimberharvested.Themembermustensurethesampledatasetisrepresentative.Adjustingtheboundary(aftersampling)forvalidforestmanagementreasons,thatwerenotapparentduringtheinitialblocklayout,ispermittedbutmaypresentabias(regardlessofintent).Examples(notaninclusivelist)ofvalidforestmanagementreasonsare:

Whenmountainpinebeetleharvestoccursinsensitivewatershedsahydrologistmayrecommendthatonlystands>60%leadingpinebeharvestedduetowatershedECAissues.

AnIncentivetimberharvestinglicencewithsmallpiecesizelimits–wherethelicencespecifiesonlyacertainpiecesizeorlowertobeeligibleforharvest.

Anewregulationidentifiesunderstoryprotectionrulesthatwillcauseportionsofplannedblocksbedroppedforunderstoryretentionissues.

Theissueisthatifaboundarychangeismadethenare-determinationofthesamplingrequiredtocalculatestumpagemustalsobemadetoensurethatthe

3 ExampleprovidedbyProfessionalPracticeinAppraisalsandCruisingTaskForce.2008.

•

•

•


integrityofthesystemismaintained.Tomakeachangetotheblockboundaryandnotreviewthecruisesampletoensurethatbiaswasnotintroducedisanunethicalpractice–changingboundarieswithjustificationisnot.

Blanketcruisingandusingthecruiseplotinformation(species,quality,andvolumes)todeterminetheboundariesisasamplingbias.Thiscouldbeconsideredunethicalunlessafulldisclosureofallthecruisedataandtherationalebehindboundaryplacementisprovidedaccordingtothelegislativerequirementsoftheday.

Summary:Changingablockboundaryafteracruisesampleisanethicalpracticeasalongasitisdonecorrectly.Modifyingtheboundarytopurposelymisrepresenttheblockdataisanunethicalpractice.

Scenario 11.4.4BAmemberwascontactedbythemediatoexplainthetoxicityofaherbicide.Theherbicideinquestionhasahightoxicityforfishbutalowtoxicityforhumans.Inresponsetothereporter’squestionontheleveloftoxicityofthisherbicide,themembersaidthattheherbicidehadalowtoxicityforhumans.

Themember’sfailuretoprovidethefulldetailsisamisrepresentation.Membersshouldnotprovideincompleteinformationthatcanmisleadtheaudienceforwhichitisintended.

RefertotheScenariounderBylaw11.3.6

Bylaw 11.4.�To sign and seal professional documents only in accordance with the provisions of Bylaw 10 and any other bylaws and resolutions pertaining to the signature and sealing of professional documents.

RefertoBylaw10:UseofProfessionalSeal&SignatureandvariousABCFPguidelinesonsupervision,scopeofpracticeandsigningandsealing.

Bylaw 11.4.�To keep informed in the member’s field of practice and to be aware of current issues and developments in forestry.

Continuingeducationisarequirementofprofessionalmembership.Forestprofessionals,mustatalltimes,makewell-informeddecisionsrelyingoncurrentscienceandrelevantinformation.Thisisparticularlyimportantinaresourceprofessionwheretheknowledgeandinformationbaseisrapidlyexpandingandthepublicisinformedandengaged.Publicexpectationsforgoodstewardshipof


forestland,andofforestprofessionals,aredynamicandcomplex.Sotoisthestateofknowledge,science,research,policy,procedureandtheory.Forestprofessionalsmustbeup-to-dateonallofthis.Bymaintainingtheircompetencetheforestprofessionalrepresentsthemselvesasanexpertintheirfieldofpractice.Thisiswhytheforestprofessionalisgivenexclusivetitleandpracticerights.Thepublicandtheirprofessiondemandthattheymaintaintheirexpertisethroughouttheirpracticelives.

RefertotheGuidelineforInterpretationunderBylaw11.3.7andtheABCFPContinuingEducationProfessionalDevelopmentProgram

Bylaw 11.4.�To state clearly on whose behalf professional statements or opinions are made.

Membersmustclearlyidentifytheirprofessionalstatuswhenaddressingforestryissuesinpublic.Iftheyaremakingprofessionalstatementsorprovidingprofessionalopinionsasanadvocate,thentheymustidentifythecause,organization,individualorproposalthattheysupport.Theymustalsostatetheirclientoremployerrelationshipwhenmakingprofessionalstatementsorprovidingprofessionalopinionsfortheseparties.Ifthesestatementsaredelayedoromitted,amemberrisksbeingconsidereddisingenuousandactingunprofessionally.

RefertoBylaws11.3.6and11.4.1.

Bylaw 11.� The responsibility of a member to the client or employer is:

Bylaw 11.�.1To act conscientiously and diligently in providing professional services.

Membersmustprovideprompt,clearandprofessionalqualityserviceatalltimes.Itmustbeevidentinallworkdonethattheforestprofessionalhascarefullyconsideredandidentifiedallrelevantinformationandidentifiedallareaswhereinformationiseitherlacking,ambiguous,oranypartsofthework/subjectareaarebeyondthemember’sexpertise.

Forestprofessionalswillensureexcellence,conscientiousnessanddiligencetotheirclient/employerintheirprofessionalserviceby:

providingcontinuouseffort,•


beingsensitivetotheneedsoftheclient/employer,

communicatingwhatmustbedone,thenecessarytimelinesfordoingsoandacommitmenttomeetthosetimelines,and

notoverstatingorunnecessarilyelaborating,aboutwhatisrequired.

Ifmembersbecomeawareoferrorsoromissionsintheirwork,theymustreporttheerrorsoromissionstotheirclientoremployerimmediatelyandworktoremedytheerrorsoromissions.

Bylaw 11.�.2Not to disclose confidential information without the consent of the client or employer except as required by law.

Considerallinformationreceivedfromaclientoremployerasconfidentialunlesssuchinformationisinthepublicdomain.Confidentialinformationmustnotbedisclosedtoothersorusedbythememberunless:

itisrequiredbylaw;

theclientoremployerprovidesconsent;or,

itisnecessaryasadefenseagainstassertionsofunprofessionalconductbroughtbyhis/herregulatorybody.

Technicalinformationownedbytheclient/employermaynotbeusedwithoutconsent.Whereas,technicalknowledgegainedbyamemberthroughworkexperiencemaybeusedinsubsequentprojectswithoutconsentfromotherparties.

Informationreceivedfromapotentialemployerorclientmuststillbekeptinconfidence,evenifthecontractofemploymentorretainerdoesnotmaterialize.Likewise,informationreceivedduringthecourseofemployment/retainerremainsconfidential,evenaftertheemployment/retainerends.

Refertoscenario11.3.2Bwhereproprietaryinformationisreleasedtothepublic.

Bylaw 11.�.�To obtain a clear understanding of the client’s or employer’s objectives.

Satisfactorycompletionofataskrequiresclarityofobjectives.Althoughthisrequirementmayappearobvious,membersareadvisedtoensuretheyclearlyunderstandtheirclient/employerobjectivesbeforeacceptinganassignment.Iftheobjectiveisquantifiable,determinethedesireddegreeofprecision.Iftheobjectiveissubjective,seekagreementonhowperformancewouldbemeasured.When

•

•

•

•

•

•


agreementonobjectivesisreached,itshouldbeexpressedinwriting.

Thepracticeofprofessionalforestrycontinuesformanyyearsandincludestheworkofmanyresourceprofessionals,eachrelyingontheworkofpreviousprofessionals.Itisincumbentuponeachforestprofessionaltoensurethattheyhavedefinedtheprofessionalserviceforwhichtheyhavebeenengagedand,equallyimportant,todefinetheservicetheyarenotaccountabletocomplete.Writtendocumentationoftheseclearfactswillassisttheclient/employertocorrectlycompletetheirobligationsandwillprotecttheforestprofessionalfromunconfirmedexpectations.

Bylaw 11.�.4To accept only those assignments for which the member is qualified or seek assistance from knowledgeable peers or specialists whenever a field of practice is outside the member’s competence.

Membersareexpectedtorecognizewhenthetaskbeforethemwilltesttheboundariesoftheirexpertise.Iftheychoosetoacceptthetask,theyareexpectedtoorganizetheresourcesneededtoensurethetaskisperformedtoaprofessionalstandard.

Whenmanagingprojectsthatinvolvepartieswithspecializedskillsandtraining,amembermustensurethatinformationprovidedbythepartiesmakessenseandthenintegrateitintotheoverallplan/prescription/designfortheproject.Failuretodosomayresultinflawedwork,withtheconsequenceoffailuretomeetprojectgoalsandpossibleexposuretoliabilityorprofessionalcensure.

Membersarerequiredtoexerciseduediligencewhenrelyingontheexpertiseofothersandrecognizethattheyareaccountablefortheconsequencesofusingthisadvice.Itishelpfultosatisfythisrequirementbyclearlyidentifyingfortheuserofareportboth,thenatureofexpertiseprovidedbyothersandwhereithasbeenreliedupon.

RefertotheGuidelineforInterpretationunderBylaws11.3.7and11.4.6andBylaw12.5.1DueDiligenceStandardofPractice.

Bylaw 11.�.�To inform the client or employer of any action planned or undertaken by the client or employer that the member believes is detrimental to good stewardship of forest land.

PracticalreferencepointsformemberswhofeelthattheymusttestaproposedactionagainsttheirconsciencearefoundinthepreambletothisGuidelinesdocument,


section11.3oftheCodeofEthics,theintroductorycommentsintheStandardofProfessionalPractice-GuidelinesforInterpretation,andBylaw12.6.1(theStewardshipStandard).Thecommentaryconfirmsthatmembersmanageforests,forestlands,forestresourcesandforestecosystemsbasedonsoundecologicalprinciples;andthestewardshipstandardrequires;“…thecareofnaturalresourcestakingintoconsiderationthevaluesofthelandownersandsociety.”Takentogether,theydemandthatmembersconsiderallaspectsofresourcemanagement.Givenaconflictamongobjectives,membersmustweighwhichonestheythinkshouldprevailandpresentarationalefortheirpreference.Providedthatthealternativesarewithinthelaw,rejectionofamember’spreferencedoesnotcompromiseherorhisintegrity.

RefertoGuidelinesforInterpretationunderBylaws11.3.4and11.4.3

Bylaw 11.�.�To refuse any assignment that creates a conflict of interest.

Aconflictofinterestexistswhenthereis,orthereisaperception,thatthedutyorloyaltyowedbyamembertooneparty,is,orislikelytobecome,adversetothedutyandloyaltywhichthememberowestoanotherparty.Conflictofinteresttakesmanyforms.Somearereadilyapparent,suchasfinancialgainfromabiaseddecision.Othersaresubtle,suchasacommitteereportbiasedtofavoraprocess,companyorindustry.

Amemberwhoisconcernedaboutaconflict,orapotentialforconflict,mustdeclaretheconcerntotheaffectedparties.Ifthepartiesdonotagreeinwritingtoaresolutionoftheconflict,themembermustwithdrawfromtheassignmentthatcreatestheconflict.

Scenario 11.�.�AAmemberisassignedbygovernmenttoapanelthatwilladviseitontaxationofprivateforestlands.Thememberisspecificallyselectedbecauseheorshehasnoknownvestedinterestintheoutcome.However,thememberhasabrother-in-lawwhoownssubstantialprivateforestland.Becausethereisatleastaperceptionofthememberbeingbiased,heorsheshoulddeclareaconflict.

Scenario 11.�.�BAmember,whoisaconsultant,specializesinprovidingwoodlotlicenceservicestoclients.Theseservicesincludehelpingclientsdevelopwoodlotlicencebidproposals,includingbidprice,andadvisingclientsifspecificwoodlotlicenceareasarefinanciallyviable.Thememberdecidestoobtainawoodlotforherself.Shouldshecontinuetoofferwoodlotservicestoclientswhomaybeincompetitionforthe


biddingonthesamewoodlot?

Interpretation for Scenario 11.�.�BTheconsultingmembershouldnottakeonaretainerforawoodlotapplicationfromlicenseeswhoseektoapplyforwoodlotlicensesincompetitionwiththemember’sproposal/application.Thereisaconflictofinterestwhenthereisthepotentialfortheconsultantandtheclienttocompeteforthesamewoodlot.Thepresumptionofconflictcanbereduced,andsometimesovercome,byaclientprovidingwrittenconsenttothemember.Consentmustbefreelygivenandfullyinformed.Thetestforeachofthesetwocriteriaisstrict.Inaddition,whileitispossibletoobtainfreelygivenandfullyinformedconsent,themembershouldcarefullyconsidertheactionsgiventhepotentialforfutureconflictandbadfeelingshouldtheclient’sapplicationnotsucceed.

Bylaw 11.�.� To levy only those charges for services rendered that are fair and due.

Amembercanonlylevychargesforprofessionalqualityservicesthathavebeenrenderedtotheclient.Whendeterminingrates,amembermustconsiderallcosts(includingoverhead)andincludeareasonablemarginforprofitandrisk.Itisexpectedthatthefeeschargedwillmeetthetestofbeingfairandreasonableinallcircumstancesconsideringthemember’sexperience,thecomplexityofthework,riskandmarketdemand.Fairandreasonabledoesnotmeancheap.Fairandreasonablemeanschargingtheraterequiredtoperformthework/servicestoallstandardsexpectedbytheprofessionandwhatthemarketwillbear.However,itisnotfairtotakeadvantageofabnormalitiesinthemarketortopricegouge.Chargingexcessiveratessinceyouhappentobetheonlyqualifiedpersonavailabletocompletethejobduringthatspecifictimeframewouldnotbefair.Itwouldbeacceptabletoincludeanycostsincurredduetoreschedulingotherwork,cancellingflights,accommodationetc.tobeabletocompletethejobduringthespecifiedtime.

Workofunusualcomplexityortakenonanemergencybasisandwhichneedstobecompletedinanexpeditedbasis,orwhenanunusuallygoodresultisachieved,maybechargedapremiumaslongasthepremiumisfairandreasonableinallofthecircumstances.

Donotallowcompetition(i.e.lowbidtendering)toforceyoutobidsolowitunderminesyourabilitytocompleteprofessionalqualitywork.Claimingthatyoucouldnotaffordtodoabetterjobbecauseofthefeeyoucharged,isnotanexcuseforworkthatisnotcompletedtoprofessionalstandards.


Bylaw 11.�.�Not to accept compensation from more than one (1) employer or client for the same work, without the consent of all.

CopyrightandintellectualpropertylawsinCanadaprotectprofessionalworkproducts.Aworkproductissomethingthathasbeenproducedoraccomplishedastheresultoftheeffort,activityorthoughtsofaperson,personsorcompany.

Aprofessionalwhocreatesaworkproductownsthatworkproductunlessthereisanagreementtransferringtheintellectualpropertyandcopyrightinthatworkproducttotheclient.However,membersmustconsiderthesituationcarefullybeforesellingaworkproducttheyowntomorethanoneclient.Itmaybepermissiblebylawtosellaworkproducttheyowntomorethanoneclientbutitmaynotbeappropriateifsellingthatworkproducttoadditionalclient(s)wouldbecontrarytotheinterestsofthefirstclient.Memberscouldendupadverselyaffectingtheirprofessionalreputation(i.e.losingworkandclients)orcompromisingtheirclient’sfinancial/strategicbusinessposition.

Ifyouareunsurewhethersellingaworkproducttoadditionalclients(s)wouldbeappropriate,youshouldfirstobtaintheconsentofallpreviousclientswhohavereceivedtheworkproduct.

Information/datagatheredwhileworkingforaclient,remainsthepropertyoftheclientandcannotbesold/tradedtoanotherclientwithouttheexpressedwrittenintentoftheowner.Theanalysisperformedbythememberandtherecommendations,conclusions,designs,advice,prescribedactions,etc.remainthepropertyofthememberandcannotbere-usedorsoldbytheclientunlessthememberhasgivenexpressedwrittenconsentorthecontract/retaineragreementprovidesforatransferofownershiptotheclient.

Scenario 11.�.� AmemberisgivenacontractbyLicenseeABCtoproduceareportassessingthevalueoftimberonatimbersaleputupforbidbytheMinistryofForestsandRange.LicenseeABCforgetstoincludeaclauseinthecontracttransferringtheintellectualpropertyandcopyrightinthatreporttothemselves.

Themembercouldlegallysellthereporttoanadditionalclientsincetheyretainownershipofthereport.However,itwouldnotbeappropriatetosellthereporttoanadditionalclientwithouttheconsentofLicenseeABC,sincetheworkwasdoneundercontractforLicenseeABC.


Bylaw 11.�The responsibility of a member to other members is:

Bylaw 11.�.1To abstain from undignified public communication with another member.

Therearemanyforumsinwhichcommunicationofamemberwithotherswillreflectbothonthememberasaprofessionalandontheassociation.Communicationbymembersmustalwaysbecharacterizedbyrespect,courtesy,honestyandgoodfaith.Directandhonestcriticismsordifferencesofopinionbetweenmembersoramemberandothers,isacceptableandcanbehealthyifcharacterizedbyrespect.Amembermayexpressdifferingviewswhilebeingrespectfulofthoseotherbeliefsorunderstandings.Forexample,ifyoudonotagreewithwhatacolleagueexpressesinapublicforum,yourobligationhereistorespondbysayingsomethingtotheeffectof“Irespectmycolleague’sopinion,butthefactsleadmetoadifferentconclusion.”

Itisimportanttoviewaprofessionaldifferenceofopinionasanopportunitytolearntogetherratherthananopportunitytowinanargument.

RefertothescenarioforBylaw11.6.2.

Bylaw 11.�.2Not to unfairly criticize the work of other members or attempt to injure the professional reputation or business of another member.

Faircriticismissomethingtobewelcomedandencouragedinaprofessionwhiletakingduecaretoexerciseappropriatejudgmentanddiscretion.Tobefair,criticismmustbehonest,accurateandtactful.

Everymember’swork,opinionsandjudgmentsmustbegivenconsiderationandrespect.Forestprofessionalsmustconductthemselveswithdignityandhaverespectforallpersonswithwhomtheyinteract,whetherornottheyaremembersoftheABCFP.Tounfairlycriticizemeansyouhavenotdemonstratedhonourandrespectfulregardinyourcommunications.

Evenifthecriticismwererespectfulanddignifiedbutnotbasedonadequateverificationofthefacts,discussionswiththemembertounderstandthebasisoftheirprofessionalopinionandreviewofotherrelevantconsiderations,thensuchcriticismmightalsobeconsideredunfair.

ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation (March 2009) �0

Forestprofessionalsmustalwaysconductthemselvestosustaintheirpersonalandprofessionalintegrityandtheintegrityoftheprofessionasawhole.Forestprofessionalsmustincluderespect,integrity,ethicalconduct,credibleness,honestyandfairnessinallcommunications.Thiscommunicationcannotunfairlyharmorinflictharmtothereputationofanotherprofessionalortheirbusiness.Itisnotacceptabletoincludemisleadinginformationoromitpertinentinformationinanycommunicationaffectingtheprofessionalreputationorbusinessofothers.

Thisprovisionappliestoattemptstoinjureinwhichcaseproofofactualinjuryisnotneeded,aswellastosituationsinwhichactualinjurytoreputationorbusinessisdoneandcanbeproven.

Asignificantamountofprofessionalworkdealswithalevelofsubjectivityandvariationinscientificliterature.Whatiscriticalisthatvalidprocessesarefollowed,desiredresultsareachievedandthatforestprofessionalsconductthemselveswithdignityandhonour.

Scenario 11.�.2Therearetwoalternativelandscapelevelstrategiesthatwillachievethesamewildlifehabitatobjective.Ifaforestprofessionalchoosestofavoroneapproachitisappropriateforanotherforestprofessionaltorequestarationaletobetterunderstandhowtheobjectivewillbeachievedandtoallowforamoreinformeddiscussion.However,itisinappropriateforanotherforestprofessionaltocriticizethechoiceofthefirstmemberandinappropriatetorefusetoacceptthatchoicebasedsimplyonadifferenceofpersonalpreferenceoropinion.Thecontextofthisexamplewithrespecttoprofessionalobligationsmustbereconciledwithlegalobligationsoftheemployersorothersunderotherlegislations.

Bylaw 11.�.�To provide opportunity for the professional development and advancement of other members in the member’s employ or supervision.

Opportunitiesforprofessionaldevelopmentandadvancementinclude,butarenotlimitedto:professionalguidance;mentoringothers;constructivereviewofwork;professionaldevelopmentseminars;involvementwithvariouscommittees;sponsoringenrolledmembers;andparticipatinginformalandinformalcontinuingeducationactivities.Thesetypesofopportunitiesareimportantforeveryonetoensuretheircontinuingcompetency.Membersmustsupportcontinuingcompetencyforallpersonsintheiremployorundertheirsupervisionregardlessofwhethertheyaremembersoftheassociationornot.SponsoringforestprofessionalsmustmaintainregularandconstructivecontactwiththeenrolledmemberinaccordancewiththeABCFP Articling Policy.

RefertotheABCFPcontinuingcompetencyprogramandtheABCFP Articling Policy.

Bylaw 11.�.4To give credit for professional work to whom the credit is due.

Membersmustacknowledgecontributionsofothersforworkwithwhichthatmemberisassociated.

Bylaw 11.�.�To share knowledge and experience with other members.

Sharingknowledge/experienceandadvancingunderstandingareobligationssharedbyallmembers.Someavenuestopassonknowledge/experienceandadvanceunderstandingare:mentoring;informaldiscussionswithcolleaguesandthepublic;articlesinmagazinesorassociationpublications;letterstotheeditor(newspapers);speakingatpublicmeetingsorschools,collegesanduniversities;involvementwithexamstudygroups,localcommunityorganizationsandotherforestryassociations.

RefertotheGuidelinesforInterpretationunderBylaws11.3.5,11.3.6,11.4.2and11.4.6

Bylaw 11.�A member who violates this Code may be subject to one or more of the remedial actions authorized under the Foresters Act.

MemberswhoviolateanypartoftheCodeofEthicswillbeaccountabletotheABCFPthroughthecomplaintresolutionprocessandsubjecttoanyoftheremedialactionsauthorizedbytheForesters Act.

Bylaw 11.�This Code of Ethics does not deny the existence of other important duties which are not specifically included.

Thisdutyrequiresfamiliaritywith,andacknowledgementof,otherprofessionaldocumentsandobligationswhichprovidedirection,guidance,and/orclaritytothepracticeofforestprofessionals.



Bylaw 11.9This Code of Ethics is to be broadly, rather than narrowly, interpreted, such that the responsibilities owed by a member to the categories of: the public; the profession; his/her client or employer; or other members, are not exclusive to that category. They apply to each of the other categories insofar as it is possible to do so.

330-321 Water StreetVancouver, BC V6B 1B8

Tel: 604.687.8027 Fax: 604.687.3264E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.abcfp.ca

Documents

ABCFP Code of Ethics – Guidelines for Interpretation · Bylaw 11.1 All members, however and wherever they may practice, are bound by the Code of Ethics set out hereunder. This bylaw