1.00 - PREAMBLE

No detailed Code of Ethics can prescribe the conduct appropriate under any and all circumstances. Often the choice lies between two or more evils rather than between an action which is patently right and one which is obviously wrong. It may be that, in certain situations, a member could not possibly comply with all articles of this Code simultaneously. Then the Member should try to satisfy the basic aims of the Code as far as possible even if to do so involved a breach of the letter of the Code. Therefore, this Code shall be interpreted within the following guiding principles.

(a) The Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you”. The Golden Rule shall be used as the governing criterion of conduct.

(b) Loyalty to basic professional ideals shall be paramount to technical breaches of this Code. Conversely, actions which are within the letter of these articles but which violate commonly accepted standards of honourable conduct shall be considered breaches of professional ethics.

(c) No less weight shall be given to the motive for a course of action than is given to the action itself. Contrived evasions of these articles may be more culpable than overt acts of omission or commission. On the other hand, honourable errors of judgment are not in themselves unethical, and therefore their results should be judged with charity, understanding, and justice rather than by a strict observance of the written word alone.

2.00- ADHERENCE

All Members, however and wherever they may practice, are bound by the Code of Ethics set out hereunder and as such have responsibilities to the public, the profession, the client or employer; and other Members.

3.00- RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC

The Members responsibilities to the public are to:

(a) Advocate and practice good stewardship of forest land based on sound ecological principles in order to meet the objectives of the owner without compromising the opportunities for present and future generations in the use and value of the forest to society;

(b) Have proper regard in all work for the safety, health and welfare of the public;

(c) Provide factual and accurate information to advance public knowledge and understanding of forest policies, the practice of forestry and it’s function in society;

(d) Maintain high standards of conduct in daily work and strive to raise the standards of practice;

(e) Work in a spirit of integrity, honour, fairness, good faith and courtesy;

(f) Act in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner;

(g) Practice only in those fields where training and ability allows the Member to operate in a professionally competent manner;

(h) Not to make misleading or exaggerated statements regarding the members qualifications or experience;

(i) Sign only documents, plans or work which they have prepared or carried out or which have been prepared or completed under their direct professional supervision or review; and,

(j) Express opinions on forestry matters only on the basis of adequate knowledge and honest conviction, and discourage and refute the presentation of untrue, biased or exaggerated statements concerning the practice of forestry.

4.00 - RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION

The responsibility of the Member to the profession is to:

(a) State clearly on whose behalf professional statements or opinions are made;

(b) Keep informed in the members’ field of practice and to be aware of current issues and developments in forestry;

(c) Not to misrepresent facts;

(d) Contribute to the work of forest societies and educational institutions and to advance scientific and personal knowledge;

(e) Conduct themselves towards other Registered Professional Foresters with fairness and in good faith;

(f) Not to publicly malign the work, reputation or business of other Members or Registered Professional Foresters; and,

(g) Advise the registrar of any practices by any Registered Professional Forester which they believe may be contrary to this Code of Ethics.

5.00 - RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CLIENT OR EMPLOYER

The responsibility of the Member to the client or employer is to:

(a) Act for their employer or client in a conscientious, diligent, and efficient manner;

(b) Obtain a clear understanding of the client or employer’s objectives;

(c) Not to disclose confidential information of the employer or client, without their consent except as required by law;

(d) Accept only those assignments for which the member is qualified, or seek assistance from knowledgeable peers or specialists, whenever their field of practice is outside the members’ competence;

(e) Advise their employer or client of the consequence of any contemplated course of action which in their professional opinion is not based on sound forestry practices;

(f) Levy only those charges for services rendered that are fair and due;

(g) Refuse any assignment that creates a conflict of interest;

(h) Not accept compensation in any form from more than one employer or client for a particular service, without the consent of all; and,

(i) Abstain from undignified public communication.

6.00 - RESPONSIBILITY TO THE MEMBERS

The responsibility of a Member to other Members is to:

(a) Not unfairly criticize the work of other Members or attempt to damage the professional reputation or business of another member;

(b) Provide opportunity for the professional development and advancement of other Members in the Member’s employ or supervision;

(c) Give credit for professional work to whom the credit is due; and,

(a) Share knowledge and experience with other Members.