Code of Conduct, Values and Ethics

(as of June 2012)

1. Interpretation and Application:

1. The Code exemplifies the values and ethical standards expected of Directors of the Federation for the purpose of guiding and supporting Directors in their directorship activities. The Code applies to all directors of the Federation.
2. The Code is ancillary to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Canadian Wildlife Federation Inc. (collectively "the By-Laws") and as such complements, and is to be applied in conjunction with, the By-Laws.
3. Words and phrases in the Code shall take on their plain and literal meaning except where the context requires that certain words and phrases be construed in accordance with their use and application in the By-Laws, in which case the use and application contained in the By-Laws shall prevail and be incorporated into the Code by reference. “Directors” shall include committee members for the purposes of this Code.

2. Objectives of the Code:

1. Adherence to the Code by the Directors will foster public confidence in their integrity as directors and, as such, strengthen respect for, and appreciation of, the Federation and its endeavours throughout Canada.

3. Values and Ethics:

1. Directors shall be guided in their work and conduct by a balanced framework of professional values and serve their office with competence, excellence, efficiency and impartiality.
2. Directors shall strictly abide by the laws prevailing in Canada.
3. Directors shall maintain political neutrality in the discharge of their duties of office.
4. Directors shall endeavour to ensure the proper, effective and efficient use of Federation financial resources.
5. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise require or as otherwise required by law, no Director shall share, copy, reproduce, transmit, divulge or otherwise disclose any information related to the affairs of the Federation, the disclosure of any of which may be detrimental to the interests of the Federation; and
6. No Director will use any information provided, presently or in the future, by the Federation or acquired as a consequence of the Director’s service to the Federation in any manner other than in furtherance of the Director’s duties as a Director of the Federation. Further, no Director will misuse Federation property or resources, and will at all times keep the Federation’s property secure and not allow any person not authorized by the Board of Directors to have or use such property.
7. Upon termination of service to the Federation, a retiring or outgoing Director will promptly return to the Federation or, with approval of the President, destroy all paper documents and all electronic data and hard files, reference materials and other property entrusted to the Director for the purpose of fulfilling the Director’s responsibilities as a Director, the disclosure of any of which may be detrimental to the interests of the Federation. Such return will not abrogate the retiring Director from the Director’s continuing obligations of confidentiality and non-disclosure with respect to information acquired as a consequence of the Director’s tenure on the Board of Directors.

4. Conflicts of Interest:

1. Directors shall conduct themselves at all times with a view to maintaining the good image and reputation of the Federation.
2. Directors shall not accept or authorize transactions in respect of which may flow, directly or indirectly, personal benefit or gain.
3. Directors shall not accept or solicit any gifts, hospitality or other benefits that may have a real or apparent influence on their objectivity in carrying out their Federation duties or place them under any obligation to the benefactor or perceived benefactor.
4. It is the duty of each Director to recognize if he/she is involved in a potential conflict of interest and subsequently report the particulars in writing to the Secretary of the Federation without delay.
5. Where a Director's external employment or activities are or appear to be incompatible with his/her duties as a Director, or cast doubt upon his/her ability to perform duties as a Director in a completely objective manner, the Director shall be required to submit a report in writing to the Secretary, without delay, detailing the matter.
6. Directors shall arrange their private affairs so as to avoid any real, potential or apparent conflict of interest.
7. Where the Secretary of the Federation is made aware of a potential conflict of interest the Secretary shall inform the Board of Directors of the particulars in writing without delay.

5. Discrimination:

In discharging their duties and obligations for the Federation, Directors shall be vigilant to avoid, promoting or engaging in (including passively acquiescing in) conduct that is or could reasonably be considered to be discriminatory against one or more other persons, including colleagues in the Federation, its staff and members of the public.

For purposes of the foregoing, discrimination and discriminatory conduct occurs when one or more persons are treated less favourably than another person or group of persons, in the same or similar circumstances, for reasons actually or ostensibly based on age; race (including colour, descent, national or ethnic origin) sex, marital status, pregnancy, family responsibilities; disability, political or religious conviction; and sexual orientation or gender history.

6. Conduct:

1. Every allegation of conflict of interest or improper or discriminatory conduct shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee or a task group appointed by the Executive Committee, to report to and make recommendations to the Board of Directors within a timely manner. The Board shall take the appropriate action, including the Director's possible removal from the Board, in accordance with the relevant procedure, if any, prescribed by the By-Laws.
2. Directors shall inform the Secretary in writing within 48 hours of being charged with an offence contrary to the Criminal Code. Additionally, Directors charged with offences contrary to any municipal, provincial or federal legislation related to fish, wildlife, or environmental matters shall do likewise.
3. Where the Secretary is made aware of an alleged offence contemplated in sub-section (1), the Secretary shall inform the Board of Directors of the particulars in writing, without delay.
4. After a full review of the seriousness of the alleged offence and its potential impact on the Federation, the Board of Directors shall take the appropriate action, which may include suspension or dismissal.

I have read and accept this Code of Conduct, Values and Ethics for Directors of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.