CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The professional nature of their work requires the acceptance by Planners of principles of conduct in their relations with the public, fellow Members of their profession, their clients, their assistants, and students of the profession. Members subscribe to and are bound by the following Code of Professional Conduct (excerpted from the PIBC Bylaw):

 15.1 The Planner's Responsibility to the Public Interest

Members have a primary responsibility to define and serve the interests of the public. This requires the use of theories and techniques of planning that inform and structure debate, facilitate communication, and foster understanding. Accordingly, a Member shall:

15.1.1 practice in a manner that respects the needs, values and aspirations of the public and encourages discussion on these matters;

15.1.2 provide full, clear and accurate information on public planning matters to decision-makers and the public;

15.1.3 acknowledge the inter-related nature of planning decisions and their consequences for individuals, the natural and built environment, and the broader public interest; and

15.1.4 identify and promote opportunities for meaningful participation in the planning process to all interested parties.

15.2 The Planner's Responsibility to Clients and Employers

Members owe diligent, creative, independent, and competent performance of work in pursuit of the client's or employer's interest. Accordingly, a Member shall:

15.2.1 provide independent professional opinion to clients, employers, the public, and tribunals;

15.2.2 work with integrity and professionalism;

15.3.3 perform work only within the Member’s professional competence;

15.2.4 not neglect planning services which the Member has agreed to perform, nor render services without research and preparation adequate in the circumstances;

15.2.5 acknowledge the values held by the client or employer in work performed, unless such values conflict with other aspects of this Code;

15.2.6 respect the client's or employer's right to confidentiality of information gathered through a professional relationship, unless this right conflicts with other aspects of this Code;

15.2.7 inform the client or employer in the event of a conflict between the values or actions of the client or employer and the values or actions set in this Code;

15.2.8 ensure full disclosure to a client or employer of a possible conflict of interest arising from the Member’s private or professional activities;

15.2.9 inform all relevant parties and provide the Member’s professional recommendation in circumstances where the public interest may be adversely affected;

15.2.10 reject, and not offer, any financial or other inducements, including prospective employment, that could influence or affect professional opportunities or planning advice;

15.2.11 not, as an employee of a public planning agency, give professional planning advice for compensation to a private client or employer within the jurisdiction of the public agency without written disclosure to the agency; and

15.2.12 not, as a consultant to a public planning agency during the period of contract with the agency, give professional planning advice for compensation to others within the jurisdiction of the agency without written disclosure to the agency in situations where there is the possibility of a conflict of interest arising.

15.3 The Planner's Responsibility to the Profession and Other Members

The vitality and credibility of the planning profession, and of the Institute, rely upon the quality of the Members. To further the profession, Members will be expected to attain and maintain a high standard of professional competence and conduct, including in their relationship with other Members. Accordingly, a Member shall:

15.3.1 encourage healthy and constructive criticism about theory and practice of planning among colleagues and share the results of experience and research that contribute to the evolving body of planning knowledge;

15.3.2 maintain an appropriate awareness of contemporary planning philosophy, theory, and practice by seeking and receiving professional education throughout a planning career;

15.3.3 contribute to the professional education, mentoring, and development of planning students, Members, and other colleagues;

15.3.4 not in professional practice, extra-professional activities or private life, engage in dishonourable or questionable conduct that may cast doubt on the Member’s professional competence or integrity or that may reflect adversely on the integrity of the profession;

15.3.5 ensure that advertising or promotional activities fairly and accurately communicate the expertise and skills offered;

15.3.6 advertise professional planning services in a manner that enhances the credibility of the profession;

15.3.7 accurately represent his or her professional qualifications and affiliations, education and experience and those of colleagues;

15.3.8 act toward other Members in a spirit of fairness and consideration and not falsely or maliciously injure the professional reputation, prospects or practice of another Member;

15.3.9 respect the Member’s colleagues in their professional capacity and when evaluating the work of another Member show objectivity and fairness and avoid ill-considered or uninformed criticism of the competence, conduct or advice of the Member;

15.3.10 not attempt to supplant another Member, once the Planner has knowledge that definite steps have been taken toward the other's employment;

15.3.11 not sign or seal a final drawing, specification, plan, report or other document not actually prepared or checked by the Member;

15.3.12 report to the Institute the behaviour of any Member believed to be in breach of this Code or the Code of the Canadian Institute of Planners;

15.3.13 not make public statements on behalf of the Institute’s Members unless authorized to do so;

15.3.14 comply with any reasonable request of the Institute for information or for the co-operation of the Member in pursuit of any Institute objective; and

15.3.15 implement and give full effect to the disposition of any discipline proceeding affecting the Member.