Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

CACEA holds its Members and representatives (Associates) to a high standard. The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (the “Code”) applies to all CACEA Members and Associates. They must abide by the Code, subscribing to the letter and spirit of the Code in all their Association and professional activities.

Members and Associates must abide by the following:

A. Competence:

  • Maintain competence in fulfilling their responsibilities and provide services honestly and diligently.
  • Abide by all of Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) EnerGuide Rating System and licensing compliance requirements where they apply.
  • Abide by the technical requirements of other programs and labels.
  • Abide by the technical requirements of the Provincial/Territory, Municipal, and National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and all related compliance requirements, standards, and guidance documents.
  • Provide sound judgment and demonstrate exemplary professionalism in pursuing their duties.
  • Recognize their limitations and perform only services that may be done competently based on their license, training, and experience.
  • Work within the scope of the expertise of their responsibilities and services, providing counsel/consultation only within this scope and considering the consequence of such counsel/consultation.
  • Ensure those under their authority or supervision have the required skills, licenses, and competencies to conduct their assigned tasks.

B. Integrity:

  • Maintain honesty, integrity, fairness, impartiality, and objectivity in all activities.
  • Act in good faith towards all parties involved in their services.
  • Not be influenced and avoid conflict of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise professional independence, objectivity, and the integrity of all professional duties.
  • Disclose any situations of conflict of interest to all involved.
  • Represent their licenses, qualifications, experience, and CACEA membership accurately, professionally, and not knowingly make false or misleading statements.

C. Respect in the Workplace:

  • Support, promote, and apply the principles of human rights, equity, dignity, and respect in the workplace.
  • Recognize that discrimination based on race, creed, colour, language, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family relationship, and disability is unacceptable.

D. Ongoing Professional Development:

  • Continue development throughout their career and support EAs, Members, and Associates to develop skills, knowledge, and abilities.
  • Adhere to the Association’s annual continuing education requirements (18 CEC for Full and Junior Members; 25 CEC for Master Energy Advisors (MEA)).

E. Confidentiality:

  • Protect the confidentiality of all acquired information and disclose information only when properly authorized or legally obligated.
  • Respect and honour the exclusive privilege of member-only content, discounts, and opportunities.

F. Professional Requirements:

  • Keep apprised of all relevant laws, regulations, license requirements, and recognized standards of practice related to their duties.

G. Support of the Profession and Other Professionals

  • Uphold the honour and prestige of their profession and the Association.
  • Recognize and respect the original work, integrity, and ability of their peers.
  • Uphold, maintain, promote, and improve the professional integrity and reputation of EAs.

H. Representation and Support of the Association:

  • Comply with the relevant provisions of the CACEA bylaws, policies, and membership requirements.
  • Not use membership in such a manner as to bring the Association into disrepute, nor make statements about CACEA, the membership, and the EA profession which CACEA may consider misleading or unauthorized.
  • Make it clear when a personal opinion, position, or approach differs from CACEA’s.
  • Use the CACEA logo and branding per the Association’s guidelines, standards, and requirements.
  • Promote and support the work of CACEA and serve as an ambassador of the Association.

NON-COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE

  • Failure to uphold the Code may result in suspension or removal.
  • Complaints against a Member or Associate must be in writing and emailed to the executive director at manager@cacea.ca. The board of directors will follow the process outlined in CACEA’s Bylaws.
  • Non-compliance concerns related to the EnerGuide Rating System by a CACEA Member or Associate should be forwarded to NRCan at HCP_Compliance-conformite_PCL@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca, with CACEA's executive director copied on the email.

ANNUAL REVIEW

  • The board of directors will conduct an annual review of the Code