Waterfront Protection Coalition Foundation
Purpose
Waterfront Protection Coalition Foundation (the "We" or the "Coalition") is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive and respectful community environment, where everyone, including all members of Indigenous communities, are treated with respect and dignity. We developed this Code of Conduct ("Code") with the objective of ensuring that the Coalition’s objectives and activities can be furthered in an environment free from objectionable conduct.
We acknowledge that our activities take place on the unceded traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. We commit to honouring Indigenous history, culture, and connection to the land and to engaging with Indigenous communities in a spirit of respect and collaboration. We acknowledge and respect the rights of all Indigenous peoples of Canada, recognize the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities and are dedicated to fostering an environment that upholds Indigenous dignity, rights, and cultures. We encourage our members and volunteers to deepen their knowledge and respect for all Indigenous cultures in Canada.
Scope
This Code applies to all individuals, including volunteers, employees, independent contractors employed and/or engaged by the Coalition, as well as members of the Coalition (collectively "Coalition Associates"). It applies to behaviour in any location in which Coalition Associates are engaged in or may reasonably be perceived to be engaged in Coalition-related business or activities. Joining the Waterfront Protection Coalition acts as acceptance of this code.
Any conduct in violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action as set out below.
Conduct Guidelines
1. Non-Discrimination, Anti-Bullying and Harassment
We strictly prohibit discrimination of any kind within our organization. This includes discrimination based on any characteristic protected under the British Columbia Human Rights Code, as amended including Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable laws.
Bullying and harassment are not tolerated in any form. This includes verbal, physical, or cyberbullying, as well as any form of intimidation or abuse. We are especially attentive to actions that denounce and disrespect the dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples.
2. Confidentiality
It is the policy of the Coalition that any and all Coalition Associates having access to confidential and proprietary information (defined below as "Confidential Information") belonging to or obtained through their involvement with the Coalition will not use such Confidential Information for any purpose other than performing services for and on behalf of the Coalition upon request. Except as may be required by a court or agency of competent jurisdiction or applicable law, or to the extent that Coalition Associates have express written authorization from the Coalition, Coalition Associates must hold in confidence and must not: (1) directly or indirectly reveal, report, publish, disclose, or transfer Confidential Information to any person or entity; (2) use any Confidential Information for any purpose other than for the benefit of the Coalition; or (3) assist any person or entity other than the Coalition to secure any benefit from Confidential Information. Confidential Information includes all information belonging to the Coalition that is not generally known to the public, including: (a) private financial or other legally protected information of Coalition Associates or businesses, tax and social insurance numbers, internal cost data, pricing information, the terms of contracts with any Coalition Associates and third parties; (b) information which the Coalition has compiled concerning the operations of the Coalition, including key contacts, familiarity with special needs of members, and other sensitive financial information; and (c) information that the Coalition has compiled concerning Coalition Associates, members and the employees and contractors engaged by the Coalition, including compilations of their names, addresses, job skills, employment histories, and employment records.
The Coalition will defend and prosecute any disclosure or misappropriation of the Coalition’s Confidential Information to the full extent allowed by applicable law. Any Coalition Associates unsure whether information constitutes Confidential Information should always check with a member of the Coalition’s Board of Directors before disclosing the information or taking any other action. Any Coalition Associate who violates this Confidentiality Policy may be subject to disciplinary action. However, nothing under this section of the Code prohibits Coalition Associates from reporting possible violations of federal or provincial laws or regulations to any governmental agency or entity, or making other disclosures protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or provincial laws or regulation.
3. Social Media
In general, the Coalition views social networking sites (e.g., LinkedIn, Meta (formerly Facebook), X (formerly Twitter, etc.), personal web sites, and web blogs positively and respects the right of Coalition Associates to use them as a medium of self-expression. Coalition Associates are encouraged to promote the Coalition’s activities, such as sharing Coalition postings. However, the use of social media should never be used in a way that violates any of the Coalition’s policies, including this Code. Coalition Associates who violate this Code may be subject to disciplinary action.
4. Reporting and Complaint Procedures
Any Coalition Associate or member of the public who believes they have been subjected to behaviour contrary to this Code is encouraged to report it to the board or executive committee within our organization. All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated. Nothing in this policy prohibits a complaint being made to the Human Rights Tribunal, or other appropriate governmental agency or authority, or to the police where a complainant determines there is a need to report certain activity to the proper authorities.
Disciplinary Actions
Violations of this Code will result in appropriate disciplinary action, which may include suspension or termination of involvement with the organization. The severity of the disciplinary action will align with the severity and frequency of the violation and may include suspension and/or expulsion from the Coalition, termination of engagement without notice or termination of employment for cause.
Conclusion
This Code of Conduct reflects our organization's core values and our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all. We each have a responsibility to uphold these principles in our daily interactions and activities.
The Coalition will review this Code regularly to ensure that the policies and procedures continue to meet the Coalition’s objectives. Questions or comments regarding this policy should be directed to the Coalition Board of Directors.
Effective: February 1, 2024
Last Updated: February 1, 2024