PPOC Code of Ethics

I, having been accepted into the Membership of the Professional Photographers of Canada (1970) Incorporated, do hereby subscribe without reservation to the Code of Ethics, and do solemnly swear that:

1. I will endeavour to maintain a dignity of manner in my behavior, in the presentation of my photography and photographic services, in my appearance and that of my studio or place of business, and in all other forms of public contact;
   
   
2. I will observe the highest standard of honesty in all transactions, avoiding the use of false, inaccurate and misleading terms, descriptions and claims;
   
   
3. I will at all times endeavour to produce photographs equal or superior to the samples I display, apply my best efforts towards providing the best possible photographic services and assist in raising the general standard of photographic craftsmanship;
   
   
4. I will show a friendly spirit of co-operation to my fellow Professional Photographers and assist them whenever possible should they be in trouble or difficulty;
   
   
5. I will endeavour to treat all members of the public and PPOC with the highest level of respect in all areas of contact including all methods of communication. I recognize that personal opinions and experiences may differ between members and I will continue to discuss and communicate in a professional, supportive and courteous manner to resolve those differences;
   
   
6. I will at all times avoid the use of unfair competitive practices as determined by any court or competent jurisdiction, Federal antitrust or related statutes;
   
   
7. I will assist my fellow professional photographers, respectfully share my knowledge with them, and encourage them individually and collectively to achieve and maintain the highest standards of quality.
   
   
8. I will respect the privacy of my clients, and all subjects I photograph, and all rights that they have in the photographs I create of them, and will use the appropriate model or property releases to help protect those rights.
   
   
9. I will use a contract which is based on fair, honest, professional business practice, and which clearly outlines the rights of both the photographer and the client in all transactions.
   
   
10. I will recognize the authority of this Association in all matters relating to the interpretation of the Code in accordance with the provincial statutes of Canada and the various provinces and the decisions of courts and governmental agencies of competent jurisdiction.
    
    

If you wish to lodge a complaint, please email ethics@ppoc.ca or use this form: https://ppoc.formstack.com/forms/ethics_complaint.

PPOC Members can find the Complaint Procedure in our Member Resources area.

PPOC Code of Conduct

All PPOC members and volunteers are expected to support an inclusive association by adhering to the following standards of conduct:

1. Treat others with dignity and respect always.
   
   
2. Address and report inappropriate behaviour and comments that are discriminatory harassing, bullying, violent, abusive, offensive, or unwelcome to the PPOC Ethics Committee.
   
   
3. Foster teamwork and member participation, encouraging the representation of different member perspectives.
   
   
4. Seek out insights from members with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
   
   
5. Avoid slang or idioms that might not translate across cultures.
   
   
6. Confront the decisions or behaviours of others that are based on conscious or unconscious biases.
   
   
7. Be open-minded and listen when given constructive feedback regarding others’ perception of your conduct.

PPOC will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any behaviour or language that is abusive. This Code of Conduct applies to activities and venues hosted by the PPOC and private interactions amongst members and volunteers.

Violations

Members are expected to report incidents, including those witnessed, that violate this code of conduct by contacting the Chair of the PPOC Ethics Committee.

Members who violate PPOC's code of conduct expectations may face disciplinary action. Possible consequences include verbal and written warnings, the requirement to attend Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Training (at the Member’s cost), and suspension or termination of membership.

Nothing in this policy is intended to, nor should be construed to limit or interfere with members’ rights as set forth under all applicable provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Human Rights Acts of each province and territory.

This policy will be reviewed annually and is subject to change at any time as deemed necessary.