Code of Conduct

Considering its mandate and funding sources, MADD Canada must maintain and be seen as maintaining the highest ethical standards. These standards must be reflected in the conduct of every employee, director, officer, agent, member and volunteer. Any actual or perceived breach of this Code of Conduct could have long-term adverse consequences on the organization. Moreover, such conduct
is incompatible with MADD Canada’s core values. This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure that these values are understood and maintained throughout the organization.

Specifically, the purpose of this Code is to:

• provide a public statement of MADD Canada’s values, expectations and standards;
• document the principles of business conduct and ethics to be followed by all employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers;
• provide guidance to all members of the MADD Canada organization;
• assist in identifying potential ethical problems and resolving them in compliance with MADD Canada’s Code;
• promote avoidance of conflicts of interests, including early disclosure to an appropriate person of any transaction or relationship that could give rise to such a conflict;
• promote compliance with all applicable government laws, regulations and rules;
• promote prompt internal identification and reporting of ethical concerns; and
• promote both individual and collective accountability for adherence to the Code.

MADD Canada’s existence and success is based on the public’s trust in the organization. As in the case of many professionals, MADD Canada’s employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers are expected to be role models, in terms of both their official duties and in the public aspects of their private lives. Consequently, this Code applies to not only all MADD Canada activities but also any other activities that would be incompatible with a person’s ability to discharge his or her MADD Canada duties.

All individuals associated with MADD Canada are required to refrain from any conduct that is incompatible with the organization’s traffic safety mandate and conduct involving financial misdealings, dishonesty and criminal acts.

In all of its activities and relationships, MADD Canada will act fairly, ethically and in full compliance with all relevant laws. Integrity must underlie all of MADD Canada’s relationships, including those with customers, suppliers, communities, victims, volunteers, and employees.

3.2 Employees. This Code outlines expected behaviours for MADD Canada employees. All employees are required to be familiar with this Code and to be sensitive to the ethical concerns in their dealings on behalf of MADD Canada.

MADD Canada requires employees to act at all times in accordance with the principles stated in the Code and the more detailed provisions which follow. One or more violations of this Code may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of employment. Compliance with this Code will be included in the annual performance reviews of all employees.

If an employee reasonably suspects that this Code is being contravened by any other person, the employee must immediately report the situation to the Chief Executive Officer. If an employee is not satisfied with the Chief Executive Officer’s response, the employee should contact the Chair of MADD Canada’s Board of Directors.

Every employee has a responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance and report suspected violations of this Code. Attempts to intimidate or retaliate against anyone who raises genuine ethical concerns will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal may be taken against anyone engaging in such conduct.

If an employee is uncertain about his or her obligations under this Code of Conduct, he or she should seek the advice of the Chief Executive Officer.

A copy of this Code will be made available to every employee, director, officer, agent, member and volunteer at the start of their relationship with MADD Canada, and when this Code is revised or replaced.

3.3 Directors. This Code outlines expected behaviours for MADD Canada directors. All directors are required to be familiar with this Code and to be sensitive to the ethical concerns in their dealings on behalf of MADD Canada.

Without exception, directors must comply with the Code and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. One or more violations of the Code may result in disciplinary action, including immediate removal of the director from his or her position.

If a director is uncertain about his or her obligations under the Code, he or she should seek the advice of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chair of MADD Canada’s Board of Directors.

3.4 Officers. This Code outlines expected behaviours for all MADD Canada officers. All officers are required to be familiar with the Code and comply with its provisions. One or more violations of the Code may result in disciplinary action, including immediate removal of the officer from his or her position.

If an officer is uncertain about his or her obligations under the Code, he or she should seek the advice of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chair of MADD Canada’s Board of Directors.

3.5 Acknowledgement of Code. All current and future employees, directors and officers will be required to sign a copy of the attached Acknowledgement Form to ensure that he or she has read and agreed to comply with the Code. This will help to avoid misunderstanding about the individual’s responsibility to adhere to the Code.

Individuals who refuse or fail to sign the form or who refuse to comply with the Code will not be permitted to hold a position as an employee, director or officer, as the case may be.

3.6 Agents, Members and Volunteers. All agents, members and volunteers are required to comply with this Code. One or more violations of the Code may result in disciplinary action, including immediate removal from any position with the organization.

If an agent, member or volunteer is uncertain about his or her obligations under the Code, he or she should seek the advice of the Chief Executive Officer.

While volunteers, members and agents are not required to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Form, they are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Given MADD Canada’s core values, this Code requires all employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers to immediately contact the Chief Executive Officer if they are, or are likely to be, charged with any criminal offence or any serious provincial traffic offence. Thus, employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers must not delay disclosure until after the final resolution of the charges.

5.2 Confidentiality. Employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers are required to follow all restrictions on the use and disclosure of information. This includes protecting MADD Canada information and ensuring that all other information is only used and disclosed as authorized by its owner or as otherwise permitted by law.

Consequently, this policy applies to: personal information about victims and their families; information respecting MADD Canada’s operations and distribution lists; information about MADD Canada’s financial records, statements and documents; and any other confidential information.

All employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers will be expected to refrain from disclosing non- confidential information that is of a personal or sensitive nature, unless such disclosure is necessary in discharging their duties.

5.3 Intellectual Property. Employees, directors, officers, agents and volunteers are required to protect the intellectual properties of MADD Canada and respect the intellectual properties of third parties who work in partnership with MADD Canada. Consequently, this policy applies to: intellectual properties created by employees, officers, agents and volunteers in the course of their employment or volunteer work.

While employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers are free to engage in outside employment, business, and community activities, they should avoid situations which might impair their ability to act in MADD Canada’s best interest.

Employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers must not use their position with MADD Canada for unauthorized or improper personal gain.
Anyone concerned that they might be in an actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest must immediately contact the Chief Executive Officer.

6.2 Gifts and Entertainment. Employees, directors, officers, agents, members and volunteers and their immediate families may not use their position with MADD Canada to solicit cash, gifts or free services from any MADD Canada client, supplier or contractor.

Nevertheless, nominal gifts and entertainment as well as reasonable invitations to events such as meetings, conventions and seminars may be accepted. Invitations to social, cultural and sporting events may also be accepted, provided they are reasonable and serve a customary business purpose such as networking or promoting good working relationships with MADD Canada’s clients, suppliers or contractors.

6.3 Suppliers and Contractors. MADD Canada selects its suppliers and contractors in a non-discriminatory manner, based on the quality, price, service, delivery and supply of goods and services. Decisions regarding all suppliers and contractors may never be based on personal interests or those of one’s family or friends.

6.4 Public Relations. MADD Canada has a policy on official public statements which is contained in the Compliance Manual. This policy also provides guidance on how to avoid defamation suits arising from statements made by MADD Canada staff and members. Designated personnel who are authorized to make official statements to the news media or public must do so in accordance with this policy.

Employees must inform their manager, and officers and directors must inform the Board of Directors of any relationships that appear to create a conflict of interest.

MADD Canada’s Chair, CEO and President are responsible for all public relations, including all contact with the media. Unless employees, directors, officers, agents, members or volunteers are specifically authorized to represent MADD Canada to the media, they may not speak on behalf of the organization. They should refer media requests for MADD Canada’s position to one of the authorized individuals.

However, victims, volunteers and others may make public statements expressing their personal views and opinions. They should clearly state that they are speaking in their personal capacity and not on behalf of MADD Canada. Nevertheless, they should strive to conduct themselves in an appropriately respectful manner, particularly when dealing with the media. MADD Canada would encourage all individuals to express their views in a professional and objective tone.

Whether speaking in an official or personal capacity, all individuals must be careful not to disclose confidential or sensitive personal or business information.