Code of conduct for B.C. Farm Industry Review Board

About BCFIRB / Code of conduct for B.C. Farm Industry Review Board

This content is a plain language summary of the BCFIRB Code of Conduct (PDF, 99KB). In the event of any conflict or difference between this webpage and the document, the Code of Conduct document is correct and legal and must be followed. 

Responsibilities of members

BCFIRB members must:

  • Perform duties faithfully, honestly, and impartially
  • Keep any information they learn through their role private, except when required for proper duties
  • Act in good faith in a professional and ethical manner

Compliance with standards

BCFIRB members must follow the BCFIRB Code of Conduct, along with these additional standards for public appointees:

Impartiality

Members must step away from any decision-making process if a reasonable person could believe they may not be impartial. This applies under the:

Examples of situations that may affect impartiality include if the member has:

  • A financial or personal interest in the matter
  • A connection to someone involved (such as a party, interest holder or witness)
  • Previously shared views on the issue

If there is any chance of perceived bias, the member must inform the BCFIRB Chair and Executive Director. If the concern involves the Chair, it is referred to the BCFIRB Vice Chair and Executive Director.

Conflict of interest

A conflict of interest is a type of perceived bias. It happens when a member’s financial interests, or those of a family member, conflict with the legal duty to remain impartial.

In these situations:

  • Members must disclose the potential conflict to the BCFIRB Chair and Executive Director
  • Legal advice may be sought, if necessary
  • If the conflict involves the BCFIRB Chair, it is referred to the BCFIRB Vice Chair and Executive Director
  • BCFIRB decides how to respond. This may include having the member step away from a matter

Members must not accept gifts of any kind that are connected to their BCFIRB role.

Media and social media policy

Members are not allowed to speak to the media or post on social media about cases that are active, pending, or may come before BCFIRB.

BCFIRB decisions speak for themselves. If public comment is needed, only the Chair (or someone the Chair appoints) can speak on behalf of BCFIRB.

All public speaking, interviews or presentations related to BCFIRB require written approval from the Chair in advance.

Lobbying attempts

If someone contacts a member about a BCFIRB adjudicative matter, such as an elected official, stakeholder or member of the public, then the member:

  • Must refer the person to the BCFIRB Executive Director
  • May also refer them to the BCFIRB official Code of Conduct
  • Must make it clear that it is not appropriate to try to influence a decision

People may answer questions, such as:

  • How the process works
  • What stage a case is at

But the conversation must remain neutral. It must not suggest that the person is trying to influence the outcome or timing of a decision.

Confidentiality

Members must:

  • Keep all information they receive through their work confidential, even after their term ends
  • Not use confidential information for personal gain or share it with others
  • Only share confidential information if the law allows it or it has already been made public
  • Keep all BCFIRB records and information secure and protect them from inappropriate use

Active participation

BCFIRB members are expected to:

  • Actively participate in BCFIRB work
  • Prepare for and attend BCFIRB meetings
  • Develop their expertise
  • Grow their professional competence and knowledge in adjudication, relevant laws, and hearing procedures

Respect for others

BCFIRB members must:

  • Foster a respectful and collegial approach with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders
  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect

Hearing conduct

BCFIRB members must:

  • Conduct hearings fairly, courteously, and efficiently
  • Avoid any private communications with parties, lawyers, or witnesses outside the hearing
  • Avoid social contact with parties, counsel, or witnesses while a case is ongoing

Outside activities

BCFIRB members must:

  • Not take part in public activities, such as public speaking, advocacy, or social media commentary that may not be viewed as impartial, or harm BCFIRB’s reputation
  • Not do anything outside BCFIRB that appears to be officially connected to BCFIRB, unless the BCFIRB Chair approves
  • Not use their role to support personal opinions in public
  • Not use BCFIRB position or materials for personal or unrelated matters

If a member is unsure whether an activity may affect their duties or the board’s reputation, they must discuss it with the BCFIRB Chair. They may seek legal advice, if needed.