Code of Ethics

Professional ethics are the basic principles of moral conduct and obligations that QOF member outfitters must respect when dealing with society in general, and with their clients, employees, colleagues and the profession in particular.

Each outfitter that becomes a member of the QOF must respect the federation's Code of Ethics and basic principles.


A. Obligations toward the public

1. Members cooperate with public authorities to ensure that laws and regulations governing their business practices are respected.

2. Members operate their businesses in a professional manner that conforms to recognized standards and assume full personal responsibility when exercising their professional functions.

3. Members work with concerned parties (Faune Québec and its representatives, the Québec Outfitters Federation, etc.) to develop and raise awareness of provincial wildlife conservation policies.

4. Members also work closely with wildlife managers and their representatives to ensure the sustainable development of wildlife and forest resources.


B. Obligations toward the client

5. Members accurately describe their services and rates in all advertising material.

6. When taking reservations, members fully explain the services they offer, rates charged, method(s) of payment accepted and the reimbursement policy in effect.

7. The services offered and rates charged to clients conform to those agreed upon when the reservations were made. However, should circumstances beyond the control of the members force them to modify the services previously agreed upon, they must offer services of at least equal quality to the clients, or provide financial compensation if this is not possible.

8. Members ensure that the accommodation units and equipment at the disposal of their clients are in good condition and safe to use.

9. Members ensure that they have a sufficient number of courteous, trained employees on staff.

10. Members provide their clients with all the information required to ensurea safe and enjoyable stay. This means clients will have all the equipment and licenses they need to engage in their activities.

11. Members make no guarantee as to the number of game animals that will be bagged or fish caught.

12. Neither the members nor their guides may shoot a game animal or catch a fish on behalf of a client.

13. Members take the necessary means to preserve the game bagged or fish caught and to return these to their clients in good condition upon departure.

14. Members ensure that their clients and personnel are notified of and respect the regulations in effect regarding hunting, fishing or any other activity.


C. Obligations toward the QOF and its leaders

15. Members and their personnel act in such a manner as to safeguard the QOF's reputation and credibility.

16. Members personally and collectively defend the QOF against any form of misrepresentation.

17. Members support the advancement of the QOF by sharing their knowledge and experience with other members and by participating in QOF activities.

18. Members retract their support of any member who violates the Code of Ethics.

19. Members agree to respect the Code of Ethics and to adhere to the recommendations made by the Ethics Committee.


D. Obligations toward other members

20. Members demonstrate loyalty to other members and abstain from any action that would cause prejudice, either directly or indirectly, to the relations between other members and their clients or employees.

21. Members do not maliciously attack, either directly or indirectly, the professional reputation of other members. However, members believing that another member has violated the Code of Ethics must submit a written complaint to the Ethics Committee.


E. Ethics committee

22. The Ethics Committee ensures that the Code of Ethics is applied and respected by QOF members. It recommends action to be taken in order to raise awareness of the importance of offering quality services.

23. The Ethics Committee is the body to which is submitted any written complaint from a QOF member regarding any matter arising from a violation of the Code of Ethics. The complainant must indicate the reasons for the complaint, any specific circumstances (time and place) and provide proof of such violation.

24. Any complaint received by the Committee is brought to the attention of the member concerned, who then has 30 days to respond.

25. After examining the information provided by the complainant and by the outfitter allegedly at fault, or solely the information submitted by the complainant if the outfitter did not respond, the Committee makes its recommendations and informs the concerned parties.

26. The Ethics Committee presents a report of its activities to the Board of Directors, which has the power to make a final decision regarding any recommendation on the part of the Ethics Committee to suspend or expel any member from the QOF, if this is deemed necessary.