Code of Professional Conduct

Career Professionals of Canada’s Code of Professional Conduct outlines our rules, standards, and ethical guidelines. Members of Career Professionals of Canada must know, honour, and adhere to this code of conduct. This framework helps us to make thoughtful decisions, uphold the quality and integrity of the services we provide, and guide our behaviour.

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The Career Professional's Creed

A Declaration of our Code of Professional Conduct in Real-World Language

“I am proud to be part of a helping profession. In all interactions with clients and colleagues, I demonstrate unwavering ethics, integrity, and purposeful kindness. I consistently act with professionalism, practicing only within the boundaries of my qualifications. I seek out opportunities to learn and grow because my clients deserve leading-edge support. I embrace the values of diversity and inclusion, showing respect to all clients as I ensure their unique needs are met and their dignity is maintained. The members of my community of practice are my strongest allies and collaborators. Collectively, we nurture trusting and effective relationships with the individuals we are privileged to serve.”

CPC Members: Demonstrate your commitment to The Career Professional’s Creed by adding it to your website, along with a link leading back to Career Professionals of Canada as the original source.

Principles of Professional Conduct

CPC’s Code of Professional Conduct requires that members follow certain principles, which enable us to be accountable to our profession and to the public. By complying with this code, we protect ourselves, our employers, our colleagues, and our clients.

Principle 1: Ethics & Integrity

When we follow the principle of Ethics & Integrity, we:

1.1 Learn and comply with all aspects of the Code of Ethics for Career Development Professionals.

1.2 Adhere to all legislation and regulations applicable to the delivery of services.

1.3 Represent credentials truthfully and refrain from overstating qualifications or outcomes of services.

1.4 Ensure accuracy and professionalism in all forms of marketing and communications.

1.5 Honour commitments to clients and deliver services and products as promised.

1.6 Demonstrate integrity in all interactions with organizations, institutions, and individuals.

1.7 Comply with all intellectual property policies, copyright laws, and trademark restrictions.

1.8 Implement risk management to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services.

1.9 Avoid any conflicts of interest which might influence objectivity, decisions, or behaviours.

1.10 Take action to rectify or report any violations to CPC’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Principle 2: Professionalism & Competence

When we follow the principle of Professionalism & Competence, we:

2.1 Commit to ongoing professional development and follow a continuous learning plan.

2.2 Keep informed on emerging trends, practices, and advances within the profession.

2.3 Align services to current career development standards and labour market needs.

2.4 Provide services within the boundaries of our qualifications and competence.

2.5 Inform clients of the limitations and benefits of services to be provided.

2.6 Use evidence-based research and technology to inform services and interventions.

2.7 Document client case records with sufficient clarity to track details of services provided.

2.8 Communicate timely, accurate, current, and relevant information to clients.

2.9 Secure all information and records stored on paper and electronically.

2.10 Notify authorities when a client places themself or others in clear and imminent danger.

Principle 3: Diversity & Inclusion

When we follow the principle of Diversity & Inclusion, we:

3.1 Provide a standard of care which minimizes risk and supports optimal outcomes for each client.

3.2 Avoid negligently or intentionally discriminating or causing harm.

3.3 Respect and advocate for the individual rights and personal dignity of all clients.

3.4 Seek awareness of client identification and abilities.

3.5 Consider clients’ contexts, diversity issues, and histories when engaging with them.

3.6 Customize interventions for unique client needs, circumstances, and interests.

3.7 Use psychometric assessment tools that are reliable, fair, valid, and appropriate.

3.8 Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure accessibility to social supports.

3.9 Respect clients’ autonomy and freedom of choice to make their own informed decisions.

3.10 Inform clients about their right to seek a second opinion or to refuse recommended services.

Principle 4: Community & Relationships

When we follow the principle of Community & Relationships, we:

4.1 Maintain strong relations, mutual respect, and open dialogue among members and colleagues.

4.2 Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, clients, and other professionals.

4.3 Nurture a collaborative working alliance and trusting relationship with clients.

4.4 Do not engage in, condone, or ignore any form of harassment of colleagues, clients, or others.

4.5 Develop and maintain a reputable and current referral network of service providers.

4.6 Refer clients to appropriate professionals when required services are outside of areas of competence.

4.7 Take all reasonable measures to maintain privacy and confidentiality in interactions.

4.8 Maintain confidentiality when using social media and other online technology.

4.9 Obtain informed consent from all involved prior to sharing information with any third party.

4.10 Report security breaches of information to affected individuals and appropriate authorities.

Compliance to the Code of Professional Conduct

Member Adherence

Members must adhere to CPC’s Code of Professional Conduct. Professional misconduct applies where a member of CPC is deemed to have failed to adhere to the rules outlined here, no matter where the conduct occurred. If a member has contravened these rules, the penalty may include reminding the member, reprimanding the member, suspending the member, and/or terminating their membership and any associated certifications. In addition, CPC reserves the right to refer that member to the appropriate authorities.

Registering a Complaint

CPC members and any complainants are encouraged to undertake all reasonable means to resolve the situation before initiating the complaint process and making representation to the CPC. Should a formal complaint be received and accepted by CPC’s review panel, two individuals selected from CPC’s Board of Directors and/or Senior Management Team, we will continue to encourage the relevant parties to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

A complaint may be registered against a member of Career Professionals of Canada if that person breaches one or more rules outlined in CPC’s Code of Professional Conduct. Complaints may be sent to CPC through our contact form within 30 days of the issue arising. (In extenuating circumstances this time frame may be waived at the discretion of CPC.) Complaints that do not meet the criteria will not be heard.

Upon receipt, the complaint will be passed to CPC’s complaints review panel. If accepted, the review panel will request further relevant documentation. All correspondence and information received will be provided to all relevant parties and two exploratory meetings will be set for:

The complainant.
The CPC member.

CPC is transparent in its activities and the member who is the subject of the complaint will receive a copy of all correspondence and be kept fully informed of the process. Both the complainant and member may bring in supporting evidence or witnesses to the meeting.

During an exploratory meeting, emotions can be high but disrespectful comments or actions will not be tolerated. Meetings will be recorded to ensure that the information provided can be reviewed during the investigation. If the issue cannot be resolved, CPC reserves the right to seek legal counsel.

CPC will provide, in writing, the outcome and any decisions made to all relevant parties within 30 days of the date of the final meeting.

Appeals will be considered if significant new evidence becomes available that may potentially change the decision of the review panel. This evidence can be sent directly to CPC through our contact form.

CPC is not responsible for any expenses incurred by either party or any supporting parties throughout this process.

Updated October 2021 – The Career Professionals of Canada Code of Professional Conduct was informed by the National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals and the Code of Ethics for Career Development Professionals. This code replaces CPC’s Code of Standards and Ethics.

CPC’s Code of Professional Conduct does not supersede legislation and regulations that members are required to follow according to the jurisdiction in which they work and the services they provide, nor the jurisdiction in which their clients may work and live. Violations of this Code do not automatically imply legal liability. Such a determination can only be made by legal and judicial proceedings.

Download our Free Companion Guide for Career Professionals: Living the Code

Our Code of Professional Conduct sets the foundation for ethical, values-driven practice across Canada. To help bring these principles to life, we created Living Our Code: Heartwarming Tales from Career Professionals Across Canada, a companion eBook filled with real stories that show the Code in action.

This guide shares everyday examples of professionalism, integrity, and purposeful kindness from career professionals across the country. Each story reflects the values we uphold as a community and offers practical insight into ethical decision-making in real-world situations.

We are pleased to offer Living Our Code as a complimentary resource for all career professionals. Download the eBook here.

Career Professionals of Canada

Working Together For Career Success