Guide Code of Conduct

This Guide Code of Conduct is effective as of 18th day of May, 2026. 

As a guide in good standing with the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia (CBVA), I commit to upholding the following principles in support of ethical, sustainable, and respectful bear viewing practices:

Stewardship and Sustainability:

• I am committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the bear-viewing industry by upholding the highest standards of safety and care for both guests and bears.
• I acknowledge the CBVA’s leadership and contributions in ending the commercial trophy hunt of grizzly bears in British Columbia. Accordingly, I will not participate in or support any form of trophy hunting that involves predators.
• I will comply with all CBVA Best Practices.
• I will implement the CBVA best practices in my guiding work to ensure sustainability across environmental, cultural, and social dimensions, and represent my practices truthfully in both professional conduct and online presence.
• I will carry bear spray at all times during active guiding. 
• I swear to abide by any wildlife-related legislation within the Wildlife Act of British Columbia, and any other act and regulations that are relevant throughout British Columbia and Canada.
• If observed, please report all poaching and polluting incidents to the natural resource law enforcement agency in your jurisdiction.

Respectful Engagement and Collaboration

• I recognize the CBVA’s strength lies in respectful relationships with First Nations, government agencies, fellow operators, and local communities. I will conduct my work in a manner that supports and protects these relationships.
• I will respect the tenure rights, operational areas, and guest experiences of fellow members and strive to avoid conflict or interference with their activities.

Communication and Advocacy

1. I understand that guides are not authorized to speak to the media or public officials as representatives of the CBVA unless explicitly approved in writing by the Executive Director.
2. While I am free to express personal beliefs and engage in advocacy, I will not reference or use my affiliation with the CBVA to lend weight to personal views in media, public forums, or lobbying activities. This clause applies to CBVA guides levels 1, 2 & 3 who hold current guide membership status with the association. This applies to and holds after guide membership has lapsed. If you observe any actions by guides that do not align with the CBVA’s values or code of conduct, or that misrepresent the Association, please report them to the CBVA Board of Directors or staff
3. As a guide, I am encouraged to stay informed about current political, environmental, and land and marine management issues, especially those that impact local bear populations and surrounding ecosystems. Staying up to date helps ensure the information I share with guests is accurate, relevant, and reflective of current realities. 

Guest Experience and Education

1. I am committed to providing a safe, respectful, and enriching experience for all guests, grounded in sound naturalist knowledge and conservation ethics.
2. I will inform and educate guests about the Responsibilities of the Tourist, particularly in how they engage with local environments and wildlife, to promote respectful and sustainable travel practices.
3. I will ensure compliance with all applicable provincial and federal wildlife guidelines and regulations that protect habitats and species. 

Guide Standards and Certification

1. I commit to continuing my proficiency, my skills and qualifications as a bear viewing guide, recognizing that ongoing education and certification reflect both a personal commitment to excellence and a long-term investment in a sustainable career in wildlife guiding.
2. I will actively pursue opportunities for professional development and strive to achieve higher levels of certification through the CBVA. I understand that advancing my qualifications strengthens both my own guiding practice and the integrity of the bear viewing industry as a whole.
3. I commit to mentoring as part of my professional role, actively supporting and guiding my peers by sharing knowledge, techniques, and effective practices that foster growth, learning, and accessibility.
4. I will respect fellow guides and their contributions to the field, recognizing that a collaborative and supportive community of professionals benefits guests, bears, and the ecosystems we work within. I will foster an environment of mutual respect, open communication, and shared learning among guides at all stages of their careers.
5. I will help maintain the high standards expected within the CBVA and contribute to the professionalism of our industry.

Review Process

1. Any violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action, which may include two warnings: one verbal and one written, or two written warnings, followed by expulsion upon a third offence.
2. All complaints submitted to the CBVA will be reviewed by staff and brought to the attention of the Board of Directors, who will determine the appropriate course of action as outlined above. Appeals will be directed to the Board of Directors through staff.

By being a CBVA-trained guide or by working for or being affiliated with a CBVA member company in a guiding capacity, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct, including its standards for communication, advocacy, and representation of the CBVA.