Policy Approved by Council June 22, 2001. If you have a concern about a member of the association, there are is a process to follow, set out in Policy.

Step 1: You should first try to speak to the member unless there are reasons why this would be inappropriate. You should explain why you are not satisfied and discuss with the member what could be done to resolve matters. If you need help to do this, Association staff may be able to provide assistance. Many cases can be easily resolved in this manner.

Step 2: If your concern cannot be resolved through direct communication with the member, you have the right to make a formal complaint to the Association. This must be done by filling out a form available for this purpose and sending it to the Registrar. If you need help filling out the form, contact Association staff for assistance. The form can be found by using the following link:

Ontario Professional Foresters Association Complaint Form

Please answer as many of the questions as you can, and return the Complaint Form to The Registrar at the OPFA Office.

Step 3: If the issue is a concern or inquiry the OPFA will follow up you. The OPFA may also follow up with the member identified in the concern or inquiry.

All formal complaints will be screened by 3-5 members of the Complaints Committee. This panel will include one Public Councillor and a Chair. All members of the Panel will need to ensure that they are not in a conflict of interest with the parties involved in the complaint.

The Complaints Panel shall refuse to consider and investigate complaints if, in its opinion, (a) the complaint does not relate to professional misconduct, unskilled practice or incapacity on the part of a member, or (b) the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process.

The Complaints Panel, in accordance with the information it receives, may offer advice or a warning to the member including remedial action such as education, or refer the matter to the Discipline Committee for a hearing. Proceedings before the Complaints Committee are not open to the public, and are usually conducted based solely on written submissions.

Confidentiality

The Association will keep you informed of the progress of your complaint. In order to protect the rights of complainants and members, and to avoid possible prejudice to the process, the Association does not comment publicly or otherwise provide information on a complaint or an investigation unless it is referred to the Discipline Committee for a public hearing.

For further information on the complaints and discipline process, please contact the Registrar (email: registrar@opfa.ca).

You can view a flow-chart of the complaints procedure here.