ABCFP - Lodging a Complaint

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Who Can Lodge a Complaint
When to Lodge a Complaint Against an ABCFP Member
Acceptable and Unacceptable Complaints
How to Make a Formal Complaint
Complaint Form
Q&A for the Public
Q&A for ABCFP Members

Who Can Lodge a Complaint
Anyone can lodge a complaint against an ABCFP member. Complaints generally are made by other ABCFP members or members of the public concerned about the competence or conduct of a member. Council also has the ability to lodge a complaint and has done so when made aware of a situation that it believed warranted referral to the complaint resolution process.

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When to Lodge a Complaint Against an ABCFP Member

Members of the Public
Members of the public are encouraged to lodge a complaint any time they have concerns about the conduct of a forest professional that are believed to be serious and that they feel demands the attention of the profession. Read the question and answer document below for more information on when and how to lodge a complaint.

Q & A for the Public: How to Address Your Concerns Regarding the Conduct of a Forest Professional

ABCFP Members
Prior to lodging a formal complaint, ABCFP members are expected to make efforts to resolve professional disagreements. There are a number of ways to address professional concerns and the Complaints Resolution Process is just one of them . Other methods are described in the Non-Discipline Professional Accountability Process - the fourth element of the ABCFP Continuing Competency Program. If these efforts are not successful, a complaint may be appropriate. Read the question and answer document below for more information on when and how to lodge a complaint.

Q & A for Members: How and When to Lodge a Complaint Regarding the Conduct of a Fellow Forest Professional

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Acceptable Complaints
Complaints must meet the following four conditions:

1. The complaint concerns an ABCFP member or former member.
2. Sufficient information has been provided to allow an investigation to proceed.
3. The allegations involve a breach of the Foresters Act, the ABCFP bylaws or the resolutions of the association (including policies and guidelines).
4. The parties cannot resolve the matter on a reasonable and appropriate basis.

Unacceptable Complaints
We generally do not get involved in commercial disputes between members or between a member and client, unless the nature of the dispute warrants scrutiny from the profession.

We cannot accept complaints against corporations.

We also do not accept complaints against individuals who are not ABCFP members, unless they are engaged in unauthorized practice in violation of the Foresters Act.

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How to Make a Formal Complaint
Complaints about the competence or conduct of an ABCFP member must be made in writing by completing and submitting the online form below to the registrar and director of act compliance. We encourage you to discuss your concern with the registrar and director of act compliance, Randy Trerise, RPF, ( ) before lodging a complaint to ensure that you meet all of the requirements and conditions.

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Notice of Complaint Form
Fill out the Notice of Complaint form and send to registrar and director of act compliance to make a complaint. In all cases, the person lodging a complaint should include as much detail as possible about the matter and include supporting documentation.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Whom is your complaint against?

First and Last Name:: *
Designation:: *

+ Add another person - Remove last person

1. What is your complaint?

(Please be specific - describe the circumstances and names of all those involved)
*

2. a) Where & when did the problem occur?

2. b) When did you learn of the problem and what is the history behind your complaint?

2. c) Do you believe that the member(s) of the ABCFP have contravened the Code of Ethics? If so, what section(s) and why do you believe it/they have been contravened?

3. a) What steps have you taken to try to resolve the problem?

3. b) Why do you think that the problem has not been resolved and needs to be dealt with through the ABCFP complaints resolution process?

3. c) If you are an ABCFP member, have you considered using the ABCFP Practice Advisory Service and the Professional Accountability Process ?

Yes No N/A *

4. What solution would you like to this problem?

5. List the people and organizations that are involved in the complaint, including the person(s) who is (are) the subject of the complaint:

First and Last Name:: *
Organization:: *
Phone:: *
E-mail:: *
Address:: *
City:: *
Postal Code:
Involvement:: *

+ Add another person - Remove last person

6. a) Do you have documentation to support your complaint?

Yes No *

6. b) Please add any additional information you have to support your complaint and attach additional documentation and information if available.

File:

Your contact information

First and Last Name:: *
Organization:: *
Address:: *
City:: *
Postal Code:: *
Phone:: *
E-mail:: *

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Our Policy on Commenting Publicly
Normally, we do not comment on any matter that is or may be before the complaint resolution process. This protects the integrity of the process as well as the legal interests of the parties involved. There are, however, rare occasions where the integrity of the profession and legal interests require the association to comment. Decisions to comment are governed by policy.

Policy: When to Comment on Professional Discipline Matters

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Additional Resources
Non-Discipline Professional Accountability Process
Q & A for the Public: How to Address Your Concerns Regarding the Conduct of a Forest Professional
Q & A for Members: How and When to Lodge a Complaint Regarding the Conduct of a Fellow Forest Professional
BC Forest Professional article: What is the Duty to Report?
Foresters Act
ABCFP Bylaws
Policies & Guidelines
Complaint Records
Complaints Resolution Process
Protect Yourself

More Information
If you have any questions about lodging a complaint, contact the registrar and director of act compliance. [more]

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	Complaints & Discipline Home


	Lodging a Complaint


	Complaints Resolution Process


	Complaints Resolution Process Flowchart


	Discipline Case Digests


	Protect Yourself

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