BILD Code of Ethics

BILD updated its membership Code of Ethics in 2022. The updated Code of Ethics, as set out below, is in effect from the 2024 membership year onwards. For more information, read the Code of Ethics Companion Document.

1. Members shall conduct all their business dealings with integrity, honesty and fairness and stand behind the quality of their work and service commitments. Members shall meet or exceed all requirements and bulletins of the Housing Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA).
   
2. Members shall provide materials and services in a manner consistent with or exceeding the established and accepted standards of the construction industry (the ‘industry’) and with the laws and regulations that govern it, including the use of standard industry documents wherever feasible. Members shall perform their contracts with competence, reasonable care and diligence.
   
3. Members shall assure that the health and safety (physical and mental) of their employees, the employees of others on the job site, and the general public, is given the highest priority in all aspects of the members’ activities. Members shall ensure they create a healthy and safe workplace, meeting or exceeding all applicable federal and provincial regulations and standards. Members shall strive to provide their employees with the proper training and education required to enable them to meet the stated goals of a healthy and safe (physical and mental) workplace.
   
4. Members shall provide environments that are free of discrimination and harassment, where all individuals, whether customers, suppliers, employees, community members, and other stakeholders, are treated with respect, fairness, dignity and in an ethical manner. Members shall commit to complying with the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibiting discrimination based on age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status (including single status), gender identity, gender expression, record of offences, sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), and/or sexual orientation. Members shall abstain from and actively discourage discrimination or harassment in any and all forms, including addressing inappropriate, offensive and unwelcome behaviours.
   
5. Members shall commit to continuous improvement through People & Culture policies and practices, including employment practices which recognize employees as important assets. Members shall comply with all federal, provincial and local employment laws.
   
6. Members shall actively work to create inclusive environments in their respective workplaces as well as within the industry by embracing the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds of their employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Members shall aspire to ensure their workforce and work environment is reflective of the diverse communities BILD and its members serve.
   
7. Members shall actively work to conform to the principles of good community planning to ensure their projects empower and serve the best interests of the community. Members shall endeavour to promote and pursue continuous improvement in sustainable building practices and environmental considerations in all their operations as well as in the services they provide to their customers. Members shall endeavour to provide their employees with the proper training and education required to enable the company to strive towards a more sustainably built environment and more environmentally friendly business practices.
   
8. Members shall treat their competitors, including their property and ideas, with respect. Members shall compete fairly for contracts, ensuring all practices align with federal competition legislation. Members shall afford full respect to proprietary intellectual property and should refrain from using any ideas, products and goods without proper authorization.
   
9. Members shall comply with all the statutory rules, regulations, and applicable laws, including but not limited to Canadian building codes as a minimum standard for construction. They shall also promote improvements to such laws, regulations and other provisions.
   
10. Members shall not make a representation, either through lack of due diligence or intention that compromises the integrity of the industry. Members shall avoid any conduct or practice detrimental to the land development and building industry, to the association, to the good name or reputation of any of its members, or its customers. Members shall uphold the standards of the industry with honour and dignity.