Code of Conduct & Ethics

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The objectives of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers are set out in the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) National Bylaws. This includes terms of membership, termination of membership and discipline of members.

The Code of Conduct and Ethics guidelines here are established to complement and re-affirm the aim of CAPS Manitoba to uphold the highest standards of conduct and ethics for its members within and vis-a-vis the beverage alcohol industry.

All Members of CAPS benefit when the Association’s reputation is high, and all suffer if a Member brings the Association into disrepute. CAPS recognizes that alcoholic beverages are particularly vulnerable to abuse and requires that Members adhere to the highest standards of conduct and abide by this Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Guiding Principles:

1. Personal Integrity Members shall behave with respect, integrity, and honesty at all times.
2. Professional Competence Members shall act conscientiously, responsibly, and proficiently during their business.
3. Professional Relationships Members shall respect the relevant rights and interests of each other, and of those with whom they come into contact, during their business and during their role as Members of CAPS. A Member must communicate respectfully both verbally and in writing.
4. Sales, promotion, education, and communication Members engaged in sales, promotion, advertising, educating, writing, and otherwise communicating professionally should always describe the subject and their business truthfully and not attribute virtues or prospects that neither exist nor can be justified, or which unreasonably exaggerate merit. This applies to individual, group and Association endorsements of advertised products.
5. Education The mentorship and education of future CAPS members is one of the activities of the Association. Members involved in mentoring, advising, training and examining must not abuse the relationship with students for personal or professional benefit. Any educational program of the Association must be executed with respect for students and support their learning.
6. Influence and Behaviour Being a Member of CAPS should not be abused in any way. Members must not engage in any discrimination (including but not limited to age, gender, race, ancestry, ethnicity, religious belief, gender identity and sexual orientation, and physical or mental disability) harassment or intimidation (including but not limited to verbal, physical, sexual, or bullying) or coercion (whether explicit or implied). This applies to dealings with other Members, members of the industry and the public and applies to statements and actions that could be interpreted as based on any form of prejudice.
7. Social Media All principles of this Code of Conduct and Ethics apply equally to the conduct with Members online.
8. Transparency and Conflicts of Interest If members of CAPS are paid to publicly comment, review, or take a position on any product or service related to the wine and spirits industry, they should disclose that relationship, affiliation and potential or real conflict of interest at the beginning of conversations, social media posts, articles, presentations (including live media), workshops, seminars or any other form of communication without exception.
9. Standards of Discretion All CAPS Manitoba Executive officers, board, Committees and volunteers are expected to hold a high standard of confidentiality and discretion in respect of matters dealt with in camera or in confidence.  Where information is dealt with in camera or in confidence in meetings, it shall not be discussed or disclosed in any way by any individual, without the explicit direction and permission of the Board or the committee involved.                                                                        Any breech of this Code of Ethics shall be reported to the Board and shall be dealt with accordingly.