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Code of Ethics

Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association
Approved by: MLOA Board of Directors

Ethical commitment. MLOA members are stewards of Manitoba's natural resources and ambassadors for the province's lodge, outfitting, hunting, angling and outdoor tourism sectors. Members are expected to act lawfully, honestly, safely, responsibly and professionally.


1. Purpose
The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA) is committed to advancing a professional, responsible and sustainable lodge and outfitting industry in Manitoba. This Code of Ethics establishes the principles and standards of conduct expected of MLOA members.The Code is intended to protect clients, strengthen public confidence, support responsible resource use, promote fair dealings within the industry and preserve the reputation of MLOA and its members.


2. Scope and Application
This Code applies to MLOA member businesses and, where relevant, to their owners, operators, employees, contractors, guides and representatives when acting on behalf of the member business. Members are responsible for making reasonable efforts to ensure that individuals acting on their behalf understand and follow these standards. Membership in MLOA signifies a commitment to this Code. This Code complements, but does not replace, applicable laws, regulations, licence conditions, permits, contractual obligations or professional requirements. Where a legal requirement imposes a higher standard, the legal requirement prevails.


3. Core Ethical Principles

  • Integrity - Members act honestly, fairly and in good faith.
  • Professionalism - Members conduct their operations competently, responsibly and respectfully.
  • Safety - Members take reasonable measures to protect guests, workers and the public.
  • Stewardship - Members conserve Manitoba's natural, fish and wildlife resources and minimize environmental harm.
  • Respect - Members respect clients, employees, communities, landowners, other resource users and fellow operators.
  • Accountability - Members accept responsibility for their representations, services and business conduct.

4. Environmental and Resource Stewardship

  • Recognize their role in the responsible management and long-term sustainability of Manitoba's natural, fish and wildlife resources.
  • Comply with applicable conservation, hunting, angling, wildlife, forestry, parks, water, waste and environmental requirements.
  • Use and promote practices that conserve habitat, protect water quality, reduce waste and minimize unnecessary environmental disturbance.
  • Take reasonable steps to prevent the introduction or spread of aquatic invasive species, wildlife disease, pests and pathogens.
  • Promote ethical hunting and angling practices, including humane treatment of wildlife and responsible harvesting.
  • Encourage clients and staff to respect possession limits, seasons, licences, access rules and all other resource-management requirements.
  • Support responsible use of resources and cooperate, where appropriate, with conservation, research and resource-management initiatives.


5. Client Safety and Experience

  • Take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of guests, employees, contractors and visitors.
  • Maintain facilities, watercraft, aircraft, vehicles, equipment and safety systems in a condition appropriate to the nature, location and remoteness of the operation.
  • Provide qualified, properly trained and appropriately supervised personnel for the services offered.
  • Clearly communicate material risks, physical requirements, emergency limitations and guest responsibilities before or during the experience, as appropriate.
  • Maintain reasonable emergency, evacuation, first-aid, fire-safety and communication procedures suitable to the operation.
  • Provide clean, sanitary and reasonably maintained accommodations, food services, facilities and equipment consistent with the operation's advertised style and location.
  • Treat clients courteously, fairly and without discrimination or harassment.
  • Make reasonable efforts to deliver a safe, enjoyable and professionally managed guest experience.

6. Truthful Marketing and Clear Client Agreements

  • Ensure that advertising, websites, photographs, social media, trade-show materials and sales representations accurately describe the operation, accommodations, location, species, services, equipment, pricing and availability.
  • Do not make false, misleading or deceptive statements or guarantee hunting, angling, wildlifeviewing or other outcomes that cannot reasonably be guaranteed.
  • Provide clients with clear written confirmation of the material terms of the booking, including services, dates, prices, taxes and fees, deposits, cancellation and refund terms, and significant exclusions or limitations.
  • Promptly advise clients of material changes and obtain their agreement where the change
    affects the substance or value of the booked experience.
  • Handle deposits, refunds and client funds honestly, transparently and in accordance with the written agreement and applicable law.
  • Protect personal and payment information and use it only for legitimate business purposes.


7. Legal Compliance and Responsible Operations

  • Know and comply with the laws, regulations, licence conditions, permits and reporting requirements that apply to the operation.
  • Maintain all licences, authorizations, insurance and certifications required for the activities and services provided.
  • Do not knowingly assist, encourage or permit clients, employees or contractors to violate applicable law.
  • Cooperate honestly and professionally with authorized public officials carrying out lawful duties.
  • Maintain accurate business, client, harvest and operational records where required.
  • Take reasonable corrective action when a compliance or safety concern is identified.

8. Respect for Communities and Other Resource Users

  • Respect the lawful rights, interests, customs and concerns of local communities, landowners, leaseholders and other resource users.
  • Obtain and respect required permissions for access and use of private, leased, Crown or other lands and waters.
  • Avoid conduct that unnecessarily interferes with the lawful activities, access or safety of other operators or resource users.
  • Seek constructive working relationships and address disagreements respectfully and through appropriate channels.
  • Represent local communities, cultures and traditions accurately and respectfully in business activities and marketing.

9. Fair Competition and Industry Relationships

  • Compete honestly and fairly and do not intentionally misrepresent another operator's services, authority, location or reputation.
  • Do not knowingly make false, malicious or unsubstantiated statements about another member, outfitter, lodge, guide or tourism business.
  • Respect the lawful business relationships, bookings, intellectual property and confidential information of others.
  • Use MLOA's name, logo and membership status accurately and only as authorized.
  • Avoid conduct that could reasonably bring MLOA or Manitoba's lodge and outfitting sector into disrepute.


10. Employment and Workplace Conduct

  • Provide a workplace that respects human dignity and is free from harassment, violence, discrimination and retaliation.
  • Follow applicable employment, workplace safety, compensation and human-rights requirements.
  • Clearly communicate duties, standards, safety procedures and expectations to employees, guides and contractors.
  • Encourage appropriate training, professional development and responsible supervision.
  • Address workplace concerns fairly, promptly and confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.


11. Integrity in Association Affairs

  • Act honestly and respectfully in dealings with MLOA, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, members and partners.
  • Provide accurate information when making representations, applications, claims or reports to MLOA.
  • Disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest as required by MLOA policy and refrain from improperly using an MLOA position or relationship for personal advantage.
  • Protect confidential or sensitive information obtained through MLOA and do not use it for unauthorized purposes.
  • Raise internal concerns through appropriate MLOA channels and participate in good faith in authorized reviews or resolution processes.
  • Support MLOA's legitimate efforts to strengthen industry professionalism, public confidence and constructive relationships with governments and stakeholders.

12. Concerns, Complaints and Fair Process
Members should make reasonable efforts to address client or business concerns promptly, respectfully and in good faith. Where MLOA receives an ethics complaint, any review should be handled under a separate Board-approved complaint or conduct-review procedure that provides:

  • written particulars of the concern or complaint;
  • notice to the affected member and a reasonable opportunity to respond;
  • impartial consideration by persons without a material conflict of interest;
  • confidential handling to the extent reasonably possible;
  • proportionate and consistent outcomes; and
  • written notice of the decision and any available review or appeal process.


This Code does not make MLOA a court, regulator, insurer or guarantor of a member's services. It does not replace legal proceedings, regulatory processes or contractual remedies. MLOA may decline or pause a review where the matter is outside its authority, lacks sufficient information, is before a court or regulator, or would be more appropriately addressed elsewhere.


13. Compliance and Accountability


A member is expected to cooperate in good faith with any authorized MLOA ethics or conduct process. A substantiated breach may result in education, a request for corrective action, mediation, a warning, or another membership-related response authorized by MLOA's applicable governing documents and Board-approved procedures.


Nothing in this Code itself creates an automatic penalty, authorizes MLOA to suspend or terminate membership without an approved process, or gives MLOA regulatory or licensing authority.


14. Review and Interpretation
The Board of Directors is responsible for approving and periodically reviewing this Code. The Board may issue supporting policies, guidance or procedures consistent with it. Questions about interpretation should be directed to the MLOA Executive Director or Board Chair. Headings are for convenience. Examples are illustrative and do not limit the general principles of the Code.

Member Communication and Application
Following approval by the MLOA Board of Directors, this Code of Ethics will be communicated and made available to all MLOA members.


Members are expected to familiarize themselves with the Code and make reasonable efforts to ensure that their businesses, employees, contractors, guides and representatives act consistently with its principles when conducting activities on behalf of the member business.


No individual signature or written acknowledgement is required. Questions regarding the interpretation or application of the Code may be directed to the MLOA Executive Director or Board Chair.