Non-compliance comes in many forms and can be frustrating for the individual or company witnessing it. Interpretive Guides Association members can play an essential role in ensuring that the experiences of visitors across Canada are of high quality and professional. When you think a company or individual is operating in a non-compliant way, the best course of action is to collect as much evidence as you can about the behaviour exhibited and share it with the land manager where the non-compliance occurs. You can also share the information with your IGA representative so they are aware of the challenges faced in the community while being up to date while working with land managers who are interested in reaching out.
Consider the following when you believe a company or individual is operating in a non-compliant manner:
- What are they doing that is non-compliant? And how do you know this?
- What evidence do you have related to the non-compliant behaviour? (evidence is the key to making a report)
- Can you share direct witness statements about non-compliant behaviour with the land manager?
- If this relates to licensing regulations, do you know with 100% certainty the type of licence they have and that they are operating outside its parameters?
- If this is IGA certification-related, do you know with 100% certainty what certification they have and that they are operating outside their SOP?
- Have you checked to see if they hold extra certifications outside of the IGA that would allow them to operate in the manner they are?
If you submit a report to a government agency, they are required to act on that report. Wardens, conservation officers and associations can only act on a suspected problem if it is reported and documented with sufficient evidence.
How to submit a report:
- Google the land manager/licensing agents for your area. Reach out if you have specific questions about the offence and file an official report with them if warranted. Please feel free to reach out to the Executive Director and/or President of the Interpretive Guides Association if you have questions related to certification levels. Including us in the email report you submit to the land manager can be helpful if the land manager wants to connect with us to check on information related to IGA certification details.
Here is a general outline for reporting issues of non-compliance to land managers:
- Collect all the details:
- Date (s) of offence
- Time of day
- Location of offence (e.g. Johnston Canyon)
- Individuals or Business Involved
- Make and model of vehicle, licence plate details (if applicable)
- Type of offence
- Describe the nature of the offence (e.g. “x” company was leading a hike to _____ but is not licensed to guide in that area, or company X is leading hikes up ________ mountain, and their certification (and therefore licence) only allows them to hike on established trails. Ensure you include all evidence collected to prove it has occurred as stated (it cannot be hearsay or based on assumptions of the type of certification you think they have).
- Include photos, written statements, and any other evidence you've collected (Date-stamped photos are a great way to provide the land manager with usable proof).
- Include your contact details:
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- First name and last name
- Company name (if applicable)
- Phone number