THE CASE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN GEOSCIENCE
PGO position statement on Diversity and Inclusion
PGO views Inclusion as a Human Right, as enshrined in the Canadian Human Rights Act and Canadian and Employment Equity Act (Canada).
Everyone has the right to be treated with full respect and dignity regardless of racial or ethnic background, gender, gender expression, physical ability, religious affiliation, country of origin, or any other basis. It is essential that individuals work and thrive by being the best versions of their whole selves in their professional practices in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
PGO values the diverse backgrounds of its Council, staff, volunteers, Professional Geoscientists, Geoscientists-in-Training, and students intending to work in the profession. In doing so, PGO is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all to share their experiences.
PGO recognizes that continually growing diverse talent strengthens the knowledge, innovation, professionalism and expertise of the profession, and that professionalism in geoscience includes behaviour that respects others and fosters a diverse and inclusive environment in accordance with this position statement.
Diversity and Inclusion in professional practice:
The Professional Geoscientists Act, the profession’s governing legislation, as well as the By-Laws and Code of Ethics, guides the PGO and all who work within the field of geoscience in performing their duties.
The Code of Ethics applies to Council, staff, volunteers, Professional Geoscientists, Geoscientists-in-Training, and students intending to work in the profession, whether they are actively engaged in geoscience work or are working in other areas. The following excerpts from the Code are relevant to diversity and inclusion:
2. A professional geoscientist shall be guided in [their] professional conduct by the principle that professional ethics are founded upon integrity, competence and devotion to service and to the advancement of human welfare and by the conviction that [their] actions enhance the dignity and status of the profession.
4. (1) A professional geoscientist shall not compete unfairly with others or compete primarily on the basis of fees without due consideration for other factors to ensure that [their] engagement is based on the merit of the services performed or offered.
5. (1) When acting in a professional capacity, a professional geoscientist shall at all times act with,
(a) good faith, fairness and loyalty to associates, employers, clients, subordinates, employees and other professionals;
(b) due regard to public needs;
(c) devotion to high ideals of personal honour and professional integrity;
(2) A professional geoscientist shall,
(a) regard [their] duty to public safety and welfare as paramount;
(b) endeavour at all times to enhance the public’s regard for professional geoscience by promoting awareness and knowledge and by discouraging untrue, unfair or exaggerated statements about it;
(3) A professional geoscientist shall,
(a) act towards other professionals with courtesy and good faith;
(b) demonstrate understanding, professionalism and technical expertise to geoscientists-in-training under [their] supervision;
(d) not maliciously injure the reputation or business of another professional;
(f) give proper credit for professional geoscientific work carried out by others;
(g) uphold the principle of fair compensation for professional geoscientific work;
(h) provide the opportunity, where possible, for the professional development and advancement of associates and subordinates; and
(i) improve the practice of the profession through the interchange of geoscientific information and the sharing of experience.
(4) A professional geoscientist has a duty to co-operate with other professionals with whom [they are] called upon to work.
12. (1) A professional geoscientist shall advise the Registrar of any act or omission of a member that [their] believes to be contrary to this Code.
(2) A breach of this Code constitutes an act of professional misconduct if the breach results in a finding that the member has not engaged in the practice of professional geoscience in accordance with the law or honesty and integrity.
Diversity & Inclusion in the Future of Geoscience
PGO recognizes that it serves an essential role in encouraging and promoting diversity and inclusion in the geoscience profession, and as such, PGO will develop goals and plans with respect to these four strategic priorities:
