Who This Applies To

This Code applies to all ECG Synergy partners—Core (Paid) and Intro (Free)—as well as subcontractors you engage, site supervisors, and anyone representing your company on ECG-referred projects. When you’re on an ECG project, you represent both your business and our network.

Core Commitments

Every ECG Synergy partner agrees to uphold these professional standards:

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain active WorkSafeBC coverage and provide current clearance letters when requested
• Comply with BC Occupational Health & Safety regulations on every job site
• Conduct site orientations and toolbox talks where appropriate
• Use proper PPE and ensure your team does the same
• Report incidents immediately to ECG and follow WorkSafeBC reporting requirements
• Never proceed with unsafe work—speak up if conditions aren’t right

Insurance & Licensing

• Maintain an active business license for your operating area
• Carry commercial general liability insurance (minimum $2M recommended; discuss requirements with ECG)
• Hold valid trade certifications and tickets required for your scope of work
• Notify ECG within 5 business days of any changes to coverage, expiry dates, or licensing status

Quality & Standards

• Build to code—follow BC Building Code, manufacturer specifications, and industry best practices
• Correct deficiencies promptly and communicate proactively about any issues
• Honour warranties in writing and stand behind your work
• Use quality materials appropriate to the project scope and budget

Professional Conduct

• Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or abusive language toward clients, ECG staff, other trades, or the public
• Respect neighbours and property—be courteous about noise, parking, and site access
• Keep sites tidy and protect client belongings and finishes
• Protect client privacy—no sharing of personal information, photos, or project details without written consent

Scheduling & Communication

• Provide realistic timelines and manage expectations honestly
• Show up as scheduled or provide advance notice of changes
• Notify ECG and the client of delays within 1 business day
• Respond to ECG and client messages within 1 business day during the work week
• Close the loop—if you’re not pursuing a lead, let us know so we can help the client quickly

Transparent Scopes, Pricing & Changes

• Provide clear, written scopes of work before starting any project
• Issue written change orders before performing additional work outside the original scope
• Invoice accurately to match the approved scope and change orders
• No pressure tactics—clients should feel informed and empowered, never rushed or coerced

Permits & Inspections

• Pull all required permits for work in Greater Victoria municipalities
• Pass inspections and provide copies of approvals to clients
• Keep documentation organized and accessible throughout the project

Subcontractors

• You are responsible for your subcontractors’ conduct, safety, insurance, and compliance
• Only use verified, insured subs with proper coverage and qualifications
• Ensure subs follow this Code—their actions reflect on you and ECG Synergy

Cleanup & Protection

• Protect finishes and adjacent areas with drop sheets, barriers, and protective materials
• Daily cleanup—leave sites safe and reasonably tidy at the end of each day
• Dispose of waste responsibly and follow municipal recycling and disposal guidelines
• Use environmental best practices where applicable (proper handling of hazardous materials, dust control, etc.)

Dispute Resolution

• Attempt resolution directly with the client or other trade first
• Loop in ECG if needed—we’re here to facilitate fair outcomes
• Keep communication documented and professional at all times
• Never abandon a project without proper notice and handover

Fair Play in the Network

• Collaborate where suitable—we encourage cross-referrals and teamwork among ECG partners
• No poaching active ECG matches from other partners who are already engaged with a client
• Close the loop promptly if you’re not pursuing a lead—it helps everyone
• Courteous declines—if a project isn’t the right fit, a brief explanation helps us learn and improve matches

Brand & Marketing Use

• Use the ECG Synergy name and logo only as permitted in partner materials
• Represent your membership truthfully—”ECG Synergy Verified Partner” or similar approved language
• No misrepresentation of your status, qualifications, or relationship with ECG

Confidentiality & Data Privacy

• Keep client and project information confidential
• Follow PIPEDA and BC privacy norms—use personal data only for the project at hand
• No sharing without consent—client contact info, photos, testimonials, or project details require permission

No Substance Impairment

• No drugs or alcohol on site—impairment while working is grounds for immediate removal
• Follow testing policies where applicable on commercial or high-risk projects

Documentation We Verify

To join and remain in the ECG Synergy network, partners must provide and maintain:

• Business license (current for your operating area)
• WorkSafeBC clearance letter (renewed annually or as required)
• Certificate of insurance showing coverage type, limits, and expiry date
• Trade certifications and tickets relevant to your scope of work
• Professional references from recent clients or projects
• Sample project photos (optional but recommended)
• Permits and inspection records as applicable for specific projects

Client Visibility: With your consent, ECG may display trade certifications and selected project photos to help clients understand your expertise. Business licenses, insurance certificates, and WorkSafeBC clearances are verified internally and not publicly shared.

Communication Standards (Service Level Agreement)

Clear, timely communication is essential to client satisfaction and network efficiency. ECG Synergy partners agree to:

• Acknowledge new ECG referrals within 1 business day
• Provide an availability window within 2 business days (even if it’s “fully booked until [date]”)
• Update ECG and the client on delays or material issues within 1 business day
• If declining a referral, provide a brief reason (capacity, scope fit, geography, etc.) so we can improve future matches

ECG’s Courtesy Policy: When a client selects a partner, ECG may notify non-selected companies to close the loop respectfully. This keeps everyone informed and reduces unnecessary follow-up.

Health, Safety & Site Etiquette

Safety isn’t negotiable. ECG partners commit to:

• Full WorkSafeBC compliance on every project
• Site safety plans where required by regulation or project complexity
• Toolbox talks and hazard assessments before starting high-risk tasks
• Immediate reporting of hazards or near-misses
• First aid readiness—know where the nearest first aid kit is and who’s trained
• Fencing, barriers, and containment to protect the public and adjacent properties
• Noise and parking courtesy—respect Greater Victoria neighbourhoods and bylaws
• Pet and home protection—secure gates, close doors, and communicate with clients about their space

Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Harassment

ECG Synergy is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive environment for everyone involved in our projects. We have zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive behaviour based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

Everyone has a duty to provide a safe environment for clients, trades, and the public. If you witness or experience harassment or discriminatory behaviour on an ECG project, report it immediately to ECG Synergy. We will investigate promptly and take appropriate action, up to and including immediate removal from the network.

Environmental Responsibility

We all share Greater Victoria’s environment. ECG partners commit to:

• Waste sorting and recycling where facilities are available
• Hazardous material handling by qualified professionals only (asbestos, lead paint, mould remediation, etc.)
• No improper disposal—follow municipal and provincial waste disposal regulations
• Minimize site impact—protect trees, landscaping, and natural features where possible

Warranties & Aftercare

Quality work comes with accountability. ECG partners agree to:

• Provide a minimum 1-year workmanship warranty (or longer if required by your trade or BC regulations)
• Honour manufacturer warranties and provide documentation to clients
• Offer reasonable post-completion support—answer questions, provide care instructions, and address minor issues promptly
• Document warranties in writing so clients know what’s covered and for how long

Non-Compliance & Consequences

ECG Synergy takes Code violations seriously. We use a progressive approach to address issues fairly:

1. Notice: ECG alerts you to the issue and requests corrective action
2. Corrective Action Plan: You work with ECG to resolve the matter (e.g., update insurance, complete training, resolve client complaint)
3. Suspension from Referrals: Temporary pause on new referrals while the issue is resolved
4. Removal/Termination: Permanent removal from the ECG Synergy network for repeated or unresolved violations

Immediate suspension or termination may occur for severe breaches, including:

• Unsafe work practices that endanger people or property
• Fraud, misrepresentation, or dishonest billing
• Harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour
• Working without active WorkSafeBC coverage, insurance, or required licensing
• Abandoning a project without notice or proper handover

Reinstatement

If you’ve been suspended, reinstatement is possible once you demonstrate that the issue has been corrected. This may include:

• Proof of restored WorkSafeBC coverage or insurance
• Completion of required training or certification
• Resolution of client complaints (e.g., warranty work completed, refunds issued)
• Written plan to prevent recurrence

ECG will review reinstatement requests on a case-by-case basis. We want our partners to succeed—let’s work together to get back on track.

How Clients Benefit

This Code of Conduct isn’t just about rules—it’s about results. When you hire through ECG Synergy, you can count on:

• Vetted professionals with verified licenses, insurance, WorkSafeBC coverage, and references
• Safety first—every partner follows BC safety regulations and industry best practices
• Clear scopes and written changes—no surprises, no pressure, just transparent pricing and expectations
• Timely communication—partners respond within 1 business day and keep you updated throughout the project
• Fair treatment and respect—professional conduct, courteous service, and zero tolerance for harassment
• ECG stays engaged until your match is secure—and we’ll courteously notify non-selected companies to close the loop

Updates to This Code

ECG Synergy may update this Code of Conduct periodically to reflect new regulations, industry standards, or network improvements. Partners will be notified of significant changes via email. Continued participation in the ECG Synergy network indicates acceptance of the current Code.

Partner Acceptance Statement

Use this text in your WPForms application or partner agreement checkbox:

---

TL;DR — Code of Conduct Summary

Quick reference for ECG Synergy partners:

• Safety & Compliance: Maintain active WorkSafeBC coverage, follow BC OHS regulations, and never proceed with unsafe work
• Insurance & Licensing: Keep business licenses, liability insurance, and trade certifications current; notify ECG of any changes within 5 days
• Quality & Communication: Build to code, respond within 1 business day, provide written scopes, and honour warranties
• Professional Conduct: Zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination; respect clients, neighbours, and property; maintain site cleanliness
• Transparency: Written change orders before extra work; accurate invoicing; no pressure tactics
• Fair Play: Collaborate with other ECG partners; no poaching active matches; close the loop on referrals you decline
• Consequences: Progressive enforcement from notice to removal; immediate suspension for severe breaches like working uninsured or unsafe practices

---