Code of Conduct

1Our Commitment

The Linux Association of Canada is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, accessible, and harassment-free environment for everyone who participates in our organization, programs, events, online spaces, and community activities.

We value the diversity of Canada's technology community and welcome participation regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, level of experience, nationality, physical appearance, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

2Who This Code Applies To

This Code of Conduct applies to all people participating in activities connected with the Linux Association of Canada, including:

• Members, directors, officers, staff, and volunteers
• Event attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and guests
• Linux User Groups, chapters, committees, and working groups operating under the Association
• Partners, contractors, contributors, and representatives acting on behalf of the Association
• Participants in our websites, forums, mailing lists, social media, video meetings, chat rooms, and other online spaces

It applies whenever a person is representing the Association or participating in an Association-related activity, whether online or in person.

3Expected Behaviour

Participants are expected to:

• Treat others with dignity, patience, fairness, and respect
• Communicate constructively and consider the impact of their words and actions
• Welcome newcomers and support people with different backgrounds and experience levels
• Respect personal boundaries, privacy, accessibility needs, and preferred names and pronouns
• Accept constructive feedback and take responsibility for mistakes
• Disagree with ideas without attacking or diminishing the person presenting them
• Follow event rules, safety requirements, platform policies, and applicable laws
• Protect confidential, personal, and sensitive information entrusted to them
• Act honestly and avoid conflicts of interest or misleading claims of authority
• Help maintain a community focused on learning, collaboration, and public benefit

4Unacceptable Behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, bullying, or deliberate humiliation
• Threats of violence, incitement of harm, stalking, or unwanted physical contact
• Sexualized language, imagery, attention, advances, or conduct
• Personal attacks, insults, slurs, demeaning comments, or sustained disruption
• Deliberate misgendering, deadnaming, or refusal to respect a person's identity
• Publishing or sharing another person's private information without permission
• Recording, photographing, or distributing content where consent is reasonably expected
• Spam, fraud, impersonation, malicious activity, or unauthorized promotion
• Retaliation against a person who raises a concern or assists with a review
• Using an Association role, platform, or event to advance hate, harassment, or unlawful activity

Reasonable and respectful discussion of difficult technical, organizational, or public-interest issues is welcome. Criticism becomes unacceptable when it targets people rather than ideas or creates an unsafe or hostile environment.

5Events and Community Spaces

Participants must follow the directions of event organizers, moderators, safety personnel, and authorized Association representatives. Organizers may take immediate action when necessary to protect participants or preserve the integrity of an event or online space.

Presentations, demonstrations, displays, and promotional materials should be appropriate for a professional and community-focused environment. Sponsors and exhibitors are also subject to this Code.

6Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that may violate this Code of Conduct, report it as soon as reasonably possible through our contact page or directly to an event organizer or authorized Association representative.

Please include, where possible:

• Your contact information
• A description of what occurred
• The date, time, and location or online platform involved
• The names of people involved and any witnesses
• Relevant screenshots, messages, links, or other supporting information
• Any immediate safety or accessibility concerns

Anonymous reports may be considered, although they can limit our ability to investigate or respond.

7Response and Enforcement

The Association will review concerns as promptly, fairly, and discreetly as circumstances allow. Responses will depend on the seriousness, context, available information, and any immediate safety or legal considerations.

Possible actions may include:

• Informal guidance, education, or a request to stop the behaviour
• A formal warning or required corrective action
• Removal of content or restrictions on participation
• Removal from an event without refund
• Temporary suspension from programs, committees, volunteer roles, or community spaces
• Termination of membership, volunteer service, partnership, or other affiliation
• Referral to venue security, platform administrators, emergency services, or law enforcement where appropriate

Nothing in this Code prevents the Association from taking immediate protective action where safety, legal compliance, or community wellbeing requires it.

8Confidentiality and Privacy

Information relating to a report will be shared only with people who need it to assess the concern, protect participants, obtain advice, or carry out an appropriate response. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, particularly where disclosure is required by law or necessary to address a serious safety risk.

Participants involved in a review are expected to respect the privacy and dignity of everyone concerned.

9No Retaliation

Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith, provides information, or participates in a review is prohibited. Knowingly making a false or malicious report may itself constitute a violation of this Code; however, a report that cannot be substantiated is not automatically considered false or malicious.

10Leadership Responsibilities

Directors, staff, organizers, moderators, chapter leaders, committee chairs, and volunteers with authority have an additional responsibility to model respectful conduct, respond to concerns appropriately, avoid conflicts of interest, and seek guidance when they are unsure how to proceed.

People in leadership roles must not use their position to pressure, silence, favour, or disadvantage others.

11Scope and Interpretation

This Code is intended to guide community conduct and does not replace applicable laws, employment obligations, contracts, organizational bylaws, event rules, or platform terms. The Association may interpret and apply this Code in a manner consistent with its mission, governance responsibilities, and commitment to public benefit.

12Questions and Updates

Questions about this Code of Conduct may be submitted through our official contact page. The Linux Association of Canada may update this Code periodically to reflect the needs of our community and the development of our programs.