Professional Code of Ethics

INTRODUCTION

It is a condition of employment with P3 Purchasing Inc., operating as Physicians Purchasing Power, and it’s affiliates, that the employees shall abide by this code of ethics of the Corporation in which they are employed. This Professional Code of Ethics is binding upon all employees of the Corporation.

DEFINITIONS

Corporation means P3 Purchasing Inc. incorporated in 2009 in the province of Ontario.

Style name means Physicians Purchasing Power owned by P3 Purchasing Inc.

Employee means any employee, contractor, agent, owner, or principle directly employed by the Corporation to carry out business on its behalf.

VALUES AND NORMS OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Values

Employees of the said corporation will operate and conduct their decisions and actions based on the following values:

1. Honesty/Integrity

Maintaining an unimpeachable standard of integrity in all their business relationships both within and outside the organizations in which they are employed:

2. Professionalism

Fostering the highest standards of professional competence amongst those for whom they are

Responsible:

3. Responsible Management

Optimizing the use of resources for which they are responsible to provide the maximum benefit and value to their employer, and clients:

4. Serving the Public Interest

Not using their authority of office for personal benefit, rejecting and denouncing any business practice that is improper:

5. Conformity to the Laws

In Terms of:

A. The laws of the country in which they practice;

B. The Corporation's Rules and Regulations;

C. Contractual obligations.

Norms of Ethical Behavior

1. To consider first, the interest of one's employer, its clients, and vendors, in all transactions and to carry out and believe in the established policies.

2. To be receptive to competent counsel from one's colleagues and be guided by such counsel without impairing the responsibility of one's office.

3. To buy without prejudice, seeking to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of expenditure.

4. To strive for increased knowledge of the materials and processes of manufacture, and to establish practical procedures for the performance of one's responsibilities.

5. To participate in professional development programs that one's professional knowledge and performance in one’s chosen field are enhanced.

6. To subscribe to and work for honesty in buying and selling and to denounce all forms of improper business practice.

7. To accord a prompt and courteous reception to all who call on a legitimate business mission.

8. To abide by and to encourage others to practice this Professional Code of Ethics.

9. To counsel and assist fellow employees in the performance of their duties.

10. To cooperate with all organizations and individuals engaged in activities that enhance the development and standing of purchasing and materials management.

RULES OF CONDUCT

In applying these rules of conduct, employees of the company shall adhere to the guidelines as set out below:

A. Declaration of Interest

Any personal interest of an employee, owner, or principle of the company that may impinge or might reasonably be deemed by others to impinge on their impartiality in any matter relevant to their duties shall be immediately declared to the employer.

B. Confidentiality and Accuracy of Information

The confidentiality of information received in the course of business will be respected and will not be used for personal gain; information provided in the course of business will be honest, accurate, and fair and not designed to mislead.

C. Competition

While considering the advantages to the employer, and the clients of the employer of maintaining a relationship with a supplier, any arrangement that fails to bring value or may hinder or prevent the application of fair and competitive business practices will be avoided.

D. Business Gifts and Hospitality

To maintain the image of honour, integrity, objectivity of the employer, it’s employees, and clients; business gifts other than items of small intrinsic value should not be accepted. Reasonable hospitality is an accepted courtesy of a business relationship. The frequency and nature of gifts or hospitality accepted should not be allowed whereby the recipient might be or might be deemed by others to have been influenced in making a compromising business decision as a consequence of accepting such hospitality or gifts.

E. Discrimination and Harassment

No employee shall knowingly participate in acts of discrimination or harassment towards any person that he or she has a business relation with.

F. Environmental Issues

Employees shall recognize their responsibility to environmental issues consistent with their corporate goals or missions.

G. Interpretation

When in doubt on the interpretation of these rules of conduct, employees should refer to the Corporate ethics officer.

ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

The following procedures shall apply unless otherwise governed by statute. Cases of members reported to have breached the Corporation code of ethics shall be referred to the corporate ethics offices.

A. Complaint Process

Allegations of a breach of the Professional Code of Ethics shall be made in writing by the witness/complainant to the corporate ethics officer. The witness/complainant shall identify themselves. Complaints of an anonymous nature will not be entertained.

1. Upon receipt of the complaint, the corporate ethics officer will send an acknowledgment of receipt to the witness and will advise the accused in writing that they are under investigation, and the nature of the complaint.

B. Investigation

1. The corporate ethics officer will conduct an investigation, which will include the opportunity for the accused to present their own version of the facts.

2. The corporate ethics officer will, within a reasonable period of time, present its report to the President of the Institute or Corporation. The report will include the nature of the complaint and the decision as to the dismissal of the complaint, or the sanction to be applied. 

3. The President will then send the decision to the accused, who has 30 days to appeal.

4. If the accused decides to make a request of appeal, then the request must be in writing to the President.

5. The President will convene an Appeal Committee meeting with the witnesses, the accused and all other persons who could have new information about the case.

6. The Appeal Committee will make its decision within 30 days of the receipt of the request of appeal. The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and without further appeal.

C. Sanctions

1. Where a case is proven, an employee may, depending on the circumstances and the gravity of the charge, be counseled, reprimanded, suspended from work or terminated from employment. Details of cases in which employees are found in breach of the Code may be published on the corporate web site or in a manner as the executive shall deem appropriate.

2. Enforcement shall be in accordance with the requirements of the P3 Purchasing.