Retired Member Policy.

Retired Members no longer work full time. They may conduct occasional work where they do not lead a program or assume responsibilities more appropriate to a practicing member.

A member who is nearing retirement and seeking to reduce hours and be relieved of their CPD obligations should consider applying for Late-In-Career status. [LINK]

Eligibility

The provisions of this policy are available to members who are in good standing and have been a practicing member of the association continuously for no less than 15 years, in the following categories: 

• Basic Avalanche Educator 
• Avalanche Practitioner
• Avalanche Professional
• Advanced Avalanche Educator

Requirements

A member wishing to be considered retired shall:

• submit a request to the Membership Chair stating the date from which the member wishes to be considered retired;
• be listed in the CAA Member Directory upon approval of the Membership Chair in the category in which they were last practicing, with the added notation “Retired” to flag the member’s status to the public;
• have their membership fee waived and replaced with an administrative fee of $85.00 per year;
• not have to maintain CPD records;
• not take on full-time work; occasional work where the Retired Member does not lead a program or assume responsibilities more appropriate to a practicing member is permitted (members should approach these work opportunities conservatively);
• seek the advice of Membership Services or the Professional Practices Specialist when unsure of how this policy should be applied;
• retain voting rights within the CAA and other benefits, with the exception of practice suitable to a practicing member; and
• be referred to the Complaint Investigation Committee where a member appears to be practicing in excess of this policy or decisions set out by the Membership Chair.

Returning to fully practicing membership

Within the first five years of being retired, should a member wish to return to full practice, a letter should be sent to the Membership Chair explaining the reason and confirming they intend to fully adhere to the CPD policy going forward.

If a member is in either Late-in-Career or Retired status for a combined total of five years or longer, and wish to return to fully practicing membership, they must reapply.

Appeals

The Membership Chair has the discretion to approve, review and, if required, remove Retired status from a member as deemed appropriate. Where the member believes the Membership Chair has erred in judgment, a written appeal can be made to the Board of Directors to review the decision. The decision of the Board of Directors in such cases is final.