Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service - OECD.org

1 code de valeurs et d thique de la fonction publiqueValues and Ethics Codefor the Public ServiceV&E 4" X 6" Cover 7/16/03 1:44 PM Page 14X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page a Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada,represented by the Minister of Public Worksand Government services , through your local bookseller or by mail from Canadian Government PublishingCommunication CanadaOttawa (Ontario)KIA OS9 Telephone: (613) 941-5995 Orders only: 1-800-635-7943 (Canada and )Fax: (613) 954-5779 or 1-800-565-7757 (Canada and )Internet: No.: BT22-89/2003 ISBN 0-660-62352-8 This document is available in multiple document is available on the TBS Web siteat the following address: Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page bTable of ContentsChapter 1: Statement of Public ServiceValues and Ethics The Role of the Public Service of Canada.

2 5 Objectives of this code .. 6 Public Service Values .. 7 Democratic Values .. 7 Professional Values .. 8 Ethical Values .. 9 People Values .. 10 Application .. 11 Responsibilities, Authorities and Accountabilities .. 11 Overall Responsibility of Public Servants .. 11 Public Servants .. 12 Deputy Heads .. 14 Treasury Board .. 17 Public Service Integrity Officer .. 18 Effective Date .. 18for the Public Service4X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 1 Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest MeasuresObjective .. 19 Measures to Prevent Conflict of Interest.

3 19 Methods of Compliance .. 22 Assets .. 23 Outside Employment or Activities .. 24 Gifts, Hospitality and Other Benefits .. 25 Solicitation .. 26 Legal Framework .. 27 Preferential Treatment .. 28 Chapter 3: Post-Employment MeasuresObjective .. 29 Overall Responsibility of Public Servants .. 29 Application .. 30 Before Leaving Office .. 30 Limitation Period .. 31 Reduction of Limitation Period .. 32 Exit Arrangements .. 33 Reconsideration .. 33 Values and Ethics Code24X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 23for the Public ServiceChapter 4: Avenues of ResolutionPublic Service Values and Ethics .

4 35 Measures on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment .. 36 Failure to Comply .. 37 Enquiries .. 37 Form .. 38 Confidential Report .. 38 Appendix AAssets, Liabilities and Trusts .. 39 Assets and Liabilities Subject to a Confidential Report .. 39 Assets Not Requiring a Confidential Report .. 41 Divestment of Assets .. 434X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 3 Statement of Public ServiceValues and EthicsThe Role of the PublicService of CanadaThe Public Service of Canada isan important national institution,part of the essential frameworkof Canadian parliamentarydemocracy.

5 Through the supportthey provide to the dulyconstituted government, publicservants contribute in afundamental way to goodgovernment, to democracy andto Canadian society. The role of the Public Service is to assist theGovernment of Canada to provide for peace,order and good government. The Constitutionof Canadaand the principles of responsiblegovernment provide the foundation for PublicService roles, responsibilities and the Public Service4X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 5 The democratic mission of the Public Serviceis to assist Ministers, under law, to serve thepublic interest.

6 Objectives of this CodeThe Values and Ethics code for the Public Servicesets forth the Values and Ethics of Public serviceto guide and support Public servants in all theirprofessional activities. It will serve to maintainand enhance Public confidence in the integrity ofthe Public Service . The code will also serve tostrengthen respect for, and appreciation of, therole played by the Public Service withinCanadian democracy. The code sets out Public Service Values as wellas Conflict of Interest and code should be read in the context ofthe duties and responsibilities set out inA Guide for Ministers and Secretaries of State.

7 Ministers are responsible for preserving publicconfidence in the integrity of management andoperations within their departments and forValues and Ethics Code64X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 67for the Public Servicemaintaining the tradition of political neutrality ofthe Public Service and its continuing ability toprovide professional, candid and frank advice. Public Service ValuesPublic servants shall be guided in their workand their professional conduct by a balancedframework of Public Service Values : democratic,professional, ethical and people families of Values are not distinct butoverlap.

8 They are perspectives from which toobserve the universe of Public Service Values : Helping Ministers, under law,to serve the Public interest. Public servants shall give honest andimpartial advice and make all informationrelevant to a decision available to Ministers. Public servants shall loyally implementministerial decisions, lawfully taken. Public servants shall support both individualand collective ministerial accountabilityand provide Parliament and Canadians withinformation on the results of their Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 7 Professional Values : Serving with competence,excellence, efficiency, objectivity and impartiality.

9 Public servants must work within the laws ofCanada and maintain the tradition of thepolitical neutrality of the Public Service . Public servants shall endeavour to ensurethe proper, effective and efficient use ofpublic money. In the Public Service , how ends are achievedshould be as important as the achievementsthemselves. Public servants should constantly renewtheir commitment to serve Canadians bycontinually improving the quality of Service ,by adapting to changing needs throughinnovation, and by improving the efficiencyand effectiveness of government programsand services offered in bothofficial languages.

10 Public servants should also strive to ensurethat the value of transparency in governmentis upheld while respecting their duties ofconfidentiality under the and Ethics Code84X6 Booklet-Eng new 7/18/03 09:16 Page 89for the Public ServiceEthical Values : Acting at all times in such a wayas to uphold the Public trust. Public servants shall perform their dutiesand arrange their private affairs so thatpublic confidence and trust in the integrity,objectivity and impartiality of governmentare conserved and enhanced. Public servants shall act at all times in amanner that will bear the closest publicscrutiny; an obligation that is not fullydischarged by simply acting within the law.