A Values and Ethics Guide to Integrity
Summary
Integrity is the cornerstone of good governance and democracy. By upholding the highest ethical standards, we conserve and enhance public confidence in the honesty, fairness and impartiality of the federal public sector.
We serve the public interest by :
- Acting at all times in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that may not be fully satisfied by simply acting within the law;
- Taking all possible steps to prevent and resolve any real, apparent or potential conflicts of interest between our official responsibilities and our private affairs in favour of the public interest; and
- Acting in such a way as to maintain our employer's trust.
DO
- Work in a way that meets both the letter and the spirit of the law; how you achieve a goal is as important as the goal itself.
- Make decisions in the best interest of the department and perform your duties in an objective manner.
- Fill out a Conflict of Interest Disclosure form when there are changes in your professional or personal life.
- Ask questions (your supervisor or the Office of Values and Ethics) if you are not sure about the action to take or how to proceed.
DON'T
- Use your official role to inappropriately obtain or give an advantage for yourself or others.
- Commit fraud or other serious offences as it could lead to the termination of your employment.
- Have family members and/or friends officially report to you in the workplace (unless official control measures are in place).
- Form intimate relationships with any individual who reports to you in the workplace.
If you have questions such as...
When does accepting a gift cross the line?
Where can I find a Conflict of Interest Disclosure form?
How can my personal activities while off duty become work- related?
Why do I have to fill out a COID if I have assets or am involved in activities outside of work (paid or unpaid)?
For more information, please submit a ticket with the Human Resources Service Centre.