Integrity - Questions and Answers

For each of the behaviours linked to the value of integrity, you will find a question and answer on this page to guide you in your behaviours.

Expected behaviour: i) Acting at all times with integrity, and in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny; an obligation that is not fully satisfied by simply acting within the law.

  • I have a part-time job; can I use my ESDC computer and email account to communicate with the clients from my part-time job?

    No, ESDC equipment and email should only be used for approved departmental purposes. For further information, please consult the Policy on the Use of the Electronic Network.

Expected behaviour: ii) Never using their official roles to inappropriately obtain an advantage for themselves or to advantage or disadvantage others.

  • Can I use my ESDC identification card to gain a discount flight and hotel for my family vacation?

    No. For more information on the use of government identification cards used for travel, please consult the Travel Directive. For specific questions, you may also consult the designated departmental travel coordinator for ESDC.


  • Can I access the personal information in our ESDC databases to check on the status of my neighbour's file?

    No, you cannot check on the status of your neighbour’s file. Personal information should be used only in an authorized work-related manner, for the purpose for which it was collected. Such an action would result in a breach of the ESDC Code of Conduct, the Privacy Act, the ESDC Departmental Privacy Policy and the Departmental Privacy Guidelines.

    For more information, speak with your supervisor and consult with your access to information and privacy coordinator. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat provides a list of Access to Information and Privacy Coordinators for all departments, including Employment and Social Development Canada.

Expected behaviour: iii) Taking all possible steps to prevent and resolve any real, apparent or potential conflicts of interest between their official responsibilities and their private affairs in favour of the public interest.

  • How can I make sure my professional duties do not overlap with another activity or job outside the public sector?

    You may conduct another activity or job outside the public sector as long as you:

    • Fill out a Conflict of Interest Disclosure using ESDC’s Human Resources Service Centre if you feel there may be a real, apparent or potential conflict of interest with your professional duties;
    • Refrain from using government information, equipment, premises and work hours to do your other job.