Conflict of Interest

FAQ: Ethics and Conflict of Interest

• Ethics

  How does the Ethics policy apply to me?

  The Ethics Policy makes up your terms and conditions of employment. It outlines the Values of the organization and promotes a respectful workplace.

  Why does the Public Service Code of Ethics apply to CFMWS employees?

  CFMWS is listed as the Staff of the Non Public Funds, CF, a Separate Employer, under Schedule V of the Financial Administration Act.  This means the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) is applicable to CFMWS.  The PSDPA then requires the application of the Public Service Code of Ethics on the organization’s employees.

  What is a Disclosure of Wrongdoing?

  The Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act  (PSDPA) came into effect in April 2007.  It is a secure and confidential process for disclosing serious wrongdoings in the workplace, as well as protection from acts of reprisal, such as losing your job or any other adverse effect on your employment.

  What is a Wrongdoing?

  Wrongdoing relates to serious violations that go against the public interest, such as: 

  • violating any Act of Parliament or any Act of the legislatures of the provinces; 
  • misusing public funds or public assets; 
  • gross mismanagement in the public sector; 
  • doing something—or failing to do something—that creates a substantial and specific danger to the health, safety or life of persons or to the environment; 
  • seriously breaching the CFMWS code of conduct; or 
  • knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit a wrongdoing set out above  

  
  How do I report a wrongdoing?

  To disclose a wrongdoing, or to seek advice regarding the PSDPA in the public accountability framework, contact the DND Internal Disclosure Office.

• Conflict of Interest

  What is a conflict of interest?

  Conflict of Interest is a situation in which a CFMWS employee has private interests that could improperly influence the performance of his or her official duties and responsibilities or in which the CFMWS employee uses his or her position for personal gain.
  
  A real conflict of interest exists at the present time, an apparent conflict of interest could be perceived by a reasonable observer to exist, whether or not it is the case, and a potential conflict of interest could reasonably be foreseen to exist in the future.

  Why do we have to complete a Conflict of Interest Declaration Form?

  The purpose of the Conflict of Interest (COI) declaration form supports the COI policy and ensures there are no real conflicts of interests, and where applicable a mitigation of apparent or potential COI has been properly considered and documented to ensure the integrity of CFMWS and the public’s perception of CFMWS. 
   
  The completion of the form is mandatory. It helps protect the employee by clearly defining what is acceptable conduct and protects the organization.

• General

  If employees have concerns about these policies and how it applies to their day-to-day work, what resources are available to them?

  When situations or issues happen or do not clearly fall under these policies, CFMWS employees are encouraged to discuss and resolve these matters with their immediate supervisor or manager. 
   
  The Centre for Conflict Resolution is also available to provide guidance on all matters relating to values, ethics and conflicts of interest within CFMWS.

  Who is subject to this policy?

  This policy applies to all CFMWS employees, both indeterminate and temporary.

  The spirit of the policy applies to 3rd party Contractors and Volunteers, as it impacts the CFMWS workplace.

  If an employee believes there is a breach of the policy, what do they do?

  Most ethical breaches are a result of confusion, misunderstandings or a lack of information.  It is expected CFMWS employees will resolve issues in a fair and respectful manner by: 

  • One on one dialogue; 
  • Management Intervention; or 
  • If the issue cannot be resolved, the matter can be brought to senior management’s attention.  

  The Centre for Conflict Resolution and Ethics is available for guidance on both informal and formal resolutions at any level.

  Is training available?

  A mandatory training module called, “NPF Intro to Values and Ethics” is available on the Defence Learning Network (DLN).

  The Centre for Conflict Resolution and Ethics as well as provides customized training available by request from a manager.