Values and ethics
Did you know?
Values Alive: A Discussion Guide to the "Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector" aims to demystify the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector by stimulating thinking and dialogue about how best to apply the values. Values Alive is intended to assist all public servants in integrating the concepts found in each value statement into all areas of their work lives, from day-to-day decision making to policy development to regular operational work, no matter the level or position they occupy.
Federal public servants have a fundamental role to play in serving Canadians, their communities and the public interest. The values of respect for democracy, respect for people, integrity, stewardship and excellence are the foundation for all of the work of federal public sector employees.
The Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer is the centre of expertise and leadership on values-based management and we are also the policy centre for the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act. We maintain networks of practitioners and work with other organizations that are dedicated to the promotion and continuation of the highest standards of values and ethics in the Public Sector.
Values and Ethics: Key Information
Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector - Outlines the values and expected behaviours that guide public servants in all activities related to their professional duties.
Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment - Provides direction and measures to assist organizations and public servants in effectively dealing with real, potential and apparent conflict of interest situations which may arise during and after employment in the public service.
Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act - Gives federal public sector employees and others a secure and confidential process for disclosing serious wrongdoing in the workplace, as well as protection from acts of reprisal.
Prevention and Resolution of Harassment - Helps employees and managers establish a culture of collaboration and respect, prevent harassment and use resolution mechanisms that are appropriate in the circumstances.
Policy on Legal Assistance and Indemnification – Outlines the provisions for protecting the interests of the Crown, as well as Crown servants from financial liability arising from the performance of their duties
Workplace Well-being – Provides guidance to creating high-performance organizations through establishing the right conditions to generate high levels of employee engagement.
Related Resources
Support networks and departmental contacts
For further information regarding responsibilities related to respective organizational codes of conduct, there are several support networks available for guidance and support. These include:
- Senior Officials for Public Sector Values and Ethics
(Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector) - Senior Officers for Internal Disclosure
(Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act) - Departmental Coordinators for the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment
(Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment) - Departmental Officers for Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Measures
(Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment) - Departmental Coordinators for the Employee Assistance Program
(Policy on Employee Assistance Program)
Other resources
- Public Service Commission – Responsible for safeguarding the non-partisanship of the public service through a focus on staffing practices and partisan political activities by public servants.
- Canada School of Public Service – Learning opportunities to help public servants understand the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and how it applies to them.
- Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada – The Office investigates wrongdoing in the federal public sector and helps protect whistleblowers and those who participate in investigations from reprisal.
- Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner – The Office administers the Conflict of Interest Act for public office holders and the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons.
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