Transcript
Transcript: Building a Strong Public Sector Through Values and Ethics
The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector was enacted in 2012 and since then has become a guidepost for the professional conduct of employees in the public sector. But how was it created and why? Let's uncover its roots.
The origins of the Code can be traced back to the mid-nineties, when then Clerk of the Privy Council, Jocelyne Bourgon, established nine task forces. Their role was to investigate the challenges that had emerged following spending reductions and changes to the Government of Canada's operating model. Former Deputy Minister of Justice John Tait was asked to lead the Task Force on Values and Ethics.
In 1996, Tait and his team released a report titled "A Strong Foundation: Report of the Task Force on Public Service Values and Ethics".
The report established the elements still fundamental to public service values and ethics today: integrity, impartiality, transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity. It also identified four categories of public service values: democratic, professional, ethical, and people.
In 2003, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service was introduced in response to the Tait Report.
The Code outlined the values and ethics guiding public servants in their professional activities and set out conflict of interest and post-employment measures. It aimed to maintain confidence in the integrity of the public service and strengthen respect for its role in Canadian democracy. It became a condition of employment for employees in the core public administration, regardless of their level or position.
In 2012, the Code was updated to become the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector. This was pursuant to the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, which required the Treasury Board of Canada to extend the application of the Code to the entire federal public sector. This included all crown corporations and public organizations, but excluded the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Communications Security Establishment, which have separate requirements.
At the heart of the Code are five enduring values:
- Respect for Democracy: We must uphold parliamentary democracy through impartial duty execution, adherence to the rule of law, and unbiased decision-making.
- Respect for People: We must value diversity, treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness, and foster safe, healthy workplaces.
- Integrity: We must act with honesty, transparency, and accountability, always prioritizing the public's best interest.
- Stewardship: We must use public resources responsibly, ensuring sustainability, and preserving and sharing knowledge.
- Excellence: We must provide efficient services that respect Canada's official languages, foster teamwork, learning, and innovation, and improve the quality of our work.
Together with the Financial Administration Act and the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, the Code creates a framework that fosters ethical behaviour, accountability, and integrity in the federal public sector. It promotes a culture of trust, fairness, and transparency in all aspects of government operations.
The Code is a living framework that remains highly relevant to this day, offering public sector employees a North Star as they navigate today's complex challenges.
Learn more by visiting the Treasury Board Secretariat website.
