About the Code
The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector came into force on April 2, 2012. All federal public sector employees—including separate employers, boards, agencies, commissions and parent Crown corporations–are now required to adhere to the Code as a term and condition of employment.
The Code clarifies expected behaviours that correspond to the values of the federal public sector:
- respect for democracy
- respect for people
- integrity
- stewardship
- excellence
The establishment of the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector fulfills a requirement under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA). The new Code was tabled in both Houses of Parliament on December 21, 2011.
In addition, subsection 6(1) of the PSDPA requires deputy heads and chief executives of public sector organizations to establish their own organizational code of conduct.
What happens to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service?
With this Code, the previous Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service is no longer in effect for employees of the core public administration See footnote 1 *. Furthermore, employees of the core public administration have to abide by a new, separate Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment that complements the new Code See footnote 2 **.
What information is available?
- Values Alive: A Discussion Guide to the "Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector"
- Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
- FAQs on the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
- High-Level Comparison Table Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service & Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
- Values and ethics support networks (senior officials, coordinators, etc.)
- Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment
- Application Guide for Post-Employment under the “Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment”
- Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA)
- Organizational code of conduct
Enquiries
Please direct enquiries about the Code to your responsible departmental official. For interpretation of the Code and communications tools, departmental officials should contact TBS Public Enquiries.
Return to footnote reference 1 * The core public administration consists of those departments and agencies listed in Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act.
Return to footnote reference 2 ** For employees who are members of bargaining agents currently in negotiation, the policy will come into effect when negotiations are complete. In the meantime, chapters 2 and 3 of the current Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service will remain in effect for those employees.
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