Public
Service Values and Ethics
A Presentation by
Jeff LeBane
Treasury Board of Canada, Secretariat
Office of Values and Ethics
Key Components and relationship to Management Accountability Framework (MAF)
and Modern Comptrollership (MC).
Mr. LeBane noted that the Code is divided into four Chapters, but indicated that he would comment on Chapters 1 and 4 only in the interests of time.
Chapter 1: Statement of principles/values
The speaker noted that Ch.1 is important for the following reasons:
- It is the first time that the statement of principles and values is articulated and recognized by the government
- It is the first time that the Public Service is recognized as a national institution
- It is the first time that the Public Service is recognized as an important component of national
democracy.
Mr LeBane noted that the Code reflects the views of 55,000 public service employees
On roles and responsibilities, the speaker elaborated on the role of deputy ministers as it relates to the Code. According to him, DMs have a responsibility to exemplify the Code and its values in their actions.. As well, DMs are accountable for the integration of values & ethics in their respective organizations.
DM Leadership: Mr LeBane indicated that DMs have additional responsibility:
- To provide means for employees to discuss issues of importance through dialogue
- To appoint a senior official to deal with the application, implementation and legitimacy of the Code
- To provide a safe haven for employees who raise issues related to the Code. Mr. LeBane cited the case of
INAC, where such a safe haven structure had been created.
Chapter 4:
According to Mr. LeBane, Ch. 4 gives teeth to the Code. . It provides avenues of resolution ,and allows for redress in case of wrongdoing. Similarly, Ch. 4 provides confidentiality, protects employees from reprisal, and allows for internal
disclosure.
According to Mr. LeBane, in the first year of operations alone:
- 1600 public servants raised issues under the Internal Disclosure Policy.
It is the view of Mr. LeBane the Code will strengthen the Values and Ethics pillar of Modern Comptrollership through the Management Accountability
Framework.
Mr LeBane emphasized the newness of the Code and announced an upcoming conference for senior officials to assist departments to develop strategies for their own integration work
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