Defence Ethics Pocket Card

(Quick Reference Guide based on the DND and CF Code of Values and Ethics)

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Forces (CF) have a special responsibility for the defence of Canada, its people and its parliamentary democracy. Discharging this responsibility requires, among other things, a commitment by the Department of National Defence and its employees, and the Canadian Forces and its members, to apply the highest ethical standards in all decisions and actions, whether at home or abroad.

Principles and Expected Behaviours

1. Respect the dignity of all persons

  • Treat every person with respect and fairness.
  • Value diversity.
  • Contribute to a healthy work environment free from reprisal.
  • Work together with openness, honesty and transparency.

2. Serve Canada before self

  • Act and make decisions in the public interest.
  • Perform duty and responsibilities ethically.
  • Avoid situations that could give rise to a conflict of interest.
  • Be open, candid and impartial.

3. Obey and support lawful authority

  • Respect the rule of law.
  • Carry out duty and responsibilities in accordance with legislation, policies, and directives.

Values and Expected Behaviours

Integrity

  • Always act with integrity.
  • Never use official roles inappropriately.
  • Take all possible steps to prevent and resolve conflicts of interest.
  • Act to maintain the trust of DND, the CF, supervisors and subordinates.
  • Communicate and act with honesty.
  • Remain dedicated to fairness and justice.

Loyalty

  • Carry out the lawful decisions.
  • Appropriately safeguard and disclose information by authorised means.
  • Ensure fair treatment and professional development of personnel.

Courage

  • Face challenges with determination and strength of character.
  • Make the right choice amongst difficult alternatives.
  • Refuse to condone unethical conduct.
  • Discuss and resolve ethical issues.

Stewardship

  • Effectively and efficiently use public resources.
  • Consider the present and long-term effects of actions.
  • Appropriately acquire, preserve and share knowledge and information.
  • Provide purpose and direction to motivate personnel on applying ethics.
  • Ensure resources are in place to meet future challenges.

Excellence

  • Continually improve the quality of policies, programmes and services.
  • Promote teamwork, learning and innovation in the work environment.
  • Provide efficient and effective services in both official languages.

Ethical Decision Making

What makes a situation ethically difficult?

  • The right thing to do is not clear from the circumstances.
  • Two or more principles or values support different actions.
  • Some harm will result, no matter what you do, thus creating a “harm dilemma.”

How do you decide what to do?

  • Consider your obligation to act.
  • Ask what are the issues? What are the facts? What are the assumptions?
  • Weigh the options, including ethical principles, values, and expected behaviours.
  • Consider the risks.
  • What if you ignore the situation and do nothing?
  • Choose the best option, giving proper weight to rules, consequences, care for others and legitimate self-interest.
  • Appreciate you are not alone. Consult a friend, a colleague or a supervisor.
  • Remember you are responsible and accountable for your decisions and actions.
  • Commit your decision to action and do the right thing.