Learn what to do when facing a conflict of interest
September 28, 2023 – Defence Stories
Did you know that every Defence Team member—regardless of position or rank—must take all possible steps to recognize, prevent, report and resolve any real, apparent or potential conflict of interest (COI) between their official responsibilities and any of their private affairs?
Fortunately, there is a simple way to ensure that your actions respect our required acceptance of and adherence to the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics: by submitting a Confidential Report to the COI Section, Assistant Deputy Minister (Review Services).
Why disclose?
Your honesty and transparency through the completion of a Confidential Report will prevent you from finding yourself in a COI situation, thus helping the Defence Team earn public trust and confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Being unaware of a real or potential COI is no excuse and can result in serious consequences for both you and DND/CAF as an institution. Disclosure promotes transparency and is always better than attempting to manage the situation by yourself.
When to disclose:
A Confidential Report should be submitted to the COI Section within 60 days of initial appointment, subsequent appointment, transfer or deployment, if you are engaging in an activity or are in possession of a non-exempt asset or liability that might give rise to a real, apparent or potential COI in relation to your official duties.
As outlined in the DAOD 7021-1, Conflict of Interest, this includes:
- Any prospective new outside activity such as other employment, volunteering, self-employment, business ownership or political activity
- For CAF members only: Prior to commencing civil employment or undertaking a political activity, the written permission of your commanding officer is required.
- Acquisition of a new non-exempt asset or liability.
- Personnel services contract with the Government of Canada (prior to contracting).
- Appointment to an additional public service position (prior to appointment).
- Preferential Treatment and Personal or Family Relationships.
- Personal or family relationships are not prohibited within DND but should be declared if they pose a real, apparent or potential COI risk.
To make a disclosure, complete and submit a Confidential Report to the COI Section by email at COIDEP-CIPED@forces.gc.ca. Please also contact this section if you require specific advice.
For more information, guidance and resources please visit the Conflict of Interest website.