“Minimal Value” demystified: Small gifts, big impact on integrity
October 6, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:45
Following our previous article on attending events, let’s take a closer look at what “minimal value” really means when it comes to gifts and hospitality—and why it matters.
For members of the Defence Team, the concept of minimal value is essential to maintaining integrity and public trust. It refers to items or hospitality so modest that a reasonable person would not view them as influencing official decisions or actions.
Acceptable examples of minimal value items or hospitality
- Modest tokens of appreciation: A CAF member receives a branded coffee mug after speaking at a community event. The item is symbolic and of minimal value, unlikely to sway professional judgment.
- Light refreshments at official events: Coffee and snacks offered during a conference break are standard hospitality. Their acceptance is incidental and does not create a conflict of interest.
- Cultural or traditional gifts: A small, handcrafted item received during an international visit reflects goodwill and cultural respect, not monetary value.
- Tickets to a minimal value local event: A $20 ticket to a community-level sports game is modest and contextually appropriate, posing no risk of undue influence.
- Low-cost corporate merchandise: Calendars, water bottles, or keychains handed out during meetings are low-cost and commonly distributed, unlikely to affect procurement decisions.
- Shared hospitality at a business-related meeting: A sandwich and beverage shared during a business meeting are modest and aligned with the meeting’s purpose, maintaining impartiality.
Unacceptable examples of minimal value items or hospitality
- High-end personal items: Accepting luxury items like a watch or electronic device from a contractor can be seen as an attempt to influence future decisions.
- Luxury event tickets: Exclusive tickets with catered hospitality suggest favoritism and compromise integrity.
- Lavish meals at high-end restaurants: Multi-course meals with premium wine exceed acceptable hospitality and may bias judgment.
- Paid trips by a third party: All-expenses-paid travel to luxury resorts is a clear conflict of interest.
- Big discounts on personal purchases: Significant personal discounts on high-value items can be perceived as buying influence.
- Private use of facilities: Access to yachts or vacation properties far exceeds minimal value and violates principles of impartiality.
Unsure if a gift or hospitality meets the minimal value or needs approval? Contact the Conflict-of-Interest Section at COIDEP-CIPED@forces.gc.ca. Consult DAOD 7021-3 for full policy details.