Know your responsibilities: Understanding non-exempt assets and liabilities
September 17, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:34
As a DND employee or CAF member, you are responsible for reviewing your personal finances and investments to ensure your assets or liabilities do not create real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest.
What are non‑exempt assets?
An asset is anything you own that has value, such as investments, property, or business interests. A liability is a financial obligation such as a loan, mortgage, or line of credit.
DAOD 7021‑1 groups financial assets into two separate categories:
- Non‑exempt assets and liabilities – These assets and liabilities could influence the way you perform your DND/CAF responsibilities and create a conflict of interest depending on your role.
- Exempt assets and liabilities – These assets and liabilities are intended for personal use and are generally unlikely to create a conflict of interest.
Examples of non‑exempt assets include:
- stocks or shares in defence‑related companies or the defence sector that are self-directed;
- ownership interests in private companies, especially those that work with the Government of Canada;
- rental properties and commercial farms;
- foreign and cryptocurrencies; and
- loans owed to organizations that work with DND or the CAF.
When do you need to disclose?
You must declare all non-exempt assets and liabilities using the DND-2839-E/F Confidential Report, especially if they:
- could be affected by a DND or CAF decision;
- could influence, or appear to influence, your work; or
- could reasonably be seen as helping you gain personal benefits.
Why does disclosure matter?
Declaring non-exempt assets is a proactive way to manage conflict of interest risks. Once you declare them, conflict of interest analysts will review your situation and recommend ways to reduce risk. This could include stepping away from certain job duties, selling an asset, or placing assets at arm’s length.
This process protects both you and the organization and helps maintain public trust.
Review your assets and liabilities regularly and report significant changes as they happen, including changes to your role and responsibilities that may give you access to privileged information.
Want to learn more?
For more information, visit the Conflict of Interest page. Inquiries can be submitted via email at COIDEP-CIPED@forces.gc.ca.