Scenario: Business Class or Not?

Group Size: 4-15

Scenario

 “June, guess what?” Caroline says, looking very irritated. “The Director General (DG) is doing it again.”

“Doing what again?” June asks.

“Travelling business class. He does it all the time. Last week, it was Halifax; a few weeks ago, it was Edmonton; now, it’s Winnipeg.”

“Well, you know, Caroline, at his level he is entitled to travel business class” June replies.

“I realize that” says Caroline, “but there’s a big difference between what you’re entitled to do and what you should do. Look, it’s totally reasonable for senior officers who are on long trips like to Australia, for example, but a flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg is just a few hours, and for that, I think business class is a bit much.” After a pause, she adds, “Plus, I heard Major Daws complain the other day that his Temporary Duty (TD) had been cancelled by the DG because the directorate’s budget is tight. The same thing has also happened to others in the office. The DG’s regular business-class trips around Canada can’t be helping any.”

“You’ve got a point,” says June. “We also have been told to save where we can, especially with the shape of the economy these days.”

“On that front, things have hit a little too close to home for me,” Caroline says before lowering her voice. “I didn’t want to bring this up, but my husband was laid off last month, along with dozens of others at his company.”

“I’m so sorry, Caroline,” June says with empathy. “That must be tough.”

“Yeah, it sure is. What makes it even tougher is that we spend taxpayer money on business-class privileges when there are so many Canadians hurting, either looking at layoffs or already out of work.” Caroline sighs, looking a little worn out. “I know I can’t do anything about it, but I don’t think it’s right, and maybe it’s time for things to change.”

Categories

• Principles: Serve Canada before Self
• Values: Integrity, Stewardship
• Cultural themes: Service
• Misconduct types: Not Specific
• GBA Plus themes: Income, Rank
• Audience: Defence Team

Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the ethical obligation of “Serve Canada before Self” in this setting.
• Discuss the ethical values of integrity and stewardship in this scenario.

Facilitation Questions

1. What is the problem in this scenario?
   • Open group discussion.
2. As an observer adopting a Defence ethics point of view, what do you think about Caroline’s views on the DG’s travel practice?
   • Open group discussion.
   • Her DG chooses to travel business-class when he flies. His travel expenses are paid for by public funds and she believes that business-class travel is unnecessary and excessive.
   • The government has identified a legitimate basis for granting an entitlement. In many cases, such as this, clear policies are developed to avoid the need for frequent ethical dilemmas. In this case (i.e., a flight over two hours), the DG has a clear right, in governmental directives, to travel business class (reference below). Caroline’s financial situation, or society’s financial situation at large, does not have any bearing on the DG’s rightful benefits.
3. What considerations are at play with respect to Defence Ethics and the military ethos?
   • Open group discussion.
   • Discuss the ethical obligations of “Serve Canada before Self” in this setting and as it pertains to making decisions and always acting in the public’s best interest.
   • Discuss the ethical values of integrity and stewardship in this scenario.
4. What course(s) of action would you take in this scenario?
   • Open group discussion
   • Option 1: Speak to the DG about your concerns. 
   • Option 2: Speak with trusted mentor or ethics personnel to gain more insight and another point of view.
   • Option 3: Look into the regulations to learn more about what the DG’s rightful entitlements include.

Note to facilitator: According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and Department of National Defence (DND) policies, he is entitled to business-class travel because of his position classification as a DG. The rules are clear: for work travel of more than 850km or two hours flying time (whichever is greater), those at or above the level of Brigadier-General/Commodore/EX-02 (National Capital Region), or Colonel/Captain(N)/EX-01 (outside National Capital Region) may travel business-class. (ref.: Canada.ca GC site; “Special Travel Authorities”).