December 12, 2003Ottawa, OntarioCanadians have every right to expect that their public office holders will act in accordance with the highest standards. That is why the government is committed to functioning in an ethical and transparent manner.Legislation to Create the Office of an Independent Ethics Commissioner and a Senate Ethics OfficerThe government will move immediately in the new session of Parliament to reinstate legislation to establish the office of an independent Ethics Commissioner and a Senate Ethics Officer. The Ethics Commissioner will report to the House and, once a code of conduct for the House is adopted, will have authority to review the actions of all Members of Parliament, including Ministers. The Prime Minister committed the government to work with Senators and Members of Parliament to have the legislation passed as quickly as possible, to adopt codes of conduct to support the legislation in the Senate and the House of Commons, and to consult opposition party leaders in the House and Senate on the appointment of an Ethics Commissioner and a Senate Ethics Officer. Strengthened Ethical Standards for Public Office Holders At his first Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister will issue an updated Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. Public office holders are Ministers, Ministers of State, Parliamentary Secretaries, members of ministerial staff, and Governor in Council appointees. The Code has been strengthened by adding: a ban on the use of noncommercial chartered or private aircraft by Ministers for any purpose unless in exceptional circumstances and only with the prior approval of the Ethics Counsellor, and public disclosure of the use of such aircraft; a new requirement for public office holders to place any gifts arising out of activities associated with the performance of their official duties and responsibilities which are valued over $1000 into the government inventory;a new requirement for public office holders to consult the Ethics Counsellor where they have any doubt as to the appropriateness of accepting an offer of a gift, hospitality, or benefit, including from family members and close personal friends, and to obtain the approval of the Ethics Counsellor to accept the offer; public disclosure of liabilities by Ministers, Ministers of State, and Parliamentary Secretaries when required by the Ethics Counsellor; and new provisions for recusal which mandate public disclosure of the issues requiring recusal and any changes to these issues, the process to administer the recusal, and annual reporting by the Ethics Counsellor on recusal practices. The Code is administered by the Ethics Counsellor and will be administered by the office of the independent Ethics Commissioner, reporting to Parliament, if legislation is passed to establish the new position. Recusal Process for the Prime Minister The Prime Minister will be held to a higher standard of reporting through a public statement by the Ethics Counsellor of specific instances when the Prime Minister has recused himself, subject to respecting Cabinet confidences and the Access to Information and Privacy Acts. Guide for Ministers and Ministers of State The Prime Minister will distribute to his Cabinet a revised Guide for Ministers and Ministers of State which provides his personal directions to the government on democratic reform and integrity. The Guide outlines the new Ministerial and Parliamentary relations that are intended as a result of the democratic reform initiative, and describes the new role of Parliamentary Secretaries. The Guide announces a new policy on mandatory publication of the travel and hospitality expenses of Ministers, Ministers of State, Ministers’ offices, and Parliamentary Secretaries on a quarterly basis. This policy will also apply to Deputy Ministers. Whistleblowing The Prime Minister has committed the government to delivering an early response to the Working Group to Review Internal Disclosure Protection in the Public Service of Canada, which is expected to report by the end of January 2004. The Working Group has been asked to propose options for change, including legislative approaches, that reflect the government's operating requirements and Canadian values and ethics.
