Values and ethics: A renewed conversation
“Our public service values and ethics are our compass to guide us through times of change. As head of the public service, I am committed to fostering a renewed conversation on values and ethics that will support the effective management and renewal of our public service over the years to come.”
“Our public service values and ethics are our compass to guide us through times of change. As head of the public service, I am committed to fostering a renewed conversation on values and ethics that will support the effective management and renewal of our public service over the years to come.”
“Our public service values and ethics are our compass to guide us through times of change. As head of the public service, I am committed to fostering a renewed conversation on values and ethics that will support the effective management and renewal of our public service over the years to come.”
- Clerk Hannaford
Federal public servants play a fundamental role in serving Canadians and upholding public trust.
The public service faces increasingly complex challenges and a dramatically changing geopolitical context. As a result, there is a need to reflect on what it means to be a public servant and how to bring values and ethics to life in the important work done in service to the country every day.
Engaging in honest dialogue on public service values and ethics will help public servants better understand how to navigate challenges and explore opportunities. This ongoing conversation is a chance to reflect on, recognize and celebrate the critical work that public servants do to support government and serve those who call Canada home.
Post-symposium message on next steps for departments and agencies (October 2024)
Read Clerk John Hannaford’s message highlighting tools and resources shared at the symposium on values and ethics. In it, he also identifies next steps for departments and agencies, to be put into action by spring 2025.
Clerk John Hannaford’s remarks at the symposium on values and ethics (October 2024)
Clerk Hannaford delivered a speech on what it means to be a public servant at the event, What Unites Us, Defines Us: Values and Ethics in Today's Federal Public Service. Read his remarks on how we bring our values and ethics to life by serving democracy, Canada, and Canadians, as well as by making our workplaces healthier, inclusive, accessible, and representative of those we serve.
Self-assessments on efforts to broaden the conversation on values and ethics (2024)
On April 4, 2024, Clerk Hannaford and Deputy Clerk Fox asked deputy heads to provide an update on their efforts to renew the conversation on values and ethics within their organizations. Read the responses provided by departments and agencies.
Continuing our dialogue, positioning for the future: Progress update on values and ethics
Read the report summarizing departments’ responses to the values and ethics self-assessment questionnaire. It highlights key themes, findings and actions underway to broaden the conversation on values and ethics.
Message on organizational self-assessments (April 2024)
Clerk Hannaford and Deputy Clerk Fox are asking departments and agencies to share their progress on the goals outlined in the Call to Action on Anti-racism, Equity and Inclusion and the steps they have taken to advance the public service–wide conversation on values and ethics.
Message on broadening the values and ethics conversations within organizations (March 2024)
Deputy Clerk Fox gave deputy heads advice and tools to help them lead their teams in embracing the practical dialogue that will drive collective learning about values and ethics.
Message on next steps for departmental work on values and ethics (January 2024)
Clerk Hannaford provided direction to deputy heads on next steps to be carried out in organizations.
Message on the milestone report from the Deputy Ministers’ Task Team on Values and Ethics (December 2023)
Clerk Hannaford welcomed the milestone report from the Deputy Ministers’ Task Team on Values and Ethics.
Message on bringing values and ethics to life in our changing environment (September 2023)
Clerk Hannaford announced the creation of the Deputy Ministers’ Task Team on Values and Ethics.
Deputy Ministers’ Task Team on Values and Ethics Report to the Clerk of the Privy Council
Read the Task Team’s milestone report summarizing conversations deputy ministers had with individuals, networks and communities (both internal and external to the public service) on values and ethics.
Additional resources
Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
The values and behaviours expected of public servants in all activities related to their professional duties.
Privy Council Office Code on Values and Ethics (2021)
Encompasses the core values and expected behaviours put forth in the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, with the addition of specific guidance from a PCO perspective.
Values Alive: A Discussion Guide to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
This guide is intended to help all public servants, no matter the level or position they occupy, incorporate the concepts found in each value statement into all areas of their work lives, from day-to-day decision making to policy development to regular operational work.
Values and ethics of the public service
Read about diversity and employment equity, official languages and other values of the public service.
Canada School of Public Service Values and ethics learning path
A learning journey to thoroughly understand the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector. Find tools that will empower public servants at all levels to promote personal accountability in upholding our shared values and engage in meaningful discussions on values and ethics in the public service of Canada.
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