Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs

Part I. Values and ethics training plans

Question 1

Has your organization developed department-specific values and ethics training plans down to the divisional level?

• No

If not, to what level have department-specific values and ethics training plans been developed and what is your target time frame for completing this work?

As a micro organization, we have not developed training plans down to the divisional level. The required training is the same for all employees, supervisors and managers of the department. All employees that have not yet completed the Values and Ethics Foundations course for employees have been reminded to do so by the end of June 2024. All supervisors and managers that have not yet completed the Values and Ethics Foundations course for managers have also been reminded to do so by the end of June 2024. These courses are offered by the Canada School of Public Service.

Question 2

Has your organization fully implemented department-specific training plans?

• No

If not, what is your target time frame for completing this work?

As a micro organization, we have not developed department-specific training plans. We use the existing training offered by the Canada School of Public Service. By the end of June 2024, those that still have not yet completed the mandatory training will be requested to do so and their manager will also be informed.

Part II. Codes of conduct

Question 3

Has your organization reviewed its code of conduct?

• Yes, my organization has reviewed its code of conduct.

Question 4

If your organization is in the process of reviewing its code of conduct, what is your target time frame for completing the review?

N/A

Question 5

If your organization has completed the review of its code of conduct, did this review lead to updates?

• Yes, my organization updated its code of conduct.

Please briefly describe the nature of any updates made (e.g., to clarify expected behaviours, to align with the emerging context, to include emerging risks) or explain why no updates were deemed necessary.

Our code of conduct was updated and signed by our Commissioner in 2020. We confirmed the accuracy and integrity of the information and updated links to ensure access to current and relevant data.

Part III. Discussions on personal accountability in upholding public service values and ethics

Question 6

What activities or actions has your organization undertaken to foster a conversation at all levels on personal accountability to uphold our public service values and ethics?

• Dedicated discussions at executive and management committee meetings
• Inclusion in employees’ performance and talent management cycle discussions

Please provide additional details on activities that you have undertaken, including those not listed above.

In December 2023, our Values and Ethics Champion sent an email to all staff regarding the Deputy Ministers’ Task Team on Values and Ethics Report to the Clerk of the Privy Council. Our Affirmation and Conflict of Interest Statement forms were updated at the beginning of 2024. An email was sent to all staff by our Values and Ethics Champion regarding potential conflicts of interest including contractual relationships in March 2024 following a request from the Treasury Board Secretariat related to public servants’ outside employment and activities. It stated the following: if your situation has changed since the completion of your last Affirmation form, you must complete a new Affirmation form and, if required, the completed Conflict of Interest Statement form. 

Question 7

Has your organization taken any actions to ensure that conversations on personal accountability to uphold our public service values and ethics occur on a continuing basis?

• Included as part of the onboarding process for new employees
• Incorporated in employees’ professional development and mandatory learning plans

Please provide details on activities that you have undertaken, including those not listed above.

We also plan to send a yearly reminder to all staff regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Part IV. Additional information

Question 8

What recurring themes (e.g., social media, emerging technology, conflicts of interest) have emerged from conversations with employees (e.g., students, new public servants, front-line service providers, managers, executives, members of functional/horizontal communities/employee networks) across your organization?

We have received questions from employees on potential conflicts of interest (other employment outside the Government of Canada and dual employment within the Government of Canada).

Question 9

How have you adjusted your learning activities to address recurring themes (e.g., adjusted training plans, developed specific case studies, invited expert speakers to focus on emerging themes)?

Our focus is on mandatory training.

Question 10

Are there any actions or learning activities that have been particularly successful in fostering conversations within your organization (e.g., new tools, creative approaches that have resonated well with employees and managers, meeting with small groups, equipping managers to lead conversations, equipping values and ethics office/practitioners)?

Our Affirmation and Conflict of Interest Statement forms were updated at the beginning of 2024. They were shared with employees by email and posted on our intranet page for future access.

Question 11

What indicators will be used to measure increased employee awareness of the role of values and ethics in their daily work (e.g., Public Service Employee Survey, pulse surveys, engagement with focus groups)?

We will continue to monitor the pulse of employees through our Public Service Employee Survey results, which have been very good in the past.

Question 12

Will these indicators be disaggregated by identity factors?

• No

Question 13

Is there any additional information that you would like to share regarding your organization’s work on values and ethics (e.g., to advance particular recommendations of the Deputy Ministers’ Task Team on Values and Ethics Report)?

N/A