Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

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?

Our organization is small and has limited resources. Following renewed discussion of values and ethics, we have elaborated an action plan, which also includes the review and implementation of a training plan. To ensure that we complete this activity without rushing, the training plan is scheduled to be finalized in the second quarter and is expected to be implemented in the third.

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 previously mentioned, we aim to start rolling out training plans in the third quarter of this year.

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 reviewed and came into force on December 1, 2022. One of the elements of the action plan is to carry out a review of our code of conduct to ensure that it is still up to date.

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?

• Specific values and ethics communications campaigns

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

We have a communications calendar with reminders about proactive disclosure (external activities). The Values and Ethics Champion and committee also sends messages on this subject. The action plan includes elements to come to this effect (e.g. discussions in the various work units with scenarios, platform at the annual general meeting, etc.).

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?

• No response submitted

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

For the 2024–2025 performance agreements, an organizational objective is mandatory for all employees in the organization, and one of the performance indicators directly relates to values and ethics.

Organizational priorities or current activities related to programs or activities: Organizational objective related to the Engagement Charter, values and ethics, respect for official languages, organizational renewal and active employee participation in the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages’ work environment.

Employees’ work objectives: Contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives by fostering a healthy and respectful culture.

Performance indicators: Adopt ethical behaviours that respect the Code of Conduct and Etiquette of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, as well as the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

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?

Employees raise their concerns and questions with members of the Values and Ethics Committee. Committee members discuss these at meetings to determine how to respond and whether reminders or messages should be sent to all employees. Topics reported include social media, artificial intelligence and clothing choices.

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)?

As previously mentioned, we will develop a training plan that will take into account employees’ preoccupations.

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)?

An anonymous suggestion box has been put in place. A follow-up on the comments received is conducted so that employees know that measures have been taken.

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)?

For now, considering the size of our organization and the available resources, we are considering using the Public Service Employee Survey. However, this approach may be reviewed.

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