Code of Conduct: About the Code

As a public servant, you are entrusted with serving Canadians with professionalism, integrity, and respect for democratic values. You are also expected to treat your colleagues with respect. Because you represent the Government of Canada both while on and off duty, it is important to remain mindful of your actions at all times.

The Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Code of Conduct is part of your terms and conditions of employment, and it outlines the values, behaviours, and responsibilities that guide how we work together to serve Canadians. By following this Code, we uphold and strengthen public trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of the public service.

Why we have a Code

The Code is required by law. Under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act:

• The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) has created the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, which applies to all federal public servants
• Each department must have its own code that aligns with the TBS Code

The PSPC Code of Conduct meets this requirement. It includes:

• PSPC-specific guidance on expected behaviours aligned with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• direction on managing conflicts of interest, aligned with the Directive on Conflict of Interest
• guidance that supports the Policy on People Management by promoting a respectful, modern, and healthy workplace

Together, these documents are part of your terms and conditions of employment.

What the Code helps you do

• understand the values that guide your work
  • respect for democracy
  • respect for people
  • stewardship
  • integrity
  • excellence
  • leadership
  • reconciliation
• know what behaviours are expected in different situations
• make ethical decisions in your day-to-day work
• recognize, declare and avoid conflicts of interest

It also shows our clients, partners, and the public that we are committed to professionalism, fairness, and accountability.