Code of conduct

Introduction

Employees of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) play an important role in helping Canada's largest federal research and innovation organization achieve its mission: to have an impact by advancing knowledge, applying leading-edge technologies, and working collaboratively with other innovators to find creative, relevant and sustainable solutions to Canada's current and future economic, social and environmental challenges. As members of the federal public sector, NRC employees also share a responsibility for protecting the integrity of Canada's public institutions.

This NRC Code of Conduct, which includes the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, sets out values and expectations for NRC employees in carrying out their duties and constitutes a condition of employment at the NRC. NRC employees who do not comply with the standards of behaviour expected of them may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with NRC procedures.

On this page

  1. NRC values and expected behaviours
    The values and expected behaviours for all NRC employees and the commitments that employees make to their colleagues, collaborators, clients and other stakeholders.
  2. Equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation at the NRC
    The NRC's commitment to building a diverse and representative workforce, to creating an open, accessible, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and culture and to supporting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
  3. Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
    The broader, foundational values for all federal public sector workers, including NRC employees, as required under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.
  4. Application of the NRC Code of Conduct
    How to resolve ethical issues that might arise in the course of daily work at the NRC.
  5. Roles and responsibilities
    The duties and obligations of NRC managers and employees under the NRC Code of Conduct.
  6. Annex
    A list of related NRC policies and related federal instruments including legislated requirements.

For more information and guiding tools that support the NRC Code of Conduct, please consult MyZone (accessible only on the National Research Council network) or connect with the Values and Ethics team: NRC.Ethics-Ethique.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

1. NRC values and expected behaviours

Introduction

The NRC recognizes that shared values that are aligned with business priorities support organizational success because they create a common sense of direction, facilitate decision making at all levels and help guide the daily behaviour of employees. The NRC strives to contribute to an inclusive Canadian research and innovation system, one that values the engagement of all employees and allows them to realize their full potential.

NRC Dialogue was launched in 2016 as an organizational change exercise aimed at reimagining the NRC. This exercise informed, among other things, the creation in 2018 of the NRC's vision, mission and values, presented in this code of conduct.

  • NRC vision: A better Canada and world through excellence in research and innovation
  • NRC mission: To have an impact by advancing knowledge, applying leading-edge technologies and working with other innovators to find creative, relevant and sustainable solutions to Canada's current and future economic, social and environmental challenges
  • NRC values: Integrity, excellence, respect and creativity

This document expands on the NRC's values and describes the behaviours expected of NRC employees. It is designed to guide employees in performing their duties, to inform their decisions and actions, and to guide them when developing policies and processes.

The NRC will foster an environment where employees are treated in a fair and consistent manner in accordance with the NRC values and, as an overarching priority, create and maintain a safe, respectful, healthy and inclusive workplace.

Each of the NRC's values of integrity, excellence, respect and creativity are particularly relevant to employees of a national research and innovation organization. These values complement those of the broader public sector, outlined in section 3, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

NRC values

Below you will find each of the NRC's 4 values, along with the behaviours expected of NRC employees that demonstrate these values.

Integrity:

Behaving at all times ethically, honestly and objectively; being impartial and transparent with our colleagues, collaborators, stakeholders, clients, and the people of Canada; and exercising sound stewardship of our resources.

Expected behaviours of NRC employees that demonstrate integrity:

  • We are truthful
  • We declare and manage conflicts between our private interests and official duties
  • We steward resources responsibly
  • We honour our commitments to others
  • We accept responsibility for our decisions and actions
  • We ensure our actions are aligned with NRC policies and directives
  • We safeguard the security of NRC research, information, intellectual property, and resources
  • We report and cooperate in the resolution of workplace issues.

Excellence:

Pursuing excellence in all that we do - in our research and innovation, in our collaborations, in the execution of our programs, in our support to firms, and in our delivery of our common corporate services.

Expected behaviours of NRC employees that demonstrate excellence:

  • We set realistic and clearly defined goals, and deliver as promised
  • We recognize and reward performance, achievements and behaviours consistent with the NRC's values and overall strategic direction
  • We proactively identify and respond to the needs of our clients and other stakeholders
  • We monitor, evaluate and benchmark our performance
  • We encourage collaboration, cooperation, teamwork, and leadership at all levels
  • We actively encourage equity, diversity and inclusion
  • We pursue and promote research excellence and scientific and technological advances that will contribute to a better Canada

Respect:

Valuing and respecting the knowledge, expertise, and diversity of our colleagues, our workplace, our collaborators, our stakeholders and our clients to have an impact on Canada and the world.

Expected behaviours of NRC employees that demonstrate respect:

  • We take responsibility for our role in fostering physical and psychological health and safety in our workplace
  • We take responsibility for our role in creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace and workforce, free from racism, harassment, violence and discrimination
  • We acknowledge our personal and unconscious biases and address the consequences they may have on our behaviour
  • We maintain confidentiality in our dealings with colleagues, collaborators, clients and other stakeholders
  • We promote teamwork and information sharing
  • We value our relationships with our colleagues, collaborators, clients and other stakeholders and acknowledge their role in our success
  • We communicate respectfully, both in person and when using other methods of communication
  • We support those who, in good faith, bring forward concerns about the workplace and protect them from reprisal

Creativity:

Harnessing our imagination, passion for excellence, scientific exploration, technology and innovation to generate new knowledge, new technologies, new business processes, and new collaborations for a better NRC and a better world.

Expected behaviours of NRC employees that demonstrate creativity:

  • We promote innovation and encourage managed risk taking
  • We promote continuous improvement, growth and development
  • We actively seek out mutually beneficial partnerships and commit to providing fair value
  • We acquire new knowledge and skills to improve our performance through formal and informal learning and mentorship
  • We foster a spirit of openness and value a diversity of perspectives

2. Equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation at the NRC

At the NRC, we believe that diversity enables excellence in research and innovation. The NRC is committed to building a diverse and representative workforce and to fostering an open, accessible, inclusive and anti-racist work environment and culture across all our workplaces. The NRC is also committed to supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

What do we mean by equity, diversity and inclusion?

Equity: Equity aims to eliminate disparities and disproportions that are rooted in historical and contemporary injustices or oppression. It involves considering people's unique experiences and different situations and ensuring all people have access to the resources and opportunities that are needed to attain just outcomes.

Diversity: Diversity is the variety of identities in an organization, group or society expressed through culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, language, education, ability, family status and socioeconomic status.

Inclusion: Inclusion involves proactively creating an environment where people feel welcomed, respected and valued and fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. This practice involves changing the environment by removing barriers so that each person has equal access to opportunities and resources and can achieve their full potential.

What do we mean by reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples?

Reconciliation is an ongoing process involving a commitment by the Government of Canada to address the unique challenges and systemic racism that Indigenous Peoples have faced historically, and continue to face, through renewed relationships based on the recognition of Indigenous rights as well as co-operation and partnership as the foundations for transformative change.

The NRC has made advancing reconciliation a priority by building meaningful relationships and opportunities for engagement with Indigenous researchers, communities, organizations and governments and by strengthening organizational cultural awareness, building an Indigenous-inclusive environment and supporting the equitable representation of Indigenous Peoples in the NRC's workforce and the broader research ecosystem.

Our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation

Keeping in mind the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the NRC strives to create a more inclusive Canadian research and innovation system, one that values the engagement of all employees and allows them to realize their full potential. All NRC employees help the NRC foster a more inclusive and respectful environment through their actions and behaviours.

Expected behaviours of NRC employees for fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment:

  • We learn about, reflect on and are open to ways we can adapt our practices so they contribute to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace
  • We treat others with dignity, respect and consideration regardless, of their identities, experiences or status
  • We communicate appropriately and respectfully with audiences with diverse identities and experiences
  • We learn more about equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation to improve relationships and build community
  • We are mindful of our actions, behaviours and attitudes and the impact they can have others

Building a diverse and representative workforce, removing barriers and fostering an inclusive culture are key priorities for the NRC and across government. By committing to the above actions, NRC employees are playing their part to help the NRC meet its responsibilities and to build on the NRC's competencies, improve knowledge, and adjust practices in order to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation.

3. Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector

The Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) defines a public servant as every person employed in the public sector. Under the Financial Administration Act, the public sector comprises the core public administration, Crown corporations and separate agencies, such as the NRC. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector , which came into effect in April 2012, clarifies the role and expectations of NRC employees and other public servants within the framework of Canadian parliamentary democracy and the basic principle of responsible government. For NRC employees, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector should be read in conjunction with the NRC values and expected behaviours outlined in sections 1 and 2 of the NRC Code of Conduct.

The role of federal public servants

Federal public servants have a fundamental role to play in serving Canadians, their communities and the public interest under the direction of the elected government and in accordance with the law. As professionals whose work is essential to Canada's well-being and the enduring strength of Canadian democracy, public servants uphold the public trust.

The Constitution of Canada and the principles of responsible government provide the foundation for the role, responsibilities and values of the federal public sector. Constitutional conventions of ministerial responsibility prescribe the appropriate relationships among ministers, parliamentarians, public servants and the public. A professional and non-partisan federal public sector is integral to our democracy.

The role of ministers

Ministers are also responsible for preserving public trust and confidence in the integrity of public sector organizations and for upholding the tradition and practice of a professional non-partisan federal public sector. Furthermore, ministers play a critical role in supporting public servants' responsibility to provide professional and frank advice.

Objectives

The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours that guide public servants in all activities related to their professional duties. By committing to these values and adhering to the expected behaviours, public servants strengthen the ethical culture of the public sector and contribute to public confidence in the integrity of all public institutions.

As established by the Treasury Board, this Code fulfills the requirement of section 5 of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA). It was developed in consultation with public servants, public sector organizations and bargaining agents. This Code should be read in conjunction with organizational codes of conduct.

Statement of values

These values are a compass to guide public servants in everything they do. They cannot be considered in isolation from each other as they will often overlap. This Code and respective organizational codes of conduct are important sources of guidance for public servants. Organizations are expected to take steps to integrate these values into their decisions, actions, policies, processes, and systems. Similarly, public servants can expect to be treated in accordance with these values by their organization.

Federal public servants are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the following values of the public sector and the expected behaviours.

Respect for democracy

The system of Canadian parliamentary democracy and its institutions are fundamental to serving the public interest. Public servants recognize that elected officials are accountable to Parliament, and ultimately to the Canadian people, and that a non-partisan public sector is essential to our democratic system.

Public servants shall uphold the Canadian parliamentary democracy and its institutions by:

  • Respecting the rule of law and carrying out their duties in accordance with legislation, policies and directives in a non-partisan and impartial manner.
  • Loyally carrying out the lawful decisions of their leaders and supporting ministers in their accountability to Parliament and Canadians.
  • Providing decision makers with all the information, analysis and advice they need, always striving to be open, candid and impartial.

Respect for people

Treating all people with respect, dignity and fairness is fundamental to our relationship with the Canadian public and contributes to a safe and healthy work environment that promotes engagement, openness and transparency. The diversity of our people and the ideas they generate are the source of our innovation.

Public servants shall respect human dignity and the value of every person by:

  • Treating every person with respect and fairness
  • Valuing diversity and the benefit of combining the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce
  • Helping to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces that are free from harassment and discrimination
  • Working together in a spirit of openness, honesty and transparency that encourages engagement, collaboration and respectful communication

Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of good governance and democracy. By upholding the highest ethical standards, public servants conserve and enhance public confidence in the honesty, fairness and impartiality of the federal public sector.

Public servants shall serve the public interest by:

  • Acting at all times with integrity and in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that may not be fully satisfied by simply acting within the law.
  • Never using their official roles to inappropriately obtain an advantage for themselves or to advantage or disadvantage others.
  • Taking all possible steps to prevent and resolve any real, apparent or potential conflicts of interest between their official responsibilities and their private affairs in favour of the public interest.
  • Acting in such a way as to maintain their employer's trust.

Stewardship

Federal public servants are entrusted to use and care for public resources responsibly, for both the short term and long term.

Public servants shall use resources responsibly by:

  • Effectively and efficiently using the public money, property and resources managed by them.
  • Considering the present and long-term effects that their actions have on people and the environment.
  • Acquiring, preserving and sharing knowledge and information as appropriate.

Excellence

Excellence in the design and delivery of public sector policy, programs and services is beneficial to every aspect of Canadian public life. Engagement, collaboration, effective teamwork and professional development are all essential to a high-performing organization.

Public servants shall demonstrate professional excellence by:

  • Providing fair, timely, efficient and effective services that respect Canada's official languages.
  • Continually improving the quality of policies, programs and services they provide.
  • Fostering a work environment that promotes teamwork, learning and innovation.

4. Application of the NRC Code of Conduct

The NRC's values, and the organizational culture they help create, are critically important in the workplace and for maintaining the respect and trust of colleagues, collaborators, clients, government, and the public. The NRC's values reflect how employees see themselves and the organization they work for. They also affect the perceptions of collaborators, clients, government, and the public about the NRC.

As a condition of employment at the NRC, employees are required to abide by the NRC Code of Conduct by demonstrating the values and expected behaviours outlined in sections 1, 2, and 3. If employees do not abide by these values and expectations, they may be subject to administrative measures, or disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of employment.

Duty of loyalty

All federal public servants, including NRC employees, owe a duty of loyalty to their employer. This duty of loyalty is dictated by the public interest in both the actual and apparent impartiality of the public service. When hired, all NRC employees must commit to this duty, which remains an ongoing condition of employment.

If you would like additional information or guidance on duty of loyalty, send an email to the Values and Ethics team: NRC.Ethics-Ethique.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Avenues for resolution

The expected behaviours are not intended to respond to every possible ethical issue (i.e. involving questions of appropriate conduct in accordance with this Code of Conduct) that might arise in the course of your daily work. Should situations arise that may be contrary to this Code of Conduct, NRC employees are encouraged to discuss and resolve these matters with the colleague(s) in question and with their immediate supervisor. Employees can also seek advice and support from other appropriate sources, including the NRC Ombud, the Senior Ethics Officer, Informal Conflict Resolution Services, bargaining agent representatives, and the Human Resources Branch.

Under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, if an NRC employee has information that could suggest a serious breach of the NRC Code of Conduct, the employee can bring this matter to the attention of their immediate supervisor, the NRC Senior Ethics Officer or the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. Members of the public can bring such matters to the NRC Senior Ethics Officer or to the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.

NRC employees who have concerns with Code of Conduct-related decisions that directly affect them are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their supervisor. If any issues remain unresolved following such discussions, employees can make use of the appropriate NRC recourse mechanisms according to the nature of the issue. Employees can consult the MyZone page on respectful workplace, values and ethics for information on available options.

5. Roles and responsibilities

NRC President

As chief executive officer of the NRC, the President has specific responsibilities under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA), including the duty to establish the NRC Code of Conduct, and the overall responsibility for fostering a positive culture at the NRC in keeping with our values and ethics.

To this end, the NRC President ensures that measures are in place to inform employees of their obligations under the NRC Code of Conduct, that NRC employees can obtain appropriate advice on ethical issues, including on conflicts of interest, and that internal disclosure procedures are implemented effectively. The President also ensures that an ombud service is available, to provide NRC employees with an impartial, confidential and safe space to discuss and explore possible solutions to work-related issues.

NRC Secretary General and NRC Senior Ethics Officer

As required under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA), the President has designated the NRC Senior Ethics Officer as the senior officer for disclosures at the NRC The NRC Senior Ethics Officer is responsible for supporting the NRC's President and the Secretary General in meeting our requirements of the Act. This responsibility includes addressing disclosures of wrongdoing. For more information on these duties and authorities, consult the NRC procedures for disclosures pursuant to the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

The NRC Senior Ethics Officer is also responsible for monitoring implementation of the NRC Code of Conduct and, in consultation with the Secretary General, recommending any changes to the President, as appropriate.

NRC executives and managers

All NRC executives and managers are responsible for exemplifying the values and expected behaviours in the NRC Code of Conduct and for ensuring that the Code of Conduct is implemented with consistency and fairness with the NRC employees they are responsible for.

NRC employees

All NRC employees are responsible for understanding and complying with their obligations under the NRC Code of Conduct and for demonstrating the values and expected behaviours outlined in the code, in addition to their obligations under all other official policies and other instruments.

Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)

To support of the responsibilities of the Treasury Board President under section 4 of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, the duties of the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer include promoting ethical practices in the public sector.

In carrying out their responsibilities, the NRC's President, Secretary General, Vice-President, Human Resources Branch and Senior Ethics Officer will seek advice from OCHRO when required. The Treasury Board Chief Human Resources Officer has the authority to issue directives, standards and guidelines in support of the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the NRC Code of Conduct, send an email to the Values and Ethics team: NRC.Ethics-Ethique.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Annex

The following is a list of related NRC policies and related federal instruments including legislated requirements. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it includes the most common material which serves to guide NRC's Code of Conduct.

Legislation and regulations

Policies and related federal instruments

Government of Canada

National Research Council policies

For more information and guiding tools that support the NRC Code of Conduct, please consult MyZone (accessible only on the National Research Council network) or connect with the Values and Ethics team: NRC.Ethics-Ethique.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

From: National Research Council Canada

 
 
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