Reported Case for 2009-2010, 3^rd Quarter

A disclosure received under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) made allegations claiming a PWGSC employee was in a conflict of interest position as a result of a relationship with a private sector firm that was doing business with PWGSC. It was also alleged there was favouritism in awarding that firm contracts through a standing offer. PWGSC took immediate action and after a thorough investigation it was determined these allegations were founded. Disciplinary measures were invoked and the employee is no longer employed by PWGSC. Specific contracts with the firm in question are being reviewed to ensure the Crown received value for money.

The incident has underlined the need to continue to be vigilant in delivering PWGSC's values and ethics program through education, training and awareness. To reinforce the application of existing guidance, the Department recently established a framework to assist PWGSC managers in assessing and mitigating employee\employer relationship risk as well as managing consultants and contractors working on government sites. Finally, the Department is in the process of finalizing a guideline on “Ethical Relationships” between employees, vendors and suppliers.