Sponsor: High River & District Chamber

Co-Sponsor: Southeast Alberta Chamber

Issue

Canada’s federal public service plays a critical role in shaping and implementing policies that directly impact the nation’s economic well-being. However, the current Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector 1 does not explicitly recognise fiscal responsibility or economic stewardship as guiding principles. In an era of increasing fiscal pressures and economic uncertainty, embedding these values into the ethical framework of public service is essential.

Background

The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2003 as a foundational document to guide the conduct of federal public servants. It was developed in response to growing public expectations for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, and it reflects a shift from rule-based compliance to a values-based culture in public administration.

The Code outlines five core values—Respect for Democracy, Respect for People, Integrity, Stewardship, and Excellence—which serve as a compass for public servants in their daily responsibilities. These values are intended to ensure that public servants act in the public interest, uphold democratic institutions, and maintain public trust in government.

The inclusion of these values was a response to several decades of evolving public service ethics, including the 1996 Task Force on Public Service Values and Ethics, which emphasized the need for a more principled and professional public service. The Code was later updated in 2011 to align with the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, reinforcing its role in promoting ethical conduct and whistleblower protection.

However, while the Code emphasizes stewardship—defined as the responsible use of resources—it does not explicitly address economic stewardship or fiscal responsibility as standalone ethical imperatives. In today’s complex economic environment, where governments face mounting fiscal pressures, rising public debt, and increasing demands for efficient service delivery, this omission represents a critical gap.

Economic considerations are essential to:

• Ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, accountability, transparency and responsible budgeting.
• Promote innovation and efficiency in public service delivery.
• Maximise the economic impact of government programs and investments.
• Align public sector decision-making with long-term economic goals.
• Support national competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

By embedding “Economic Values and Impact” into the Code, the Government of Canada can reinforce a culture of fiscal prudence, economic foresight, and value-for-money thinking across the public service. This would not only enhance public confidence in government operations but also align public sector ethics with the economic realities and aspirations of Canadians.

Recommendations

That the Government of Canada:

Integrate Economic Considerations into the Public Service Values and Ethics Code by amending the Values and Ethics Code of the Public Service to include “Economic values and impact” to

• Promote Fiscal Responsibility: Ensure efficient use of public resources, aiming for cost-effective solutions and prudent financial management.
• Support Economic Growth: Encourage policies and practices that foster sustainable economic development, innovation, and competitiveness.
• Enhance Public Value: Strive to maximise the economic benefits of public services and programs for all Canadians.

Date approved: June 18, 2025

Resources:

• Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=25049 
•  A special calling: values, ethics and professional public service: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/values-ethics/code/special-calling-values-ethics-professional-public-service.html