Senate adopts changes to Conflict of Interest Code for Senators

THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR SENATORS

Ottawa (June 17, 2014) – The Standing Committee on Conflict of Interest for Senators is pleased to announce that its report proposing amendments to the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, presented Friday, June 13, has been adopted by the Senate.  The Committee proposes amendments to the Code periodically in order to adapt its provisions to contemporary realities and to enhance public confidence and trust in the Senate and Senators.

The amendments are in the spirit of the Code as a living document and reassert the commitment of the Senate and each individual Senator to the highest standards of conduct.  “Each Senator’s summons to the Senate expressly states the precedence of parliamentary obligations over all others. We are pleased to propose amendments reaffirming that the first duty of a Senator is the performance of his or her parliamentary duties and functions,” said Senator Raynell Andreychuk, Chair of the Committee.

The amendments also touch on general rules of conduct.  “The Senate has confirmed that the Code should state explicitly that Senators must perform their parliamentary duties and functions with dignity, honour and integrity,” added Senator Serge Joyal, P.C., Deputy Chair of the Committee.  He noted that “this amendment reaffirms the commitment of the Senate and each Senator to the highest standards of conduct.”

The Senate has also agreed that the Code be renamed the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators.  The title would better reflect Senators’ obligations under the Code and the provisions of the Parliament of Canada Act, which established the position of Senate Ethics Officer.

Other proposed amendments would clarify the disclosure requirements of Senators.

To read the committee’s report, please visit: http://ow.ly/y8mkF

For more information, please contact:

Ceri Au
613-944-9145
Ceri.Au@sen.parl.gc.ca