My role in ethics is relatively limited. In the act, there are one or two sections where the word “ethics” appears. One of my duties, which is not very well known to the public, is in section 43 of the act.
The act states:
43 In addition to carrying out his or her other duties and functions under this Act, the Commissioner shall
(a) provide confidential advice to the Prime Minister, including on the request of the Prime Minister, with respect to the application of this Act to individual public office holders; and
(b) provide confidential advice to individual public office holders with respect to their obligations under this Act.
I emphasize that the Commissioner provides advice to the Prime Minister on the request of the Prime Minister, but not always on his request. So I have the right to take the lead and give unsolicited advice, and I think that gives me some role in ethics, but that's about it.