To begin with, Mr. Chairman, I would point out that we are not satisfied with the work done by the secretariat. We clearly indicated in our report that TBS needed to create a new values and ethics code under legislation passed in 2007. But the new code still does not exist. So the 2003 code has to be used. Of course, there are rules in the public service regarding conflict of interest situations, but beyond the rules and codes, the main thing is that the secretariat does not provide solid support to the departments.
In this chapter of our report, we looked at cases identified in earlier audits. We noted that the departments had reacted and had implemented mechanisms to deal with specific cases. But they need to do much more to make public servants aware of possible conflicts of interest and their obligations in those cases. I believe that ongoing attention and education are needed so that people can recognize conflicts of interest and know what they need to do.
It should be noted, I think, that just because a person is in a conflict of interest situation does not necessarily mean that inappropriate action is then taken. A conflict of interest can arise simply because of circumstances, such as knowing a certain person very well or having ties to someone through marriage. People need to identify these situations and be sure that nothing gives the impression that an inappropriate action has taken place.