11.3: Professional Codes and Standards of Conduct in Public Procurement
In the public procurement sector, a code of conduct is essential for buyers and vendors to ensure that procurement activities are conducted ethically, transparently, and fairly. This framework helps maintain public trust and confidence in the procurement process by setting clear expectations and standards of behaviour.
Below, we will discuss the codes and standards of conduct prescribed by the Government of Canada for employees and purchasers associated with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and vendors who provide services to federal, provincial, and municipal agencies in Canada.
Essential Reading
Code of Conduct and Standards of Conduct for PSPC Employees
The code of conduct for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) employees outlines the ethical framework and standards expected of all personnel. This code is designed to ensure that employees act with integrity, respect, and professionalism in their roles, thereby maintaining public trust and upholding the department’s values.
The following are the four fundamental values that guide PSPC employees:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Leadership
The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector (VECPS) is a code of conduct that applies to all PSPC employees, regardless of their position or location and outlines the values and expected behaviors for all public servants in Canada. It emphasizes the importance of:
- Respect for Democracy
- Respect for People
- Integrity
- Stewardship
- Excellence
To learn more about PSPC’s values and standards of conduct read “Chapter 2: PSPC Values and Standards of Conduct.” Code of conduct | Public Services and Procurement Canada – Canada.ca
To learn more about the VECPs visit Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector- Canada.ca.
Essential Reading
Code of Conduct for Procurement
The Code of Conduct for Procurement establishes the expectations and obligations for vendors and their sub-contractors who engage in procurement activities with the Government of Canada. It aims to ensure that procurement processes are conducted openly, fairly, and transparently, thereby maintaining the confidence of both the vendor community and the Canadian public.
According to the code of conduct, vendors are supposed to
- Perform their duties in good faith
- Avoid conflict of interest
- Protect the environment by providing goods and services that reduce environmental impact
- Ensure a respectful work environment
- Uphold international human rights and labour standards
- Respect the rights of Indigenous people
- Ensure that their supply chains are free of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.
To learn more about the Code of Conduct for vendors read Code of Conduct for Procurement – Canada.ca.
Checkpoint 11.3
Attribution
The multiple choice questions in the Checkpoint boxes were created using the output from the Arizona State University Question Generator tool and are shared under the Creative Commons – CC0 1.0 Universal License.
