Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that later today I will be tabling the code of conduct respecting conflict of interest for employees of the public service, a new policy recently approved by the Financial Management Board.

In a time when government is being called upon to demonstrate greater accountability, it is important to clarify for our employees and the public the high standards of professionalism that guide the public service.

In developing the code, the Government of the Northwest Territories consulted with a number of stakeholders, particularly our own employees, the Union of Northern Workers and the Northwest Territories Teachers Association.

Feedback from employees was a key component in developing the code. As an employer, we sought to create a document that is understandable and fair to employees as individuals while preserving the integrity necessary for the proper functioning of our organization. Our consultation process with employees included mailing a copy of the proposed code to every employee with an invitation to provide feedback. We received a number of excellent suggestions, comments and concerns which were then researched and, where possible, integrated into the final version.

This code sets out disclosure requirements and guidelines respecting conflicts of interest for Government of the Northwest Territories public service employees both during and after the termination of their employment. It also outlines what steps employees should take to ensure that they do not place themselves in a situation of real or perceived conflict and provides mechanisms for determining whether a conflict of interest exists and, if so, for dealing with it. The guidelines are clear, concise and all in one place which will ensure a common understanding of the rule and expectations by both the government and our employees.

Employees will have the assistance of their supervisors to understand and interpret this code, as they would with any policy of the government. In addition, an ethics counsellor will be retained under a contract administered by the secretary to Cabinet to make rulings relative to a number of code provisions.

As part of the implementation process, each employee will have the opportunity to participate in an information session to review the code and its requirements. These sessions will be organized for employees in all government departments and agencies. In addition, each employee will be provided a copy of the code.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is entrusted with the protection for the public interest in many significant areas. It is therefore essential that the high standards traditionally demanded of and adhered to by our employees be recognized, documented and understood. This code of conduct will do this and further, it will help ensure continued public confidence in the impartiality and integrity of our public service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause