The purpose of Federal Council is to make ethical and socially responsible decisions regarding the achievement of the Federal Council mandate. To achieve this, in addition to the six core Green Values, Federal Council members will be held accountable to the following ethical, procedural and behavioural expectations in the areas of: honesty, respect, professionalism and responsibility. They are also required to take on the legal responsibilities of fiduciary responsibility and duty of care.

Fiduciary responsibility means that Councillors are required to hold the Party’s interests as paramount, above individual interests. Councillors must therefore act at all times in the best interest of the Party, avoiding conflicts of interest. In signing the Federal Councillor Declaration, Federal Council members declare that they will commit to these values, expectations, and legal responsibilities.

Honesty

  1. I will conduct myself in a manner which will maintain and strengthen the trust and confidence of the public in the integrity of the Green Party of Canada;
  2. Conduct myself with integrity in formal and informal interactions with other councillors; and
  3. Not intentionally misrepresent the stated purposes, values, or policies of the GPC.

Respect

  1. I will conduct myself with decorum during political debate (including Council discussions), respect legitimate democratic interests of all, and focus upon criticizing policies and positions rather than persons;
  2. Not make false, frivolous or vexatious complaints regarding fellow members of the GPC; and
  3. Not intentionally cause harm to any person by engaging in physical, mental, or social abuse, not use insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language or behaviour.

Professionalism

  1. I will exercise the powers of my office with due diligence, reasonably and prudently, in the best interests of the party and with responsibility to the citizens of Canada;
  2. Act with integrity and submit myself to the higher level of scrutiny appropriate to my position as a member of the GPC Council;
  3. Respect and support the Party’s Constitution, By­laws, policies, Code of Conduct, and Policy on Conflicts of Interest;
  4. Maintain solidarity with fellow Councillors in support of decisions that have been made in good faith in a legally constituted meeting;
  5. Conduct myself in a spirit of collegiality and respect for the collective decisions of the Federal Council and subordinate my personal positions to the best interests of the Party;
  6. Keep confidential all information unless the Federal Council determines that such information is public. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, information about personnel, campaign plans, membership and donor lists, financial statements, strategic and annual plans, and matters dealt with during in­camera meetings of the Federal Council;
  7. Not commit acts such as slander or mischief; and
  8. Not act in a way which would bring the Green Party of Canada, or its members into disrepute.

Responsibility

  1. I will cooperate with the authorized structures and procedures of the Party and respond in a timely manner when contacted by other officers of the Party, Party staff or officials of Elections Canada;
  2. Immediately declare any personal conflict of interest that may come to my attention; and
  3. Always act to the highest ethical standards and the legitimate interests and benefit of both GPC members and Canadian citizens.

Governance Role of Councillors

Role

  1. To set the long­term strategic vision of the Party;
  2. To oversee the work of the Executive Director against the Annual Plan;
  3. To act as Stewards for the resources of the Party, respecting the expectations of the members;
  4. To serve the members through upholding the party’s constitution; and
  5. To report the business of the Party to the members.

Duties

  1. Duty of Care: Councillors are required to exercise due diligence when taking decisions by taking the appropriate steps to make informed decisions;
  2. Duty of Diligence: Councillors are required to study the business and documents of the party, debate respectfully, and act prudently;
  3. Duty of Competence: Councillors are required to practice the standard of care expected of their personal abilities and to act cautiously;
  4. Duty of Loyalty: Councillors must place the interest of the Party first, acting honestly and in good faith, supporting the decisions of the Council, and disclosing any potential or real conflicts of interest; and
  5. Duty of Compliance: Councillors must obey the Laws of Canada and act within the scope of the Party’s Constitution, Bylaws, procedures and decisions.

Accountability

The above outlines the Federal Council Code of Conduct and the fiduciary responsibility of Councillors. Adherence to the Code of Conduct represents a condition of office for Federal Councillors. I understand that any violation or non­compliance could result in administrative or disciplinary measures up to and including removal from Council, expulsion from the GPC, and legal action. I understand that my obligation does not end with my term on Federal Council but continues in perpetuity.

In the event that a Councillor violates the Code of Conduct, the President of the GPC, along with the Executive, will assess the degree of risk and/or damage done to the Party and determine a course of action. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, the Executive may:

  1. Request clarification from the Councillor regarding their actions;
  2. Issue a verbal warning;
  3. Request a correction, retraction, and/or written apology;
  4. Recommend that Council issue a written reprimand;
  5. Recommend that Council temporarily or permanently suspend the Councillor’s privileges; or
  6. Recommend that Council expel the Councillor (per bylaws 1.3.2, 2.1.5.1, and 2.1.5.3).

The Executive or Federal Council may also choose to appoint a mutually agreed ad hoc committee to make recommendations. A record of infractions will be kept and repeated violations will be a factor in deciding upon consequences.

Declaration

I declare that I will faithfully conduct my duties and responsibilities to the highest ethical and legal standards and will to the best of my ability, maintain and strengthen the trust and confidence of the public in the integrity of the Green Party of Canada.

I declare that I will, to the best of my ability, exercise the authorities of my office in a manner that upholds the values, Constitution, Bylaws, policies, and conflict of interest guidelines of the GPC.

I declare that I have read, understood, and will abide by the ethical and legal obligations of the Federal Council Code of Conduct and fiduciary responsibility of Councillors.