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DAOD 7023-0, Defence Ethics

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Policy Direction
  3. Consequences
  4. Authorities
  5. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2001-06-26

Date of Last Modification: 2015-02-17

Application: This DAOD is a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND employees) and an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Approval Authorities:

Enquiries: Director Defence Ethics Programme (DDEP)

2. Policy Direction

Context

2.1 The DND and the CAF are integral parts of the democratic society of Canada and must reflect its values. Fundamental to the effectiveness of the DND and the CAF is the strength and vitality of its ethical culture. By its nature, national defence involves the possible use of force in response to the full spectrum of defence and security challenges. Canadians expect DND employees and CAF members to consistently perform their duties to the highest ethical standards.

2.2 The Defence Ethics Programme (DEP) provides the DND and the CAF with the focus, frameworks and processes to guide, assess and improve ethical practices and behaviours in the workplace and during operations. The DEP is a values-based programme which aims to ensure sound ethical practices and decision-making by DND employees and CAF members. It also strives to strengthen and protect the ethical integrity of the DND and the CAF as institutions, and that of DND employees and CAF members as individuals.

Policy Statement

2.3 The DND and the CAF have a special responsibility for the defence of Canada, its people and its parliamentary democracy. Discharging this responsibility requires, among other things, a commitment by the DND and its employees, and the CAF and its members, to apply the highest ethical standards in all decisions and actions, whether at home or abroad.

Requirements

2.4 To ensure compliance by DND employees and CAF members with the ethical principles, values and expected behaviours set out in the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics (DND and CF Code of Values and Ethics), the DND and the CAF must provide:

  1. a comprehensive framework to assist DND employees and CAF members in maintaining ethical standards;
  2. objective standards for defence values and ethics upon which to base defence leadership and management; and
  3. clarification of ethical expectations to guide conduct and decision-making.

2.5 The DDEP must notify the Chief Review Services (CRS) of any non-compliance with this DAOD.

3. Consequences

Consequences of Non-Compliance

3.1 Non-compliance with this DAOD may have consequences for both the DND and the CAF as institutions, and for DND employees and CAF members as individuals. Suspected non-compliance will be investigated. The nature and severity of the consequences resulting from actual non-compliance will be commensurate with the circumstances of the non-compliance.

Note – In respect of the compliance of DND employees, see the Treasury Board Framework for the Management of Compliance for additional information.

4. Authorities

Authority Table

4.1 The following table identifies the authorities responsible for implementing this DAOD:

The … has or have the authority to …

DM and the CDS
  • issue the DND and CF Code of Values and Ethics.

CRS
  • develop the DEP to implement the DND and CF Code of Values and Ethics, and issue all necessary policies, instructions, guidance and procedures, including a statement of defence ethics and an ethics plan;
  • establish the Ethics Advisory Board (EAB) as an integral part of the DEP; and
  • take appropriate action in respect of non-compliance with the DAOD 7023 series.

5. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other References

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