Ethics Plan

Introduction

To maintain the highest level of public confidence and trust, members of Social Justice Tribunals Ontario (SJTO) must conduct themselves according to prescribed ethical standards.

SJTO's Ethics Plan is prepared in accordance with O. Reg. 91/11 of the Adjudicative Tribunals Accountability, Governance and Appointments Act, 2009, which sets out the content of the plan. This Ethics Plan applies to all members (full and part-time appointees) of SJTO.

Practices and Procedures

A. Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006

Under Part IV (Ethical Conduct) and Part V (Political Activity) of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 (PSOA), members of SJTO are bound to comply with requirements to ensure that their private interests are not in conflict with their duties and responsibilities to SJTO.

SJTO will ensure that members are familiar with the requirements of the PSOA by:

1. providing each member, on appointment, with:
   1. the relevant provisions of the PSOA
   2. the Conflict of Interest Rules
   3. the internet link to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner's website
2. requiring each new member to acknowledge receipt of the documents
3. training new members on their responsibilities at the earliest opportunity after appointment
4. notifying members of any amendments to the PSOA that address ethical conduct or political activity
5. notifying members yearly, about the requirements of Part IV and Part V of the PSOA

B. Code of Conduct

Members are also required to comply with SJTO's Code of Conduct, which provides guidance on their professional and ethical responsibilities.

SJTO will ensure that members are familiar with the Code of Conduct by:

1. providing each member with a copy of the Code of Conduct on appointment
2. requiring each new member to acknowledge receipt of the document
3. training new members on their responsibilities at the earliest opportunity after appointment
4. notifying members of any amendments to the Code of Conduct
5. notifying members yearly, of their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct

C. Training

SJTO's professional development plan for members will include annual training on the Ethics Plan, Conflict of Interest Rules and Code of Conduct.

D. Other Tools

SJTO may develop other internal policies (for example, rules of practice) to help members meet their obligations.

E. Ethics Plan for SJTO Staff

The Ontario Public Service has a separate government-wide ethics plan: Guide to Public Service Ethics and Conduct that applies to all staff working at SJTO.