Ethics Plan
Adjudicative Tribunals Accountability, Governance and Appointments Act, 2009

(Disponible en français)

Introduction

The purpose of the Adjudicative Tribunals Accountability, Governance and Appointments Act, 2009 (“ATAGAA”) is to ensure that adjudicative tribunals are accountable, transparent and efficient in their operations, while remaining independent in their decision-making. Tribunals Ontario’s Ethics Plan was prepared in accordance with O. Reg. 91/11 enacted under ATAGAA, which sets out the mandatory content for any adjudicative tribunal or cluster’s ethics plan. This Ethics Plan applies to all members, both full-time and part-time appointees, of Tribunals Ontario.

The Ethics Plan has been approved by the Integrity Commissioner appointed under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 (PSOA).

Practices and Procedures

A. Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 (PSOA) and Conflict of Interest Rules

Under Part IV (Ethical Conduct) and Part V (Political Activity) of the PSOA, Tribunals Ontario’s members and former members are bound to comply with requirements designed to ensure that their private interests are not in conflict with their duties and responsibilities in relation to the cluster or the Crown.

These requirements include the Conflict of Interest Rules for Public Servants (Ministry) and Former Public Servants (Ministry), O. Reg. 381/07 enacted under PSOA These Conflict of Interest Rules help Tribunals Ontario’s members and former members identify types of situations in which actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest may arise, and, likewise, set out guidelines against which possible conflicts of interest will be assessed by the Executive Chair.

Tribunals Ontario will ensure that members are familiar with the requirements of the PSOA and the Conflict of Interest Rules 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 Office of the Integrity 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 or the Conflict of Interest Rules that address ethical conduct or political activity; and
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 Tribunals Ontario’s Code of Conduct, which is part the member accountability framework that also contains the job description of the members. The Code of Conduct provides guidance on their professional and ethical responsibilities.

Tribunals Ontario 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; and
5. notifying members yearly, of their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct

C. Training

Tribunals Ontario's professional development plan for members will include annual training on this Ethics Plan, any applicable Conflict of Interest Rules and Code of Conduct.

D. Other Tools

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

E. Alternative Formats/Contact Information

This Ethics Plan is available in various accessible formats including Braille, audio tape and large print. For alternative format or a paper copy, please contact the Office of the Executive Chair, Tribunals Ontario.

Adoption

This Ethics Plan will be reviewed every three years along with the other public accountability documentation required by ATAGAA.

This Plan was adopted by the Executive Chair on August 7, 2020.