Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Governance Model

The DFAIT governance model identifies two leads DMs – the DM of Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) and the DM of International Trade (IT) with oversight for ethics and values within DFAIT> These 2 DMs jointly oversee the ADM HR who has responsibility for:

• Organizational development, including team building
• Employee Assistance Program
• Informal Conflict Management System
• Labour Relations
• Health and Safety
• Human Rights Complaints
• Etc.

They also jointly oversee the Inspector General who manages the Director of Values and Ethics (to whom the DMs provide review and advice on cases), the Director of Audit and Special Investigations and the Director of Evaluation.

The Director of Values and Ethics has a direct role in:

• Values and Ethics advice
• Awareness
• Training and Culture development activities
• Harassment prevention
• Internal Disclosure
• Post-employment
• Conflict of Interest

The Director also coordinates with the ADM HR.

Key Outcomes (Vision): Increased discussions on values and ethics, adherence to rules and policies, more harmonious work environment and change in culture.

Scope: Requirements of Code

Primary Activities: Advice on ethical dilemmas, case management, policy implementation, referrals to other programs, awareness building (e.g., presentation), communications and other planned activities.

The model identifies linkages inside the organization including:

• HR, including about:
  • Coordination of cases
  • Shared training activities
  • HR Advisory Committee
• Audit and Special Investigations on cases and participation in committee
• Canadian Foreign Service Institute participation in training sessions and pre-posting sessions.

The model also identifies linkages outside the organization with:

• CSPS
• Universities
• OPSVE
• Partner Departments (CIC/CIDA/DND)
• EPAC
• Office of the Ethics Commissioner

For the purpose of:

• V&E training
• Learning
• Policy and networking
• Policy and coordination
• Professional development
• Order-in-Council appointments.

Return to Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Governance Model