Policy Statement
The Halifax Public Libraries Board believes that it is fundamentally important that the public perceives that all policies and decisions of the Board are fairly and impartially determined. High standards of ethical conduct shall be maintained by elected and appointed officials serving on the Board and by all Board employees to promote and maintain public trust and confidence in local government.
Conflict of interest encompasses situations where it may seem that the public interest has not been upheld when personal private interests conflict or when there is a reasonable basis for the perception of such conflict.
The Halifax Public Libraries Board will ensure that all Board members and employees are aware of what constitutes a conflict and that appropriate procedures are followed when a conflict is perceived or declared.
Conflict Situations
The situations in which a conflict may arise between a person's private interest and public responsibility are many and varied.
The following are examples of conflict but not intended as a comprehensive statement of all conflicts:
- membership in an interest group seeking to influence Board policy
- participation in decision making about an issue when the person has a direct pecuniary interest in the outcome
- ownership of property or shares in a company which will profit from outcomes of decision making or tender award
- participation in decision making about an issue affecting the employment, remuneration or profit of a spouse, family member, close relation or friend
- acceptance of gifts, accommodation, equipment or travel from a company which has or seeks to establish a close working relationship with the Board
- use or release of confidential information for personal interests
- use of Board property, equipment or resources for personal interests or profit.
Procedure
When a Board member perceives that he/she may have a conflict of interest, he/she shall declare the conflict PRIOR to discussion of the issue before the Board. The Chair shall rule as to whether the declaration constitutes a conflict. If the Chair rules that a conflict exists, the member shall not engage in discussion, or vote, and shall be required to withdraw from the meeting for the duration of debate.
When a Board member perceives that another member has a conflict of interest which has not been declared, the Board member may request the Chair to rule. While the Chair determines whether or not a conflict exists, all debate on the issue before the Board will cease. If the Chair rules that a conflict exists, the member shall not engage in discussion, or vote, and shall be required to withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the debate.
In the event that the Chair has a conflict or perceived conflict the Vice-Chair will fulfill the role of investigating and ruling on the conflict.
The CEO shall be responsible for implementing and investigating conflicts of interest at the employee level.
