In 2007, auditor general Sheila Fraser complained that some Agriculture Canada employees were in a conflict of interest because they processed farmer payments by day and helped other farmers fill out applications by night.This week, she gave the department a clean bill of health.”The department has responded,” she said at an Oct. 26 news conference.In a report tabled in the House of Commons, Fraser said she found evidence three years ago that some bureaucrats with inside knowledge of what types of farmer applications for Canadian Agricultural Income Stability eligibility would most likely trigger payments were working with farmers to help them fill out forms.Fraser said the department now has an internal system to avoid such potential conflicts.”(Agriculture Canada) now includes clauses in application materials that require public servants who process farm income support applications to declare they have no conflict of interest,” said Fraser’s report to Parliament. “Public servants are told not to help applicants fill out application forms for a fee. Public servants and former public servants must identify themselves when filling out applications to receive income support for themselves or others.”As well, a special Agriculture Canada group has been formed to process aid applications from present or former departmental employees “to ensure impartiality. Conflict-of-interest training is now mandatory for staff working in a all grant and contribution programs,” said the auditor-general’s report.All new Agriculture Canada employees have orientation courses that include instruction on conflict of interest issues.Fraser said all departments should do a better job of figuring out what areas of employee activity are most likely to face conflict-of-interest issues.However, she said Agriculture Canada has tried to avoid the potential for perceived conflicts of interest and aware of the need for employees to understand when they cross the line.
Ag Canada praised for improving conflict of interest issues
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