mark melanson comment for story on lac training powerpoint
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Mark Melanson Comment on LAC Code and Training Powerpoint, March 19, 2013TRANSCRIPT
From: "Melanson, Mark" <[email protected]>Date: March 19, 2013 12:07:45 PM PDTTo: 'Margaret Munro' <[email protected]>Cc: "Provencher, Richard" <[email protected]>Subject: re: Comment for story on LAC Training Powerpoint
Dear Mrs. Munro: A code of conduct is a requirement for any organiza8on that follows sound management prac8ces. LAC’s prac8ce is and has always been to encourage employees to par8cipate in events in accordance with the ins8tu8on’s business requirements, plans and needs. LAC’s Code of Conduct does not prevent LAC employees from engaging in external ac8vi8es. However, for all public servants, freedom of expression must be balanced with their responsibility to remain impar8al and effec8ve in their professional du8es. As part of the implementa8on process for LAC’s Code of Conduct, and as the ins8tu8on’s Values and Ethics Champion, I was asked to develop the Code and this includes itera8ve consulta8ve sessions with employees. These are currently underway. Appropriate adjustments will follow since the objec8ve of the Code is that we all have a clear understanding of our responsibili8es when par8cipa8ng in internal or external ac8vi8es, whatever level or role we perform in the ins8tu8on. Mark C. Melanson, CGASenior Director General and Chief Financial OfficerCorporate Resourcing Branch Library and Archives Canada 550 de la Cité Blvd., Room 8-‐28Ga8neau, Québec K1A 0H4819-‐934-‐4627 mark.melanson@bac-‐lac.gc.cawww.collec8onscanada.ca From: Margaret Munro [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: March-18-13 8:54 PMTo: Melanson, Mark; Provencher, RichardSubject: Comment for story on LAC Training Powerpoint
Hello Mr. Melanson and Mr. Provencher, We are planning a follow-up story on the LAC's new code of conduct, based on the attached powerpoint presentation. I am wondering if you would comment on the the need for the two-hour training sessions and how much the sessions are costing taxpayers in terms of employee time/salaries. Could you also tell me who is conducting the training sessions. We would also like to include comment from the LAC on the rationale for section 4.4.2 in the code, which has many people concerned. Why have invitations to teach or be a guest at conferences as a personal activity or part-time employment been identified as "high risk to LAC and to the employee with regard to conflict of interest, conflict of duties and duty of loyalty." Have there been problems with teaching and talks on personal time by LAC staff in the past? If so, could you provide specifics. Observers such as Loryl MacDonald, President of the Association of Canadian Archivists, say the new code also appears to suggest LAC librarians and archivists can no longer work or interact on personal time with academics or archival associations that receive funding or lobby the LAC. Why is this provision needed?
Is the LAC considering withdrawing or revising the code in light of the the concerns that have been expressed?
Could you get back to me by mid-afternoon Tuesday. I need to file my story by 3 pm EST.
Appreciate your help,
Margaret Munro