Originator: Vice President – Finance and Administration
Approver: President’s Council
Effective: April 2019
Replaces: April 2015
It is virtually impossible to avoid all Conflict of Interest. In fact, not all Conflict of Interest is wrong or unacceptable. Conflict of Interest may be an act that is forbidden or illegal, or it may be an activity that must be disclosed and monitored. Therefore, this policy seeks to encourage employees to recognize and avoid situations that are questionable or give the appearance of impropriety.
College employees will avoid circumstances which place them in real or perceived Conflict of Interest situations. College employees will disclose all issues that have the potential of Conflict of Interest for evaluation.
Note: Some previously acceptable activities may now require reevaluation and ongoing activities that involve potential Conflict of Interest should be disclosed and reevaluated at the time this policy becomes effective.
Conflict of Interest – refers to a situation which gives an individual the opportunity for external personal or financial gain arising from their employment at the College. Such a situation may make it difficult for an employee to fulfill the duties of their employment fairly. Conflict of Interest occurs when a person acts in a way that:
Most commonly, the interest in question is that of an individual. However, this policy applies equally to one whose actions are advantageous to a family member, associate, or organization with which the individual has an affiliation.
Conflict of Interest exists because of the circumstances of the situation. It is not dependent on the character, motives, or intentions of the individuals involved.
Perceived Conflict of Interest – occurs when an independent observer might reasonably question whether the individual’s professional actions or decisions are determined by considerations of personal gain – financial or otherwise.
Potential Conflict of Interest situations may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Employees found in breach of the policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
A10 – Intellectual Property and Copyright
IT1 – Acceptable use of Computer Facilities
P6 – Principles of Conduct – Disclosure, Consequences, and Responsibilities
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.