Understanding Conflict of Interest: A shared responsibility across the Defence Team
September 15, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:45
The Conflict of Interest (COI) section plays a vital role in upholding ethical standards within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Governed by the DAOD 7021 series, the COI section assesses external activities such as:
- Outside activities (e.g. secondary employment, volunteer roles, political activities, public engagements)
- Financial interests (e.g. investments, ownerships, sponsorships, donations)
- Personal relationships (e.g. workplace influence over relatives/close friends)
- Post-employment planning (e.g. after leaving DND/CAF)
- Gifts and hospitality (e.g. the acceptance of gifts or hospitality from contractors or foreign representatives)
Each case is reviewed individually to provide tailored advice that protects both personal integrity and the reputation of the DND/CAF.
In 2024–25, the COI section saw a 28.5% increase in files, reflecting growing awareness and the importance of managing conflicts of interest.
Why COI matters
COI is a cornerstone of institutional integrity. When unmanaged, it can compromise objectivity, damage public trust, and expose the department to reputational and legal risks. Defence Team members and employees are expected to arrange their private affairs to avoid real, apparent, or potential conflicts with their official duties.
New ethics attestations: Strengthening accountability
As part of the 2025–26 performance cycle, all DND employees must complete the following updated values and ethics attestations in the Public Service Performance Management (PSPM) system:
- I have read and had a discussion with my manager regarding the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, the Directive on Conflict of Interest, and my organization's code of conduct and how they apply to my work.
- I understand my responsibilities and that I have an ongoing requirement to comply with these instruments as terms and conditions of employment.
- I commit to submitting or updating a Conflict of Interest Confidential Report whenever there is any change that results in a real, apparent or potential conflict of interest.
These new attestations place greater emphasis on awareness, dialogue, and accountability, especially in relation to COI.
CAF members follow a similar process in the Performance and Competency Evaluation (PaCE) system, although attestations are optional for military personnel at this time.
Need some advice?
For more information, visit Conflict of interest – Canada.ca. Inquiries can be submitted via email at COIDEP-CIPED@forces.gc.ca.