The mandate of the Ethics Commissioner is to administer a code of conduct for Members of the House of Commons as well as the Prime Minister’s ethical guidelines for Ministers and other public office holders.
The Ethics Commissioner reports directly to the House of Commons and is appointed for a five-year term.
The position of Ethics Commissioner was created in 2004. The position of Senate Ethics Officer was created at the same time.
The Federal Accountability Act, which received Royal Assent in December 2006, expanded the role of the Ehtics Commissioner by creating a new Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner to administer a new Conflict of Interest Act. The Commissioner will have a judicial or quasi-judicial background and have powers to fine violators and consider public complaints.
