This Code sets out the standards of behaviour that Agricorp expects from its board members and employees. It provides a set of guidelines and ethical standards to be used by board members and employees in the day-to-day performance of their duties.
Code of Ethics in PDF format
Contents
- Code of Ethics
- Standards of Professional Conduct
- Accountability
- Service to the Public
- Political Activity
- Conflict of Interest
- Use of Agricorp Property and Electronic Tools
- Confidentiality
- Discrimination and Harassment
- For More Information
Code of Ethics
Given our vision to be the recognized providers of agricultural risk management products, it is important that all Agricorp employees and members of Agricorp's Board of Directors (board members) maintain the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct.
This Code applies to all representatives of Agricorp, including board members, officers, and permanent, contract, and part-time employees.
If any representatives of Agricorp fail to conduct themselves in accordance with this Code, please email ethics@agricorp.com.
Standards of Professional Conduct
Each board member and employee must sign a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Declaration.
The following is a list of expectations of Agricorp's representatives.
Accountability
Representatives of Agricorp should:
- project a positive, professional image
- conduct activities with honesty, fairness, and fiscal responsibility
- complete all work assignments in a prompt and efficient manner
- treat all people with equality and respect, regardless of gender, age, race, or religion
- report any violation of the law, policies, or procedures to a manager or to the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Service to the Public
Representatives of Agricorp should:
- bring to their work integrity, dedication, and a passion for excellence
- provide timely, knowledgeable, and courteous assistance to clients
- be sensitive and responsive to changing needs, wishes, and rights of the public while respecting the legal framework within which service is provided
- promote excellence in public service by enhancing their professional knowledge, skills, and competencies.
Political Activity
Employees cannot:
- engage in political activity in the workplace
- publicly engage in political activity while in a work uniform, such as door-to-door canvassing on behalf of a candidate.
Whenever employees are uncertain as to the legality or propriety of expressing their personal views, they should seek approval from their manager or the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Conflict of Interest
Representatives of Agricorp should:
- avoid real, potential, or perceived conflict of interest situations. Where a conflict of interest exists, Agricorp's interests must always be considered paramount.
- be prudent in giving or receiving any gift, entertainment, donation, benefit, service, or other favour that might materially affect, or be seen to potentially affect, the performance of their roles and responsibilities, or which might prejudice the credibility of Agricorp. A gift valued in excess of $50.00 that is received by a representative of Agricorp is to be: placed on display as a corporate asset, returned to the giver with a copy of this Code, accepted and donated to a registered charity, or sold with proceeds of the sale donated to a registered charity. The person or organization giving the gift must be advised, in writing, of the disposition of the gift. When extending hospitality or giving gifts, they should do so in accordance with the current Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive of Management Board of Cabinet.
- avoid situations in which they, a related person, a dependent, a member of their immediate family, a friend or business associate could directly or indirectly benefit from their influence or decision-making powers. Where a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest exists, employees are required to declare it to their manager or, in the case of board members or the Chief Executive Officer, to the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, or in the case of the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
All program payments or claims to board members will be subject to audit.
All program payments or claims to employees may be subject to audit.
Use of Agricorp Property and Electronic Tools
Representatives of Agricorp should apply good judgement regarding the use of electronic research and communication tools and use these tools responsibly.
Representatives of Agricorp must never use electronic tools:
- in violation of any laws
- to transmit confidential information to parties who should not receive it
- to download, disseminate, or post any copyrighted material
- for political or lobbying purposes
- to view or transmit obscene, racist, or objectionable material
- for commercial or profit-making purposes unrelated to Agricorp
- to prevent others from accessing services or to attempt to disrupt services
- to send forged messages under someone else's User ID
- to access, attempt to access, or use another individual's data or information without proper authorization.
Confidentiality
All representatives of Agricorp are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER F.31. All are required to comply with Agricorp's Privacy Policy.
Representatives of Agricorp will:
- not divulge any confidential information to any person unless expressly authorized or required by law to do so. This obligation continues indefinitely, even when no longer a member of the board or employed by Agricorp. Our clients trust that board members and employees will protect the confidentiality and sensitivity of personal information entrusted to their custody.
- exercise due diligence in the protection of confidential information. This includes, but is not limited to, such physical measures as the locking of file cabinets, the securing of personal computer databases, password protecting mobile devices and shredding appropriate documents, and using secure email service.
- not disclose to any member of the public, either orally or in writing, any secret or confidential information acquired by virtue of their official position. Each board member and employee must sign a Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement.
Discrimination and Harassment
Representatives of Agricorp have a duty to treat members of the public and one another fairly and to ensure that their work environment is free from discrimination and harassment.
All harassing conduct, including behaviour that a reasonable person would conclude contributes to an intimidating or offensive environment, is forbidden. The Ontario Human Rights Code clearly prohibits discrimination, which includes harassment against any employee on the basis of:
- race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, same-sex partnership status, or disability; and
- sexual harassment or harassment on the basis of gender or sexual orientation.
For More Information
For more information consult the relevant legislation listed below:
| Legislation | Location |
|---|---|
| AgriCorp Act | http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/96a17a_e.htm |
| The Ontario Human Rights Code | http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/code/index.shtml |
| Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act | http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90f31_e.htm |
| Corporate Policy | Location |
| Privacy Policy | http://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/privacy |
