• provide advice on values and ethics, namely regarding the Code of Conduct and other related policies governing ethical behaviour, and help employees resolve ethical issues;
• manage an ethics program that will help promote ethics and develop individual and organizational capabilities;
• be the first point of contact for concerns and complaints pertaining to non-compliance with the Code of Conduct or any related policies (namely policies on Conflict of Interest , Anti-Discrimination and Harassment, Political Activity, Disclosure of Wrongdoing, and Fraud and Theft), other than the Journalistic Standards and Practices.

Is the Commissioner independent?
The Commissioner is neutral and independent. To ensure this independence and neutrality, the Commissioner has a direct reporting line to the CEO.

What is the difference between the Ombudsman and the Commissioner?
The main difference is that whereas the Commissioner has jurisdiction regarding the Code of Conduct and related policies, the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction relates to the Journalistic Standards and Practices. The Ombudsman namely acts as an appeal authority for complainants who are dissatisfied with responses from CBC information or program management regarding complaints that are related to information content. For additional information on the Ombudsman’s role, please see http://www.ombudsman.cbc.radio-canada.ca/

If I reach out to the commissioner, will our conversation be confidential?
Protecting confidentiality is a priority for the Commissioner. Confidentiality will be maintained, subject to the requirements of legislation, the rules governing court or other legal proceedings and, in the case of complaints, the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice, namely the right for the subject of the complaint to respond to allegations during the investigation.

If I decide to make a formal complaint, what will the process be?
The Commissioner is the first point of contact for complaints related to the Code of Conduct or related policies (namely Conflict of Interest, Anti-Discrimination and Harassment, Political Activity, Disclosure of Wrongdoing, and Fraud and Theft). You can contact the Commissioner directly, either by email, by phone, or by using this form. The complaint process details can be viewed here

How long does it take to deal with a complaint?
Each case is different: some require a lengthy investigation, meeting with numerous witnesses and gathering data from different places, whereas others are more straightforward. Once the Commissioner has gathered from the complainant all the details necessary to launch an investigation the aim is to resolve cases as expeditiously as possible, ideally within 4 to 5 weeks. Cases that are urgent in nature will be prioritized in order to have them resolved as soon as possible. Particularly complex cases or those involving many witnesses may sometimes take more time, in which case the complainant will be informed. Finally, in some cases it may be more beneficial for all parties involved to first try and resolve the situation using conflict resolution processes, which may require additional time.