Deputy Minister to the Premier Cam Swan has delivered his report on vendor sponsored travel to Premier Scott Moe. In November 2018, the Premier directed Mr. Swan to conduct the report after concerns were raised about public sector employees undertaking vendor sponsored travel that resulted in personal benefits.
Based on responses by ministries, agencies and crowns, Mr. Swan’s report finds that there has been no reported vendor sponsored travel that did not meet learning and development or procurement requirements.
As part of the report, three recommendations were made to strengthen the existing code of conduct framework for public sector employees:
Expansion of the Conflict of Interest Policy to include clarity on vendor relationship and acceptance of gifts including a definition of permitted vendor sponsor travel.
Every employee within the Government of Saskatchewan undertake Conflict of Interest Training.
Updating current travel approval forms to indicate whether the purpose of travel is vendor sponsored.
“Although the Government of Saskatchewan’s Oath of Office and Conflict of Interest policy for public employees is similar to those across the country, I found that there is no clear policy within executive government that outlines specifics of employee behavior as it relates vendor relationships,” Swan said. “This report is therefore an opportunity to apply a consistent standard and definition across all ministries, crowns and agencies.”
The Premier has accepted the findings of the report and has committed to implementing the three recommendations made by Mr. Swan. This will ensure that a clear and concise conflict of interest policy is followed uniformly by all employees within the Government of Saskatchewan, its agencies, and crowns.
“I would like to thank Mr. Swan for delivering this report,” Moe said. “Our government expects all public sector employees to adhere to a high standard of conduct. I accept all recommendations made by Mr. Swan, and will ensure action is taken to implement these recommendations immediately.”
As committed by the Premier when he directed Mr. Swan to conduct the report, the report has been released publicly.
