curtailed, modified or terminated where it is determined that there is a real or apparent conflict of interest or an obligation to the donor. Legal framework The above provisions are designed to ensure the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service is consistent with paragraph 121(1)( c ) of the Criminal Code , which states the following: ... every one commits an offence who, being an official or employee of the government, demands, accepts, or offers or agrees to accept, from a person who has dealings with the government, a commission, reward, advantage or benefit of any kind directly or indirectly, by himself or through a member of his family or through any one for his benefit, unless he has the consent in writing of the head of the branch of government that employs him or of which he is an official, the proof of which lies on him. Avoidance of Preferential Treatment When participating in any decision making related to a staffing process, public servants shall ensure that they do not grant preferential treatment or assistance to family or friends. When making decisions that will result in a financial award to an external party, public servants shall not grant preferential treatment or assistance to family or friends. Public servants should not offer any assistance to entities or persons that have dealings with the government, where this assistance is not part of their official duties, without obtaining prior authorization from their designated superior and complying with the conditions for