I have been asked to speak to you about the work of the federal Task Force on Public Service Values and Ethics, and how its findings relate to issues of accountability and new organizational forms.
All government organizations exist to serve the public interest .
This means that when we join them, we agree to put aside our private interests in order to occupy positions of public trust. We agree to act in ways that respect the common good. This is fundamental. No government organization can compromise on this. Public servants who weigh one public interest or good against another, must have the full confidence of Ministers and of citizens that such dealings will always be impartial, professional and politically neutral, and be carried out by people who serve because of their merit to do a good job.