The confidentiality of information received in the course of duty must be respected and should not be used for personal gain, information given in the course of duty should be true and fair and not designed to mislead. While considering the advantages to the member's employer of maintaining a continuing relationship with a supplier, any arrangement which might, in the long term, prevent the effective operation of fair competition, should be avoided. Business Gifts . To preserve the image and integrity of both the member and the employer, business gifts should be discouraged. Gifts, other than items of very small intrinsic value such as business diaries or calendars should not be accepted.
Moderate hospitality is an accepted courtesy of a business relationship.
However, the recipients should not allow themselves to reach a position whereby they might be or might be deemed by others to have been influenced in making a business decision as a consequence of accepting such hospitality. The frequency and scale of hospitality accepted should not be significantly greater than a recipient's employer, through the recipient's expense account, would be likely to provide in return. When in doubt of what is acceptable in terms of gifts or hospitality, the offer should be declined or advice sought from the member's superior. Advice on any aspect of the precepts, guidance or principles and standards may be obtained by contacting the Ethics Committee through the Head Office of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada . Details of cases in which members are found in breach of the Code may be published in such a manner that the Board shall deem appropriate.