The conflict of interest rules that apply to public servants working in government ministries also apply to public servants appointed to or employed by public bodies. These rules are set out in Ontario Regulation 381/07 under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 (PSOA).

However, the PSOA allows public bodies to develop their own rules for the commissioner’s approval. The commissioner’s view is that public bodies should only submit their own rules for approval if their unique mandates give rise to increased likelihood of potential conflicts and additional rules would more thoroughly address these circumstances. To be approved, rules submitted by agencies must, at a minimum, meet the ethical standard set by Ontario Regulation 381/07.

Only nine public bodies have chosen to develop their own rules. All other public bodies are subject to Ontario Regulation 381/07. Approved rules take effect once published on the commissioner’s website.