Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

None of the recent and important changes in Canadian society have been more pervasive than the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Constitutional Act of 1982. Values and obligations that had been supported by traditions and customs for centuries were given greater visibility and power by becoming the highest law of the land.

Similarly, the Statement of Defence Ethics aims to give greater visibility to the ethical values of Defence. It contains three parts. The preambule states that the statement applies at both the individual and the organisational levels. The second part presents a hierarchical set of three ethical principles and the third a list of six core ethical obligations, which together reflect the unique character of Defence.

Ethical principles

1. Respect the dignity of all persons;
2. Serve Canada before self; and
3. Obey and support lawful authority.

Obligations

Integrity
We give precedence to ethical principles and obligations in our decisions and actions. We respect all ethical obligations deriving from applicable laws and regulations. We do not condone unethical conduct.
Loyalty
We fulfil our commitments in a manner that best serves Canada, DND and the CF.
Courage
We face challenges, whether physical or moral, with determination and strength of character.
Honesty
We are truthful in our decisions and actions. We use resources appropriately and in the best interests of the Defence mission.
Fairness
We are just and equitable in our decisions and actions.
Responsibility
We perform our tasks with competence, diligence and dedication. We are accountable for and accept the consequences of our decisions and actions. We place the welfare of others ahead of our personal interests.

The three ethical principles refer to universal ethical obligations owed, in order of priority, to humanity, to society, and to lawful authority. Military and civilian personnel should appeal to these ethical principles, in their order of precedence, whenever they are involved in decision-making concerning the right thing to do. Thus, the principle of the rule of law is generally recognized as a defining characteristic of a liberal democracy. However, the interpretation and the application of this principle is rooted in and guided by the more general obligation that all Canadians owe to their democratic and free country. Accordingly, anyone within the public sector is expected to place the well being of Canada before his or her own private interests while exercising the authority and the mandate they have been granted. When doubt persists on the right thing to do after having appealed to the ethical obligations rooted in lawful authority and our society, military and civilian personnel should be guided by their universal ethical obligations to humanity. In most circumstances, anything we do in the defence community should pass the test of these three hierarchical ethical principles.

In contrast, the six ethical obligations are considered standards of conduct that have equal weight. Difficulties encountered in applying these obligations should be resolved by appealing to the three ethical principles.