To help you understand which activities public servants can undertake, and which cannot, here is a summary. If you fall into the category of a “restricted employee”, additional restrictions on political activity apply.
Definition: “Restricted Employees” mean the following:
- deputy ministers;
- heads of secretariats of the Executive Council;
- assistant deputy ministers;
- directors;
- regional directors;
- assistant directors;
- assistant regional directors;
- chief executive officers of corporations or agencies of the GNWT;
- regional superintendents;
- division directors;
- executive branch staff, other than secretarial staff, clerical staff, or executive assistants to elected Ministers;
- staff of the Department of Personnel (Human Resources), other than secretarial or clerical staff;
- superintendents of education;
- area superintendents of education;
- assistant superintendents of education; and
- supervisors of schools.
✔ - may ✘ - may not
| Activity | Employees | Restricted Employees |
|---|---|---|
|
Personal solicitation of funds for a territorial political party or candidate. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
During working hours, engage in any political activity for a territorial or federal political party or candidate. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Use GNWT premises, equipment or supplies for any political activity. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Display or distribute territorial or federal campaign literature or other promotional materials in a GNWT office or premises. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Be a candidate in a federal, provincial or territorial election unless on a leave of absence granted for such purpose. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Serve as an official agent for a candidate. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Serve as an executive officer of a territorial political party or territorial riding association. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Use employment position to affect political activity of another person. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Publicly criticize any policy of the GNWT about which the employee acquired information by virtue of his or her position, or that directly relates to the duties of the employee. |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Speak in public or express views in writing for distribution to the public on any matter than forms part of the platform of a territorial or federal political party, including criticism of candidates, position or policies. |
✔ |
✘ |
|
Attend any meeting of a territorial or federal political party as voting delegate. |
✔ |
✘ |
|
Serve as executive officer of a federal political party, riding or association. |
✔ |
✘ |
|
Campaign on behalf or actively work in support of a territorial or federal political party or candidate. |
✔ |
✘ |
|
Attend political meetings. |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Be a member of a political party. |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Contribute money to a political party or candidate. |
✔ |
✔ |
If you have any questions about activities you wish to participate in please review the Code of Conduct or speak with your manager.