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Summary of Restrictions on Political Activity for GNWT Employees

Restricted employees often occupy positions of influence within the GNWT, including positions in senior management and positions in the Human Resources or Executive branches.  The full definition of restricted employees can be found in the Public Service Act Regulations.

Restricted employees are subject to the limitations placed on all GNWT employees and, where a public servant falls into this category, additional restrictions on political activity apply. Notably, these employees are not permitted to publicly participate in or to speak publicly about a political candidate or party’s campaign or platform.

If employees are unsure of whether they fall into the category of a restricted employee or whether a specific political activity is restricted under this Code, they are encouraged to speak with their supervisors for clarification. 

Please review the following for information about restrictions on political activity for territorial public servants:

✔ - may     - may not

 

Activity Employees Restricted Employees

Personal solicitation of funds for a territorial political party or candidate.

Engage in any political activity other than voting in a public election.

Use GNWT premises, equipment or supplies for any political activity.

Display or distribute campaign literature or other political promotional materials in a GNWT worksite.

Be a candidate in an Indigenous, municipal, territorial, provincial, or federal government election unless on a leave of absence granted for such purposes.

Serve as an official agent for a candidate.

Serve as an executive officer of a territorial political party or territorial riding association.

Use their employment position to affect the political activity of another person.

Publicly criticize any policy of the GNWT about which the employee acquired information by virtue of their 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, positions, 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.