On July 24, 2024, the federal Conflict of Interest and Ethics
Commissioner, the Hon. Konrad von Finckenstein, released two
reports with respect to Sustainable Development Technology Canada
(SDTC). The reports further build the body of decisions of the
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner interpreting
the Conflict of Interest Act (Canada) (COIA)
and provide important guidance for directors and corporate
secretaries of federal Crown corporations.
The reports focus on the actions of the Chair of SDTC and
another director in participating in decisions regarding grants to
companies with which they had relationships.
In his report, the Commissioner concluded that the Chair
contravened the COIA by: