A separate document on media training warns Statistics Canada bureaucrats about how to avoid “heading for a disaster” in a news interview and to “expect the sensational to be at the top of the story.”
The code of conduct from chief statistician Wayne Smith, obtained under access to information legislation, is one among similar codes that are being established at federal departments and agencies across government.
Statistics Canada, known for its discipline about media relations and releases of new data, will this week release some of the findings of its 2011 voluntary National Household Survey (NHS). It has faced some questions from news media and others about the reliability of the data.
Additional NHS data will be released in June and August.
The agency has been in the spotlight the last couple of years after the Conservative government — in a controversial move still debated today — announced it was replacing the mandatory long-form census with the voluntary household survey. Former chief statistician Munir Sheikh resigned a few weeks after the Harper government scrapped the long-form census.
With so many eyes on Statistics Canada, employees at the federal agency are being schooled on what they should and should not say about Statistics Canada — including on their personal time — as well as how to dress and deal with the media.
“Employees are expected to refrain from making personal remarks or comments about the organization, its staff or the government,” reads the code of conduct, obtained by Ottawa researcher Ken Rubin.
“Employees are personally responsible for the content they publish online through any social media, even if the comments are made outside working hours — particularly if they identify themselves as Statistics Canada or Government of Canada employees,” it adds.
“Employees are expected to use sound judgment to ensure that postings do not compromise the professional, respectful and non-partisan performance of their official duties.”
There’s also a dress code for Statistics Canada employees and guidelines governing personal hygiene. If you don’t pass the smell test, you may be sent home to wash up or change clothing.
“Employees are expected to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for a business workplace and should be neat, clean and well-groomed,” the code says.
“Employees may be asked to return home to change or wash if their attire or hygiene is considered unsuitable for the workplace. This includes wearing items that are revealing or soiled, or that bear inappropriate messages.” The code does not make clear what “inappropriate” means.
Adhering to the expected behaviours is a condition of employment at Statistics Canada. Employees who contravene the code may be subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination of employment or criminal charges, depending on the violation.
The code of conduct was adopted in April 2012 as required by federal legislation, according to a Statistics Canada spokesperson.
While no employees have been disciplined under the code, officials have met with some employees over their attire, while other workers have questioned what they can and cannot say on social media during personal time, said Nicole Tourigny, director of human resources operations at Statistics Canada.
“What we want to make sure is that our employees do not criticize either the government or this organization or its staff publicly,” Tourigny said. “If we can identify them as public servants, and public servants of Statistics Canada, then they have to be careful on what they’re putting in writing. We really want to make sure that we maintain our image, you know, of being real professionals.”
Doug Marshall, national president of the Union of National Employees, which represents some Statistics Canada workers, said there have been problems with the codes of conduct at several government departments.
A number of the statements in the Statistics Canada code range “from illegal to ridiculous,” he said, including ordering employees to refrain from personal comments about the government.
Federal employees have the right to say what they want about government if it doesn’t directly relate to their work, he said. Marshall also questioned the guidelines around clothing and hygiene, wondering who will define those standards.
“There are quite a few disasters in the works with these codes of conduct,” Marshall said. “These are really being used as a sword against employees.”
There’s also clear messaging and guidelines on how to deal with journalists, who according to a cartoon listed in the media training book, prioritize controversy over quantity over quality.
Under the headline “Journalistic style,” the bullet points note:
- “Some of your answers questioned;”
- “Retractions not a priority;” and
- “Expect the sensational to be at the top of the story.”
The media guidelines also warn Statistics Canada employees they “could be heading for a disaster” if they don’t know who they’re talking to, don’t negotiate, if they lose their cool or if they don’t have time to prepare.
There’s also a long list of tips for preparing for media interviews, with employees encouraged to “role-play questions and answers.”
“The goal of the interview is to be message-driven, not question-driven,” it says.
Statistics Canada workers are also encouraged to avoid getting involved in policy issues and discussing a particular program rather than research.
For television interviews, there’s a long list of tips, including avoiding “sing-song” and “verbal ticks” such as “uh,” “um” and “OK.”
Employees are also urged to keep good posture during the interview, including “keep upper torso straight,” have their “feet flat on floor or legs crossed,” and “put hands on lap, but don’t clasp them.”
Original Article
Source: ottawacitizen.com
Author: Jason Fekete
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