Ethics

General principles

Commissioners shall at all times conduct themselves with loyalty and dignity, demonstrate reserve, and abstain from any statement or action that is incompatible with their duties. In the performance of their mandate, Commissioners shall promote the satisfaction of Québec's energy needs in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and with attention to economic, social and environmental concerns. They shall also reconcile the public interest, consumer protection and equitable treatment of distributors.

Impartiality

Commissioners shall demonstrate impartiality at all times. They shall act and be seen to act objectively and without prejudice. They shall abstain from expressing in public any opinions that might cast doubt on their objectivity or impartiality, or that of the Régie.

Independence

Commissioners shall at all times defend the independence of their office. They shall perform their duties free of all interference. They shall avoid placing themselves in an equivocal position.

Political neutrality

Commissioners shall set aside their personal political opinions so as to perform their duties with due objectivity.

Commissioners shall exercise reserve in the public expression of their political opinions and shall not belong to any advocacy group that takes positions on energy-related matters.

Conflicts of interest

Commissioners shall avoid placing themselves in a position of conflict of interest. They shall arrange their personal affairs so as not to interfere with the performance of their duties. They shall not use the power of their position to obtain or grant any benefit or favour. Commissioners shall have no interest, direct or indirect, in any company that produces, transports, distributes or supplies energy, or in any organization, association or undertaking an interest in which would create a conflict between their personal interests and the duties of their position.

Declaration of interests

Each Commissioner shall submit an annual written declaration to the Chairman of the Régie stating all the interests he or she

possesses which he or she believes could create a conflict of interest.

Recusal

Commissioners shall recuse themselves from any deliberations in which their ability to deal impartially with the application under consideration could be in doubt. A Commissioner shall bring any situation which he or she deems to be problematic to the attention of the Chairman of the Régie.

Confidentiality

Commissioners shall swear an oath of confidentiality upon entering upon their duties. Commissioners shall abstain from making any comment or taking any public position on any file, whether or not they are personally responsible for that file, and shall express their points of view only through the decisions rendered by the Régie. Commissioners shall at all times respect the confidentiality of the documents and information to which they are made privy in the performance of their duties and may not use them for personal ends.

Duty to act with equity

At hearings and in examining applications, Commissioners shall ensure that all participants have the opportunity to be heard and to make their arguments, insofar as those arguments are admissible and relevant. At hearings, Commissioners shall maintain order, taking a firm but courteous attitude which fosters mutual respect among all present.

Collegiality

Each Commissioner shall provide his or her colleagues with appropriate support, while respecting the areas of competence of each. Commissioners shall strive to ensure that the decisions rendered by the Régie are consistent, so that all intervenors who appear before the Régie receive equitable treatment.

Excellence

Commissioners shall keep their professional skills and knowledge current so as to maintain the quality of their work.

Diligence

Commissioners shall render written, reasoned decisions, effectively and diligently, in plain language.

Oath

Upon entering upon their duties, Commissioners shall take the following oath:"I, … , Commissioner, do solemnly declare that I will exercise the powers and perform the duties of my position impartially and honestly, to the best of my ability and knowledge." Action Plan on the Protection of Personal Information, in accordance with the instructions received from the Assistant General Secretary of the Conseil executive responsible for the matter, an internal committee of the Régie de l'énergie continued its work.

During the year 2000-2001, the committee issued the annual reminders concerning the use of fax machines and e-mail suggested by the Commission d'accès à l'information. It also launched a review of current practices concerning the use and destruction of personal information. The committee intends to continue its efforts along these lines in the coming year.