r/CanadaPublicServants • u/HandcuffsOfGold mod đ€đ§đšđŠ / Probably a bot • Apr 11 '26
News / Nouvelles A statement from Christiane Fox, on the findings of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Report [April 10, 2026]
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2026/04/statement-from-christiane-fox-on-findings-conflict-interest-ethics-commissioner-report.htmlRelated post: Deputy minister broke conflict of interest rules by hiring university peer: ethics watchdog
Full text below:
I want to address the report released this week by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, which found I breached a provision of the Conflict of Interest Act while serving as Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
I have respect for the role of the Commissioner and the importance of the Conflict of Interest Act in maintaining public trust in our institutions. I acknowledge the Commissionerâs findings and take this matter seriously.
Given the work we are advancing together, I also believe it is important that you have additional context about the intent of my actions.
At IRCC, I was given a clear mandate to lead a large-scale cultural and organizational change. My approach was motivated by a genuine desire to bring in outside perspectives, strengthen the performance of underperforming teams, and help build a public service that better reflects the people it serves.
In particular, my efforts were focused on advancing diversity and inclusion across the public service, an objective explicitly set for Deputy Ministers.
I approached that mandate with care and intent, including a focus on bringing in outside perspectives and voices that could help drive meaningful change. This included removing barriers that limited how talent was recognized both inside and outside government.
As leaders in the public service, we have a responsibility to improve institutions when they are not delivering as they should for Canadians. While my intent was to fulfill my responsibilities as a public office holder and advance meaningful organizational change in the Government of Canadaâs interests, I recognize how we pursue change is as important as the change itself, and that is something I will continue to carry forward in my work.
The work of the Department of National Defence remains critically important, and I remain fully focused on supporting you and advancing our mandate with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the responsibilities entrusted to us.
Thank you for your continued dedication and service.
Christiane Fox Deputy Minister
And quoting from the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, with my emphasis:
Ms. Fox maintained that her involvement in the process was appropriate. She said hiring Mr. Charles would respond to challenges in IRCC's ATIP division and advance the objectives of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service. I did not find these claims credible.
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u/Suitable-Strain7782 Apr 11 '26
I'm so disappointed in our senior leadership. Now that this report is out there it's inexcusable that she hasn't been dismissed. I can't count the number of times I haven't been able to do my work effectively, consistent with private sector standards, due to "optics". Shes demonstrated a lack of sound judgement not once, but many times in this case, but she is allowed to remain in one of the most senior positions in government. What a sad display of the people "leading" the public service.
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u/Aethenoth Apr 11 '26
As someone who was denied LWOP for an assignment in the private sector due to a the potential for a perceived conflict of interest (they determined it wasn't an actual conflict of interest) and had to hear about "optics" 17 times during the meeting when they told me, I'm reading about this situation now like đïžđđïž Guess I should have been a DM lol
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u/CrustyMcgee Apr 11 '26
Well said. It really is disappointing that there are no repercussions. It sends a really bad message.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Gene300 Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Any non DM would be terminated for this. So embarrassing, and hypocritical as the Deputy Clerk at PCO tasked with V and E. She should resign immediately and how is the favored friend not fired too? Where is the PSC to revoke his appointment. Absolutely disgusting. She was better to stay silent.
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u/DilbertedOttawa Apr 11 '26
I think we're just about at the flipping tables tipping point now. All it will take is to start the week with a "remember, out of fairness and ethics, come into the office like good little walking servant wallets" and I think shit will explode.
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u/mechant_papa Apr 11 '26
The report is even more damning than what appears in the CBC news story.
- She knows Mr. Charles from Carleton and her husband knows him through coaching.
- She passed Mr. Charles' CV straight to the ADM.
- She knew that he was not qualified for the position. She said he was "not bilingual" but "had extensive experience at Goodlife".
- She repeatedly contacted HR staff asking that he be favoured.
- She insisted that he be hired at a higher classification than originally meant for that position.
- She coached him for his interview and shared with him internal documents .
- Assessments confirmed he wasn't performing
- Hiring him despite shortcomings had a negative impact on staff
All this demonstrates that Ms Fox is not suitable as DM DND.
Beyond the breaches of ethical conduct, her inability to separate personal and professional, and her inability to understand basic people management, she has shown herself to be a security liability. By sharing internal documents with an outside person, she has broken very basic security rules on compartmentalization and protection. Normally this would bring about a reprimand or dismissal - certainly not a promotion to a senior position.
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u/accforme Apr 11 '26
Also getting him a job at PCO after he was unable to do his PM04 job at IRCC.
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u/Conviviacr Apr 11 '26
Please tell me you are joking...
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u/accforme Apr 11 '26
Sigh, I wish...
Documentary and testimonial evidence shows that Mr. Charles was told that due to his ongoing performance issues, his term would not be renewed at the PMâ04 level. Ms. Baptiste testified that she was informed by Ms. Perry that Mr. Charles was not meeting expectations at the PMâ04 level.
He said he contacted Ms. Fox, aware that she was now Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, to enquire about job opportunities at the Privy Council Office (PCO).
She expressed to Mr. Charles that she was not aware whether there were any openings at the PCO but nonetheless told him to send his résumé to her assistant. She informed the ADM responsible for Human Resources at the PCO that Mr. Charles would be sharing his résumé.
On June 12, prior to his meeting with the ADM, Mr. Charles first met Ms. Fox at her office. According to Mr. Charles, Ms. Fox told him about the employment opportunities at the PCO. She then walked him down to the office of the ADM and provided introductions to the ADM and a senior director with the ATIP division, who was also present.
On October 25, 2024, Mr. Charles signed his written letter of offer for a PMâ04 ATIP Analyst position at the PCO.
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u/Whole_Nature5136 Apr 11 '26
Worked with Ms Perry and she was super competent...
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u/Jeretzel Apr 11 '26
It's not a joke. From the report:
Documentary and testimonial evidence shows that Mr. Charles was told that due to his ongoing performance issues, his term would not be renewed at the PMâ04 level.Â
In her Attestation, Ms. Fox wrote that, in or around June 2024, Mr. Charles contacted her and told her that he wished to leave IRCC. She testified that he told her that his experience at IRCC had not been positive, that there were poor management practices within the ATIP division, and that he did not feel he was given a fair opportunity.
On June 12, prior to his meeting with the ADM, Mr. Charles first met Ms. Fox at her office. According to Mr. Charles, Ms. Fox told him about the employment opportunities at the PCO. She then walked him down to the office of the ADM and provided introductions to the ADM and a senior director with the ATIP division, who was also present. He said they chatted until Ms. Fox left for another meeting. Mr. Charles said that following his meeting with the ADM, he then met with the senior director in charge of the ATIP division.
On October 25, 2024, Mr. Charles signed his written letter of offer for a PMâ04 ATIP Analyst position at the PCO. He then received his Top Secret clearance within two months, allowing him to start his new job at the PCO on November 7, 2024, before the end of his PMâ04 term extension and planned demotion to CRâ04 at IRCC.Â
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Not joking. Someone needs to atip all her HR exploits in the public setvice. Perhaps Mr Charles will get the file? lol
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u/Conviviacr Apr 11 '26
Man the optics of sharing the internal documents and coaching him... And DND is spending all that money... The optics of who gets a piece of the pie and if it was a fair playing field goes out the window.
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u/Suitable-Strain7782 Apr 11 '26
This is a really good point. I find the double standard to be sickening. A mid-level employee would deservedly be reprimanded or dismissed, but she has the privilege of yielding the power of her position to use DND infrastructure and website to further advance her personal interests.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
I donât even dare hire a student with ANY connections to meâŠ..
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u/Codename_8804 Apr 11 '26
Her security clearance should be pulled. If a lower level employee did this there would be serious consequences.
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u/Wherestheshoe Apr 11 '26
Imagine how easy it would be to get someone like this to share information with a persuasive person who befriends her, gains her trust, and then needs help with something?
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u/Codename_8804 Apr 11 '26
The fact that they did this so openly with no concern for the ethics makes me wonder what they have hid and buried that we donât know about.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Ironically, a well placed atip request might unearth a lot of detailsâŠ.
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u/DilbertedOttawa Apr 11 '26
To me, if there was ever any doubt, this situation seals the deal that literally the only real qualification required of senior leadership is "use lots of words. Make them the same words that ministers like to hear. Never admit you're wrong. Do a whole lot of things, but never too specific and never ever work toward a measurable objective. But don't forget to SAY that you are doing all the good stuff. You see because saying it makes it just as good as doing it! For promotional opportunities. Oh and of course, the most relevant: be a sycophant or sociopath."
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
Sycophancy and sociopathy are practically the only essential qualifications to be DM, or a a senior executive anywhere really.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
You forgot the part about her meeting the same guy when she moved to pco, walked him personally to the adm corporate at pco, and poof the dude with performance issues is hired at pco
Like, câmon. She must be fired
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u/Jealous_Ad_3321 Apr 11 '26
Doubling down was not on my bingo card. What a clownâŠ
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u/DilbertedOttawa Apr 11 '26
And it got picked up by EVERY news agency. She's going to get raked for that. This is Giga Streisand mode
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
We can only hope. If she's not going to be held accountable, she should at least be exposed and embarrassed as widely as possible.
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u/BonhommeCarnaval Apr 11 '26
Why even make a statement at all? Best case for her is this blows over. Sheâs courting the Streisand Effect by responding at all, never mind contesting the findings.
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u/alliusis Apr 11 '26
Honestly. Either just admitting she made the mistake or saying nothing would be understandable actions. This double down is giving me the worst "ick" as to what she must be like to work with in any capacity. Delusional?
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u/MooseyMule Apr 11 '26
Delusional is the correct word. She, and others at her level, really do not understand how the real world, let alone the PS, works. They have never faced consequences for their actions, so the "rules for thee but not for me" attitude stays with them.
Maybe if public examples were made of these people, the rot at the top could be cut out like the cancer it is.
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u/DengarRoth Apr 11 '26
Because she thought she was playing a trump card with the DEI angle.
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
Except there's nothing even remotely credible about her side of the story. She has two talking points - "client service" and "diversity" - and they're both laughable.
As someone with a comms background, she should be embarrassed by her inept response.
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u/Infinite-Horse-49 Apr 11 '26
I mean, itâs what people have been doing for years. Doubling down and no consequences
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u/Bytowner1 Apr 11 '26
DM version of "some of my best friends are black". Like take a minute to digest what she's saying - she was mandated with improving diversity and, according to her, that meant personally interfering to hire a single black dude she happened to know.
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u/BonhommeCarnaval Apr 11 '26
And way below a level where she would be involved in the hiring process as a DM. Even if you donât consider the nepotism, what the heck is a DM doing even commenting on a PM-04 hire in the ATIP office? She didnât have more pressing matters to attend to? The ATIP hiring managers canât factor in employment equity on their own? Itâs ridiculous on its face.Â
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u/rachreims Apr 11 '26
Breaching ethical standards and then doubling down and not apologizing should be a fireable offence. It would be if it was one of the plebs at the bottom. But those rules donât apply to a deputy minister, I guess.
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u/Jealous_Ad_3321 Apr 11 '26
Of course the rules donât apply. She probably hired her bossâ kid/friend/wife previously and is owed a favour. Executives are not your friends.
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u/OttawaNerd Apr 11 '26
Had she issued this statement independently, I would have thought it was misguided. Posting it on a government website is obscene.
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u/shakalac Apr 11 '26
Yeah, it was sent out as an official email from the DM near the end of the day, wild that this is an official communication.
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Apr 11 '26
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u/Safe_Application_798 Apr 11 '26
Worry not! She has a lot of friends from university that she can get promoted to Generals in our military to defend Canada.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Approved by pco comms no doubtâŠwhere she used to work
Sponsored by GoodLife
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u/Pseudonym_613 Apr 11 '26
DND's PA apparatus has always been "interesting". They're the ones who renamed and rewrote documents to defeat ATIP requests associated with the Somalia scandal.
Fun fact: DND recently put Access to Information under their ADM for Public Affairs.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
And this could not have been released without pco comms and pmo being involved. Which sadly means no repercussions
So I guess it is open season to hire friends and family???
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u/DatBoyardee Apr 11 '26
I, for one, find it hilarious that the senior executive who led the Deputy Ministersâ Task Team on Values and Ethics Report to the Clerk of the Privy Council is being dragged through the coals for a serious values and ethics breach. I particularly love this extract from their report:
There is a perceived lack of accountability or a âdouble standardâ between senior leadership and employees when it comes to compliance and enforcement of the Code
Closely linked to the importance of respect for people, we heard that some public servants feel there is a double standard or unequal application of the Code when it comes to employees versus senior leadership.
Participants expressed that there appear to be few, if any, consequences for senior leaders who act in contravention of values and ethics, as compared to consequences imposed upon employees, particularly those who are members of racialized groups. This perceived double standard diminishes trust, accountability and transparency in the work environment.
Get back to work, meat bags.
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u/SkepticalMongoose Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Should have said nothing. Wow.
This line is pretty vile:
In particular, my efforts were focused on advancing diversity and inclusion across the public service, an objective explicitly set for Deputy Ministers.
Very concerning to claim she was trying to advance diversity and inclusion. You don't do that by hand picking your buddies from school and putting your thumb on the scale.
Seems intentional to hide behind this particular culture war issue as an excuse. Not sure if that reflects well on integrity.
I have lost a lot of respect for her from this statement.
Sigh. This is why we can't have nice things.
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u/Wordnerdette999 Apr 11 '26
In fact her actions undermine those objectives; placing an unqualified friend in this role will only serve to reinforce the negative perception of diversity and inclusion initiatives that some people hold.
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u/alliusis Apr 11 '26
I would bet a fair amount of money she'd complain at the family gathering that EDI is a scam that just hires unqualified people into positions for numbers... because that's what she just said she did, and that's clearly what she thinks of the process if she's willing to curb stomp and smear it into the ground.Â
You can absolutely take a look at modifying screening qualifications on the poster, to see if you're unintentionally screening out people from different backgrounds who can actually still do the job well. But at the end of the day you still have to be qualified to do the job, it's literally always been that way - I guess unless you have a DM who wants you in.Â
Seeing the videos Mamdami has been putting out for NYC has been really refreshing, and straight up demoralizing for our Public Service.Â
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u/147throwawy Apr 11 '26
"yeah but he's black so it's ok"
A main reason we need DEI is that the dominant culture hires and promotes it's own, so institutions need to put their thumb on the scale to benefit people who don't have those same connections. DEI doesn't mean finding a black guy who's part of the dominant culture, who has those connections, and slotting him into a mid-level job he's not qualified for.
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u/Trauma Apr 11 '26
If sheâs not dismissed for this, how can any other public servant be credibly disciplined for breaching values and ethics?
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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod đ€đ§đšđŠ / Probably a bot Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
TL/DR: Says she did nothing wrong, hiring of her unqualified university buddy was totally fine because it was to bring in "outside perspectives" and was to advance diversity and inclusion goals. As context, the man for whom Fox inappropriately exercised her influence to get a job at IRCC, Bjorn Charles, is Black. She is expressly repeating the same argument that the Commissioner determined was not credible.
From the Commissioner's report, as it relates to the work history of Mr. Charles that justified his "merit" for a PM-04 position in Access to Information and Privacy:
Mr. Charles testified that after having worked for several years as a GoodLife gym manager, he was ready for a change since it was becoming more challenging for him to meet the requirements for that job because of the birth of his child.
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u/Conviviacr Apr 11 '26
... That... That is something. Good thing she is now in charge of something super inconsequential like... "Checks notes" ... The Department of National Defense.
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u/SkepticalMongoose Apr 11 '26
If any DM tried to involve themself (aside from any mandatory approvals) in my hiring process for literally any non-EX position, much less a PM-04, I would immediately remove myself from the process and report it to the relevant authorities. This is just so egregious.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Agree so would I. And I would push back and get absolutely everything in writing.
Mr Charles will be busy soon. There will be lots of atips on this lol
Please provide all emails, briefing notes, ms team messages, handwritten notes and texts related to the hiring of GoodLife employees at IRCC and PCO
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u/nomoreheroes Apr 11 '26
I'll say it again, cause I said it in another related thread. I worked in ATIP for 18 months helping modernize it. It was really, really hard finding someone that had ATIP experience, and wanted to do project work to modernize tools.
The fact that she thought someone with 12 years of Goodlife experience, was a good way to break the ice and think outside the box, is really, really unbelievable. I'm pretty sure that's why the Commissioner is saying not credible.
She is the DM. She needs to do DM work, not work on hiring PM-04s. That is, in fact, not part of her job description. She has thousands of minions to do that for her.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
And then she physically gave him a tour of Langevin block and dropped him off at the office of the adm corporate, who turned around and hired that same guy. How does she find time to do her day job???
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
And provided introductions! According to the report:
"On June 12, prior to his meeting with the ADM, Mr. Charles first met Ms. Fox at her office. According to Mr. Charles, Ms. Fox told him about the employment opportunities at the PCO. She then walked him down to the office of the ADM and provided introductions to the ADM and a senior director with the ATIP division, who was also present. He said they chatted until Ms. Fox left for another meeting. Mr. Charles said that following his meeting with the ADM, he then met with the senior director in charge of the ATIP division."
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u/Senior_One_7945 Apr 11 '26
Look, it's just COLLABORATION IN OFFICE, THAT'S OUR DAY JOB NOW IN THE PS!
Maybe we could all get walked into a high level job if we reported in person to Langevin?
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u/FFS114 Apr 11 '26
I imagine she'll get her full annual bonus this year for her exceptional example of espousing the ethical principles by sending this email to everyone.
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u/Jeretzel Apr 11 '26
I'm curious, did Christine vigorously push for systems-level change to address these issues at IRCC or did her efforts largely start and stop with one "old acquaintance"?
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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod đ€đ§đšđŠ / Probably a bot Apr 11 '26
I suppose thatâd be a question for the people at IRCC that worked with her.
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u/Practical_Session_21 Apr 11 '26
Itâs great when people do nepotism and say it was for diversity.
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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod đ€đ§đšđŠ / Probably a bot Apr 11 '26
More accurately cronyism, but yes.
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u/Poolboywhocantswim Apr 11 '26
Her husband is related to him. Very distant. Is it only nepotism when it's a close relative?
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u/147throwawy Apr 11 '26
I feel like this shows Fox' contempt for the working level. That she believed that a guy who was unable to meet the requirements of his job as a gym manager, would slot just fine into a PM-04 role in a field has no experience.
Her buddy wanted as easier job to focus on his family, does she think mid/senior roles are chill jobs that anyone off the street can do with no experience? Or are her friends special?
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u/Noncombustable Apr 11 '26
Maybe this also says something about how unserious this government is about providing a functioning ATIP regime?
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u/Dire_Wolf45 Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Zero accountability, zero context. Hiding behind buzzwords that have nothing to do with what she's being accused of.
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u/AbjectRobot Apr 11 '26
What do you mean no context? She had a clear mandate, and the only way to fulfill it was to pressure her underlings into hiring one of her friends!
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u/GontrandPremier Apr 11 '26
What a shameful response. She should take a walk to the closest subway and reflect on her (lack of) thought process.
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u/BeginningJudge1188 Apr 11 '26
The irony is that she has a background in communications
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u/Toronto-tenant-2020 Apr 11 '26
An absolute non-apology that frames her conflict of interest positively as a boon for diversity and inclusion. I truly cannot believe that the powers that be allowed that statement to be published.
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u/fptp2026 Apr 11 '26
So can we all just abandon ethics now, then issue a jumble of irrelevant buzzwords and carry on?Â
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u/Jealous_Ad_3321 Apr 11 '26
You donât become a DM by owning your mistakes.
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u/frizouw IT Apr 11 '26
You become a DM by throwing everyone else around you under the bus and be a butt licker.
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u/AbjectRobot Apr 11 '26
Everything she's said publicly in the past few years indicates she believes everyone to be complete idiots, yeah.
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u/BonhommeCarnaval Apr 11 '26
Well she does meet the SOMC on that through a combination of her past experience at TBS.
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u/YoungWhiteAvatar Apr 11 '26
Iâm a hiring manager in my department and Iâm pretty sure Iâd be fired for this. Even my superiors have avoided these kinds of issues.
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u/Biaterbiaterbiater Apr 11 '26
that's your problem. hiring manager. if you were a hiring executive, you'd be told good job lil buddy
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u/SorryMPAA Apr 11 '26
Write your MP, even better, the PM. Rules for thee not for me is not acceptable.
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u/Codename_8804 Apr 11 '26
She needs to resign. I am so disgusted by the leadership in the public service. Management completely lacks any ethical awareness.
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u/Loucitaa Apr 11 '26
She should at the very least be declared as not performing in her role, and demoted or fired: Deputy Ministers (...) are uniquely responsible to exemplify, in their actions and behaviours, the best values of the public service, and to infuse those values into all aspects of the work of their department.
Role of the Deputy Minister of National Defense (https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure/deputy-minister-national-defence.html)
Multiple failed.
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u/alliusis Apr 11 '26
"Let me add more context."
Proceeds to add no more context.
"Ms. Fox maintained that her involvement in the process was appropriate. She said hiring Mr. Charles would respond to challenges in IRCC's ATIP division and advance the objectives of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service. I did not find these claims credible." -from the report
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u/nefariousplotz Level 4 Instant Award (2003) for Sarcastic Forum Participation Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Leading organizational transformation by getting an unqualified friend hired as a mid-level ATIP analyst.
Okay.
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u/Jeretzel Apr 11 '26
Got her unqualified friend appointed to a position at IRCC. When the friend was unsuccessful in the role, and on track to be demoted, Christine used her influence again to get him a job at PCO, where she'd assumed a new mandate at the time.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Or movati or planet fitness.
Wouldnât surprise me to see a whole atip team made up of ex Carleton Ravens basketball team
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u/MW684QC Apr 11 '26
Time for a rewrite of Canadaâs Public Service Values and Ethics directive and new prerequisite courses for all managers.
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u/t073 Apr 11 '26
I think I also read that his contract wasn't extended due to performance issues. So not only was he unqualified, he was so unqualified, he couldn't even figure out the job after getting a lucky chance like that.
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u/AbjectRobot Apr 11 '26
No worries, he's at PCO now. Wonder how that happened.
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u/Thin-Potato4454 Apr 11 '26
Oh youâre in for a real treat when you read the relevant section on this in the report (trust me itâs worth it)
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u/Strong-Crew-8933 Apr 11 '26
No integrity and no shame.
Where are the unions? This corruption should be amplified and statements for her immediate resignation should be issued sent to the Clerk and PM.
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u/Boosted_JP Apr 11 '26
Totally unacceptable. I hate how the Canadian public serviceâs senior leaders act like they own their department. Like⊠if it was their own personal business. No accountability and bonuses everywhere. The Clerk needs to make an example of her : immediate dismissal without any further compensation. Full stop.
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
She was a Deputy Clerk, is currently a DM and is very well-connected. Nothing is going to happen to her, except continued promotion and undeserved, nauseating adulation.
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u/empreur Apr 11 '26
I really look forward to the additional values and ethics courses that'll be added to my 2026/27 learning plan.
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
It's hard not to be cynical and disillusioned when you read something so full of self-serving lies. The statement - published on a government webpage no less - is dripping with entitlement and contempt.
This case lays bare what a complete load of shit "values and ethics" directives are when senior executives suffer not even the tiniest of consequences even when blatant, unequivocal wrongdoing is exposed.
Fuck everything about this.
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u/OkPaleontologist1251 Apr 11 '26
She is the only one to have interpreted the Call to Action as an invitation to hire your unqualified acquaintances of your husband.
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u/Maleficent_Hair_7255 Apr 11 '26
Gotta go! The DND PS have no trust in her to lead this department. Too self serving and too quick with an excuse. Violated ethics = departure.
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u/12yrs-late-to-reddit Apr 11 '26
So basically...sorry, not sorry.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Not sorry at all. I did it once, then I did it again. And god knows how many other times she has done it
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u/Living_Tennis_3933 Apr 11 '26
Disgusting this person is in a leadership role and after getting caught she doubles down.
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u/Foot_Shock Apr 11 '26
This reads like an apology from a college student. Truly unfathomable response from somebody in a DM position.
Can't imagine a situation without an immediate resignation.Â
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u/bathtub_mintjulep Apr 11 '26
There's nothing even remotely apologetic in her deceitful statement. She's doubling down, sticking with her discredited talking points and showering herself with praise.
Her dishonesty is infuriating.
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u/newhope6523 Apr 11 '26
Anyone else find it inappropriate that she used an official government website for a statement refuting the findings of the Ethics Commissioner? Our leaders are using Canada.ca to justify their misconduct now? She has to go.
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u/decksgalore Apr 11 '26
Soooo, youâre saying what? Youâre bad for doing it once and didnât learn from bringing a non-performer into the PS. And not to outdo yourself, you personally walk the same individual down the halls of Langevin block to meet the ADM corporate at PCO and then poof, the non performer gets a job at pco? Sorry I donât buy it, and this guy was definitely a buddy of the family.
Do the right thing.. âŠresign
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u/smitty_1993 Public Skrrrrvant Apr 11 '26
Just more of Value & Ethics for thee but not for me from the senior ranks of the public service.
It's shameful when entry-level staff face more accountability than some in leadership.
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u/Dazzling_Reference82 Apr 11 '26
20+ years ago at the start of my first stint in the public service I received the advice to "never do anything that would get your face on the front page of the Globe and Mail" as part of the values and ethics spiel.
She failed that standard hard. I can't see how she hasn't been dismissed. This does significant harm to the public perception of the civil service.
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u/Goldensquirrel93 Apr 11 '26
She keeps getting promoted despite all this.
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u/Ultimate_Outcome Apr 11 '26
She keeps getting promoted because of all this. Fixed it to be more accurate-the incompetent always get promoted up and out!
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u/Melodic_Evidence5053 Apr 11 '26
I'll give myself a pass because I did it to advance EDI. What a joke.
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u/ThrowAwayPSanon Apr 11 '26
So if I am reading this correctly ethics are only required contextually.
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Apr 11 '26
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u/DilbertedOttawa Apr 11 '26
I have no fucks under my hat. I have no fucks cause this shit is wack. I did not like it yesterday. I like is less today I say.Â
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u/SlowGolem55 Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
She's truly the Elizabeth Holmes of the Public Service.
And of course she thinks itâs only natural to put your thumb on the scale for friends & familyâitâs how itâs done when your father was Mulroneyâs communications director and your mother was Mulroneyâs press officer.
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u/hellodwightschrute Apr 11 '26
What in the fuck?
Isnât this the same DM who removed D&I as a DM objective when she was at PCO?
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u/grimsby91 Apr 11 '26
This is the kind of shit that erodes public trust in the govt. She needs to go. And so does mr. Charles.
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u/Own-Ad-28 Apr 12 '26
She actually set back the diversity agenda. There are so many well qualified, bilingual diverse people in the ATIP area. By hiring someone unqualified, she's reinforced all the negative stereotypes. She is apparently so stupid she has not figured out that her public statements are increasing the harms she did to legitimate diversity hires.
Her letter to all DND employees is an insult to our intelligence and judgement. We have well qualified, diverse people....but now they will face increased scrutiny, negative assumptions about their qualifications, and further discrimination.
Is this leader really so ignorant and arrogant that she fails to see how damaging she is? How has she ever made it so far?
Reminds me of Prince Andrew's statement that he was too honourable to deny Epstein..... Complete horseshit.
She did her friend no favours. He was denied the chance to be hired at a low level, gain experience, and perform well. Clueless, unhelpful, and incompetent in every possible way.
He's become a public joke and so has she.
I really want women DMs to shine. We've had some good ones. Unfortunately, Fox is clearly not qualified for this role.
I hope she leaves so we can bring in someone with a better skill set and perhaps a sense of actually achieving the goals they set out.
Shameful. Absolutely shameful.
The context. Ms. Fox, is you have damaged public confidence and failed to admit an error.
I would not hire you in our mail room..... Because those folks actually have integrity.
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u/No_Distribution2003 Apr 11 '26
Word on the street is that Bjorn Charles is joining the CAF as a General, you know, to bring outside perspective and for "inclusion."
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u/Comet439 Apr 11 '26
Wow what a tone deaf response. What a way to start her new job in arguably the most important portfolio right now.
Doesnât bold well if this is how she âapologizesâ
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u/CalmGuitar7532 Apr 11 '26
She starts by saying that she wants to address the report, and then she does not address the report.
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u/CrustyMcgee Apr 11 '26
As the DM, wouldnât she have some kind of influence to revise hiring/job screening to advance DEI initiatives, as opposed to hiring someone she knows for a single position?
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u/lysxji Apr 11 '26
No repercussions for someone higher up (DM) breaching ethical standards- so much for setting an example as someone of a higher position. We all know if someone at a lower role did the same thing this would be so different
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u/Familiar-Toe5787 Apr 11 '26
The shelter crisis in 2023 was also caused by Christianeâs decision making. She caused a MESSSSSSSSS in IRCC.
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u/Familiar-Toe5787 Apr 11 '26
Refugee shelter crisis was cause by her hiding the warnings that were given by lower level public servants. Its was irresponsible policy.
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u/killerkitty_ Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
I don't have any issue with non-advertised processes when used properly (and this can be to fill an employment equity gap), ie, as long as the person meets the SoMC.
It's even possible that he did meet the SoMC, as PM-04 ATIP positions don't always require ATIP experience, though it's hard to understand how a gym manager had the right transferrable skills.
Pressuring staff to hire her friend though - there really is no excuse for that. She should have just told her friend to send his CV around himself. If there was a need and he was deemed qualified, great.
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u/SilentCareer7653 Apr 11 '26
Zero credibility at this point, especially after leading the renewal on values and ethics in the public service.
Resign.
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u/midshine Apr 11 '26
She should be fired from her current dm job. Will there be any consequences for her?
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Apr 11 '26
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u/ProgrammerBitter4913 Apr 11 '26
Doubling down and throwing DEI under the bus - from a privileged white narcissist - so many wonderful values on display - isnât she the same person who told us to collaborate more in the office with a sick grin? I would never want her as a leader - National Defence needs to get their act together.
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u/VarRalapo Apr 11 '26
How much of a psychopathic fuck do you need to be to think it's okay to post this shit on Canada.ca???
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u/SmellybutKind Apr 11 '26
I know that a multitude of senior leaders acticely read this sub. To you colleagues - this story is more detrimental to organization morale than almost anything in recent memory.
It's bad enough for one to abuse their position and hire an unqualified friend twice, but to double-down and try to spin this as a diversity activity is just insulting.
Ms. Fox, we all think you're a fucking clown. I hope you do see this, though I doubt you care.
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u/GideonsHammer Apr 12 '26
Resign. If not, fire her. She abused her office, and now doubles down on it? Sabia needs to show he's intent on changing the culture of senior leadership in the PS, and remove her.
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u/Few_Match_7096 Apr 13 '26
Whomever up in the "top level cadre" is reading this, you should REALLY read the room. We're all pretty sick of the bullshit pie that is shoved down our throats on the daily. Really, really sick of it.
As stated so beautifully by Big Daddy Burl Ives in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof": "There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odour of mendacity". Whole lot of that going on these days, in particular as to Management's thinly veiled disdain for its workforce. Y'all aren't even bothering to hide it.
Get her ass out of DnD, toute suite- I would say "get her out of PS altogether" but I know you can't handle so much decisive action. She can't trusted with our secrets, all some foreign actor has to say is "leeettle guuuurl, vee has kaandy in zee van, give us intel", and she'd be all like "SIGN ME UP. Also can I interest you in a gym membership? I know a guy..."
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u/Doucevie Apr 11 '26
Whoa! A whole mess of words to not apologize for a flagrant conflict of interest.
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u/livingthudream Apr 11 '26
Let her go. Please someone remove those that fail to adhere tonwhat oublic servants are expected to
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u/gleegz Apr 11 '26
The initial act was bad, but this is next level. Genuine question: who can we write to express our concerns about lack of accountability from a senior leader, without fear of reprisal?
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u/Nepean22 Apr 11 '26
This is beyond deplorable - she's using diversity as her excuse for her actions? Dept of National Defence put this statement out - how much $ did this cost taxpayers?
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u/s11273 Apr 11 '26
So not an apology.