Federal Ethics Commissioner Finds Deputy Minister Breached Conflict of Interest Rules in Hiring

OTTAWA — The federal Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Konrad von Finckenstein, published a report on Wednesday finding that Christiane Fox breached the Conflict of Interest Act. At the time, Fox was the deputy minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The breach involved her influencing the hiring of Björn Charles, an acquaintance from university athletics, for a project manager position in the department's access to information and privacy division in March 2023.

Fox sent Charles's résumé to her assistant deputy minister and suggested him as a candidate. Departmental officials advised that Charles lacked qualifications for the management-level role, as he had no experience in government or with access to information and privacy requests. The report stated that officials felt pressured to hire him despite these concerns.

“Ms. Fox used her position as deputy minister to give Mr. " — Konrad von Finckenstein, Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner (CBC) Following an initial three-month term, Charles received a non-advertised one-year contract in August 2023.”

The commissioner rejected Fox's explanation that the hiring addressed needs in the access to information and privacy division and aligned with anti-racism, equity and inclusion policies. The report concluded that Fox's interventions aimed to secure employment for Charles by creating a position suited to his needs.

The investigation did not recommend monetary penalties or compliance orders.

Von Finckenstein stated that the report serves as a reminder for appointed federal officials to adhere to the Conflict of Interest Act when influencing decisions. Officials are prohibited from using their positions to further private interests or those of relatives, friends or others improperly. By June 2024, Charles was informed that his contract would not be extended due to performance issues.

He then contacted Fox for assistance in finding another job, and she directed him to send his résumé to her assistant. In December 2024, Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Fox to the top civilian role at the Department of National Defence amid a reshuffle in senior public service ranks.

Prior to this, Fox served as deputy clerk of the Privy Council, where she took on a leadership role in facilitating dialogue on values and ethics.

The Department of National Defence directed comment requests to the Privy Council Office, which had not responded at the time of the report. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada also had not returned requests for comment. The findings highlight ongoing oversight of public officials' conduct under the Conflict of Interest Act, which applies to deputy ministers and other senior appointees.

No further actions were specified in the report beyond the public disclosure. The case underscores the watchdog's role in examining potential influences on departmental hiring processes.