Policy 2.2.17: Political Activity

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2003

STATEMENT

The CBC/Radio-Canada must remain and appear to remain impartial in carrying out its professional duties to the Canadian Public. It is essential that the CBC/Radio-Canada neither holds, nor appears to hold, a position on any matter of public concern or controversy.

APPLICATION

All full-time, contract or freelance employees.

DESCRIPTION

Certain categories of CBC/Radio-Canada employees are restricted from engaging in political activity defined as running for public office or publicly supporting a candidate. The following positions fall under the restrictions identified in the procedures.

Restricted Editorial and Production Employees are Producers, Associate Producers, News or Information Programming Supervisors, Editors, Journalists, Reporters, On-Air Personalities and employees representing the Corporation in public contact.

Designated Management Employees are members of the Executive Group and management employees who report directly to the Executive Group.

Non Restricted Employees are all other employees in the Corporation not designated in either of the above categories.

In certain circumstances the employees in the non-restricted category may apply for Leave without pay to pursue political activities as per the provisions provided.

RESPONSIBILITY

All employees are required to abide by their category restrictions. Senior Management is responsible for authorization of political involvement and reintegration issues in consultation with Human Resources.

REFERENCES


HISTORY

Replaces previous Human Resources Policy: Political Activity no. 1.5

PROCEDURES ON POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY 2.2.17:

RESTRICTED EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION EMPLOYEES

  1. These employees are permitted to stand for nomination and/or be a candidate for election to the House of Commons and Provincial or Territorial Legislature upon authorization from the President and CEO or his delegate. They are not allowed to stand for municipal or civic office.
  2. They must apply for a leave of absence without pay starting with declaration of intention to seek nomination through to the election (operational issues may prevent the approval of Leave without pay). Requests must be forwarded through the Component Head with copies to the Vice-President of People and Culture
  3. Editorial and production employees who are restricted under By-law 14(3)(a) (and therefore named in the list of restricted employees in the Application section of this Policy) are not permitted to stand for nomination and/or be a candidate for municipal or civic office.
  4. If successful, the employee must resign from the CBC/Radio-Canada.
  5. If unsuccessful in the election, upon their return they may be asked to accept another assignment within the organization; if the new assignment is refused, they will be separated from the Corporation.

DESIGNATED MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES

  1. These employees are permitted to stand for nomination and/or be a candidate for election to the House of Commons and Provincial or Territorial Legislature upon approval from the President and CEO or his delegate.
  2. They may also stand for nomination and/or be a candidate for Municipal or Civic office upon approval of the Component Head.

NON-RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES

  1. Application for election involvement must be made in writing to Senior Management who will decide if the employee can maintain their regular duties while campaigning and retain their full-time position if successful.
  2. They may stand for nomination and/or be a candidate for election to the House of Commons, Provincial or Territorial Legislature, Municipal and/or Civic Office upon approval of Senior Management.
  3. If elected, those who wish to continue their employment with the Corporation must apply in writing to their Vice-President for approval.

LEAVE

  1. Leave without pay may be requested. Annual Leave may be used to reduce leave without pay requirements, subject to management approval.
  2. In all cases, reintegration into the same position may not be possible. Inability to adjust to, or refusal to accept, a different position will result in separation from the CBC/Radio-Canada.

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