Conflict of Interest Rules

External Consultants and Contributors

In addition to advisory committee members, conflict of interest disclosure expectations may also apply to external consultants, reviewers, or other contributors engaged by Public Health Ontario advisory committees where they are asked to contribute to, review, or inform committee advice, recommendations, or products. In such circumstances, individuals may be required to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest relevant to their contribution, and appropriate mitigation measures may be applied, as determined by PHO.

The following conflict of interest situations are examples that apply to a committee member’s spouse, child or member of their household:

• Direct employment in or benefit from a private sector entity whose primary business may relate directly or indirectly to PHO advisory committee-related matters. This includes pharmaceutical or drug companies that research and/or manufacture drugs or vaccines and carry on business with the intent or possibility of commercial gain, generating a profit, or increasing equity.
• Ownership of stock, stock option, or similar ownership interest in a private sector entity. Excluded is interest arising solely from investment in such business by a mutual, pension, or other institutional investment fund over which you do not exercise control.
• Service as a paid litigation consultant or expert witness in litigation involving a private sector entity.
• Ongoing service in an advisory or consulting role, whether paid or unpaid, to a private sector entity.

Disclosure

People who are interested in becoming advisory committee members must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Declaration Form that will disclose:

• any and all conflicts of interest or situations that are described above; and
• any other circumstances in which an individual's personal or private interest conflicts with, could potentially conflict with, or might reasonably be perceived to conflict with duties as a member of the PHO advisory committee.

In additions, committee members must:

• Declare conflicts of interests at the start of each meeting of a PHO advisory committee.
• Submit an updated Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Declaration Form when there is a change in their circumstances or the circumstances of their children, spouse or member of their household.

PHO discloses the affiliations of all committee members on our public website Depending on the situation, as the Ethics Executive for PHO, the President and Chief Executive Officer will:

• Direct a PHO advisory committee member to recuse oneself or withdraw from discussion, formulating or voting on recommendations, or participating in meetings.
• Terminate an appointment if a member's affiliations with private sector entities becomes unmanageable.