Conflict of Interest
About This Page
Transparency is a core value of M&G Advisory — and it is also a professional obligation. As a full-time employee of the Government of Canada at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), I am subject to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, the NRCan Values and Ethics Code, and the Treasury Board Directive on Conflict of Interest. This page documents how I manage the relationship between my public service role and my independent advisory work.
My Approach
I believe that being open about professional obligations is itself an act of integrity. The existence of this page reflects that belief.
Common Grounds operates as an independent advisory practice. It is not affiliated with NRCan or the Government of Canada. Nothing on this website represents the views, positions, or policies of my employer. All advisory work is conducted outside of government working hours and does not draw on privileged, classified, or non-public information obtained through my federal employment.
What I Have Done
In accordance with section 3.5.3.3 of the NRCan Values and Ethics Code and the guidance provided by NRCan’s Centre of Expertise in Values and Ethics, I have:
- Consulted with NRCan’s Values and Ethics team regarding secondary employment and the establishment of an independent advisory practice
- Submitted a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form to NRCan’s Conflict of Interest Administrator
- Informed and consulted my manager regarding this outside activity
- Assessed the nature of Common Grounds’ work against the criteria for outside employment set out in the NRCan Code
What I Will Not Do
To prevent real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest, I observe the following boundaries at all times:
- No use of privileged information. Advisory work through Common Grounds will never draw on classified, privileged, or sensitive information obtained through my employment at NRCan.
- No solicitation of NRCan stakeholders. I will not seek clients or contracts from organizations with whom I have official dealings in my federal role, or from organizations that receive grants, contributions, or funding from NRCan.
- No representation to government. I will not make representations to any government organization on behalf of Common Grounds clients in areas that overlap with my NRCan responsibilities.
- No preferential treatment. My federal role will not be used to confer any advantage on Common Grounds clients in dealings with the Government of Canada.
- No conflict with primary duties. All work undertaken through Common Grounds is conducted outside of government working hours. My obligations to NRCan take precedence at all times.
- No use of government title or position. My NRCan title, position, or official identity will not be used to promote or advance Common Grounds or its clients.
Scope of Advisory Work
Common Grounds focuses on climate and energy policy research and advisory work — areas that overlap broadly with NRCan’s mandate. I am transparent about this overlap and manage it carefully.
Specifically, I will not take on work that:
- Involves direct interaction with NRCan programs, policies, or funding decisions
- Would require me to use non-public information from my NRCan role
- Creates a real, apparent, or potential conflict with my official duties
- Involves clients who are active lobbyists with NRCan or who have pending applications for NRCan grants or contributions
If I am ever uncertain whether a specific engagement presents a conflict, I will consult NRCan’s Centre of Expertise in Values and Ethics before proceeding.
An Ongoing Commitment
Conflict of interest obligations are not a one-time declaration. They require ongoing vigilance and judgment. I am committed to:
- Updating my COI Disclosure Form if my circumstances or the nature of my work changes materially
- Recusing myself from any federal work that would create a conflict with a specific Common Grounds engagement
- Declining engagements that I cannot take on consistent with my obligations as a public servant
If you have questions about whether a specific engagement would be appropriate, I welcome that conversation before any work begins.
Contact
For questions about this disclosure, contact: geoff.salomons@gmail.com
This page was last updated: March 31, 2026