Restrictions on the Receipt and Acceptance of Gifts + Event Invitations

Unless approved, employees should not accept gifts or event invitations from third parties which either create an actual or perceived conflict of interest or exceed the maximum cash value permitted.

Gifts

Gifts that are not expected to create a conflict of interest are those received as part of:

• reasonable protocol;
• a social obligation;
• a cultural practice;
• a normal exchange of hospitality between two persons doing business together; or
• the normal presentation of gifts, hospitality or other benefits when participating in a public event.

Maximum cash values for gifts has been set at $250 per gift, not exceeding $500 per calendar year from a single source.

Events

Events that are not expected to create a conflict of interest are those where:

• a significant cross-section of employees have been invited;
• an employee pays for their own food, beverage and other expenses; or
• attendance is a social obligation normally accompanying the employee's position at the university.

Maximum cash value for events has been set at $500 per event, not exceeding $500 from a single source and/or $8,000 per engagement when participating in an active role (e.g. invitation to speak or participate at a conference, seminar, workshop, panel or other similar engagement), not exceeding $16,000 per calendar year from a single source.

Any questions about the appropriateness of gifts or invitations to events should be directed to your Reporting Officer for advice.

Exceptions from these maximum values may be requested in writing to your Dean or Vice-President.