A conflict of interest is a clash between the public interest and the private (usually, although not exclusively pecuniary) interest of a particular individual or individuals. 

Each member of the discipline committee has an obligation to disclose any conflict of interest, direct or indirect, that could in any way interfere with his or her ability to deliberate on a disciplinary matter.

Any discipline committee member that has an interest that is or could be seen by a reasonable third party as a conflict between the discipline committee members’ personal, professional or familial interest and the outcome of a disciplinary matter that is before the disciplinary committee must declare such conflict or potential conflict to the discipline committee chair. If the discipline committee chair is in a conflict of interest it must be declared to the discipline committee. Thereafter, the discipline committee member and/or chair must exclude him or herself from participation in the deliberation of the disciplinary matter; maintain full confidentiality with respect to any discussion or deliberation to the point in time that he or she recognized the conflict of interest; and in no way attempt to influence the outcome of the discipline committee’s decision.

In the event that a discipline committee member or the chair is unsure as to whether a conflict of interest exists, he or she is required to contact CGA Ontario’s in-house counsel.