Manitoba Stronger Together
Module 4 — Law, Ethics & Conflict of Interest
Module 4 – Self-Assessment Worksheet
Law, Ethics & Personal Protection in Public Office
Purpose:
This worksheet helps you reflect on your readiness to serve lawfully, ethically, and defensibly as a municipal official.
It is not a test. Its value depends entirely on honesty.
You are not required to submit this worksheet unless you choose to.
Section 1 — Conflict of Interest Awareness
1. Before this module, how narrowly or broadly did you understand “conflict of interest”?
How has that understanding changed?
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2. Identify one situation in your current life (work, property, relationships, community involvement) that could realistically create a conflict of interest if you were elected.
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3. When in doubt about a possible conflict, what is your instinctive reaction?
☐ Disclose and step back
☐ Seek advice
☐ Try to judge it myself
☐ Avoid involvement quietly
☐ Unsure
Which response best protects public trust?
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Section 2 — Closed Meetings & Confidentiality
4. How comfortable are you with keeping information confidential even when residents or friends press you for details?
☐ Very comfortable
☐ Somewhat comfortable
☐ Uncomfortable
☐ Unsure
What makes this difficult?
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5. Which of the following do you believe would be hardest for you in a closed-meeting context?
☐ Not discussing decisions publicly
☐ Avoiding hints or partial disclosure
☐ Explaining “why I can’t say more”
☐ Returning to open session calmly
☐ Trusting the legal boundaries
Explain:
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Section 3 — Records, Emails & Digital Behaviour
6. How often do you currently use text messages or informal messaging for serious discussions?
☐ Frequently
☐ Occasionally
☐ Rarely
☐ Almost never
How might this habit need to change in public office?
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7. Which of these practices would you need to be most disciplined about as an elected official?
☐ Using official email systems
☐ Avoiding informal side conversations
☐ Writing messages professionally
☐ Retaining records properly
☐ Assuming all communications may become public
Why?
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Section 4 — Ethical Leadership Under Pressure
8. How do you typically respond to pressure from peers or authority figures?
☐ Push back immediately
☐ Reflect quietly
☐ Go along to avoid conflict
☐ Seek clarification
☐ Delay decisions
Which response supports ethical leadership — and which may create risk?
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9. How would you likely respond to a public accusation or formal complaint against you?
☐ Defend myself publicly
☐ Remain silent
☐ Follow process calmly
☐ Seek advice first
☐ Unsure
What response best protects both integrity and credibility?
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Section 5 — Protecting Yourself While Serving
10. How comfortable are you with seeking legal or procedural advice when unsure?
☐ Very comfortable
☐ Somewhat comfortable
☐ Uncomfortable
☐ I worry it looks suspicious
What mindset shift may be needed?
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11. If you disagreed strongly with a council decision, how likely are you to ensure your dissent is clearly documented?
☐ Very likely
☐ Somewhat likely
☐ Unlikely
☐ Unsure
Why does documentation matter?
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Final Reflection
12. What ethical situation discussed in Module 4 concerns you the most — and why?
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13. What personal principles or habits will help you remain ethical when integrity is inconvenient or costly?
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14. After completing Module 4, how prepared do you feel to protect both public trust and yourself?
☐ Very prepared
☐ Moderately prepared
☐ Aware but cautious
☐ Still unsure
What additional support or learning would help most?
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Closing Note
Ethical governance is not about avoiding scrutiny —
it is about acting in ways that withstand it.
Revisit this worksheet whenever you face pressure, uncertainty, or criticism. It is a grounding tool, not a judgment.
