There are two main categories of political activities: non-candidacy and candidacy activities. They are described as follows:
1. Political activities not related to candidacy include, but are not limited to:
• Door-to-door canvassing on behalf of a political party or candidate;
• Attending political party or candidate events, such as meetings, conventions, or rallies; and
• Using social media, blogs or displaying political material in support of, or in opposition to, a political party or candidate.
While employees do not need permission to engage in such activities, you should nonetheless consider whether these activities constitute a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest by completing a Conflict of Interest Declaration. Before doing so, we encourage you to consult the PSC Non-Candidacy Activities guidelines and tools, or speak with a Conflict of Interest Advisor.
2. Seeking nomination as, and being a candidate
Each time an NRC employee wishes to seek nomination as, or be a candidate in an election, they must first request and obtain permission and, if applicable, a leave of absence without pay (LWOP) from the NRC through the Senior Ethics Officer. The NRC will grant permission if it is satisfied that seeking nomination as, or being a candidate will not impair, or be perceived as impairing, their ability to perform their NRC duties in a politically impartial manner. This permission must be obtained before an employee makes public their intention to be a candidate or undertakes candidacy-related activities.