In December of 2003, the Government of Canada announced plans to modernize human resources management of one of
its most important institutions in the country - the public service - with the creation of the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada (PSHRMAC).
The new agency was created by bringing together units from Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) and the Public Service Commission (PSC). Working in partnership with these organizations, with departments and agencies, unions and the Canada School of Public Service, the Agency plays a leadership role in ensuring that Canada has a modern, world-class federal public service that effectively carries out the government's agenda and meets the evolving needs of the public it serves.
In order to bring the Public Service of Canada in line with what Canadians expect and deserve in terms of accountability, professionalism, innovation and leadership, a wide range of actions are being taken. These plans show the roadmap to a modern public service that:
- is guided by ethical values;
- safeguards the public interest;
- provides a quality work environment;
- respects Official Languages policies;
- reflects the social fabric and rich diversity of Canada's population; and
- is able to attract and retain the best of the best.
Among the Agency's many plans is the implementation of the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA) that was passed in November 2003. The various components of the new Act, which represents the first major revamp of the public service in more than 35 years, will come into force in stages over the next three to four years. The
PSMA is designed to:
- modernize staffing
- foster genuinely collaborative labour-management relations
- clarify roles and strengthen accountability for deputy heads and their managers; and
- provide a more integrated approach to learning development for employees at all levels.
As part of its efforts in support of public service values and ethics, the Agency reintroduced the
Public Servants Disclosure Protection Bill in Parliament on October 8th, 2004. The Agency is committed to the reintroduction of this legislation as well as more work on implementing the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service through a series of learning tools and other initiatives.
To complement these legislated changes, the Agency is reforming the classification system to better capture work currently performed and is reviewing information systems with a view to streamlining them and reducing the burden of administration on departments and agencies. Leadership development activities and core learning programs are being designed to promote leadership abilities throughout the public service, from the first level to deputy heads. Work relating to the
Employment Equity Act continues so that the government, like any modern organization, is able to harvest the skills and expertise available in the diverse population of Canada. Advancing the Official Languages Action Plan is another essential component as it promotes service to Canadians in the language of their choice, enables employees in bilingual regions to work in their chosen language and ensures equal participation of both English and French-speaking Canadians in the public service.
In addition to these activities, the PSHRMAC is responsible for monitoring human resource management against consistent standards across the public service.
All of this important work will allow the Agency and its partners to ensure that the public service continues to be a source of strength and advantage for Canada, and will contribute to restoring public confidence in this key Canadian institution.
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