 One of the most important outcomes of the June 2002 Interdepartmental
Forum of Persons with Disabilities is that federal public servants
had been given a voice, and it was quite evident that they had something
to say on what can be done to make things better for persons with
disabilities in federal workplaces across the country.
Since then a National Committee of Federal Public Servants with Disabilities
has been established and a five year action plan has been developed.
I have had the pleasure of working along with this committee since
its very beginning in 2002. As the Champion for all federal public
servants with disabilities I have had the opportunity to see a dedicated
group of people work on a volunteer basis to ensure that the federal
government becomes an employer of choice for persons with disabilities.
Over the past 20 years there have been so many studies and reports
on the needs of persons with disabilities but not much was done. The
overall feeling that came out of the forum report and its participants
was "just do it...now" and, in my role as Champion I hope to help
this committee ensure it is done now and that it is done right.
The National Committee of Federal Public Servants with Disabilities
is now working along with senior management from various federal government
departments and agencies to implement their five-year strategy and
realize real progress.
The Committee has gained much support from Deputy Ministers and managers
across the public service and a great deal of support from Treasury
Board Secretariat but there is still lots left to do, they've only
just begun. I have no doubt that good concrete change is on the horizon
for federal public servants with disabilities, and yes, this time,
we will get it done.
Michael Wernick
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultation)
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