Why an Orientation Program?

The Orientation to the Public Service is designed to welcome new employees into the public service and to help them gain a common understanding of their role as public servants. It is an excellent learning experience, committed to:

• instilling a sense of pride in the opportunity to serve Canadians; and



• equipping new recruits with the foundational understanding of government and the values, ethics and accountability that they will draw upon throughout their careers in the Public Service.

This two-day event is held in the Nation’s Capital so that new employees have the opportunity to see their work in the context of Canada’s democracy and the Parliament that embodies it. A centralized orientation program also serves to bring together the staff of the country’s largest single employer, ensuring that new employees in all departments and regions receive the same messages and training.

The program includes a formal welcome and learning session given by representatives of both the House of Commons and the Senate, as well as visiting speakers and an opportunity to meet and talk with invited guests such as MPs, Senators, senior government officials, and other public servants from across the country. The learning components of the program are designed to help participants understand the structure, culture, policies and procedures of the public service.

• Who we work for – the organizational relationships and functioning of Parliament, the Government of Canada and the Public Service.



• Who we are – the extent and value of the contribution we make to Canada and Canadians.



• What is expected of us – the culture of the public service, our values & ethics, and accountabilities.



• What we can expect – a resource marketplace to help plan for on-going learning and orientation to the Public Service.

Duration:2 days

Cost : The program is delivered at no charge to departments/agencies in the core administration and on a cost-recovery basis to other departments/agencies.

Cost for non-eligible learners: $750

For more information, please contact your required training coordinator or the School’s Client Contact Centre.

Who should attend?

Beginning April 1, 2006 the Orientation Program will be open only to employees whose effective date of employment is January 1, 2006 or later. You must be new to the public service and employed on an indeterminate basis or on a term of at least six months plus 1 day. If you fit this criteria and have not yet been invited to attend the Orientation Program, please contact your departmental/agency representative.