Political Activities and Political Impartiality in the Public Service

Table of Contents

Foreword

• President's Message: by Maria Barrados, President of the Public Service Commission

Introduction

Section One - Overview

• Deck: Towards the Implementation of a New Regime
• Political Activities: Now and in the Future
• Roles and Responsibilities

Section Two - Governance

• Part 7 of the Public Service Employment Act
• Guidance Document
• Political Activities Regulations
• Form for Allegation of Improper Political Activity
  PDF Format | HTML Format | Electronic form

Section Three - Resource Tools

• Self-Assessment Tool
• Case Study: Political Activities Other Than Candidacy
• Case Study: Candidacy
• Case Study: Investigations of Allegations of Improper Political Activities
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Glossary

Section Four - Communications Tools

• Model Deputy Head Letters on Political Activities
• Content for Letters of Offer
• Content for Orientation Sessions

Foreword

President's Message

Political impartiality in the public service is one of the core values of the new Public Service Employment Act (the new PSEA), which is expected to come into force in December 2005. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is ready to address the important issue of political activity by federal public service employees.

In passing the new PSEA in November 2003, Parliament introduced a new regime to govern the political activities of public servants, and gave the PSC an expanded role in this area. The new legislation recognizes the right of employees to engage in political activities, while maintaining the principle of political impartiality in the public service.

In addition to defining "political activity," the new PSEA created more explicit guidelines related to the political activities of public servants.

As designated departmental/agency representatives for political activities (Designated Representatives), you will assist organizations in implementing the new policies, regulations and procedure related to the political activities of public servants. To help you, the PSC has developed this Reference Kit, which provides an overview, information on governance, and resource and communications tools.

Maria Barrados, PhD