Classification Modernization for the EC Group

Welcome to the website dedicated to the modernization of the EC Group.
Classification modernization is a long-term program that includes modernizing occupational group standards, providing classification policy leadership, rebuilding system capacity, and monitoring to ensure the integrity of the classification system.

EC Modernization Project
EC Modernization Milestones & Target Dates
Correspondence to Departments
Questions and Answers

EC Modernization Project

A new EC classification standard is being developed to replace the existing separate Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ES) and Social Science Support (SI) standards. A new classification standard has been drafted to reflect the EC group and is being tested by selected departments and the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada. 

This site provides general information on the modernization of the EC Group. More detailed information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

If you have any questions, please contact your departmental classification representative.

EC Modernization Milestones & Target Dates as of September 28, 2006

Correspondence to Departments

Heads of Human Resources, July 20, 2005 
Chiefs of Classification, August 5,2005
Chiefs of Classification, March 13, 2006
Chiefs of Classification, April 28, 2006
Heads of Human Resources, July 14, 2006 

Questions and Answers

1. Who will be affected by the new the EC standard?
   
   Employees currently occupying positions classified using the ES and SI classification standards will be affected.
   
2. When will the new EC standard come into force?
   
   Conversion to the new EC classification standard will occur following bargaining of a new pay line with CAPE, the bargaining agent for the EC Group. The current EC collective agreement expires in June 2007.
   
3. What will be the impact on individual employees once the new EC standard comes into force? 
   
   Once implemented, employees currently classified under the SI and ES classification standards will be converted to a new EC classification level. Pay rates for the new EC classification levels will be determined through collective bargaining.
   
4. Currently the minimum educational requirements differ for the ES and SI classification standards (i.e. ES requires a university degree and SI requires two years of post secondary school).  Is PSHRMAC addressing this issue?
   
   The Qualification Standards team at PSHRMAC is working towards a new Qualification Standard for the EC group. Information is currently being gathered from main user departments as to their staffing requirements (in terms of education, specialties, etc) in order to arrive at various options in this regard. Once options are identified, departments and other stakeholders will be consulted regarding a preferred option that could then be presented for approval.
   
5. Are employees’ salary protected during a conversion to a new classification standard?
   
   Yes. For more information on salary treatment at a conversion to a new classification standard, please see the Treasury Board Conversion Guidelines.