A Framework for TBS dialogue with Designated Groups in the Federal Public Service

Background:

• The mandate of the previous TBS Consultation Committees on EE came to a close December 31, 1999. There were four committees; one for each designated group: Aboriginal Peoples, Women, and Persons with Disabilities and Visible Minorities. Members originated from a wide variety of departments, occupational groups and levels, and regions. They represented themselves as designated group members, and their views were not necessarily those of their departments.

• Three elements for structuring dialogue with the designated groups were proposed, to provide an inter-related framework that would be used according to the nature of the consultations needed:

• ADM Steering Committee

• Executive Committee on EE

• AdHoc Working Groups and Focus Groups

Current Status:

The Framework for Dialogue was initiated in 2001. The elements of the framework now include:

• EE Champions' Forum
• EE Executive Committee
• Steering Committee for the IDF-EE
• Inter-departmental Forum on Employment Equity (IDF-EE)
• Ad Hoc Working Groups

Current Elements:

• The EE Champions' Forum (originally conceived as the ADM Steering Committee on EE). The EE Champions Forum was created from a group of ADMs and DGs interested in championing Employment Equity who were already meeting informally at the invitation of Mr. Joseph Caron, ADM at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. In addition, EE Champions identified by departments were also invited to participate under the new committee title of EE Champions' Forum. Three meetings were held in April, June and November of this year, chaired by Marcel Nouvet, CHRO.
  
  
• EE Champions demonstrate their commitment to achieving a representative and equitable workforce through their personal and visible support of EE, their contribution to the corporate and / or regional objectives of Employment Equity within their department or agency; through an exchange of information on EE best practices and innovations that have achieved concrete results; and by giving feedback to TBS on current or proposed EE initiatives and programs.
  
  
• Executive Committee on EE. An executive committee primarily at the director level or above, consisting of both designated group members, and non-designated group members. The Executive Committee is seen as a catalyst for strategic development and implementation of best practices within departments. It acts as a communication channel or clearinghouse on EE to other committees or stakeholders, such as federal regional councils and the National Council on Visible Minorities in the Public Service, and focuses on horizontal issues such as recruitment, career development, retention, and corporate culture.
  
  
• Steering Committee for the Interdepartmental Committee on Employment Equity (IDF-EE) approves the proposed agenda and the summaries of the IDF-EE meetings. The Steering Committee provides a leading role in setting up sub-committees and also assists in facilitating discussions at the IDF-EE meetings when necessary.
  
  
• Interdepartmental Forum on Employment Equity (IDF-EE) The mandate of the Interdepartmental Forum on Employment Equity (IDF-CEE), formerly the Interdepartmental Committee on Employment Equity (IDC-EE) is a forum for exists as a partnership between departments, agencies and the Treasury Board Secretariat in order to provide leadership and to facilitate the achievement of Employment Equity objectives as defined by governmental policies. This forumpartnership is fostersed learning, through anthe exchange of information and consultations with members, representatives of central agencies, and the greater community of Employment Equity stakeholders and clients. It This forum provides an opportunity for participants to discuss issues and concerns of general interest to the membership and to participate in the advancement of Employment Equity.
  
  
• Ad Hoc Working Groups and Focus Groups. One Ad Hoc group was formed to create an Aboriginal Self-Declaration Form in order to screen candidates applying for Aboriginal-specific programs. An interdepartmental committee on Learning (EE and Diversity) has been created to look at existing diversity products and services, which currently exist in the Public Service.
  
  

Results:

• Identification of corporate challenges regarding Employment Equity, and recommendations for solutions on a public-service wide level, in departments and in the regions.

• Higher profile for the integration of Employment Equity and Diversity in departmental business lines and HR initiatives.

• On-going dialogue and communications regarding Employment Equity with the many stakeholders in the public service, including members of designated groups, COSO sub-committees, the CHRC, the HR champion, unions, departmental advisory committees and forums for the designated groups, the IDF-EE, the ADM EE champions in departments, task forces, HR Council, regional federal councils, and employees.

• A network of change agents at many levels and in many spheres, who will help create a modern, innovative, representative and inclusive Canadian federal public service.