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Catalogue No. :
BT31-4/66-2005
ISBN:
0-660-62882-1
Alternate Format(s)
Printable Version

DPR 2004-2005
Public Service Commission of Canada

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Section III - Supplementary Information

Organizational Information and Accountability

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is an independent agency reporting to Parliament on matters under its jurisdiction. The Commission consists of a President and two or more part-time Commissioners appointed for a maximum period of seven years. The President is appointed under the Great Seal and the Commissioners are appointed by the Governor in Council. The President’s position is currently held by Maria Barrados and the two Commissioner positions are held by Manon Vennat and David Zussman. The President is the Chief Executive Officer and is accountable to the Commission under the Public Service Employment Act . She is also accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage for specific duties and responsibilities under the Financial Administration Act .

Five branches headed by Vice-Presidents support the President in her role as Chief Executive Officer and contribute to the achievement of the PSC’s strategic outcome under two program activities identified in the new PSC Program Activity Architecture: Appointment Integrity and Political Neutrality and Recruitment and Assessment Services. An organization chart outlining the PSC’s structure and accountability is presented below.

Organizational Information and Accountability (Click on image to enlarge)
Organizational Information and Accountability (Click on image to enlarge) - Accountable to the President: Senior Vice-President, Policy Branch; Vice-President, Audit Branch; Vice-President, Investigations Branch; Vice-President, Services Branch; Vice-President, Corporate Management Branch; Legal Services. Accountable to the President on Activity 1 - Appointment Integrity and Political Neutrality: Senior Vice-President, Policy Branch; Vice-President, Audit Branch; Vice-President, Investigations Branch; Vice-President, Corporate Management Branch. Accountable to the President on Activity 2 - Recruitment and Assessment Services: Vice-President, Services Branch; Vice-President, Corporate Management Branch.

The Senior Vice-President, Policy develops and advances the Commission’s strategic policy frameworks; develops, promotes and monitors the implementation of appointment policies, standards and criteria; is accountable for advancing employment equity and linguistic duality in staffing and recruitment across the public service; develops and implements the Commission’s policy and regulatory framework for staffing and the political activities of public servants; negotiates, monitors and assesses the exercise of the authorities delegated to deputy heads; carries out the delegated authority for the approval of non-delegated appointments; and ensures the exercise of non-delegated authorities.

The Vice-President, Audit develops and implements a public service-wide independent audit function to assess the application of the merit principle and the staffing values and to safeguard the public interest; and recommends corrective actions to address specific and systemic deficiencies identified through audits.

The Vice-President, Investigations conducts investigations and administers the appeal process against alleged breaches of the current Public Service Employment Act in order to protect the public interest and to promote the application of merit, fairness, equity and transparency; ensures the independence of the boards of appeals and investigations called upon to guide the Commission’s actions; and promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution methods in recourse.

The Vice-President, Services develops, implements and delivers recruitment and assessment systems, programs, services and products for use across the public service; and develops and implements strategies, policies and structures to support the new PSC service organization.

The Vice-President, Corporate Management develops and monitors corporate management planning frameworks and policies related to the management accountability framework, finance, human resources management, information technology, communications and other administrative and support services; provides central services and systems in support of all PSC programs, including the Offices of the President and Commissioners; and formulates and implements policies, plans, guidelines, standards, processes and procedures to support the decision-making process for the Commission.

Crosswalk between 2004-2005 RPP Priorities and PSC Program Activity Architecture

2004-2005 RPP Priorities

2004-2005 RPP Commitments

Crosswalk to PAA

Program Activity

Programs and Services

1. The PSC’s responsibilities under the new PSEA for setting appointment policy and safeguarding the integrity of the appointment process are fully implemented.

Develop a flexible, enabling policy framework to assist managers in making appointment decisions.

Appointment Integrity and Political Neutrality

Policy, Regulation, Guidelines, Exclusion Approval Orders and Orders in Council

Further delegate staffing authorities to deputy heads and encourage them to sub-delegate to as low a level as possible in their organizations.

Staffing Delegation and Accountability

Strengthen approach to oversight, using audit more intensively and effectively in order to enhance accountability of both deputy heads to the Commission, and the Commission to Parliament.

Audits and Studies

Implement a new political activities regime which balances the political rights of public servants with the need to preserve the political impartiality of the public service.

Policy, Regulation, Guidelines, Exclusion Approval Orders and Orders in Council

Manage essential oversight and non-delegated appointment responsibilities according to the current PSEA through the transition to the new PSEA.

Non-Delegated Authorities

2. A modernized service vision is implemented in which delivery options are best suited to the needs of the public service.

Assist departments in considering options for the delivery of resourcing services that respond efficiently and effectively to their staffing needs.

Recruitment and Assessment Services

Client Services

Assist departments in developing a modernized, effective, and values-based approach to resolve staffing complaints.

Appointment Integrity and Political Neutrality

Investigation, Inquiries and Informal Resolution Processes

Manage and provide essential programs and services throughout the transition to a new PSC organizational structure.

Appointment Integrity and Political Neutrality

Appeal Decisions

Recruitment and Assessment Services

Recruitment Services

Recruitment and Assessment Services

Assessment Services

3. A modernized governance structure for the Commission and organizational structure for the PSC are in place to support new PSEA obligations.

Change Commission governance structure and supporting operations to reflect its modernized roles and responsibilities, as well as the modernized responsibilities of the PSC.

Model good human resources management practices throughout the transition to a new PSC organizational structure.

Corporate Services (reported under Section IV in the DPR).

Crosswalk between 2004-2005 RPP Business Lines and the PSC Program Activity Architecture

2004-2005

By Business Line

By Program Activity

Major Adjustments between Main Estimates and Planned Spending (Note 4)


Appointment Integrity and Political Neutrality

Recruitment and Assessment Services

Transfer to CSPS

Transfer to PSHRMAC

Repeal of the SDTRF


Related Financial Information

Resourcing

Main Estimates

71,644

Planned Spending

50,653

(20,856)

Total Authorities

51,237

Actual Spending

44,911

7,140

37,771


Learning

Main Estimates (note 4)

31,688

Planned Spending

 

(31,861)

87

Total Authorities

 

Actual Spending

 


Recourse

Main Estimates

6,660

Planned Spending

7,104

Total Authorities

6,927

Actual Spending

5,913

5,913


Oversight and Outreach

Main Estimates

14,138

Planned Spending

12,946

(1,192)

Total Authorities

15,382

Actual Spending

16,575

14,796

1,779


Corporate Services

Main Estimates

23,279

Planned Spending

21,702

(1,407)

(399)

Total Authorities

21,748

Actual Spending

24,468

11,500

12,968


Total

Main Estimates (note 1)

147,409

Planned Spending (note 2)

92,405

44,127

48,278

Total Authorities (note 1)

95,294

Actual Spending (note 3)

91,867

39,349

52,518

Note 1. The Main Estimates and Total Authorities figures are only available at the Business Line levels.
Note 2. The Planned Spending is available at the Business Line levels and as a total against each Program Activity.
Note 3. The Actual Spending figures are broken down by business line and program activities.
Note 4. As a result of the implementation of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004 resources were transferred from the PSC to the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada (PSHRMAC) and the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), however, were still part of the Main Estimates figures. The Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund (SDTRF) was also repealed effective April 1, 2004. All of these changes were reflected as adjustments in the 2004-2005 Report on Plans and Priorities.


Table 1: Comparison of Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

2004-2005 (note 2)

($ thousands)

Actual
2002-03

Actual
2003-04

Main
Estimates

Planned
Spending

Total
Authorities

Actual

Resourcing

71,616

65,038

71,644

50,653

51,237

44,911

Learning (includes Respendable Revenues) (Note 1)

25,413

27,308

31,688

 

Recourse

6,679

6,745

6,660

7,104

6,927

5,913

Oversight and Outreach

14,607

14,796

14,138

12,946

15,382

16,575

Corporate Services

27,537

26,257

23,279

21,702

21,748

24,468

Total

145,852

140,144

147,409

92,405

95,294

91,867

Less: Non-respendable revenues

91

73

 

4,786

Plus: Cost of services received without charge (Note 3)

20,927

22,171

13,383

13,383

13,383

17,587

Net cost of department

166,688

162,242

160,792

105,788

108,677

104,668

Full-Time Equivalents

1,490

1,495

1,380

920

942

942

Note 1. The actual figures in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 for the Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund component included in the Learning Business Line are reflected on an accrual basis of accounting.
Note 2. As a result of the PSMA, effective April 1, 2004, resources were transferred from the PSC to the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency (PSHRMAC) and the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). The Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund was repealed effective April 1, 2004. However, these are all included in the Main Estimates figures. It also reflects the newly reported figure for Assessment, Diagnostic and Career Counselling Services.
Note 3. The actual accommodation cost figures provided by PWGSC have not yet been adjusted to consider the PSC employees transferred to the CSPS, as a result of the implementation of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004. Nonetheless, consideration was given in the calculation to factor in the employees who have since transferred to the PSHRMAC. However, the lower figure in the other exercises is attributable to a PSC calculation of the accommodation costs taking into account the employees that were transferred.


Table 2: Use of Resources by Business Lines

2004-2005

 

Budgetary

($ thousands)

Operating

Total: Gross Budgetary
Expenditures

Less: Respendable 
Revenue

Total: Net Budgetary 
Expenditures

Resourcing

Main Estimates

71,644

71,644

 

71,644

Planned Spending

50,653

50,653

 

50,653

Total Authorities

51,237

51,237

 

51,237

Actual Spending

44,911

44,911

 

44,911

Learning (Note 1)

Main Estimates

45,683

45,683

13,995

31,688

Recourse

Main Estimates

6,660

6,660

 

6,660

Planned Spending

7,104

7,104

 

7,104

Total Authorities

6,927

6,927

 

6,927

Actual Spending

5,913

5,913

 

5,913

Oversight and Outreach

Main Estimates

14,138

14,138

 

14,138

Planned Spending

12,946

12,946

 

12,946

Total Authorities

15,382

15,382

 

15,382

Actual Spending

16,575

16,575

 

16,575

Corporate Services

Main Estimates

23,279

23,279

 

23,279

Planned Spending

21,702

21,702

 

21,702

Total Authorities

21,748

21,748

 

21,748

Actual Spending

24,468

24,468

 

24,468

Total

Main Estimates

161,404

161,404

13,995

147,409

Planned Spending

92,405

92,405

 

92,405

Total Authorities

95,294

95,294

 

95,294

Actual Spending

91,867

91,867

 

91,867

Other Revenues and Expenditures

Non Respendable Revenues

Actual Spending

4,786

Cost of Services Provided by Other Departments

Main Estimates

13,383

Planned Spending

13,383

Total Authorities

13,383

Actual Spending (Note 3)

17,587

Net Cost of the Program

Main Estimates

160,792

Planned Spending

105,788

Total Authorities

108,677

Actual Spending

104,668

Note 1. As a result of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004, resources were transferred from the PSC to the PSHRMAC and the CSPS. As well, the Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund was repealed effective April 1, 2004. However, these are all included in the Main Estimates figures.
Note 2. Consists of Assessment, Diagnostic and Career Counselling Services.
Note 3. The actual accommodation cost figures provided by PWGSC have not yet been adjusted to consider the PSC employees transferred to the CSPS, as a result of the implementation of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004. Nonetheless, consideration was given in the calculation to factor in the employees who have since transferred to the PSHRMAC. However, the lower figure in the other exercises is attributable to a PSC calculation of the accommodation costs taking into account the employees that were transferred.


Table 3: Voted and Statutory Items

2004-2005 ($ thousands)

Vote or Statutory Item

Truncated Vote or
Statutory Wording

Main Estimates
(Note 1)

Planned
Spending

Total
Authorities

Actual

100

Operating Expenditures

128,351

79,700

83,975

80,548

(S)

Contributions to Employee Benefit Plans

19,145

12,705

11,319

11,319

(S)

Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund

(87)

 

 

Total

147,409

92,405

95,294

91,867

Note 1. As a result of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004, resources were transferred from the PSC to the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency (PSHRMAC) and the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). As well, the Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund was repealed effective April 1, 2004. However, these are all included in the Main Estimates figures.


Table 4: Net Cost of Department

($ thousands)

2004-2005

Total Actual Spending

91,867

Plus: Services Received Without Charge

Accommodation Provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) (Note 1)

11,743

Contributions Covering Employer’s Share of Employees’ Insurance Premiums and Expenditures Paid by TBS

5,103

Workers’ Compensation Coverage Provided by Social Development Canada

128

Salary and Associated Expenditures of Legal Services Provided by Justice Canada

613

Less: Non-respendable Revenues (Note 2)

4,786

2004-2005 Net Cost of Department

104,668

Note 1. The actual accommodation cost figures provided by PWGSC have not yet been adjusted to consider the PSC employees transferred to the CSPS, as a result of the implementation of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004. Nonetheless, consideration was given in the calculation to factor in the employees who have since transferred to the PSHRMAC.
Note 2. Consists of Assessment, Diagnostic and Career Counselling Services.


Table 5: Contingent Liabilities

($ thousands)

March 31, 2004

March 31, 2005

Claims, Pending and Threatened Litigation

570

520

Total

570

520


Table 6: Revolving Fund
Statement of Operations (Note 1)
 

2004-2005

($ thousands)

Actual
2002-03

Actual
2003-04

Main
Estimates

Planned
Spending

Authorized

Actual

Respendable Revenue

13,273

14,301

13,995

 

Expenses

Salaries and employee benefits

5,278

5,756

7,034

 

Transportation and Communications

302

298

372

 

Information

155

177

301

 

Professional and Special Services

3,708

4,075

3,918

 

Rentals

963

961

1,372

 

Purchased repairs and upkeep

69

19

 

Utilities, materials and supplies

1,589

608

597

 

Depreciation

11

17

50

 

Other

497

252

264

 

Total Expenses

12,572

12,163

13,908

 

Surplus (Deficit) (Note 1)

701

2,138

87

 

Statement of Cash flows

Revenues

13,273

14,301

13,995

 

Expenses

12,572

12,163

13,908

  

Profit or (Loss)

701

2,138

87

  

Add items not requiring use of funds:

Depreciation/Amortization

11

17

 

Provision for employee termination benefits

224

31

 

Loss on disposal of capital assets

Changes in working capital

(15)

(196)

 

Investing activities

Acquisition of depreciable Assets

(112)

 

Cash surplus (requirement)

809

1,990

 

Note 1. The Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund was repealed effective April 1, 2004. Consequently, only the Main Estimates figures are reflected for 2004-2005.


Table 7: Source of Respendable and Non-Respendable Revenue

Respendable Revenues ($ thousands) (Note 1)

2004-2005

Business Line

Actual
2002-03

Actual
2003-04

Main
Estimates

Planned
Revenue

Total
Authorities

Actual

Learning

Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund

13,273

14,301

13,995

 

Total Respendable Revenues

13,273

14,301

13,995

 

Note 1. As a result of the PSMA effective April 1, 2004, the Staff Development and Training Revolving Fund was repealed effective April 1, 2004. However, respendable revenues were included in the Main Estimates.

Non-Respendable Revenues ($ thousands)

2004-2005 (note 2)

Business Line

Actual
2002-03

Actual
2003-04

Main
Estimates

Planned
Revenue

Total
Authorities

Actual
(Note 1)

Learning:

Discretionary Language Training

91

73

 

Resourcing:

Assessment Diagnostic and Career Counselling

 

4,786

Total Non-Respendable Revenues

91

73

 

4,786

Note 1. Reflects the newly reported figure. In 2005-2006, the PSC was granted net voting authority.


Table 8: Details on Project Spending ($ thousands) (Note 1)

Business Line

Current Estimated
Total Cost
(Note 1)

Actual
2002-03
(Note 2)

Actual
2003-04
(Note 2)

2004-2005

Main
Estimates

Planned
Spending

Total
Authorities

Actual

Resourcing: 

Federal Public Service Modernization Project (Definition Phase)

2,624

N/A

N/A

3,439

3,439

2,258

716

Note 1. The 2004-2005 surplus funds were included in the PSC carry-forward to 2005-2006. Consequently, the current estimated total cost includes the funds reprofiled to 2005-2006 as well as with the surplus funds from the project in 2004-2005.
Note 2. The Project Spending for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 is not available.


Table 9: Response to Parliamentary Committees, Audits and Evaluations

Response to Parliamentary Committees

The First Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on the Audit of the Financial Management and Administration of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada outlined six recommendations (out of 20) aimed at the Public Service Commission. Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 dealt with the PSC Action Plan for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. The updated action plan was included as Appendix A in the response to the Standing Committee at the following address:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfocomDoc/Documents/38/1/parlbus/commbus/
house/GovResponse/PACP_Rpt01_GvtRsp-e.htm
.

The current status of this action plan can be found at:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfocomDoc/Documents/38/1/parlbus/commbus/
house/GovResponse/PACP_Rpt01_GvtRsp-e.htm#AppendA
.

Recommendations 4, 5 and 6 requested improvements to the information available, and the potential actions to be taken, should there be a problem with a delegated staffing authority. Revised delegation instruments were approved by the Commission on March 11, 2005 as a part of the new Appointment Framework see:
( http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psea-lefp/framework/index_e.htm ).
 

Response to the Auditor General

Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) (Chapter 5 of the 2003 Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada)
Having collected much information about the Program in 2003-2004, in 2004-2005, we analyzed the information and developed a detailed communication strategy to demonstrate the benefits of this Program to departments. We also began a review of the Program in light of the new PSEA.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (September 2003 Report of the Auditor General of Canada)
The PSC conducted one systemic and eight individual investigations into nine staffing actions. These investigations concluded that no further action was necessary with one exception. In that case, the appointment was revoked.

Internal Audits or Evaluations

Audit of Electronic Recruitment Project Expenditures
The auditors concluded that expenditures for the project were accurately recorded in PSC’s financial system. However, direct costs of approximately $574,000 had not been allocated to this project. It was recommended that financial expertise for reporting of project expenditures be obtained and that planning and monitoring mechanisms be enhanced. Management developed a comprehensive action plan, which included adoption of a full costing approach, assignment of a dedicated financial officer and establishment of a separate organization for the project.
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/centres/internal_audits/reports/2004/electronic_recruitment/audit_e.htm .

Audit of Information Technology (IT) Planning
The audit found that IT planning is hindered by both the lack of a strategic IT plan and ineffective communication with branches. Furthermore, it was difficult to determine whether the level of IT investments was appropriate, and work was needed to develop an overall information architecture and Business Continuity Plan. Management accepted the recommendations and significant progress has been made, including the striking of an active IT Committee and integration of planning. These efforts will be impacted by the government’s overall realignment of IT operations.
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/centres/internal_audits/reports/2004/it/it_audit_e.htm .

Audit of Security
This audit of the management framework for and effectiveness of PSC’s security operations found that, overall, the major requirements of the Government Security Policy were met. Nonetheless, improvements were needed in some areas, notably: communications mechanisms; strategic planning; IT security; and business continuity planning. Management’s action plan addressed all recommendations. It included establishment of a Finance and Administration Committee and a corporate planning function, mandatory security training, a security sweeps program, and development of a business continuity action plan.
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/centres/internal_audits/reports/2004/security/security_audit_e.htm .


Table 10: Service Improvement Initiative (SII)

TBS Reporting Requirements on Service Improvement Initiative

PSC Activities, Targets, and Achievements

Programs and services covered by a service improvement plan

  • The Common Measurements Tool (CMT), led by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), was initiated to measure and improve the quality of services offered to Canadians. Although the direct recipients of services are the departments, the PSC’s CMT is focussed on maintaining client satisfaction with the information provided to Canadians about job opportunities in the federal public service and the application process.
  • Recruitment is listed as a service component in the 2004 Government On-Line Report. Survey tools based on the CMT have been in place since 2001 and surveys are ongoing.
  • Client satisfaction results, on services provided prior to the publication of our service standards, are posted in PSC offices and on the intranet, at http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/menu/sii_survey_e.htm . We expect to publish the results of the on-line PSRS Journal Survey in 2005-2006.

Development of baseline client satisfaction levels and progress toward achieving satisfaction targets

  • The PSC is committed to service excellence. In 2004-2005, we developed the new service agency’s service standards and performance objectives. Work was initiated on adjusting the client satisfaction survey tools and will continue into 2005-2006.

Service standards for all key public services; setting of standards and performance against those standards

Main achievements in improving service from a citizen perspective

  • Through the Internet, by telephone, and in person, the PSC provides Canadians with accessible, responsive, timely, and professional services to assist them in applying for employment opportunities in the federal public service.
  • As mentioned on Page 31, we measured the level of satisfaction of Canadians using the PSRS electronic tool and process. We are committed to improving our service level.

Table 11: Travel Policies

Comparison to the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Special Travel Authorities

The PSC follows the TBS Special Travel Authorities.

Comparison to the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Travel Directive, Rates and Allowances

The PSC follows the TBS Travel Directive, Rates and Allowances.


 

 
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