Reclassification Freeze Lifted for Public Service

February 25, 2004

OTTAWA - The Honourable Denis Coderre, President of the Queen's Privy Council and minister responsible for the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada, and the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board, announced today the immediate lifting of the reclassification freeze in the federal public service, imposed on December 16, 2003.

"With the lifting of the freeze, a new framework based on accountability, increased transparency and policy adherence will be implemented," stated Minister Coderre. "We have held informal discussions with our union partners on this issue and will be consulting shortly with departments and agencies."

As part of the new framework, the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada will exercise central oversight through regular government-wide reviews. In addition, to ensure transparency, each department will post reclassification information on its Web site every three months. In this context, deputy heads will also be reminded of their responsibility in exercising their delegated authority.

"When we took office, this Government took immediate steps to minimize disruptions during the transition," said Minister Alcock. "The Government acted to make certain every public service employee was protected and treated fairly during the transition of government announced on December 12, 2003. The lifting of the reclassification freeze demonstrates our commitment to public service employees and our support of the invaluable work they do every day to help Canadians."

The government restructuring announced on December 12, 2003 modified some existing departments and created new ones. On December 16, 2003, the Government ordered a freeze on reclassification, as part of a series of measures to facilitate a review of the current situation during the transition period. More stability and a clearer sense of direction within departments and agencies were required before reclassification action could be resumed. Today, to help support new organizational structures, classification action, including the reclassification of some positions, is required.

Reclassification costs will continue to be funded from existing departmental budgets.

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