INFO-PSC Newsletter

July 2007

Message from the President — Modernization of public service recruitment

Recruitment modernization is under way and much can still be done to improve hiring efficiency. How people are appointed to and within the public service is the Public Service Commission’s main focus.

Armchair Discussion on Modernizing Second Language Evaluation

Maria Barrados, President of the Public Service Commission and Henry Edwards, Director, Research and Development, Personnel and Psychology Centre, spoke to an audience of public servants at an Armchair Discussion, a popular event hosted by the Canada School of Public Service on April 26, 2007.

Staffing and Assessment Services Branch’s external consultations

As part of the transformation project, the Staffing and Assessment Services Branch began a series of client consultations across the country. The consultations asked for feedback from external clients on their needs for staffing and assessment products and services as well as other components of the service delivery model.

Public Service Commission Information Kit

The Public Service Commission (PSC) information kit has been updated. This kit is a valuable learning tool that will help you to better understand the PSC's roles and responsibilities, as well as some of its major functions and activities, such as the Public Service Resourcing System and Audit and Investigations.

Expansion of National Area of Selection

On April 2, 2007, the Public Service Commission (PSC) extended the mandatory use of a national area of selection (NAOS) to include officer-level positions open to the public in all regions across Canada. This latest development is an integral part of the PSC’s phased-in approach to extending the NAOS requirement.

Infotel modernization

In April 2007, the Public Service Commission began a successful pilot of the new Infotel system that makes public service job advertisements posted on its Web site accessible via telephone.

New Job Families

The Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS) is an electronic screening tool, developed by the Public Service Commission to respond to the increasing volume and complexity of external recruitment in the public service. PSRS is ever evolving to support our client base and provide efficient, effective human resource strategies for our clients.

Selecting the recruitment program that is right for you

In planning their human resources, managers may find it complicated to identify the most appropriate recruitment approach. The Public Service Commission has just released a guide that introduces the various recruitment programs and initiatives available to the federal public service.

Thinking about becoming a candidate in an upcoming election?

The Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) provides a regime for governing employees’ political activities. More specifically, Part 7 of the PSEA recognizes the rights of employees to engage in political activities while maintaining the principle of political impartiality in the public service. If you are considering becoming a candidate in a federal, provincial, territorial or municipal election you must first obtain permission and, if applicable, leave from the Public Service Commission.

PSC E-Alert

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ISSN 1712-8749 INFO-PSC