Audit of the NAFTA Secretariat – Canadian Section - Highlights

October 2007

The Public Service Commission is an independent agency reporting to Parliament, mandated to safeguard the integrity of the public service staffing system and the political neutrality of the public service. In addition, the PSC recruits qualified Canadians from across the country.

Why did the PSC conduct this audit?

In December 2005, as a result of its monitoring activities, the Public Service Commission (PSC) placed conditions on the staffing delegation authorities of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Secretariat – Canadian Section.

The objectives of the audit were to determine whether NAFTA Secretariat – Canadian Section had, since 2005, put in place an appropriate framework, as well as systems and practices for managing staffing activities, and whether staffing activities complied with the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), relevant policies, and the instrument of delegation signed with the PSC. The audit covered staffing activities during the period from April 2005 to September 2006.

What did the PSC find?

Our audit found that the Secretariat's management took the necessary steps to establish an appropriate framework, systems and practices for managing its staffing activities. We also found that the staffing transactions conducted by the Secretariat under the current PSEA were compliant with authorities and respected the appointment values.

What action is the PSC taking?

In view of our audit findings, the PSC has removed the delegation conditions it imposed in 2005 and has established a standard Appointment Delegation and Accountability Instrument with the deputy head of the Secretariat.

As part of its ongoing oversight activities, the PSC monitors staffing in departments and agencies. The NAFTA Secretariat -Canadian Section, will be subject to this process.