Did You Know?
Human Resources Council (HRC)
New! HR Learning Lounge: A Useful Tool to Help You Plan Your Learning in a Flash!
The HR Learning Lounge is a new virtual tool that features listings of carefully selected learning resources for all HR professionals to easily find what they need to develop their competencies.
The Human Resources Council (HRC)’s team has grouped the Lounge’s resources according to the competencies that all HR professionals need to develop, regardless of their group and level. Under each competency, learning resources are subdivided into themes to enable you to easily locate those that support your specific needs.
The HR Learning Lounge currently highlights learning resources from the Canada School of Public Service, Statistics Canada and the HRC. Its content will be regularly validated to ensure that it remains up to date. New relevant resources will also be added as they become available.
Developing your learning plan has never been easier! Check this tool out today and let us know what you think.
A diverse talent pool of fully assessed PE-01 talents awaits!
Attention hiring managers! Are you looking for qualified PE-01 talent to fill roles across all human resources disciplines? A diverse talent pool is available to meet your needs! It still includes 17 fully assessed candidates who have successfully passed the Public Service Commission’s Remote HR Consultant Simulation and reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. Most of these highly competent candidates are bilingual and have self-identified as a member of one, or more, of the four employment equity groups. Please note that all fully assessed candidates from the NCR have all been placed. So, before you embark on your own selection processes, take advantage of this convenient opportunity to quickly find skilled and qualified individuals for the next generation of HR professionals!
To access the fully assessed PE-01 pool, please visit Careers in Human Resources.
HRC SmartShops
The recording of the May 3, 2023 HRC SmartShop Introduction to Performance-Based Compensation for Executives is now available in English and in French. The PowerPoint Presentation and Q&A document may be found on GCconnex and GCXchange.
The recording of the May 10, 2023, HRC SmartShop Public Service Employment Act 36(2): Overview of implementation are available in English and French . The related documents may be found on GCconnex and GCXchange.
Moving Forward Together Post Strike
Earlier in May, a tentative agreement was reached between the Treasury Board and several groups with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The Canada Revenue Agency has also reached a tentative agreement with the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE-PSAC).
As the striking activity came to an end, its impacts on all employees, including those that have exercised their right to strike and that have reintegrated into the workplace, cannot be understated. Employees have had to make difficult personal and professional choices in consideration of their own situation. A heightened focus on the mental health and wellbeing of all is critical to assist during this difficult period.
The heavy lift of our human resources community continues as many employees have questions surrounding their pay and leave. In addition, managers will be looking for support in navigating relationships that may be strained and fragile at this time. To support them in navigating these potentially difficult conversations, a reminder that Human Resources Advisors can partner with their Ombuds or Informal Conflict Management teams, where in place. In addition, Health Canada provides a variety of Specialized Organizational Services (SOS) and EAP Services Post Strike to managers and their teams, to strengthen employee wellness and organizational health, including: Stress & Anger Management; Team Building; and Conflict Resolution.
The Office of the Ombud at the Treasury Board Secretariat has also developed the tools below which may prove useful in your organization through this transition period:
- Reflection questions for moving forward together
- Effective strategies for navigating delicate workplace situations
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we are at our strongest when we support each other as a community towards excellence in human resources.
HR Council News
Stay apprised of HR news by subscribing to the Updates from the HRC and theHuman Resources Council Newsletter. Subscription details are found at the end of both GCArticles.
Have you joined the HRC GCXchange Page?
The HRC GCXchange page is now available! To join the GCXchange site for the HR Community, please follow these five steps.
If you encounter any issues or have questions about GCXchange, please email support-soutien@gcx-gce.gc.ca.
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO)
Complete your positive enrolment to Canada Life
On July 1, 2023, Canada Life will become the new plan administrator for the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). By now, Canada Life should have contacted all PSHCP members directly to complete their positive enrolment and create an account on the new website.
If you haven’t received your positive enrolment invitation, contact the Canada Life PSHCP Member Contact Centre at 1-855-415-4414 as soon as possible. It is important to do so to be able to submit your claims as of July 1, 2023.
Canada Life becoming the new PSHCP administrator does not impact any other public service benefit plan. All other plans keep their current plan administrator.
Find out more online in the March PSHCP Bulletin, Preparing for the transition to Canada Life and New Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) administrator frequently asked questions.
Public Service Employee Survey 2022/2023
The 2022/2023 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) results are now available on the PSES page on Canada.ca and Statistics Canada’s The Daily. This release includes results for the overall public service and for each participating department and agency with demographic breakdowns. Departmental Corporate Services may send questions to the PSES inbox.
New Students Rates of Pay
As of May 1, 2023, College/CEGEP/Pre-University students, current and any future hires, will be remunerated between Steps 2 to 6 of the current student rates of pay. This new scale is as a result of the federal minimum wage increased.
Please refer to the Human Resources Information Notices for more information.
Mosaic Leadership Development Program – Deadline Extension
The deadline to submit departmental nominations for the Mosaic Leadership Development program has been extended to June 26, 2023.
To learn more about the Mosaic Leadership Development Program, please contact CDI@tbs-sct.gc.ca.
Privy Council Office
Call to Action
The Clerk provided additional direction to deputy heads to accelerate our collective efforts in advancing the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service.
This update promotes the Call to Action’s ideals and provides clear guidance on setting goals, measuring progress and establishing accountability.
As a human resources community, we must lead by example and take action on anti-racism, equity and inclusion in the Federal Public Service.
Public Service Commission (PSC)
Information about the Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity and Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities
Did you know that the Public Service Commission of Canada offers departments and agencies support with their inclusive recruitment efforts through its focused programs for Indigenous students and students with disabilities hired to work in the federal public service?
The Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity (ISEO) and the Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities (EOSD) are employee-experience programs for students who self-identify as Indigenous or as having a disability that include an onboarding process, training, activities, mentorship and support services designed for both students and managers/supervisors.
Registration is required to participate in activities and can be done by filling out this form, which can be completed by either the student, their manager or a human resources specialist on behalf of the students.
We need your help to amplify!
Help us spread the word to ensure students can take advantage of all the resources and tools that have been designed for them.
We also encourage you to include information about the ISEO and EOSD in your onboarding packages to students as these programs offer year-long activities and supports.
For more information on the ISEO, including the list of summer events, visit the GCpedia page or email: cfp.cea-icoe.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca.
For more information on the EOSD, including the list of summer events, visit the GCwiki page or email: cfp.psh-prog-pwd.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca.
Please note these links are only accessible through a Government of Canada network.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has released a guidance report on Accessible Canada Regulations relating to first year progress reports. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) requires federally regulated entities (organizations) to publish progress reports on the implementation of their accessibility plans. The new guideline stresses the importance that organizations must continually consult with persons with disabilities in preparing their progress reports.
For more information, please consult the Guidance on the Accessible Canada Regulations.
Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)
CSPS Updates for Ongoing HR Course Development
Small delays as a result of strike action are impacting several projects. The initial launch dates have been pushed back by 2-3 weeks, except for the course Staffing for HR Specialists Part 2: Planning (COR130) – expected delivery now for Q3 2023-24.
Design work is still underway for the following projects:
- The Strategic Human Resources Practitioner (COR128) – expected delivery Q4 2023-24
- Staffing for HR Specialists Part 3: Doing (COR131) – expected delivery Q4 2023-24
- Staffing: A Resourcing Tool for Managers (COR132) – expected delivery Q4 2023-24
- HR-to-Pay for Managers (COR137) – expected delivery Q1 2023-24
- HR-to-Pay for Employees (FON308) – expected delivery Q3 2023-24
The expected delivery dates for the following courses which are currently under review have not yet been determined:
- Self-Study: The Workforce Adjustment Directive (COR123)
- Preparation for the English as a Second Language Evaluation: Oral Proficiency – Levels B and C (FON403)
- Preparation for the French as a Second Language Evaluation: Oral Proficiency – Levels B and C (FON404)
Courses
- Reconciliation: A Starting Point (learning tool)
National Managers’ Community
The National Managers’ Community (NMC) will be hosting in person regional events across the country once again this year! These full-day events will allow managers and aspiring managers to benefit from a variety of opportunities to engage, connect and collaborate through interactive sessions, while networking with colleagues from various departments and agencies in their region.
Upcoming NMC Managers Connect:
- June 6, 2023 – Managers Connect in Winnipeg
- June 8, 2023 – Managers Connect in Quebec
- June 22, 2023 – Managers Connect in Calgary
Public Service Pride Network
An open letter to Deputy Ministers was shared to take action to support transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse colleagues in the federal public service.
The Public Service Pride Network has also released its first 2023-25 Strategic Plan.
What’s Coming Up
HRC Smartshops
June 5, 2023 HRC SmartShop: Budget Tool for Performance-Based Compensation for Executives, organized in collaboration with OCHRO, intended for HR professionals involved in the executive performance pay process, specifically those completing the performance pay reports.
Registration
English Session – June 5, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET)
French Session – June 5, 2023, from 11:00 am to Noon (ET)
June 14, 2023 – HRC SmartShop: Inclusion Stewards and Other Bias Mitigation Practices in Performance and Talent Management, organized in collaboration with OCHRO, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Shared Services Canada (SSC). This smartshop will help participants deepen their understanding of the practices piloted by OCHRO, SSC and ESDC, so they can be more equipped to apply them in turn.
Registration
English Session – June 14, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)
French Session – June 14, 2023, from 10:30 am to Noon (ET)
June 22, 2023 – HRC Smartshop: Building on People Management Findings of the 2022-23 Management Accountability Framework (MAF), organized in partnership with OCHRO, will provide the HR community with findings from the People Management Area of the 2022-23 MAF. This will include presentations from Policy Centre experts who will share their mandate, highlight key findings, lessons learned, and detail expected results going forward.
Registration
English Session – June 22, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (ET)
French Session – June 22, 2023, from 10:00 am to Noon (ET)
September 20, 2023 – HRC SmartShop on Hiring 5,000 New Persons with Disabilities by 2025, organized in collaboration with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of Public Service Accessiblity (OPSA). Stay tuned for registration details!
HRC Meetings
- May 30, 2023: HRC Executive Committee
- June 1, 2023: HRC Agenda Setting Committee, with representatives of central agencies
- June 12, 2023: HR Community Development Steering Committee
- June 13, 2023: HRC Executive Committee
- June 20, 2023: HR Council Meeting, with Heads of HR
- June 28, 2023: HR Community Engagement Hub, with the leads of the HR Communities of Practices and Regional Federal HR Councils
APEX
- May 30 – 31, 2023 – APEX Leadership Summit 2023 and Awards of Excellence Ceremony
Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)
- May 30, 2023 – Learn from Yesterday, Change Today, Enhance Tomorrow: Building an Accessible Public Service Together
- June 5, 2023 – The Hybrid Workplace Series: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change in the Hybrid Workplace
- June 7, 2023 – The Artistry of Change: The Top Practices of Highly Resilient Managers
- June 9, 2023 – Leadership Series: How to Work with (Almost) Anyone
A Time to Commemorate Indigenous People
The end of May and the month of June represent an important time for many Government of Canada employees. Whether it be as part of the Indigenous Awareness Week from May 23 to 26, or in honour of the National Indigenous History Month in June or National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we can learn about the cultures, traditions and values of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
These commemorations provide employees with the opportunity to honour and recognize Indigenous Peoples and their heritage. Visit the Indigenous commemorations and celebrations — GCpedia to access a list of activities and events organized by the Government of Canada and its partners.
HRC Meeting – May 16, 2023
Item 1: Opening Remarks
Renée de Bellefeuille, member of the HRC Executive Committee and Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Human Resources at Canadian Security Intelligence Service:
- Introduced and welcomed 7 newly appointed Heads of HR to our community: Alain Godbout – Administrative Tribunals Support Services Canada; Céline Vachon – Canada School of Public Service; Melissa Guimond – National Security and Intelligence Review Agency; Diane Fahlman – Pacific Economic Development Canada; Annie Duchène – Canadian Heritage; André Gareau – Prairies Economic Development Canada and Vicki Cunliffe – Transport Canada.
- Thanked all organizations who have submitted MCC HR Leadership Awards nominations, especially during a period of significant impact on HR. The 75 nominations received will be reviewed by the Selection Committee and the names of nominees and finalists will be shared with the community by the end of June. The MCC HR Leadership Awards Ceremony will be held on September 27th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm (ET). Everyone is encouraged to save the date.
Renée concluded by highlighting the following events and activities:
- May is Asian Heritage Month, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month and Internal Audit Awareness Month
- May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
- May 23 to June 3rd is Indigenous Awareness Week and National Accessibility Week
- May 30th and 31st: APEX Leadership Summit
Item 2: Executive and Work Health: APEX’s Deputy Circle
APEX’s Executives Keren Hawkins, Josée Lafontaine and Nicole Boilard provided an update on executive work and health:
- Seventy one (71) sessions on executive health were organized with over 2,800 executives.
- A third session with twelve (12) Deputy Ministers was also held in May which underlined the need to focus on positive change, re-envision management, break down silos, and the importance of trust to bring forth changes.
- The Executive Work and Health Study was developed by epidemiologists. It includes key performance indicators (KPIs) to better identify correlations. The report synopsis provides a good overview of the context, themes and finding.
- Health and wellness resources and tools are being added regularly to the APEX website.
Item 3: Lessons learned on strike and post-strike impacts
Mélanie Michaud, Champion, Federal Informal Conflict Management System (ICMS) Network and Alexandre St-Jean, Co-Chair, Ombuds Network, shared observations their communities have noted on strike and post-strike impacts:
- Overall, the impacts were not as significant as anticipated. However regions and small organizations seemed to be more impacted.
- The tone of communication was well received however, due to social media, some employees found receiving accurate information difficult during the strike.
- The required twice a day check-in seemed a burden for many.
- There is a heightened level of anxiety for those directly touched by the strike as a result of pay concerns and feelings of guilt.
- Importance of considering the impact of diversity and equity during a strike and properly training picket lines captains on effective conflict management.
Mélanie concluded that the post-strike restoration message with an emphasis on respect for all had a great positive impact.
Item 4: New HR Learning Lounge
Stéphane Bélanger, Manager within the HR Council Office, provided a demonstration of the new HR Learning Lounge, a virtual tool created by the Human Resources Council featuring carefully selected learning resources for all HR professionals to develop their competencies.
Item 5: Tentative agreements with the Public Service Alliance of Canada
Francis Trudel, Associate Chief Human Resources Officer, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO), Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) provided a high-level perspective on the tentative agreement between TBS and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, with a particular focus on the telework component.
The tentative agreement entails an economic increase of 11.5% over 3 years, retroactive to 2021, including a pensionable one-time lump sum payment of $2,500.
A letter of agreement was signed outside of the collective agreement. It includes:
- A request to the Public Service Commission to review the inclusion of seniority in their workforce adjustment guidance, as appropriate, and without compromising “merit”.
- A review of the TBS Directive on Telework, taking into consideration Bargaining Agent’s input, to create equally representative departmental panels to advise deputy heads regarding employee concerns. This new tentative agreement does not change the Direction on prescribed presence in the workplace. To ensure consistency in application, further guidance will be issued to departments.
Item 6: Interim Standard on Occasional Travel to a Designated Worksite
Heidi Kutz, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, People and Culture Sector within OCHRO, TBS shared details on the upcoming travel pilot authority called the Interim Standard on Occasional Travel to a Designated Worksite.
A 2-year travel pilot policy authority under the Policy on People Management, more specifically under the Directive on Telework, was approved by the President of the Treasury Board. This allows full-time teleworking employees living 125 km or more from a designated worksite to travel occasionally to a designated worksite, based on business needs.
Application of the Interim Standard will apply to employees who are represented by a bargaining agent who have opted to participate in the pilot project or who are unrepresented or excluded.
The Interim Standard is a pilot that will come into force on June 1, 2023, and will remain in effect until March 31, 2025.
For additional information on eligibility criteria, key considerations, timelines and reporting, please refer to the PowerPoint presentation.
Item 7: Update on GCworkplace Modernization and Future of Work
Jean-François Lymburner, Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Julie Waddell Smith, Director General, Accommodations Management and Workplace Solutions, PSPC shared key information related to GCworkplace Modernization, a One GC approach, in the context of the Future of Work, based on the following three pillars:
- People: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) provides HR guidance and policy.
- Technology: Shared Services Canada (SSC) provides technological expertise.
- Spaces: PSPC leads and manages office spaces accommodation through GCworkplace innovation.
Jean-François and Julie emphasized that the HR community engagement is critical to manage the hybrid workplace change and adapt to new ways of working.
Julie added that PSPC negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with Accessibility Standards Canada to ensure new workspaces comply with the latest standards and are inclusive.
For more information, please refer to the PowerPoint presentation found in the May 16, 2023 HRC Meeting folder.
Item 8: Updates from the Central Agencies
The Privy Council Office (PCO)
Tim Pettipas, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Public Service Renewal at PCO provided an update on the forward direction of the Call to Action:
- New approaches in recruitment and management of talents are going well however work remains.
- The next step is implementing concrete actions to ensure progress.
- There is a strong desire to further engage chiefs of communications and chief data officers to support the progress required.
Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
Chantalle Boudreau, Director General, Compensation – Pay at PSPC shared that PSPC is currently working closely with HR Organizations for the entries of Leave without pay for reasons of strike. They are anticipating the entry of approximately 250K HR-to-Pay transactions linked to “LWOP 6 days or more” across the Government of Canada. In addition, the Pay Centre is focused on the residual work associated with leave without pay requests. They are documenting good practices and lessons learned from the strike, from a pay perspective and continue to encourage organizations to check the Labour Disruption — GCpedia site for updates and tools.
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO)
Nicolino (Nick) Frate, Executive Director, shared that the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) results will be released on canada.ca on May 31st. Results for branches and sectors will be published at a later date. An embargoed brief virtual session as taken place for participating organizations on May 26th.
Nick shared that the Management Accountability Framework (MAF) results are being completed and that the MAF next cycle is under review to be renewed and modernized.
Nancie Cantin, Senior Director, Relationship and Change Management at OCHRO and Erik de Vries, Director General, GC and Public Sector Skills at the School provided an update on HR to Pay Mandatory Training. New and improved training for managers, with realistic simulations, will soon be released. They are however looking for departments that would like to be early adopters before general access is provided.
Claudia Zovatto, Executive Director, Governance Engagement Information and Reporting at TBS, provided an update on negotiations. Jennifer McKinley, Director, reminded Heads of HR to share the message to employees on the positive enrolment to Canada Life before June 30, 2023. She underlined that employees will not be able to enroll and submit a claim on the same day. There will be a delay.
Mélanie Laflèche, Executive Director, Enabling Talent Programs, People and Culture, provided an update on Executive Performance Management:
- Closing deadline for the 2022-2023 cycle is July 15, 2023. Reports will need to be signed by the Deputy Minister by August 2023.
- The new 2023-2024 cycle, with government-wide priorities, is expected to launch before the summer.
- A new budget tool will soon replace the former Executive Talent Management System’s budget module. Customized sheets for departments were sent to heads of executive services on May 26, 2023.
HRC Planning Calendar
Please see the HRC Planning Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.
Contact Us
HRCouncil/ConseilRH@tbs-sct.gc.ca
