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Updates from the HRC – January 31, 2025

In This Issue:

Did You Know?

Human Resources Council (HRC)

Important: NEW Subscription to HR News

Due to the sunsetting of GC Articles in March 2025, the Updates from the HR Council and the HRC Newsletter will be published on GCXchange starting in March / April. 

We therefore invite you to subscribe to receive email notifications of all future HRC publications. Please note if you were previously subscribed to our GC Articles list, you will unfortunately need to resubscribe using our new subscription form. 

Stay Tuned!  Nominate Your Colleagues for the 2025 Government of Canada HR Excellence Awards Starting February 2025!

Join us in celebrating exceptional leadership and accomplishments in human resources across the federal public sector. Nominations will open on February 28 and will close on May 28, 2025. All the necessary details, guidelines, and nomination forms will soon be accessible on the HRC GCXchange page.

Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate your outstanding HR colleagues who continue to inspire with their dedication, innovation and character. Let’s shine a spotlight on the talents among us!

New HR Resources

Check out the new resources recently added to the HRC’s GCXchange site:

If you’re not a member of HRC’s GCXchange site yet, follow these five steps to unlock a wealth of resources designed specifically for HR professionals of all groups and levels. Whether you’re seeking guidance, tools, or networking opportunities, there’s something for everyone!

Recording and Resources – HRC SmartShops 

Previous HRC SmartShop recordings and documents are available on the HRC’s GCXchange page.

Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO)  

Executives – Salary of Appointment

All Core Public Administration Heads of HR were informed of the Guidance on Establishing the Rate of Pay Upon Appointment to an Executive Position.  

Organizations are expected to apply the guidance to all appointments being processed now and, on forward basis. 

Reminder: information, updates and tools for compensation advisors can be found at Phoenix procedures, job aids and instructions – GCIntranet – PSPC.  

Should HR corporate services have any questions or require additional information regarding the bulletin, please contact Leadership Policies.    

Executive Leadership Development Program for Black Leaders (EX-01 to EX-03)

The nomination period for cohorts III and IV will be launched in February 2025. Heads of HR (HHR) will receive instructions to submit nominations in the coming weeks. HHR are encouraged to begin planning processes for identifying nominees and for communicating this initiative within their organizations.

Reminder regarding the application process for disability benefits

This is a reminder to employees and managers of their role regarding the application process when an employee is applying for disability benefits under the Disability Insurance Plan (DI) or the Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP). 

When an employee’s illness or disability is expected to be prolonged beyond the 13-week elimination period or they have exhausted their sick leave balance, they should promptly advise their immediate supervisor or manager of their intent to apply for disability benefits. 

To apply for DI or PSMIP disability benefits, four claim forms must be completed and submitted to the appropriate Plan administrator, Sun Life for DI or Industrial Alliance for PSMIP:  

  1. The Employer’s Statement (Immediate Supervisor or Manager) is completed by the employee’s immediate supervisor or manager. 
  2. The Employer’s Statement (Compensation Advisor) is completed by the employee’s departmental compensation advisor or the Public Service Pay Centre. 
  3. The Employee’s Statement is completed by the employee. 
  4. The Attending Physician’s Questionnaire is completed by the employee’s attending physician. Choose the questionnaire that best describes the medical condition. 

Note: The departmental compensation services unit or the Public Service Pay Centre can provide confirmation of which plan administrator to apply to.  

For more details, please refer to the Disability Insurance plan claims process information notice or Improvements to the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability claims process information notice.  

Privy Council Office (PCO)

Reminder: Next Steps on Values and Ethics

Please find below the Clerk’s message sent to Deputy Ministers, Heads of Separate Agencies and Heads of Federal Agencies following the October 15 and 16, 2024 Values and Ethics Symposium, highlighting two key progress reports: one on values and ethics and one on the Call to Action, new supports and tools as well as next steps.

By spring 2025, organizations are asked to:

  • update organizational codes of conduct;
  • produce departmental disclosure of wrongdoing and misconduct reports;
  • require employees to resubmit conflict of interest attestations annually; and
  • embed consequential accountability for progress in advancing the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service through this year’s performance cycle.

Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC)

  Regulations Amending the Public Service Employment Regulations

Please be advised that a new Letter to Heads of Human Resources entitled “Coming into force: Regulations Amending the Public Service Employment Regulations (25-01)” was posted on the PSC site.

The Regulations Amending the Public Service Employment Regulations have been made under the authority of the Commission and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

The amending regulations ensure that the Public Service Employment Regulations (PSER) continue to support the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) and meet the current and emerging needs of departments and agencies, ensuring that Canada’s federal public service continues to benefit from a staffing regime that is both modern and inclusive.

Summary of key changes

  • Various priority entitlements are harmonized and clarified. To support individuals in finding job opportunities, the duration of priority entitlements for Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members discharged for medical reasons and employees unable to carry out their duties increase from 2 to 5 years.
  • Requirements for identifying and selecting employees for lay-off are clarified. New requirements increase transparency and communication in the lay-off process, as well as identifying and removing or mitigating biases and barriers in assessment.

Coming into force dates

  • The amending regulations come into force on January 29, 2025, except for provisions related to priority entitlements, which will come into force on April 1, 2025.

Supporting tools

Questions on these regulatory changes may be directed to your organization’s PSC Staffing Support Advisor.

Information Sessions on Political Activities and Non-Partisanship

From January to June, the Public Service Commission will hold information sessions on political activities and non-partisanship. These sessions will focus on the rights and responsibilities of public servants of all levels when engaging in political activities, including how to identify risks to political impartiality and how to make informed decisions before participating in a political activity.

Each month, the Public Service Commission will host sessions targeted to:

  • public servants who will seek nomination as or be a candidate in an election (candidacy activities)
  • public servants who will carry out any activity in support of, within or in opposition to a political party, or will carry out any activity in support of or in opposition to a candidate (non-candidacy activities)
  • managers who will have politically active employees reporting to them

To participate in an information session, visit the registration portal to view the session schedule.

Digital Talent Co-op/Internship Initiative

The PSC will partner with the TBS – Office of the Chief Information Officer on the Digital Talent Co-op/Internship Initiative.

This initiative was piloted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) last year with the University of Waterloo, recruiting co-op students in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Cybersecurity across government departments.

This initiative will support the pressing need to recruit, develop, and retain digital talent. Digital talent offers a promising avenue to enhance our efficiency as we look to embed AI into our work processes.

The PSC invites all Heads of Human Resources to engage with their Chief Information Officers and Chief Data Officers to consider adding co-op positions for the upcoming Summer 2025 work term.

For more information on this initiative, contact: cfp.coop-coop.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca.

Data Visualization Hub Quarterly Update

The latest update to the Data Visualization Hub now contains the most recent quarterly data for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The following products have been updated:

Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)

Courses and Learning Tools

Ongoing HR Training Projects

  • Phase 2 content updates (select scenarios) for Values and Ethics Foundations for Employees (FON301) and Values and Ethics Foundations for Managers (FON302) launched on December 18, 2024. The updates included the incorporation of modernized scenarios that align with the latest laws and regulations regarding political activities and disclosure of wrongdoing.
  • The CSPS, in collaboration with TBS OCHRO and the PSC, has invited organizations in the Core Public Administration to participate in prototype testing of the online course Navigating Workforce Adjustment (COR123). Prototype testing will be offered in both official languages and will take place between January 28 and February 21. Following the testing phase, the course will launch in March 2025.

Awards and Recognition

Public Service Award of Excellence

The nomination period for the 2024 edition of the Public Service Award of Excellence (PSAE) is now open. The PSAE provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding federal public service employees or teams who have demonstrated excellence, professionalism, and innovation in their work on behalf of Canada and Canadians. With all the outstanding work being done here at TBS, consider nominating your peers.

Should you have any questions, contact the TBS Departmental Awards team by email at TBS-DepartmentalAwards/PrixMinisteriels-SCT@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

Government of Canada Security Awards

The call for nominations for the Government of Canada Security Awards 2025 is now open!

These awards recognize achievements in security management practices that strengthen the Government of Canada’s overall security.

Recognize your colleagues from across the security community by nominating individuals or groups who you feel deserve the GC Security Award of recognition in one of the 5 categories:

  • Leadership Excellence
  • Excellence in Security Innovation & Service Delivery
  • Security Functional Team of the Year
  • Contribution Behind the Scenes
  • Long-standing Security Professional

Submit your nominations to SEC@tbs-sct.gc.ca by Friday, February 14, 2025.

For more information, consult the Nomination Criteria Guideline.

Digital Government Community Awards

Do you know someone or a team that is setting new digital standards? Nominate them for the Digital Government Community Awards 2025!

You have until Sunday, February 23 2025 to do so.

These awards recognize excellence in delivering results for Canadians through digital tools and practices, with a focus on high-impact initiatives, exceptional contributions, and best practices in implementing Government of Canada digital priorities.

Participate in one of 2 virtual bilingual information sessions offered to answer questions and to provide a demo of the nomination process.

For more information, contact the Digital Awards team at digitalawardsprixnumeriques@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

APEX Award of Excellence

Do you know someone at the EX level who’s made a uniquely important contribution? Nominate them for a 2025 APEX Award of Excellence. Nominations must be submitted via the APEX online application portal by February 14, 2025.

Recognizing the outstanding professionalism and leadership of our executive colleagues is an excellent way to promote the core values of TBS.

Visit the APEX website for more information on the nomination process.

Public Service Pride Awards

Planning is in full swing for the 2025 Public Service Pride Awards. Get ready to celebrate the amazing individuals and initiatives that continue to drive inclusion and diversity in the public service.

Call for Nominations will begin February 24 and run through April 18, 2025. More info and the nomination form will be available on our new GCXchange page as of February 24th.

Don’t miss the chance to recognize those who are making a difference.

Newsletters

The Labour Bulletin

The Labour Bulletin provides employers of federally regulated workplaces and their employees with operational information to build awareness and strengthen compliance.

The Labour Bulletin is published three times per year and includes information about:

  • employment equity;
  • labour standards;
  • occupational health and safety; and
  • the Wage Earner Protection Program.

For additional information about federal workplace standards, see Canada.ca.

Learn What a Prorogued Parliament Means for the Federal Public Service

On Monday, January 6, the Governor General accepted the Prime Minister’s request that Parliament be prorogued until Monday, March 24, 2025.  

Prorogation ends the current parliamentary session and, as such, ends all proceedings in the House of Commons and the Senate. Unfinished business dies on the Order Paper and must be started anew in a subsequent session. A new session of Parliament will start with a Speech from the Throne.  

Here is what you need to know about the prorogation:  

Government Supply 

  • Supply bills for the Estimates will need to be introduced by March 26, 2025. 

TBS Tablings 

  • Any documents or reports scheduled to be tabled in Parliament before March 24 will have to wait until the new session. That includes annual reports to be tabled by TBS, and Government responses to Standing Committees’ reports.   

House of Commons Business 

  • All active Order Paper Questions (commonly known as OPQs) have “died.” Parliamentarians can ask new OPQs at the beginning of the new session.  
  • Petitions are not affected by prorogation and will be tabled at the start of the next session. 

Legislation 

  • Any government bills that haven’t received Royal Assent are considered terminated. They can be reintroduced in the next session and may start at the same stage if the House of Commons agrees.  
  • Private Members’ Business bills that had not yet received royal assent will automatically be reinstated at the same stage in the legislative process in the new session.  

Committees 

  • All Standing Committees in the House of Commons and the Senate come to an end, and their membership is no longer active. Committees will be reconstituted in the new session. 

Cabinet 

  • Cabinet business continues, including the Treasury Board. 

Official Languages Workshops

Between February 6 and May 27, 2025, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages will be offering a series of 26 free workshops designed to help you implement the Official Languages Act in your organization. Here is what you can expect:

  • An overview of the Official Languages Act
  • An effective active offer
  • Best practices for conducting bilingual meetings
  • Tips and tricks for tackling linguistic insecurity
  • How to establish the language requirements of positions for staffing processes

Seize this opportunity learn more about official languages. Register now by clicking here.

Indigenous Student Outreach Initiative

The Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion (KCII) launched the Indigenous Student Outreach Initiative (ISOI) to increase the number of Indigenous student hires in the Federal Public Service. KCII is proactively connecting and engaging with Indigenous post-secondary students by providing tools, resources, and information to support and foster their career paths within the Federal Public Service, as well as connect them with hiring managers.

How the Indigenous Student Outreach Initiative (ISOI) works:

  • KCII reaches out to the Indigenous Centres and shares promotional information.
  • Indigenous Centres lets Indigenous students know about KCII and the ICNP.
  • Indigenous students reaches out to KCII.
  • KCII connects Indigenous students with Indigenous Career Navigators for career advice and support.
  • Indigenous Career Navigators connects hiring managers with Indigenous students.
  • Goal – more Indigenous students being hired part-time or full-time during the summer.

Hiring Managers AND Departmental HR Advisors can request resumes of Indigenous students for staffing opportunities by contacting KCII at CRTA-ITRC@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Launch of MyGCPay External Access for All

MyGCPay is a secure web application that provides a simpler, centralized view of your pay, benefits and human resource information. Current and former federal employees can now access the application MyGCPay from outside the Government of Canada network.

Changes in your 2025 net pay

Your net pay amount listed on your first pay stub in 2025 could be different from your last pay stub in 2024.

This is due to changes in rates of various plans and the fact that your contributions to Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) resume if you reached the annual maximum deductions in the previous calendar year.

For more information, refer to the visual aid Why did my net pay change with the first pay of the new calendar year?

New Pension Contribution Rates for 2025

Public service pension contribution rates are renewed each year on January 1. Consult the revised pension contribution rates for 2025.

For more information about your pension plan and contribution rates, visit the Public Service Pension Contribution Rates page and the Funding of the Public Service Pension Plan page.

Subscribe to the compensation email notification system to receive general information about pay and the public service pension and benefit plans.

Improvements and changes to the Public Service Dental Care Plan effective January 1, 2025

Improvements and changes to the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) came into effect on January 1, 2025.

For more information, refer to the Improvements and changes to the Public Service Dental Care Plan effective January 1, 2025.

Privacy Principle to Remember: Security Safeguards

To keep personal information safe, follow these steps to manage data in your day-to-day activities:

  • Protect personal information using physical, organizational, and technical safeguards that match the sensitivity of the data. 
  • Dispose of the data properly only after ensuring there are no ongoing legal holds. Contact the Information Management team if you have any questions.
  • Keep personal information confidential both in your work activities and outside of the workplace.
    • Only discuss personal information in secure and trusted environments.
    • Choose a private and secure workspace to ensure your information remains confidential
  • Always lock your tablet when stepping away from your workstation.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when working in a shared space.

By following these steps, you help protect privacy rights of individuals and build public trust.

If you have questions, please contact your Information Management team.

Reminder – GC Collaboration Tools

Decommissioning of GCConnex

On April 1, 2025, GCXchange will officially replace GCConnex as the Government of Canada’s new and improved collaboration space.

GCConnex has entered a read-only mode on January 27, 2025. Community owners are encouraged to copy or download content to their new GCXchange community or site before GCConnex is retired on April 1, 2025.

Why GCXchange?

GCXchange is more than just a replacement—it’s a smarter, more efficient way to collaborate. With familiar tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, you’ll be able to create and join communities, work on documents in real time, and share updates across departments with ease. It’s everything you need, all in one place, designed to make your workday smoother.

What about the Career Marketplace?

One of GCConnex’s most popular features, the Career Marketplace, is moving to GCXchange as well. You’ll still be able to explore career development opportunities, connect with mentors, and browse postings across the GC.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! Visit GCXchange today to set up your community, familiarize yourself with the new features, and start collaborating like never before. Not registered yet? No problem! Visit the GCXchange registration page to get started. Create your GCXchange community now.

Thank you for being part of this transition. If you need any assistance with the move or have questions, reach out to the GC Collaboration Tools team at: support-soutien@gcx-gce.gc.ca.

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What’s Coming Up

February 25: HRC SmartShop – Selection of Employees for Retention or Lay-off

Event Description

This HR Council SmartShop, organized in collaboration with the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC), will provide an overview of the steps and requirements when conducting a Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO) within the context of Workforce Adjustment (WFA).

Registration 

Notes 

  • We encourage questions to be submitted in advance to the presenters by February 19 via the above registration forms. 
  • A calendar meeting invitation, including the MSTeams link, will be sent at least 48 hours before the session. 
  • Closed captioning, ASL and LSQ services will be provided. 

Audience

This SmartShop is intended for HR professionals across the Federal Public Sector.

Presenters

  • Steven Davidson, Staffing Support Advisor, PSC
  • Louise Laflèche, Senior HR Advisor, PSC
  • Cathy Purdy, Staffing Support Advisor, PSC
  • Josée Vertefeuille, Staffing Support Advisor, PSC

Documents 

Will be posted on the HRC GCXchange page 48 hours before the sessions. If you have not yet joined HRC’s GCXchange site, you will need to do so by following these five steps.

Should you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned HRC SmartShop or have any accommodation requests, please contact the HR Council. 

February 27: HRC SmartShop – Navigating Change: A Trauma-Informed Approach for HR Professionals

Event Description 

This HR Council SmartShop, organized in collaboration with Health Canada (HC), is intended for HR professionals, responsible for providing advice and guidance to managers and employees, with empathy and resiliency, in times of uncertainty.

Key Objectives

At the end of this SmartShop, participants will:

  • Understand trauma’s impact on employees and workplace dynamics
  • Gain strategies to foster safety and support, creating a workplace culture of trust and inclusion
  • Develop practical tools for stress reduction, empathetic communication, and psychological safety
  • Navigate legal and ethical considerations in fulfilling responsibilities
  • Recognize and address distress with self-care techniques to support own well- being as an HR practitioner

Registration 

Notes 

  • Questions may be submitted in advance to the presenter by February 12 via the above registration forms. 
  • A calendar meeting invitation, including the MSTeams link, will be sent at least 48 hours before the session. 
  • Closed captioning, ASL and LSQ services will be provided. 

Audience

This SmartShop is intended for HR professionals across the Federal Public Sector.

Presenter

Emmanuella Michel, Ph.D (c) University Laval, M.Sc. University of Montreal, Speaker and mental health advocate and expert, Trauma Exposed Professionals Expertise

Documents 

Will be posted on the HRC GCXchange page 48 hours before the sessions. If you have not yet joined HRC’s GCXchange site, you will need to do so by following these five steps. 

Should you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned HRC SmartShop or have any accommodation requests, please contact the HR Council. 

HR Council

  • February 11, 2025 – HRC Executive Committee Meeting
  • February 18, 2025 – HRC Meeting
  • February 26, 2025 – HR Community Engagement Hub

February 4, 2025: Adapting to Change with Neuroplasticity and Self-Compassion

We know there are various changes happening in our workplace, and some changes may also be taking place in your personal lives. These sessions are designed to help you harness the science of neuroplasticity and the transformative power of self-compassion to build resilience and embrace change with confidence. Neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new connections, helps us respond to change and learn new things throughout our lives. In these sessions, we will explore how understanding the mind and practicing self-compassion can empower us to navigate life’s changes with grace.

What you’ll learn

  • the basics of change and transition
  • the basics of neuroplasticity and how your brain adapts to change
  • practical tools to cultivate self-compassion during challenging times

 Who should attend

These sessions are ideal for anyone looking to enhance their ability to adapt to change.

  • English session
    For Management and All Employees
    Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
    1:30pm ET to 3:00pm ET
    Join the meeting now
  • French session
    Pour la direction et tous les employés
    Mardi 4 février 2025
    11h00 HE à 12h30 HE
    Rejoignez la réunion

This session is sponsored by IRCC and the IOCN, and delivered by the team of MCLD Program facilitators.

Feel free to join us on GCCollab: Government of Canada Organizational Culture and Change, or on gcxchange: A Mindful Change Leadership.

CSPS

Online Sessions

In-Person Session: Ottawa, Ontario

For additional events, please consult the CSPS events page.

GC Data Conference 2025 – Secure your spot today! 

With the theme of “Empowering Insight and Action,” this year’s conference will explore how people play an active role in strengthening data stewardship, how to support the progression from data literacy to data fluency, and how unlocking scientific data can benefit Canadians and the planet. 

The agenda and list of speakers are now available.

Register today for the February 19 and 20, 2025 GC Data Conference 2025: Empowering Insight and Action. 

APEX

Upcoming Events

  • February 12, 2025 – The Power of Positive Leadership: Discover how the power of positive leadership can transform your team and drive success in the federal public service. Join renowned leadership expert Craig Dowden, PhD, for an engaging session filled with actionable strategies to boost engagement, foster collaboration, and build resilience.
  • February 19, 2025 – Leveraging Executive Talent Management for Career Mobility:This event will focus on how executives can fully leverage the talent management process to achieve their leadership goals. This is a bilingual event.  
  • March 26, 2025 – Leading Change with Confidence: Business strategist Tim Arnold offers a fresh perspective on navigating the complexities of change. In this session, he will explore five critical areas where balance is key.

Stay apprised of upcoming APEX events and resources from previous events.

National Managers’ Community (NMC)

NMC Managers Connect: In-Person Events Across Canada

These events provide an excellent opportunity to network, build skills, collaborate and engage with peers from all departments.

More Networking & Events to Come

The best way to find out about upcoming networking opportunities, activities and events happening near you is in the NMC newsletters and on the NMC events and activities page. Feel free to share widely with your colleagues!

Association of Public Sector Information Professionals (DPI)

DPI is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit national organization dedicated to advancing the careers of public sector professionals across Canada. Join DPI as they host their third and final Development Day of the year, offering a day filled with enriching activities focused on career development.

  • Keynote Speaker – Be Future Work Ready to Communicate, Connect and Collaborate. View Our Keynote Speaker Mark Bowden in Action Here.
  • GC Panel – Career Management in a Multi-Generational Workplace
  • Workshop – How to Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Workshops
  • Workshop – Harnessing Predictive AI for Efficient Information Management in SharePoint Online

Visit the event page here for more details.

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HRC Meeting

On January 21, 2025, a special event focusing on HR and Pay was held for Heads of HR, replacing the regular HRC meeting. TBS Associate Chief Human Resources Officer Francis Trudel and PSPC Associate Deputy Minister, Human Capital Management Portfolio, Alex Benay attended to discuss the progress toward a new integrated HR and pay solution. The session focused on the anticipated adoption of an integrated HR and pay system and the role the HR community plays in the success of this digital and business transformation.

For more information, please consult the Integrated Enterprise HR and Pay Strategy.

HRC Planning Calendar

Please see the HRC Planning Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

Contact Us

HRCouncil/ConseilRH@tbs-sct.gc.ca

GCXchange Page

Subscribe to the Updates from the HRC!

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