Services to Ministers

On this page

• Purpose
• During Transition
• Services on an ongoing basis
• Contact person

Purpose

• The Corporate Secretariat serves as a single window, providing support to the Ministers’ offices, as well as Parliamentary Secretaries, with information, coordination, analysis, and support services for matters relating to finance, human resources, administration, operational management, ministerial travel and engagement, Parliamentary Affairs, ministerial correspondence, and Access to Information and Privacy.

During Transition

• The Corporate Secretary, acts as Concierge and ensures coordination and management of all matters relating to operations, budgets, administration, information technology (IT), security requests, facilities services and human resources to ensure that the Ministers’ offices operate smoothly and effectively, as soon as possible.

Services on an ongoing basis

• Departmental Liaisons fosters and facilitates communication and the flow of information between Ministers’ offices and the Department, builds relationships, and is the focal point for delivery of all information and materials.
• The Resources Management Unit provides you with general administrative support including the coordination of all requests pertaining to human resources, security, IT services and all other operational matters, such as identification cards, security clearances and all administrative aspects of hiring exempt and student staff. It also ensures the revision and preparation of budgets and financial forecasts, and timely gathering of information to meet proactive disclosure requirements related to travel, hospitality and expenses for Ministers’ offices.
• The Ministerial Correspondence Secretariat manages incoming correspondence addressed to Ministers and prepares replies, manages the administration of invitations for Ministers and provides editing services to the Department for letters prepared for Ministerial signature.
• Parliamentary Affairs – While Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs report to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy, Planning and Corporate Affairs, the Corporate Secretary has oversight for Parliamentary Return which includes written questions for the House and Senate; petitions for the house and senate, productions of paper and delayed responses to the Senate.
• The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act on behalf of Canadian Heritage. The ATIP Secretariat interprets and applies the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act and their regulations in the processing of requests from the public for departmental records.
• The Trips and Virtual Engagement Unit is a one-stop shop for all requests from the Ministers’ offices for virtual events and trips. Working in collaboration with respective MINOs, PCH Regional Offices, PCH Communications Branch and all sectors within PCH. The unit leads the coordination and logistics with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the process and planning of each activity is as smooth as possible and for ensuring seamless, consistent support to all ministers.

Contact person

Jenny Ratansi-Rodrigues, Corporate Secretary

613-796-2884