OTTAWA, Ont. – November 5, 2010 – Maria Barrados, President of the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) issued the following statement on employment equity.
The PSC is committed to achieving a public service that reflects the diversity of Canada and to using fair measures designed to reach that goal.
Ms. Barrados noted, “The Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) sets the framework for staffing in the federal public service. It specifically provides for limiting the area of selection to employment equity groups where there are identified gaps. It is the view of the Public Service Commission that delegated departments and agencies have this statutory option, in addition to other tools, to address areas of under-representation.”
Ms. Barrados added, “The core values of merit and non-partisanship are the cornerstones of all appointments to and within the public service. This applies to appointments of employment equity groups.” For merit to be met, the appointee must be qualified.
The PSC is an independent agency reporting to Parliament. It will continue to assume its responsibilities in accordance with the legal framework in place and to ensure that the equity group members are well represented in the public service.
Details on the Employment Equity Act and the PSEA can be found at
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/plcy-pltq/index-eng.htm
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/plcy-pltq/frame-cadre/policy-politique/equity-equite-eng.htm
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Public Service Commission
613-947-7269
media@psc-cfp.gc.ca
www.psc-cfp.gc.ca
