Message from the Clerk on National Public Service Week 2017

Today we begin National Public Service Week – a celebration of the excellent work done each day by public servants like you on behalf of Canadians.

This year’s National Public Service Week is especially significant as we celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Canada and the Public Service. Just as our country has evolved in the past 150 years, the Public Service has adapted to meet the changing needs of the governments and the people we serve. With over 260,000 employees, we have become more diverse, inclusive, and representative of Canadians. I encourage you to learn more about our history of the first 150 years in my Annual Report to the Prime Minister. Time and again, we have shown that the Public Service is about continuity and change, while maintaining an international reputation for service excellence.

While we have achieved many successes over the last year, there have been challenges too—which I know have taken a toll on some of you personally. As the newly published results of the Public Service Employee Annual Survey tell us, we have more work to do to ensure everyone feels welcome, heard, and respected within the Public Service. I am committed to ensuring that we all understand these findings and that we work together on ways to improve where needed.

I am immensely proud to lead such a dedicated group of public servants, across Canada and abroad. Thank you for your hard work, creativity, and commitment to delivering results each and every day. 

During this year’s National Public Service Week, I encourage you to engage with your colleagues by sharing your stories and experiences. With the new Humans of the Public Service web presence on the GCintranet, you can do this “virtually”. You can also be an ambassador for the Public Service by sharing with family and friends some of the great profiles and information featured on our  Proudly Serving Canadians website launched during NPSW last year to illustrate the breadth and importance of the work we do, or by using #ServCDNs on your social media channels.

I hope you will also take some time to celebrate the Public Service’s achievements, and your role in them, by participating in some of the many events happening across the country.

Michael Wernick

Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet