Remaining amendments to the Public Service Employment Act now in effect

From: Public Service Commission of Canada

News release

Changes to address biases and barriers in public service staffing

July 4, 2023 – Gatineau, Quebec

The Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) today announced the coming into force of the final 2 amendments to the Public Service Employment Act. The changes are part of several legislative amendments that came into force in stages, all with the goal of creating a more inclusive and diverse public service that reflects the population it serves.

The most recent amendments:

  • require departments and agencies subject to the act to evaluate assessment methods used in hiring processes (like interviews or written exams) for biases and barriers that disadvantage people belonging to equity-seeking groups, and to take steps to remove or mitigate any biases or barriers that are found
  • expand the authorities of the PSC and deputy heads to investigate errors, omissions or improper conduct specifically resulting from biases or barriers in staffing that disadvantage people belonging to equity-seeking groups

In preparation for these changes, the PSC has been consulting with departments and agencies, bargaining agents and employee diversity networks to update its policy framework and develop guidance and tools.

The PSC is dedicated to the ongoing efforts to achieve a more equitable and diverse Canada, including through:

  • our continued support to departments and agencies in implementing the new legislative requirements
  • various specialized recruitment and internship programs
  • audits on the impacts of hiring practices on equity-seeking groups

Quotes

“Everyone applying to public service jobs should have an equal opportunity to highlight their unique talents. However, these amendments are about more than fairness. More equitable staffing is the foundation of a best-in-class workforce that delivers modern, relevant and thoughtful policies and services to the people of Canada.” 

- Interim President Stan Lee, and Commissioner Fiona Spencer

Quick facts

  • Other Public Service Employment Act amendments that have already come into force:

    • add an explicit commitment by the Government of Canada to a public service that represents Canada’s diversity
    • require that the establishment or review of qualification standards include an evaluation of biases and barriers that disadvantage people in equity-seeking groups, and that steps are taken to remove or mitigate any biases or barriers that are found
    • expand the PSC’s audit authority to include the power to determine whether there are biases or barriers in appointment processes that disadvantage people in equity-seeking groups
    • in staffing processes that are open to the public, expand the preference for Canadian citizens to also include permanent residents 

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Public Service Commission of Canada
Email: cfp.media.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca

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