News & Issues

PIPSC has joined eight Ontario unions representing more than 250,000 provincial public sector employees in a legal challenge against Bill 124. The bill violates Ontario workers’ Charter-protected right to free and fair collective bargaining.

On November 8, 2019 PIPSC Vice-President Norma Domey led a two-hour “standing room only” seminar on "Leading with Emotional Intelligence" at the Institute’s 100th Annual General Meeting in Gatineau, Québec.  

This training outlines key changes to the parental leave policy, eligibility requirements, and strategies for accessing it.

The new parental allowance provisions are currently applicable to the AV, NR, RE, SH, SP, CNRC (LS, IR, RO-RCO, TR), CRA (AFS), OSFI, CNSC (NUREG), NEB and NFB collective agreements.

Human Rights Day is celebrated around the world to commemorate the proclamation of “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948.

President Daviau presented the 2019 Institute’s Gold Medal to Dr. Xiaolan Wang to recognize her contributions to the understanding of climate change in Canada and internationally. Dr. Wang is a Senior Research Scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada.

If you are a former PIPSC member who was paid at least one day by the Phoenix system, you may now make an online claim for compensation. We strongly encourage you to claim your compensation.

3.6 million Canadians cannot afford to fill their prescriptions. Canada remains the only developed country with a universal public health insurance system that does not include universal coverage for prescription drugs.

Your pay increase and retro pay What is retro pay? Retro pay occurs when a new collective agreement is negotiated and time has lapsed since the expiration of the old one.

The implementation process is underway for the AV, NR, RE, SH, SP, CNRC (LS, IR, RO-RCO, TR), CRA (AFS), OSFI, CNSC (NUREG), NEB and NFB collective agreements.

It is with a profound sense of sorrow and regret that the Institute informs you of the passing of our friend and colleague, Ed Sweet. Ed passed away on November 17, 2019.  Ed’s commitment to Institute members was deep and unwavering. He will be missed.

Until 2017, members of the Public Service Pension Plan were provided with an annual pension statement.  As a result of the failed Phoenix pay system, the Pension Centre has been unable to issue these statements.

At the 100th AGM, Debi Daviau addressed the delegates, touching on the AGM theme “Leading Progress” and outlining the goals for the year ahead.

The two guest speakers at the 100th AGM were David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data responsible for conducting our 2019 membership survey, and Hassan Yussuff, a well-known champion for Canadian workers and president of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Debi wrote a follow-up to her October 23, 2019 meeting, during which you requested a short briefing note summarizing the Institute’s position and concerns regarding the potential transfer of our Civilian Members to the troubled Phoenix pay system. 

The public service is an important driver in the Canadian economy.

Weathering this Phoenix storm has not been easy, we know. We’re all in this together and we are working hard to make sure a range of resources are available for you.

At 6:01 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2019, President Debi Daviau returned to the podium to give her closing remarks.

The 100th Annual General Meeting of the Institute was adjourned on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 6:12 p.m. 

In 2019, we awarded 37 scholarships worth a total of $57,500.

PIPSC President and Legacy Foundation Chair Debi Daviau thanked the members in all the Regions for their fundraising efforts and contributions to the Legacy Foundation.

Delegates viewed a video update on the Institute’s Legacy Foundation, including brief profiles of this year’s scholarship laureates.  

President Debi Daviau presented awards to deserving Institute members for their exemplary and inspiring leadership, and thanked the members of the Award Selection Panel – Chair Bert Crossman, Ralph Herman, and Nita Saville – for reviewing the nominations and for recommending these laureates.

The “Steward of the Year” award acknowledges those who have gone “above and beyond” their duties to assist members and who have made extraordinary contributions to the Institute.

PIPSC Gold Medal Awarded to Dr. Xiaolan Wang  

  AGM Celebrates 100th Anniversary at Gala Evening 

During lunch and health breaks, members benefited from the presence of our ServicePlus partners to learn about products and services available to them at advantageous rates. Visitors to the various booths also qualified for prizes which were provided by the exhibitors.

AGM delegates took advantage of the opportunity to discuss in detail the proposed budget and audited financial statements in a special financial information forum hosted by Finance Chair Chris Roach, and ably assisted by Dennis Britt, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, and Didier Paultre, Manager of Finance.

Aviva Canada presents cheque to Legacy Foundation

100th Anniversary Mural President Daviau shared with the delegates a short video about the making of the 100th Anniversary mural.

Members’ Stories  Members can be proud of what PIPSC has accomplished over the past year. Members can also be proud of what they do every day for Canadians. Others deserve to know and celebrate what PIPSC members do.

Director Robert MacDonald reported on the work of the Task Force on Professionals Canada since the last AGM.

The Opening of the 100th AGM of the Professional Institute  On Friday, November 8, 2019, AGM Chair Sean O’Reilly called the 100th  Annual General Meeting to order with a warm welcome to the more than 650 delegates.

CLC President congratulates PIPSC on 100 years of Leading Progress Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), congratulated PIPSC on 100 years of leading progress.

Abacus Data CEO Dr. David Coletto presented PIPSC Member Survey Results     

President’s Opening Address      President Debi Daviau gave a vibrant bilingual address.