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From the President’s Desk
Dear Members,
I hope all of you are enjoyed the Summer and had to chance to take some time off from work. For many of us, it’s been a difficult Fall with the four days per week Return-to-Office Mandate combined with challenging commutes and rapidly shifting government priorities. Recently, the Government introduced Bill C-39 (Building Canada Strong Act) which proposes to implement several changes to the Canada Labour Code that would erode the labour rights of many Canadians. Although this change does not immediately impact the federal public service bargaining process, it sets a dangerous precedent and PIPSC will work with the Canadian Labour Council and its affiliates to stop this unprecedented attack on Canadian workers and their families.
I have heard from many of about concerns that you have to report to workplaces that are overpopulated and do not have sufficient support spaces such as quiet rooms or meeting rooms. Moreover, the Department is still far away from meeting the commitment that was made by the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) to the effect that all public servants will get an assigned desk. At the same time, the Employer has removed the last aspects of flexibility with the abrupt cancellation of the Gcworkplace program and the closure of the few remaining PSPC Coworking locations.
On October 13, 2026, your Sub-Group host a NR Group Bargaining Information Session with Kimberly Hradecky, Bargaining Coordinator and Sumeeta Fernando, Negotiator. Our guest speakers provided an overview of the collective bargaining process in the federal public sector that is quite unique and different from provincially regulated workplaces. They also shared an update on the current status of the bargaining for the group and addressed comments and concerns from meeting participants. Thanks to all that joined us for this event. You find the latest information about the status of bargaining in the newsletter.
Over the Summer, the NR Group held its annual election. I wish to congratulate the four new executive members that will represent us in the National Capital Region: John Eng, Kimberly Hradecky, Jamie GoodMurphy and Matthew Lee. I also want to thank all candidates who put their name forward. At the NR Group AGM that took place on September 12, the delegates elected the Group President and Vice-President by secret ballot as per new process established in the Group By-Law. Congratulations to Michael Pauley and Jamie GoodMurphy who were acclaimed in the roles of President and Vice-President, respectively. I wish a productive year to come to our NR Executive who continue their important volunteer work in support of the membership.
We have two of our sub-group executive members who have retired this year, Luc Généreux and Brian Boyd. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Luc and Brian for their service to the Institute and to congratulate on them on their distinguished public service career.
I was honored to receive two important awards recognizing my work as a Steward with the Institute this past year. I received the 2026 Steward of the Year Award for the National Capital Region as well as the 2026 Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 5 years of service. I would like to sincerely thank the individuals who took the time to nominate me as well as the members of selection committees for retaining my candidacy. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to serve over the past years and I look forward to do so for the many years to come.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the sub-group is fast approaching. It will take place on Tuesday December 1, from 12 to 1 PM on Zoom. Our guest speaker will be our recently elected NR Group President, Michael Pauley. We have several positions to fill on the Sub-Group this year. If you’re interested to get more involved, to make a difference in the workplace and to support your peers, I highly encourage you to put your name forward. A formal notice with instructions for nomination will be sent shortly. If you would like to know more about what the role entails, feel free to contact me or any member of the current executive to inquire.
I hope to see all of you at an upcoming event and don’t hesitate to come and greet me if you see me in the workplace. Feel free to write to me, I’m always happy to hear from fellow PIPSC members across the organization.
In Solidarity,
Charles Nellis (he/him), PMP, LEED Green Associate cnellis@pipsc.ca
(613) 793-4099
Upcoming Sub-Group Events
You Sub-Group Executive is very excited to present a series of events throughout the year. Separate invitations will be sent by email for each of them, please ensure to check your inbox and register.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Virtual (ZOOM) – Tuesday, December 1, 2026 (12 to 1 pm) – Gest Speaker: Michael Pauley, President of the NR Group
If you have any ideas for events that you would like to see or help organize, let us know.
Did you know that? – Time off with pay for medical and dental appointments (Code 698)
This section of the Quarterly Bulletin aims to share useful facts and information to help members be more aware of their rights and obligations in the workplace. In this edition, we will focus on Time off with pay for medical and dental appointments also known as Code 698 leave.
About code 698
Code 698 refers to paid time off for routine medical and dental appointments. It is based on section 2.2.3 of the Directive on Leave and Special Working Arrangements.
Under this provision, employees in the core public administration may be granted up to half a day off with pay for their own routine, periodic check-up appointments. This time off does not reduce their sick leave credits.
If you require time for an appointment that is not routine, including medical or dental appointments for treatment or ongoing care, you must use sick leave for this time instead of code 698.
When to use code 698
Use code 698 for routine, periodic check-ups that help you maintain your health, such as a:
- medical appointment for an annual physical
- dental appointment for an annual or semi-annual check-up
- optometrist appointment for an annual eye exam
- periodic, preventive medical tests not related to treatment or management of a complaint or condition (for example a colonoscopy or mammogram related to a regular check-up)
Your manager may ask you to schedule your appointment in a way that causes as little disruption to services as possible.
When to use sick leave
Use sick leave for appointments related to diagnosing, treating, or managing an existing or suspected condition. This includes:
- seeing a doctor when you are feeling ill or following an injury
- follow-up visits to discuss test results
- appointments for a diagnosed condition
- appointments as part of a treatment plan including, but not limited to:
- physiotherapy
- chiropractic care
- registered massage therapy
- psychologist/psychiatrist appointments
- dental work
Appointments with health specialists that require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement through a provincial health plan or the Public Service Health Care Plan are also considered treatment and should be charged to sick leave.
How much time you can take
You can take up to half a day for a routine appointment. This includes travel time.
The maximum time off depends on normal workday hours:
- For positions with a 7.5-hour workday, you can take up to 3 hours and 45 minutes
- For positions with an 8-hour day, you can take up to 4 hours
- If you work part-time or a compressed schedule, you can take up to 3 hours and 45 minutes or 4 hours, depending on what a normal (non-compressed) full-time workday is under your collective agreement.
Your entitlement to time off using code 698 is limited to the actual time needed to travel to and from the appointment and for the appointment itself.
If your appointment takes longer than the maximum allowed time, or if you have multiple appointments on the same day, you must use sick leave for the extra time.
If you have some further questions or experience difficulty getting your Leave 698 requests approved by your Manager, please contact a Steward for assistance.
NR Group News
NR Elections Results
The NR election committee has verified the results for the 2026 elections, where 303 ballots were cast in the election. The following candidates have been elected to the NR executive, and will take office immediately:
- Michael Pauley – Atlantic Representative (Acclaimed)
- Hany A.T. Fawzy – Quebec Representative
- John Britto Daniel Paulraj – BC/Yukon Representative
- John Eng – NCR Representative
- Kimberly Hradecky – NCR Representative
- Jamie GoodMurphy – NCR Representative
- Matthew Lee – NCR Representative
Congratulations to the newly elected executive committee members and a big thanks to all the nominees. Our group relies on the contributions of volunteers to advance the interests of members like you. The vote count is available on the PIPSC website.
If you have any questions about the election, please contact Aaron Thompson (Thompsonaaron24@gmail.com).
NR Bargaining Update No. 3
What Has Been Happening
Your NR Bargaining Team has been actively preparing for the next round of collective bargaining. The current NR collective agreement expires September 30, 2026. While the agreement will have expired, its terms and conditions of employment will remain in effect during bargaining in accordance with the statutory freeze provisions of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, until a new collective agreement is reached.
March / April 2026 – The team reviewed and analyzed the NR bargaining survey results. The survey identified a broad range of member priorities, including:
- Access to tools and resources
- Career progression
- Conference attendance and professional development
- Education and training support
- Overtime and other premiums
- Paid leave
- Sick leave
- Telework and flexible work arrangements
May 15th – A virtual bargaining preparation meeting was held. Survey findings were reviewed, Bargaining Team protocols and responsibilities were established, and coordination with PIPSC common bargaining was discussed.
June 13th – An NR Subgroup Presidents Meeting was held. Survey findings were presented, and the team received additional feedback on workplace concerns and regional and departmental issues to inform bargaining preparation.
July 21st to 23rd – The Bargaining Team met to develop and draft bargaining proposals informed by the survey results, Subgroup feedback, submissions and workplace concerns received from members. A first draft of the bargaining proposals was completed and will undergo further review in September and October.
Other Bargaining News
Your team’s Bargaining Co-ordinator, Kimberly Hradecky, continues to participate in PIPSC meetings and coordinated bargaining discussions to stay informed on broader issues affecting members across the Institute.
August 25th – Several NR representatives participated in the NR-TBS Joint Career Development Committee meeting to discuss career development issues affecting NR members.
August 27th – Notice to bargain was filed with the Employer, formally initiating the bargaining process for the next NR collective agreement.
Next Steps
September / October – The Bargaining team will continue its review and finalize bargaining proposals
November – The first bargaining session with the Employer is scheduled for November 4 and 5.
December – The second session is scheduled for December 15-17, with a need for the third day to be determined following the November session.
NR Bargaining Team – Member Follow-up
Regular bargaining updates will be provided throughout the round. Your Bargaining Team has selected Thuc Van (T.V.) Quan to serve as the team’s mobilization contact. She will help plan and coordinate member engagement activities and campaigns as bargaining progresses.
Members are encouraged to ensure that PIPSC has their most current personal contact information so they do not miss important bargaining communications. Newsletters will be issued regularly, with additional updates provided as needed.
Member participation will be important during this round of bargaining. We encourage members to attend meetings and events, stay informed, and engage with bargaining updates. Visible member engagement helps demonstrate the NR members are informed, invested, and supportive of the bargaining process.
NR September 2026 Newsletter
The latest NR Group Newsletter is available for you reading pleasure.
PIPSC News
U.S.-style labour laws have no place in Canada
Tucked into the massive Building Canada Strong Act is a provision that would hand the Minister of Labour a power even American presidents don’t have: the ability to end a strike with a single signature. By rewriting section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, it would let one minister shut down a lawful strike or lockout, extend a collective agreement, or impose binding arbitration, all without a vote in Parliament. The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) is joining the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and unions from coast to coast to demand the government pull it from the Bill.
“This goes further than anything in U.S. labour law, and it tips the scales toward employers,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly. “When an employer knows the Minister can step in and end a strike, they have no reason to bargain seriously. That is not free collective bargaining, and it is not the Canadian way.”
Changes to the Canada Labour Code should eliminate this power entirely, not create a new way to use it. Ending a strike should always require back-to-work legislation, which means MPs have to stand in the House and vote for it on the record. The new provision would make that vote disappear.
“It’s designed so the government never has to own the decision,” O’Reilly said. “Instead of standing in the House and voting to send people back to work, the Minister can just sign a letter. That’s not accountability. That’s a workaround.”
The right to strike is a fundamental part of collective bargaining. It is what ensures both workers and employers have a real incentive to negotiate and reach a fair settlement. When governments can remove that right simply because a strike becomes inconvenient, the balance at the bargaining table disappears.
“Collective bargaining only works when both sides feel pressure to reach an agreement,” said O’Reilly. “These provisions mean that employers wait for government intervention instead of putting a fair offer on the table. Workers would be expected to bargain with one hand tied behind their backs.”
In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the right to strike is protected under the Charter’s guarantee of freedom of association, calling it an essential part of meaningful collective bargaining. Strikes are meant to create economic pressure; that pressure is what brings both sides to the table. The proposed change would let the Minister end a strike at exactly the point it begins to work.
“Workers across Canada are sending the government a clear message: take these provisions out of the bill,” said O’Reilly. “Canada should be strengthening workers’ rights, not borrowing from the anti-union playbook we see south of the border. We are united, and we will defend free and fair collective bargaining.”
PIPSC Legacy Foundation
The Legacy Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of professionals. The foundation’s sole purpose is to support the education of deserving young people across Canada.
The mission of the Legacy Foundation is to promote the intertwined values of professionalism and service, both to community and to country. This mission is accomplished by awarding scholarships for post-secondary education.
The pursuit of knowledge is a cornerstone value for PIPSC. We have always understood the importance of education to our members and to Canadian society.
Through the generous donations of our PIPSC community and corporate sponsors, the foundation has generated more than a million dollars in scholarships for young Canadians.
Consider making a donation to the Legacy Foundation or find out more on how your children or grandchildren can apply for this scholarship.
Service Plus
ServicePlus is your member benefits program where you can take advantage of preferential rates, discounts and savings on a variety of products and services available exclusively to members such insurance, retail, travel services, medical services, entertainment and many more. Make sure to check the website often as new partners and promotions appear regularly.
Update your Contact Information
Have you recently moved or changed your phone number? Or just unsure if we have the most recent contact information? If so, please ensure to verify and update your personal information in your PIPSC Account. If you receive communication from PIPSC on a professional email address, please consider changing it to your personal email. Our emails are often blocked by the employer’s email system.
If you have colleagues that are currently not a member of PIPSC or new employees within your team, please make sure to share this link to sign up with them. New employees are not automatically members of PIPSC, they must sign up.
More PISPC News
Stay current on the latest News & Issues that is of concern to PIPSC visiting this web page.
We need your help!
We always need help to organize events and conduct other initiatives for the Sub-Group. Members can also attend our monthly Executive Meetings as observers to learn more about Union Business and contribute to their Sub-Group. If this is of interest to you, please reach out to cnellis@pipsc.ca
We are also always looking for Stewards to join our team to support members in the workplace. We are especially looking for Stewards that come from equity seeking groups including women, visual minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous individuals, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community. If this is of interest to you, please consult this link and don’t hesitate to reach to a fellow Steward to get a better understanding of the role and determine if it suits you.
We are also in need of volunteers to become members of local Occupational Health & Safety Committees as PIPSC Representatives. This is a great way to become more familiar with an important aspect of the workplace and contribute improve the safety of the workplace in collaboration with management. Please note that you can only become a member of the Committee of your official place of work. Training is available and offered by the Employer. Please reach out to cnellis@pipsc.ca if interested.
Your Feedback
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact anyone on the sub-group executive. We also look forward to your suggestions for lunch-and-learns, or any other type of event that would benefit the members of our sub-group.
If you require representation services or would like some advice on a situation arising in the workplace, please contact one of our stewards as soon as possible.