Scott Brison’s departure is a loss for Canada’s public service

Fellow members,

Like many Canadians, I was sorry to learn yesterday that Treasury Board President and Minister of Digital Government Scott Brison is leaving Cabinet and will not be seeking re-election later this year.

I have the utmost respect for Scott and for his accomplishments during his tenure as one of Canada’s most senior ministers. He always brought thoughtfulness, a desire to work collaboratively and a sense of humour to our discussions. Some of his first words to me were: “We won't always agree, but we don't have to be disagreeable about it" - and he always lived up to that principle.

I remember how impressed I was when he agreed to speak at our 2016 Annual General Meeting after his appointment to Cabinet.  But he wasn’t just a skillful politician and public speaker. He was an accomplished administrator, and his arrival on the scene set a new tone of respect for public servants and for bargaining agents. As President of the Treasury Board, his work on Diversity and Inclusion, Pay Equity, Employee Wellness and a new streamlined collective bargaining Protocol (amongst other key issues) helped restore a more confident and effective public service. As Minister of Digital Government, he helped make federal services more accessible for all Canadians. Nobody ever doubted his competence or his commitment to the country.

Debi Daviau & Scott Brison

 

The Institute looks forward to enjoying a continued productive and collaborative relationship with the next Treasury Board President - especially with the round of bargaining currently underway and the work to replace Phoenix. 

On behalf of our 60,000 PIPSC members, I would like to wish Scott all the best in his future endeavours with Max and their beautiful twin girls. He will be missed.

Sincerely,

Debi Daviau,
President


20 December 2017
Predictions are rarely 100% accurate. But some offer better-educated guesses than others. Here then are my forecasts (and a few resolutions) for the coming year.

24 November 2017
Earlier this month, PSPC Minister Carla Qualtrough asked me if I would be willing to negotiate simplifying some of the pay rules bargained over decades that, some claim, contribute to the dysfunction of the federal pay system.

8 November 2017
Canadians should not have to worry about their retirement. But actions taken by the federal government raise questions about its commitment to enhancing retirement security for Canadians – a key promise in the last federal election.

7 November 2017
Medical Radiation Therapist (MRT) Week, which recognizes the essential role these professionals play in Canada’s healthcare system, runs from November 5 to 11, 2017.

3 November 2017
We have received several inquiries about the impact of the Phoenix pay system on retroactive pay for members who signed new collective agreements this year.

27 October 2017
After years of advocacy, the Treasury Board has agreed to negotiate the addition of non-oral contraceptives to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).