The Advisory Committee met on November 22, 2025. Below is a high-level summary of the day’s discussion.
Federal Budget Analysis
Ryan Campbell provided an analysis of the Federal Budget
- Budget was very vague and was not necessarily clear on how this will happen
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a heavily featured
- Negative trend for science over the years and specifically for federal research and development including natural sciences
- A planned 40000 employee reduction in the public service by 2029, with 16000 by the end of this fiscal year
- A voluntary retirement incentive announced and PIPSC looking for questions that we are hearing from our members on this to help develop and FAQ
- An Announced intention to open consultations to address Public Service Pension Plan interaction with the Canadian Pension Plan
- Proposed change to Public Service Relations Act – similar to changes to Bill C-4 that had been under Harper government.
- PIPSC response had lobbying, media hits and social media presence
- Constituency lobby was done the week following the budget release. Over 200 volunteers and secured 31 meetings with their local Members of Parliament. PIPSC will continue to secure meetings with decision makers throughout the year.
- Continuation of the Here for Canadians Campaign. The next step will be public polling and testing on messaging.
PIPSC Priorities
High level review from the lens of the Chief Operators Office while seeking feedback from the Advisory Council
- Improving services engagement
- Defining service expectations from membership
- Improving communication supports
- Reviewing internal barriers for staff
- Stabilize and spreading corporate knowledge
- Strategic and long-term planning
Advisory Council Motions put forward by Advisory Council
The Advisory Council reviewed the twelve motions that they sponsored for the PIPSC AGM. A decision was made to withdraw P07, P08 and P09.
AC Elections
Elections were held for the positions of Vice Chair and Separate Employers Representative. Karen Hall and Jonathan Fitzpatrick were re-elected to their former positions
Director’s Report
AC Director Chris Roach gave a short report, highlights included:
- PIPSC Committee Chairs have been chosen, and they will start January 1st
- Professional Recognition and Qualification Committee and the ITSP Committees have not been populated this year.
- Vice President Frechette will be undertaking a review of all Board Committees within the next few years
- The Board of Directors have paused the change in the fiscal year end for constituency bodies
- An Advisory Council end of year report that will be a part of the PIPSC AGM delegate package
- Members were reminded that the hotel cost cap is $300 + taxes. Exceptions may be made for Vancouver and Toronto
- The Better Together Funding Program has been changed.There is now requirements to identify what other funding sources that are available to the applicant and a budget will be required. Reporting and auditing is going to be increased.
AGM Motions
The Advisory Committee did a quick review of all the proposed motions for the upcoming PIPSC AGM.
Common Issues Team
Doug Mason provided update and provided a short overview of the five key issues that the Strategic Bargaining Committee has delegated to the Common Issues Team (CIT). The CIT has developed language and bargaining themes for these issues and will move into evidence building to support bargaining teams for their proposals.
Separate Employers Update
Sharing bargaining information and the need for continued support from EROs were the key issues
Working Group on Consultation
The Chair is working on streamlining budgeting presidents on the identification of essential process
Strategic Bargaining Committee
Highlights from the Strategic Bargaining Committee update were
- The SP Group had a successful survey with over 50% of members responding
- The IT Group are hoping to exchange their proposal with TBS in January