The 104th annual general meeting will take place Sunday, November 26 to Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Centre Sheraton Hotel, Montreal, Quebec.

More information to come, we look forward to seeing you there!

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) demands a halt to the Treasury Board’s plans to mandate employees back to the office.

On Thursday, the Treasury Board announced plans to roll out a one-size-fits-all approach to return federal public servants to their offices for 2-3 days per week starting in January. This news comes despite previous commitments to continue consulting with unions and implement tailored plans for each department, and despite the triple threat of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus filling up emergency rooms across the country.

“For over 2 years we’ve been saying that any return to office plan must have purpose, and prioritize employee productivity as well their health and safety. This plan has none of that: it’s poorly thought out, punitive and makes no sense whatsoever – and we’re not going to compromise on health and safety ” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr.

“Today’s announcement is the total opposite of what the Treasury Board has been promising: a hybrid-by-design approach that takes into account the unique circumstances of federal public servants. They have completely ignored the design part and have instead chosen to bulldoze through a bad plan that sets themselves up for an unnecessary fight.”

Thousands of PIPSC members have already started bargaining their next collective agreements with the Treasury Board, where telework is on the table. “This doesn’t set the stage for good faith negotiations with the employer. With the holidays around the corner, the timing of this announcement also adds insult to injury."

PIPSC has been following the issue closely and continuing to solicit feedback from members on any return to workplace plan.

“Our members have proven throughout the past two-and-a-half years that they can and will continue to be productive and engaged no matter where they work from,” said Carr. “Public service professionals have gone above and beyond to deliver quality services to Canadians. Is this how the government thanks them for their commitment and hard work?”

PIPSC is continuing to advocate for safe, flexible return to workplace policies for all members. Members that are required to return to the workplace and have concerns should visit our website for more information on the options available to them.

On November 29, 2022 Treasury Board President Mona Fortier announced the appointment of an expert panel to review the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA).

PIPSC welcomes the review and has long called for improvements to the existing legislation. We had previously submitted our comments on updating the PSDPA to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates in February 2017 - it has certainly taken a great deal of time for the government to move forward on this critical matter.

Canadians rely on the services provided daily by our members to make their lives safer, healthier and more prosperous. While rare, the disclosure of wrongdoing must also be considered a service to our fellow citizens. When a public service professional has tried every other avenue to resolve a significant problem, only to have their concerns dismissed by higher-level authorities, they are acting with integrity, honesty and in line with their dedication to protecting and serving the public good.

Sadly, for many of our members, whistleblowing has also meant endangering or sacrificing their career for the sake of the public interest. It shouldn't be that way. We need to ensure insurmountable barriers are not put in the way of these courageous and ethical public service professionals.

We are also very proud that PIPSC Director of Labour Relations David Yazbeck has been appointed to the panel. David brings decades of labour law experience and an in-depth knowledge of the issues to the table and we are very pleased that he has been recognized as a true subject matter expert by the government.

We look forward to engaging with the panel to review the legislation towards the implementation of recommendations that will not only protect whistleblowers when they come forward, but the interests of the Canadian public at large.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae
1872-1918

The day before he wrote his famous poem, one of John McCrae's closest friends was killed in the fighting and buried in a makeshift grave with a simple wooden cross. Wild poppies were already beginning to bloom between the crosses marking the many graves. Unable to help his friend or any of the others who had died, McCrae gave them a voice through his poem.

In Flanders Fields was first published in England's Punch magazine in December 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries.

Veterans Affairs Canada

The Institute is saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our friend and colleague, Brandon Wilson.

Brandon passed away on October 23, 2022 at the age of 36.  He will be missed.

Brandon became a steward at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2019.

He was a member of the IT Ottawa West Sub-Group and Ottawa West Branch.

The Institute extends its condolences to Brandon’s family and to the many friends who were privileged to know him.

Visitation will be held at the Kelly Funeral Home, 580 Eagleson Road in Kanata on Wednesday, November 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, November 10 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, November 11 at 10 a.m. at Bethel Pentecostal Church, 500 Viewmount Drive, Nepean.

Condolences and memories can be expressed online.

We’re currently looking for additional members in your workplace to be a local Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) representative.

In the face of COVID-19 and return to workplaces, health and safety is more important than ever. Our local OHS representatives are crucial in ensuring the health and safety of our workplaces, and we need your help to make it happen.

PIPSC plays an important role in ensuring the health and safety of our workspaces by selecting employees to be OHS representatives. You don’t have to be a union steward to volunteer for this role. The responsibilities of an OHS representative include:

• Implement policies and programs to educate your colleagues about workplace health and safety
• Participate in inquiries, investigations, studies, and inspections about the health and safety of your workplace when required
• Consider and address complaints related to worker health and safety in your workplace
• Create OHS action plans, and address any workplace complaints
• Conduct regular health and safety inspections in your workplace

Help ensure a safer workplace for you and your colleagues by becoming an OHS representative. The deadline to apply is November 7, 2022.

If you have any questions about becoming an OHS representative, please contact your department’s National Consultation President. Apply today!