OTTAWA, September 28, 2018 – As the federal Finance Committee prepares for cross-country public hearings on next year’s Budget, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) has released a fact sheet showing 72% of Canadians agree “in the next federal budget, funding for federal government science programs should be restored to what it was in 2011.” The finding, by Environics Research, is significant since overall funding for federal government science is in fact lower today than it was under the Harper government, in particular for research and development (R&D).

While Statistics Canada figures show overall funding of government science has increased from $10.4 billion in 2015/16 to $11.3 billion in 2018/19, actual spending is projected to be $112 million lower in 2018/19 than in 2014/15.

Worse, spending on R&D by government scientists has declined by $891 million compared to 2010/11 under the Harper government.

While some science funding has shifted to the private sector to encourage innovation, R&D by federal scientists has declined steeply.

“The strength of Canada’s R&D network depends on a robust federal government presence,” says PIPSC President Debi Daviau. “We cannot rely increasingly on the private sector alone to provide needed innovations. Often the very innovations we most need – for example, better weather forecasting, more resilient crops, improved pollution monitoring – result from R&D in areas of direct federal government responsibility, which is why we’re calling for more funding in next year’s budget.”

The StatsCan numbers reinforce the findings of a 2017 survey of federal scientists, which discovered well over half (58%) believe their departments do not have sufficient resources to fulfill their mandates. The problem is particularly pronounced in the Canadian Space Agency (79%), Natural Resources Canada (64%) and even Environment and Climate Change Canada, where 60% do not feel their department has sufficient resources.

The public opinion survey by Environics Research (commissioned by PIPSC) was conducted by telephone among 1,000 Canadians between July 3 and 8, 2018. The results can be considered accurate + or – 3.2%, 19 times out of 20.

Invitations to participate in the online survey of federal scientists, also hosted by Environics Research, were sent to 16,377 scientists, engineers and researchers in over 40 federal departments and agencies. Of these 3,025 (18.5%) responded between May 29 and June 27, 2017. The survey is considered accurate + or – 1.8%, 19 times out of 20. 

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents 55,000 public service professionals across Canada, including approximately 16,000 scientists, engineers and researchers, most of whom are employed by the federal government.

Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter (@pipsc_ipfpc).

For further information:

Johanne Fillion, 613-228-6310, ext. 4953 or 613-883-4900 (cell), jfillion@pipsc.ca

PIPSC and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) celebrated the renewal of their collective agreement on July 23^rd, 2018. The renegotiation of this agreement took place entirely on First Nations land and included Elders supporting the work with prayer, wisdom and input. The negotiations fostered a meaningful relationship between both parties. Additionally, the renewed collective agreement includes traditional First Nations approaches to conflict management and resolution.

"We are proud to be a part of the renewal of this historic agreement between our members and the First Nations Health Authority because of the incredible work that both parties did in incorporating First Nations-based principles and practices to negotiations," said PIPSC President Debi Daviau. "We felt there was a genuine effort to work together and both sides were guided by the objectives they serve: good jobs in healthy communities. We look forward to continuing this approach through the life of this agreement and beyond."

This important approach is in keeping with the PIPSC commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. The initial agreement in 2015 set precedent for labour relations that incorporate First Nations perspectives, values and sensibilities. It was the first agreement of its kind in Canada.

"We want to thank our partner the Professional Institute for their collaboration and being open again to including First Nations Elders in this work and incorporating First Nations perspectives into the agreement,” said Joe Gallagher, CEO of the FNHA. "I want to raise my hands to team members on both sides for the commitment to working together in a good way for the interest of First Nations peoples and our organizations. We are always better together."

The terms of the Collective Agreement are from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020.

On August 20, Treasury Board initiated its process of soliciting feedback from employees of the Federal Government about their engagement, leadership, workforce, workplace, workplace well-being, and more, through the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES). At the unions’ request, it also asks a few questions about pay problems resulting from Phoenix. 

Because the Institute believes firmly that informed data should be used to effect change, we support full participation by our members in the 2018 PSES.

The survey is being conducted from August 20 to September 28, 2018, and is being administered by Advanis, on behalf of the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada. Responses will be treated in a confidential manner.

More information about the 2018 PSES:  https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/innovation/public-service-employee-survey/2018/2018-about-public-service-employee-survey.html

The Institute’s submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance regarding the 2019-20 Pre-Budget Consultation is now available online. 

PIPSC believes the next federal budget should address the following priorities:

(1) Invest in intramural scientific capacity and intramural research and development (R&D).

(2) Enlist the assistance of the Chief Science Advisor to develop more detailed metrics to monitor the government’s science capacity.

(3) Nix Phoenix. Expand and accelerate efforts to find a permanent, in-house solution.

(4) Dedicate adequate resources to innovative Phoenix solutions.

 (5) “Reduc[e] the use of external consultants, bringing expenditures closer to 2005/06 levels,” as promised in Real Change: Growth for the Middle Class - The  Liberal Fiscal Plan and Costing, 2015.

(6)  Prioritize training and professional development within the public service.

(7) Close tax loopholes, reform privacy laws and prevent “snow washing”.

(8) Reinvigorate the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Call for Volunteers for 2019

PIPSC Standing Committees of the Board of Directors

If you are interested in participating as Chair, Member or Friend on a standing committee of the Board for 2019, you are invited to submit your expression of interest by completing the prescribed form and sending it to committeevolunteers@pipsc.ca by the deadline of Friday, October 5, 2018.

Committees of the Board

• By-laws and policies Committee
• Elections Appeals Committee
• Elections Committee

Executive Compensation Committee (See Note 2)

• Finance Committee
• Human Rights and Diversity Committee
• Information Technology Services and Projects Committee
• Professional Recognition and Qualifications Committee
• Science Advisory Committee

Training and Education Committee (Chair) (see Note 2)

Note 1 By-Law 17.1.3 Composition - All Committees shall consist of five (5) to seven (7) members and, unless otherwise specified, shall include one (1) member from each Region. Where there is a Vice-President liaison to a committee, the Vice-President does not count as a member of the committee.

Note 2 There will be no solicitation process for members of Executive Compensation Committee, or for the Training and Education Committee. Institute By-Laws and policies require that members of these committees be selected from members of the Board of Directors and/or the designated individual from the Chair of the Regional Training Committee respectively. However, members may indicate their interest in the position of Chair of the Training and Education Committee by filling out the appropriate form.

Note 3 Only volunteers who have complied with the due-process call for nominations, and have adhered to the prescribed time lines, shall be deemed to be eligible candidates.

Application Process

Volunteers shall be limited to applying to two (2) Standing Committees of the Board, and must indicate their preferences in priority order.

Duly fill out the prescribed form as follows:

• Clearly identify the committee(s) by title. If requesting to volunteer on two (2) committees, rank these in order of preference.
• Indicate your Group and Region.
• State whether you are applying as Chair, Member or Friend.

Note 4 If you are not selected as Chair, you will automatically be considered as a member or as a friend.

Note 5 A “friend” of a committee is a member interested in the activities of the committee, but who is unable to participate as an active member. Note that there are no “friends” on the Executive Compensation Committee, the Elections Committee, or the Elections Appeal Committee.

• List any Committees of the Board on which you served for the past five (5) years.
• Include a brief rationale (on the prescribed form) outlining the reasons why you wish to be considered and what you would bring to the work of the committee you are applying for.
• Submit the prescribed form containing your expression of interest by the deadline to committeevolunteers@pipsc.ca.

Deadline

The deadline for expressions of interest is no later than Friday, October 5, 2018.

Information

Please consult the information on the Selection Process and Selection Criteria by following these links:

Committees of the Board, Institute By-Laws and Policy on Committees of the Board of Directors.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: committeevolunteers@pipsc.ca.

Today we join with workers and unions across the world in celebration of the accomplishments and resistance of workers! In that light, and as the ongoing struggle with Phoenix persists, PIPSC is demanding action from the Federal Government.

In a recent survey, 46% of Canadians say six months is a “reasonable time to wait” yet PIPSC members have been waiting well beyond that timeline. That number rises dramatically to nearly 9 out of 10 Canadians (88%) when one includes those who believe two years or less is a reasonable time to wait.

“We’ve already waited well over two years for a solution,” said PIPSC President Debi Daviau. “Now that the government has committed to finding an alternative, it needs to speed up implementation of those alternatives. Our members can’t wait another two years.”

Tens of thousands of federal employees  are still struggling with errors due to Phoenix that have left them paid too little, too much or, too often, not at all. PIPSC is continuing to push for timely implementation of an alternative system. “As an active partner in finding a new system as soon as possible, we intend to push for alternatives to be tried as quickly as possible,” added Daviau, referring to the working partnership announced in June between PIPSC and the federal government.

PIPSC is strongly advocating for the implementation of the Corporate Administrative System (CAS). This program is currently being used by the CRA and CBSA and can be readily updated to a full-fledged payroll system.

 “We believe the CAS system can be adapted and brought online much more quickly than the government’s current (and vague) timelines for implementing an alternative system,” said Daviau. “That would ensure at least 55,000 CRA and CBSA employees could be removed from the Phoenix pay system and paid through a new, much more reliable system sooner.  The government needs to speed up implementation of viable alternatives now. Our members can’t wait.”

PIPSC is pushing the government to start building a replacement to Phoenix now! 

Join us by clicking the link below to fill out an easy, one-step form that will send an email to your Member of Parliament and the Treasury Board Council Committee:

http://action.pipsc.ca/we_deserve_better

In accordance with By-Laws 20.3, 20.4, 21.4, and 21.5, there have been several changes in the composition of the Board of Directors due to a leave of absence and resignations.

Sean O’Reilly, Acting Vice-President (Full-Time) while Shannon Bittman is on a leave of absence.

Nancy McCune, Acting Vice-President (Part-Time) following Shirley Friesen’s resignation in June 2018.

Gordon Bulmer, Acting Director, National Capital Region, after Del Dickson’s recent resignation.

Brian Hassall, Acting Director, National Capital Region, while Sean O’Reilly is Acting Vice-President.

Robert Trudeau, Acting Director, Prairie/Northwest Territories Region, as a result of Nancy McCune becoming Acting Vice-President (Part-Time) in July 2018.

With some regret, the Institute has accepted Del Dickson’s resignation as NCR Director on the PIPSC Board of Directors.

PIPSC would like to thank Mr. Dickson for his 5.5 years as NCR Director as well as his years as a dedicated Steward and Legacy Foundation Director and Champion.

We are certain that he will continue to provide the same level of dedication, professionalism and hard work to future endeavours.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) is delighted with the announcement that the federal government accepts the model Scientific Integrity policy originally proposed by our members and amended through subsequent consultation.  This process has been a successful example of collaboration between the office of the Chief Science Advisor, the Treasury Board Secretariat and PIPSC.

This announcement represents the culmination of over three years’ work by federal scientists (our members) in promoting scientific research and evidence-based policy within government.

By adopting the provisions of the model Scientific Integrity policy, federal departments and agencies that employ 10 or more scientists can soon look forward to more specific policies that ensure:

• all federal scientific activities meet applicable standards of scientific excellence
• all scientific research, products and their communication are free from political, commercial and stakeholder interference
• research and information is released in a timely manner
• the contributions of scientists are accurately represented and acknowledged
• any conflicts of interest are avoided or, at least, reported
• differing interpretations of research and scientific evidence are made explicit and accurately represented
• meaningful contributions by researchers and scientists to government programs, policies, regulations, and decision-making are acknowledged, and
• any breaches of these scientific integrity principles are reported to management.

By adopting the model policy, federal scientists and their departments recognize that scientific integrity is an integral part of their work and that ensuring it is the responsibility of all employees and vital to the decision-making process of the public administration.

Together with the right of federal scientists to speak freely about science and their research, recently negotiated as part of collective agreements with the federal government, adoption of the model Scientific Integrity policy represents an enormous step forward for science in the public interest and the federal scientists who undertake it.

You can read the entire policy here.

Debi Daviau
President

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Goodspeed, the first woman president of PIPSC (1961-1962) on June 27, 2018. 

An internationally renowned Chemist, Frances Goodspeed chaired a committee that produced a master 25-year plan for Institute offices. This plan resulted in the construction of the first-ever Institute-owned office building at 786 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa.

A trailblazer for women in the federal public service, Ms. Goodspeed served 20 years at Energy, Mines and Resources.

When she was promoted to Director of Operations at the Public Service Staff Relations Board, she became one of only 28 women in the executive category of the public service. 

During her retirement, she sat on the Board of the Victorian Order of Nurses.

An award-winning nature and wildlife photographer, Frances Goodspeed travelled widely, and made many trips to the Arctic and Antarctic.

The Institute extends its condolences to Frances Goodspeed’s family and to the many friends and colleagues who were privileged to know her.

Condolences and memories can be expressed online.

http://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/frances-goodspeed-1066831938