The Canadian Government is considering changes to the rules on Public Service recruitment in an effort to make Federal Departments and Agencies more diverse.
President of the Treasury Board, Jean-Yves Duclos (pictured) said that while there had been some progress for Black Canadians, Indigenous Peoples and others who had been subject to racial discrimination in the workplace, too many Public Servants still faced obstacles.
“The Treasury Board Secretariat has begun discussions about the framework for recruitment in the Public Service and is specifically looking at possible amendments to the Public Service Employment Act,” Mr Duclos said.
He said the annual Public Service Employee Survey would help the Government identify more precisely where gaps remained and what was needed to improve representation.
Mr Duclos foreshadowed the introduction of a ‘Mentorship Plus Program’ to allow Departments to offer mentoring and sponsorship opportunities to high-potential employees who might currently face barriers.
“In time, we will build a Public Service that is the true reflection of our pluralism and diversity,” the President of the Treasury Board said.
His words were echoed by Parliamentary Secretary of the Treasury Board, Greg Fergus who said there was much to do before all Public Servants could feel they truly belonged in a Public Service that valued inclusiveness and differences.
“Outlining these key areas of focus is a first step in taking concrete action,” Mr Fergus said.
Ottawa, 27 January 2021
