2024 New Year's Message from the President

With the busy holiday season now behind us, I’d like to invite you to join me in looking forward to what 2024 will bring – to our members, to all public servants, and to workers across Canada.

But first, I’d like to take a quick look back. 

2023 was quite a year for PIPSC: we held the first convention in our more than hundred-year history; we negotiated dozens of strong collective agreements; and we took meaningful steps towards reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusiveness.

Personally, some of my proudest moments of the year included seeing PIPSC members walking picket lines in solidarity with the PSAC strike, testifying in front of various House of Commons Committees on the impacts of issues like outsourcing, and taking a leading role in the Canadian Labour Delegation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

All of these moments have helped lay a strong foundation for 2024, as many of our fights continue. 

Across the country, our cost of living is getting higher while our population gets older. This leaves Canadians relying on government services more than ever. Our members are an essential component of navigating these stormy economic waters. Amid these challenging times, the dedication and expertise of our members stand as a beacon of hope, guiding us through these turbulent economic seas.

We firmly believe that the key to a more efficient public service lies in embracing innovation, not austerity. This approach is imperative, regardless of the political landscape following the potential 2024 election. Getting the public service 'right' is not just a necessity; it's our commitment to ensuring Canadians continue to receive the quality services they rightfully expect and support with their hard-earned tax dollars.

This journey begins with a bold step towards tax fairness, including bolstering the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Empowering our members to unleash their full potential, every investment in our auditors is a step towards greater revenue for Canada. As the Parliamentary Budget Office's 2021 analysis reveals, every dollar invested in auditors can generate nearly $5 in tax revenue – a testament to the efficiency and impact of our workforce.

We also advocate for prudent fiscal management. It's time to shift from expensive external consultants to harnessing the capabilities of our public service members, who can deliver these services more effectively and efficiently.

Moreover, in an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the landscape, we call for a cautious and transparent approach. Establishing a strong legal framework and guidelines, along with a new, independent agency for AI research and regulation, is crucial. Our members, the backbone of our public service, must be equipped and ready for the future. In this spirit, PIPSC collaborates with the Future Skills Centre on Navigar, a platform to aid public servants in skill development and career transitions, backed by insightful data on future work trends.

However, technology is just one piece of the puzzle. Respect and recognition for our federal public servants are paramount. We celebrate steps like the inclusion of Black and LGBTQ+ communities in the Employment Equity Act while simultaneously advocating for the resolution of longstanding issues, like the Black Class Action lawsuit. This commitment to equity and respect is at the heart of what we do.

Lastly, it's crucial to offer our members fair collective agreements, correct pay, and unimpeded access to health benefits. As we approach the 8-year mark of the Phoenix system, addressing these ongoing issues remains a top priority. Fair compensation is not just a benefit; it's a cornerstone for a robust, efficient, and dependable public service that Canadians can rely on in 2024 and beyond.

So as we head into 2024, we know there is a lot to be done. But if you are willing to join me in this work, we can make a real difference. Let this year be the year you deepen your involvement with PIPSC. You can do this by attending meetings and events to stay informed, volunteering for committees or projects, participating in union elections, and even running for leadership roles. With your voice, your participation, and your energy, PIPSC can help set the standard for labour rights, not just for ourselves, but for all workers across the country. 

Together – with innovation, equity, and respect as our guiding principles – we can build a stronger, more resilient public service for all Canadians.