Prepare for the New Dental Contract

Starting November 1, 2024, both the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) and the Pensioners' Dental Plan will transition to a new contract - both with Canada Life.  These plans cover most eligible PIPSC members in the Core Public Administration and at Separate Agencies, as well as eligible retirees from these employers.  This is an administrative change that does not affect coverage. To ensure the plan administrator's records are up-to-date, all covered members must complete positive enrollment. This step is essential to ensure the plan administrator has accurate and current information on file.

How to Maintain Coverage (PSDCP)

Online Account Holders: If you already have an online account, visit Canada Life’s PSDCP Member Services website to update your contact information, including your mailing address.

No Online Account?: If you don’t have an online account, you can call Canada Life’s PSDCP Member Contact Centre at 1-855-415-4414 between 8 am and 5 pm in your local time zone to confirm your personal information.

Starting in the late Summer, Canada Life will reach out via email, phone, and/or mail to provide you with instructions on how to positively enrol.  You must complete this very simple housekeeping measure to maintain your dental benefits.  If you are not contacted by October, please reach out to Canada Life directly.  

More information can be found on the Treasury Board's web page  and the Canada Life web page about the contract change.

How to maintain Pensioners' Dental Plan Coverage

A similar process will occur concurrently for retirees covered by the Pensioners' Dental Plan, which is administered by Sun Life. Please note that Canada Life will become the administrator of this plan, taking over from Sun Life, on November 1st 2024.  Ensuring your Sun Life records are correct will mean Canada Life receives the correct information when they need to contact you to enrol.  Dental claims should be submitted to Sun Life until October 31st, after which, all claims should be sent to Canada Life.  The date of the expense does not matter - only the date on which you are submitted the claim.  Note that your policy number will change.

PIPSC Supports Proactive Measures

Positive Enrollment is an important tool to keep plan premiums affordable and records accurate. PIPSC is pleased with these proactive steps to ensure the transition to the new dental contract is smooth and avoids the issues experienced during the Public Service Health Care Plan’s switch to Canada Life.  The Treasury Board appears to have learned valuable lessons from that experience  and union officials are in close contact with employer officials to monitor progress.

Plan Changes

Significant improvements to the PSDCP were tentatively announced.  Additional information on plan changes will be published when finalised.  A review of the Pensioners' Dental Plan, which is led by the designated representative for retirees - the National Association of Federal Retirees, is also underway.  Updates on that plan review process will be made available by NAFR as they progress.

The ongoing review of the National Joint Council Public Service Dental Plan (NJC PSDP) has taken a significant step forward with the recent issuance of an Appeal Committee decision regarding its twinned plan.  This plan covers most PIPSC members working in the Core Public Administration and at separate agencies.  This decision proposes significant improvements aligning with proposals put forward by PIPSC and other bargaining agents, including:

• A gradual increase in the maximum annual benefit and the lifetime orthodontic benefit to $3,250 from $2,500;

• An increase in coinsurance for approved major restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.) to 65 percent from 50;

• Coverage for Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), bruxism, and tomography when clinically appropriate;

• More flexible coverage when major restoration is required, particularly as a preventative measure or when an existing appliance is failing;

• Automatic coverage for members on leave without pay;

• Employer-paid coverage for members on extended parental leave;

• Sedation dentistry for plan members who require it for safety reasons, such as those with developmental disorders which make receiving dental care challenging;

• Various housekeeping and administrative changes to improve the plan member experience.

PIPSC is very proud to have worked closely with our counterparts from the PSAC to achieve this decision, which the Treasury Board intends to implement by January 2025. PIPSC and our NJC partners are continuing to work with the Treasury Board on minor plan changes to further ensure the plan is well-suited to members facing significant health challenges, such as by adding provisions for cancer dentistry to the plan. Ensuring that this plan prioritizes preventative care and coverage for members facing difficult dental health issues has been the top priority for our members.

Under the current model for plan governance, PSAC belongs to one plan and all other bargaining agents to another (the NJC plan). To benefit from economies of scale and ease of use, the Treasury Board has sought to keep both plans identical. Consequently, PIPSC and its partners from other bargaining agents work in tandem with PSAC to ensure the overall PSDP suits all of our members. PSAC, under their governance model, has access to an arbitration-like board that can make binding recommendations on plan changes. This has resulted in the proposed amendments discussed above.

Once the plan review process is complete, we will post additional information on our website and arrange webinars for plan members. We kindly ask that members wait patiently for further updates.  

Lastly, we note that the review of the independent Pensioners' Dental Plan, which covers eligible retirees, continues.  This plan and its review is managed by the National Association of Federal Retirees -  the representative of retired federal public service workers.

A recent report of the Standing (Parliamentary) Committee on Government Operations has produced nine recommendations that echo comments from union and retiree representatives on changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan and plan governance. 

The report aligns closely with PIPSC's feedback and highlights several critical issues, that we have broken down to seven themes:

1. Opaque Procurement and Contract Enforcement: The report criticizes the lack of union or member involvement in procurement and contract enforcement processes, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the transparency and accountability of these procedures, as well as the government's ability to fully enforce the spirit of the contract’s provisions.
2. Excessive Leeway to Plan Administrators: The committee flagged the excessive leeway given to plan administrators during the transition period, which permitted the plan administrator, Canada Life, to deliver poor service without consequences.
3. Inadequate Provisions for Members with Serious Health Conditions: The dramatic changes to physiotherapy coverage, which failed to consider members with chronic and severe health conditions, was flagged as an item that should be revisited so that public service workers have sufficient access to physiotherapy treatment.
4. Insufficient Preparation and Communication: The need for thorough preparation and a robust communications plan to educate plan members about changes was emphasized. The lack of clear information contributed to widespread confusion and frustration.

5. Compensation for Damages: The report calls for compensation for damages suffered by plan members during the botched handover, recognizing the financial and health-related hardships caused by the transition to Canada Life.

6. Service Standards: The report stresses the importance of establishing more comprehensive service standards for key aspects of the plan, such as prior authorization processes, to ensure timely and accurate claims processing as well as to hold Canada Life accountable for excessive delays in service delivery for these items.

6. Support for French-speaking Members: Ensuring that the plan administrator can provide services in French at standards comparable to those in English was identified as a critical need.

This damning report will be passed on to senior bureaucrats as a strong recommendation on how to best handle the current situation and for consideration in future plans. It is not binding, but rather, advisory. PIPSC believes this provides an opportunity for the Treasury Board to address the botched handover and our outstanding policy grievance for compensation due to the Canada Life handover fiasco.

The Public Service Health Care Plan is an employer-paid private health plan covering most PIPSC members and retirees working in the Core Public Administration and at most separate employers. 

A full copy of the report can be found online.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) is proud to announce a sweeping victory in a precedent-setting policy grievance case against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board has ruled in favour of PIPSC, affirming the rights of members to file classification grievances for their former positions.

The decision, issued on May 23, 2024, by Adjudicator Christopher Rootham, reinforces the rights of former incumbents to have meaningful access to the classification grievance process.  CFIA's current classification policy cancels classification grievances when the related job description is changed; however, unlike at the Treasury Board, the CFIA would not allow affected employees to regrieve if they had retired, quit, or changed jobs.  In a word, their policy granted them the power to wait out grievors in order to strip them of any recourse.  Adjudicator Rootham found this to be an unreasonable exercise of management rights and in violation of members' rights under the collective agreement and law.

While this decision does not automatically strike down CFIA's classification policy, we do expect that the Agency will adjust its policy to avoid future complaints in similar circumstances.  This decision also establishes compelling arguments against such practices elsewhere in the public service.

PIPSC has been the leader in advancing the rights of public service workers when it comes to classification.  While some public service employers have tried to exploit rules and procedures to pit former incumbents against current incumbents or one group of workers against others, PIPSC has stood up to defend equal classification and pay for everyone who did the job.

CFIA Group president Ayman Soryal applauded the decision: “I thank all of our PIPSC members for their patience as it took so long to reach the decision. At this point, the Agency needs to play by the rule  - the courts have agreed."

The Agency is required to contact affected grievors in certain VM (Veterinarian) job descriptions currently subject to a classification grievance.  PIPSC staff are in communication with agency staff to develop an implementation strategy.

The text of the decision will be published by the Board in the coming weeks.

Questions may be directed to compensation@pipsc.ca.

November 8th and 9th, 2024, at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.

ONLINE REGISTRATION 

August 19th to September 20th, 2024 – Once notified as having been selected to attend the PIPSC AGM 2024, all Delegates and Virtual Observers have to complete the online registration form. Please note that the deadline for registration will be strictly enforced.

DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS 

Group Presidents and Regional Directors must submit their list of approved Delegates/Alternates and Virtual Observers using this form by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Once the lists are received, the National Office will communicate with each Delegate/Virtual Observer by e-mail inviting them to register online. Please note that Delegates/Virtual Observers will not be able to register until an approved list has been received, reviewed and verified from the Groups and from the Regions. 

The number of delegates for the AGM is defined in By-Law 13 and in accordance with the delegate count.

SUBSTITUTION DEADLINES

The deadline for any changes to a delegate's participation status is Thursday, October 31, 2024.

In-Person Delegates:

If an in-person delegate chooses to switch their participation from in-person to virtual, they must notify the AGM team by Thursday, October 31, 2024. 

If an in-person delegate must cancel their AGM participation entirely, they must notify the AGM team by Thursday, October 31, 2024. A Group or Regional Executive can then promote or appoint an alternate in-person delegate.

If an in-person delegate cancels less than one week prior to the start of the AGM (after Thursday, October 31, 2024), no alternate will be permitted to register for in-person participation.

Virtual Delegates:

If a virtual delegate must cancel their AGM participation entirely, they must notify the AGM team by Friday, September 27, 2024. A Group or Regional Executive can promote or appoint an alternate virtual or in-person delegate.

If a virtual delegate must cancel their AGM participation entirely, but misses the Friday September 27, 2024 deadline for cancellation, a Group or Regional Executive can only promote or appoint a virtual delegate up until Thursday, October 31, 2024.

If a virtual delegate cancels their participation less than one week prior to the AGM (after Thursday, October 31, 2024) no alternate will be permitted to register.

CHANGES TO INSTITUTE BY-LAWS

By-Law 13.1.4.1 states "No By-Law shall be enacted, repealed or amended by a General Meeting unless details of proposed changes were submitted to the Office of the Executive Secretary no later than twelve (12) weeks prior to a General Meeting." Proposed amendments to the Institute By-Laws must be submitted by August 16, 2024, by email at resolutions@pipsc.ca .

RESOLUTIONS

By-Law 13.1.4.3 states "Resolutions, in writing, must be received at the Office of the Executive Secretary not less than twelve (12) weeks before the commencement of a General Meeting." Resolutions must be submitted by August 16, 2024 by email at resolutions@pipsc.ca .

AGM resolutions are first received by the Resolutions Sub-Committee (RSC).

The mandate of the RSC is to consolidate, monitor and clarify resolutions for submission to the AGM. The RSC is available to help and to provide advice to sponsors regarding wording to ensure clarity and compliance with Institute By-Laws and Policies. If there is a cost associated with resolutions (financial resolutions), sponsors should submit related numbers with their resolution, for review by the RSC.

To assist in the process of writing resolutions, please refer to the pocket guide “Write that Resolution”. 

INSTITUTE FEES

Pursuant to By-Law 14.2.1, which governs fees, notice is hereby given that a change in the basic monthly fee may be proposed at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

TRAVEL, MEETINGS & EVENTS CONSIDERATIONS

We are making every effort to be conscious of both our fiscal and political responsibilities at this year’s AGM. Costs related to the in-person event are being managed through member consultation and  rigorous evaluation. We’re examining ways to deliver a high quality member experience with cost containment measures in place. The Annual General Meeting exemplifies “presence with purpose”. As the supreme governing body of PIPSC, the AGM  not only provides members with the ability to conduct important union business, but also to connect and learn together. We look forward to the opportunities this in-person event provides, as we unite for positive change.

For travel to/from airports or train stations, we will be providing delegates with an Uber promo code that can be used to cover the cost of your transportation. If you are uncomfortable using Uber, you can still be reimbursed for taxi transportation.

You will be able to access all AGM information and resources through both the AGM mobile app and PIPSC website using your own device. Tablets will not be available for use at this year’s AGM as part of our cost containment measures. We thank you for your understanding.

Delegates of the PIPSC AGM 2024 can refer to the travel policy

Members are invited to apply for the PIPSC Member Facilitator Training Program. This exciting new program gives members (with or without facilitation skills) a chance to become a Member Facilitator.

Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training to learn to deliver workshops using a popular education approach.

Participating in the program will help you:

• Strengthen our union
• Connect with other activists
• Develop and enhance your communication and facilitation skills
• Support member education

Training for successful applicants will be held from Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20 in Ottawa. The training will be held in English.

The application process takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Application forms are due Sunday, July 14 at 11:59pm ET

Your responses are strictly confidential. Your information will only be seen by the PIPSC Training, Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Committee and the PIPSC Education Staff.

Please note that applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program, given the limited number of available spots.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at education@pipsc.ca

Member Facilitator Program 2024 Frequently Asked Question

OTTAWA, June 5 2024 – Over lunch time on Thursday June 6, members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) will hold a rally for remote work rights outside Canada Revenue Agency Headquarters in Ottawa.

PIPSC Vice-President, Sean O’Reilly, and AFS (Audit, Financial and Scientific - CRA) PIPSC Group President Doug Mason will question the Canada Revenue Agency’s decision, despite being a separate employer, to follow Treasury Board lead.

PIPSC asserts that this is not about just another day a week in the office, it’s about bad workplace management, deteriorating working conditions and lack of respect for the employees who deliver the services that Canadians rely on.  

Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024

Time: Noon to 12:45PM. SPEECHES will start at 12:15 PM

Place: CRA Headquarters, 555 Mackenzie, OTTAWA (ON)

Speakers:

• Sean O’Reilly, Vice-President, PIPSC
• Doug Mason, President, AFS (Audit, Financial and Scientific - CRA) Group - PIPSC

PIPSC represents over 75,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government, and over 16,000 AFS members employed at the CRA. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For further information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (cell), jfillion@pipsc.ca