2024 New Year's Message from the President

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada joins millions of Canadians this morning in grieving the passing of former federal politician and tireless supporter of working Canadians, Ed Broadbent.

Mr. Broadbent was a highly respected national figure whose popularity cut across geographical and political lines. A lifelong advocate for Canada’s disadvantaged both in the House of Commons and as a social activist, he was the true incarnation of the core labour values of fairness, equality, and service to others. His passing is a great loss not only for Canada’s labour movement but for all Canadians across the country.

PIPSC has been a proud supporter of the Broadbent Institute, the organization that bears his name, for many years.

On behalf of our membership, we extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Broadbent’s family and friends at this difficult time. He will be truly missed.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pam Kubicz (Pam Davies). Her vibrant personality and positive aura left a lasting impression on many of us, and she will be deeply missed.

Pam was known for her strong family ties and was a devoted mother. Despite her illness, she faced her challenges with remarkable bravery and inspiring positivity.

Pam became a steward in 2001 and was an active member of PIPSC. She was instrumental in her workplace subgroup, ensuring members were represented and their rights respected. Her roles were many and varied, including serving as a Member-at-Large and President of the Winnipeg Southern Manitoba branch, and as a previous Election Appeals Committee Chair. She was a part of the regional executive for many years as a member, regional training committee chair, and regional secretary.

Most recently, she was the IT Regional Representative on the AFS national executive and bargaining team. Pam developed and deepened a number of friendships during this time.  This continued during her illness as her friends kept in constant contact with her until her last days.  Pam was kind to the end.

We are profoundly grateful for her life and her many contributions. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time, and we will cherish the memories we shared with her. May she rest in peace.

Doug Mason,

AFS Group President

Samah Henein,

Prairie/NWT Region Director

Following over two decades with Sunlife as a service provider, the Government of Canada awarded Canada Life Assurance Company (Canada Life) the contract to administer the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). 

Following an 18-month preparatory period, this change went live on July 1, 2023. The transition has been chaotic and poorly executed – leaving public servants having to navigate major hurdles in order to access their benefits.

Our members’ concerns about this handover were on full display both at the Parliamentary Committee and the PSHCP Partners Committees this month.  

At a December 7th hearing on Parliament Hill, members of the opposition raised the failure to adequately plan and implement the updated PSHCP with senior leadership at both Canada Life and Treasury Board Secretariat. It was clear that opposition parliamentarians have been paying attention to the ongoing advocacy of federal unions and the Retirees' Association with respect to the handover. 

While improvements to customer service wait times were noted, officials could not explain why Canada Life did not take common sense measures in advance of the handover. They also could not address Canada Life's lack of understanding of the basics of healthcare practices, insurance policies, or administrative best practices.  

Treasury Board officials remained tight-lipped on the reasons why Canada Life failed to anticipate and solve the many challenges now being faced by plan members during the year-and-half before the changeover occurred. 

On December 19th – at a subsequent meeting of the PSHCP Partners Committee – PIPSC President Jennifer Carr reiterated these concerns to these same Treasury Board officials and senior leadership of Canada Life. While both parties have taken meaningful actions to improve plan member experience, PIPSC and our partners from other unions and the National Association of Federal Retirees are still waiting to see true accountability for Canada Life's egregious lack of planning. We continue to work with the Treasury Board to share with them best practices for health benefits.

PIPSC has published a comprehensive member guide on the updated plan. This guide includes information on how to navigate some of the more complex plan changes, how to challenge Canada Life decisions, and how to benefit from 90 percent drug coverage through our ServicePlus partner pharmacy, Mednow.

PIPSC, other bargaining agents, and the Retirees' Association continue to pressure the Treasury Board to demand better of Canada Life. This is not the level of service we expect or were promised. We thank our members for their ongoing patience through this frustrating transition and are taking measures to protect your interests.

Hundreds of thousands of Quebec public sector workers are on strike. This round of collective bargaining negotiations has been going on for several months, and the strike began on November 6, 2023. This is the longest public sector strike in Quebec in the last 50 years.

These workers, represented by Front commun, deserve a fair deal. They come from the health, education, social services, and CEGEP sectors – fields that are predominantly dominated by women. Through the pandemic and beyond, they have worked tirelessly to keep their sectors afloat despite the lack of resources, subpar pay, and onerous working conditions.

It’s clear that their employer, Quebec’s CAQ government, has been devaluing the work of our Quebec peers. The proposed agreements have not met their justified demands for catch-up salary, protection against inflation and better working conditions.

PIPSC wholeheartedly supports our peers striking with Front commun. Quebec public sector workers deserve better – they deserve a fair deal. 

There is power in union solidarity. While PIPSC members in Quebec are not in a legal strike position and are required to attend work as normal, we encourage our members to show support and join a picket during their unpaid breaks or outside of working hours. Let’s help set the standard for all public sector workplaces.   

Front commun is an alliance comprised of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the Central des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), and the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS). Together they represent over 420,000 members and are negotiating as one voice. 
 

PIPSC President Jennifer Carr is proud to be part of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) delegation attending 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC – more commonly referred to as COP28.

The conference has been held annually since the first UN climate agreement in 1992. The COP conferences are intended for governments to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.

The labour movement has an important role to play in these conversations – and they are of particular importance to our members.

“PIPSC represents climate change researchers, science policy advisors, and professionals in the nuclear energy sector,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. “Those perspectives will all be key in building a just transition, and I am attending COP28 this year to ensure those crucial voices are represented at the table.”

To shine a light on the voices of workers, the CLC presented an event called How it Works: Workers and Work in Canadian and Global Just Transitions. 

From a 360-degree perspective, this event covered workers and work through global just transitions, beginning with a discussion between senior government ministers about government experiences working with unions to shift key economic sectors. The CLC presented an innovative and unique worker-focused blueprint of policies based on best practices, worker opinions, and economic modelling – built with Canadian workers and international expertise and best practices.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Paul Skinner passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023, at age 68. Paul was surrounded by family including his wife Anna, and daughters Marena and Melanie.

Paul served nine years as BC/Yukon Region AFS Representative and then as the BC/Yukon PIPSC Director. Including his service as a steward at the subgroup and branch level, Paul was a union leader for PIPSC for 18 years.

Paul dedicated himself to the labour movement, immersing himself in the pursuit of fair working conditions and equitable treatment for all PIPSC members. His tireless efforts as a union leader touched the lives of countless PIPSC members, empowering them with a voice and ensuring their concerns were heard.

Montreal, November 29, 2023 – PIPSC concluded its landmark national convention today, marking a significant milestone in the union's journey towards becoming a 'beacon of progress' and preparing for the future in the labour landscape.

The convention, under the theme "Ready for the Future", showcased PIPSC's strategic initiatives and forward-thinking approaches, particularly in preparing for technological advancements, championing equity, and moving toward reconciliation. The unveiling of 'Navigar,' an innovative AI-driven career navigation tool, is a testament to the union's dedication to ensuring its members are well-equipped for the evolving nature of work.

A crucial part of the convention was the revealing of the study conducted in partnership with Know History, addressing PIPSC's historical role in colonial practices. This acknowledgment is a step towards reconciliation and reflects the union's commitment to understanding and rectifying its past as part of its progress towards a more inclusive future.

"This convention marks a pivotal moment in our history. We stand at the forefront of change, we’re not just ready for the future, but actively shaping it. We are committed to being a beacon of progress, illuminating the path for our members and setting a standard for unions across Canada. Our actions and discussions here have laid the groundwork for a future where innovation, equity, and reconciliation are not just ideals, but realities we live and work by every day,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr at the conclusion of the convention. 

The convention also highlighted the importance of preparing for political changes in the coming years, ensuring that PIPSC's bargaining, representational, and advocacy capacities are stronger than ever. The diverse array of speakers and the insights shared have sparked new ideas and strategies for the union to effectively navigate and influence the future of work.

As the convention concluded, PIPSC reaffirmed its commitment to continuous learning, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment where every member is valued and heard. The union is poised to leverage the insights and momentum from this event to drive meaningful change and ensure that it is well-prepared for the future.

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram. 

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

Montreal, November 28, 2023 – On the third day of its national convention, PIPSC presented the findings of a comprehensive study aimed at understanding and contextualizing the union's involvement in colonial institutions, policies, and programs that have adversely affected Indigenous peoples. 

Over two years, Know History's experts have meticulously researched PIPSC's history, uncovering the union's complex interactions with Indigenous communities. 

“The findings reveal a harsh truth: PIPSC members played crucial roles in residential schools, Indian hospitals, nutritional experiments, forced relocations, and the Sixties Scoop, contributing to the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. As a union representing these members, PIPSC acknowledges its shared responsibility in sustaining these harmful practices since 1920.” 

Recognizing the importance of confronting its past, PIPSC is committed to improving its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion framework. This process involves acknowledging the union's role in the oppression of Indigenous peoples and understanding the impact of these actions on Canada's history. 

The convention featured a poignant address by former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, offering insights on moving forward towards reconciliation. PIPSC urges its members to join this journey of learning and reflection, considering how this history influences their work. 

“This study was not just a document; it's a call to action,” said Carr. “It serves as a crucial training and educational tool for PIPSC members and leaders, marking the first step in a long journey towards reconciliation. This journey includes partnering with Indigenous members, communities, and survivor groups to develop concrete actions and next steps.” 

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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

Montreal, November 27, 2023 – On the second day of its landmark national convention, PIPSC has unveiled 'Navigar,' an innovative online skills development tool designed to assist members in adapting to the rapidly evolving workplace impacted by AI and machine learning. This ground breaking service, free for PIPSC members, is set to launch in 2024.

“Navigar is more than just a tool; it's a smart, data-driven guide tailored to the unique career aspirations of each member,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. “Whether members aim to excel in their current roles or transition to new professions, Navigar provides vital insights and a customized skills development roadmap.”

Understanding the complexities of career navigation, especially in an era of technological disruption, Navigar is designed to offer personalized planning based on comprehensive data about Canada’s labour market and global employment trends. It equips members with foresight into the future of work, highlighting essential skills and training to remain relevant and competitive. It also connects PIPSC members with a catalogue of available learning opportunities and supports them in seeking employer funding for the training. 

“Members using Navigar will gain a clear understanding of their current professional standing and receive guidance on how to achieve their career objectives,” said Carr. ‘Navigar's unique feature is its ability to generate a personalized skills development plan, which members can share with their employers. This plan not only maps the necessary skills and training for success but also provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of work.’

PIPSC received a grant from Future Skills Centre to develop Navigar. For more information about Navigar and updates on the launch date, visit Navigar.ca.

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram. 

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