Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the 7th report of his Advisory Committee on the Public Service, entitled Modernizing the Employment Model.  The report offers reflections on the state of the public service, and advice on how it needs to evolve to continue meeting the needs of Canadians.

“This Report contains valuable insights on how to modernize the employment model of Canada’s Public Service,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “I would like to thank the Advisory Committee for their recommendations, which will help guide us as we work to create a more modern, agile Public Service. We will be looking at the Committee’s advice very closely in the coming months.”

The Committee recommends an employment model that will: focus on optimizing performance at all levels; offer compensation that is fair and in line with the private sector; ensure employees are equipped with the technology to work effectively; and ensure that employees are engaged and empowered, and managers are given the authority they need. 

In addition, the report also recognizes the progress made over the past year towards streamlining and modernizing the Public Service.  It acknowledges the significant reductions in budgets and personnel that have been underway across government and sends a clear signal about the importance of sustained efforts toward transformation to respond to current challenges.

The Advisory Committee is composed of eminent Canadians and is co chaired by the Honourable Paul M. Tellier and the Honourable David Emerson.  It was created in 2006 to advise the Prime Minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council on the renewal and future development of the Public Service.