PSAC declares impasse in negotiations with feds over wages, as unions, feds navigate inflation, ‘hybrid work’ model
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the country’s largest federal public service union, has declared an impasse in collective bargaining negotiations with the government on behalf of 120,000 workers, with national president Chris Aylward honing in on the government’s wage offer as the “tipping point” leading to the standoff. The government’s offer was an […]
Security key factor in successful Block 2 design that will complete ‘Parliament square’
After a year-long competition, the winning bid to complete “Parliament square’s” fourth wall came out ahead, thanks, in part, to a design that works well with Hill security plans, according to one of the MPs who sat on the jury. Zeidler Architecture Inc. and David Chipperfield Architects were unveiled May 16 as the prevailing design […]
Unions wary of Treasury Board’s $6-billion ‘strategic policy review,’ and want more details on transforming some federal buildings into residential properties
With the Treasury Board president now engaged in a “strategic policy review” surrounding government operations after years of record spending and after COVID-19 upended workplace arrangements for federal public servants, Public Service Alliance of Canada national president Chris Aylward warned that “we’ve seen deceptive language like this before,” referring to former prime minister Stephen Harper’s […]
‘Town and Crown’ Block 2 design challenge brings ‘new voices’ to Parliamentary Precinct’s national narrative, finalists say
Rooftop gardens, a double-storey library, a people’s square, and a Truth and Reconciliation tower situated to complement expansive views of Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower are among the design concepts proposed by the six finalists tasked with reimagining the space opposite Centre Block. Dubbed Block 2, the unique space that marries, what one architect […]
Victoria Building reno to be moved up into Block 2 overhaul
There’s been an official change in plans for renovations on Parliament Hill, with the Senate Internal Economy Committee recently giving a green light to a rejigging that will see the Victoria Building emptied and renovated sooner, and incorporated into the overall redevelopment of Block 2 between Wellington and Sparks streets. “Instead of having an occupied […]
Back-to-workplace plans still in flux say public service union leaders, as PSAC files mandatory vaccination policy grievances
With yet another wave of COVID-19 coming down on Canadians, return-to-workplace plans for thousands of federal public service workers continue to stall, as the Treasury Board reviews policies around telework, as well as the government’s mandatory vaccination order for federal employees. Union leaders say the majority of employees are continuing to work from home. And […]
Procurement revamp can create greater access for historically marginalized communities
Procurement practices and policies rarely dominate news headlines or dinner table conversations in Canada. At least, that was the case before two long pandemic years during which federal procurement was at the forefront of Canada’s response to COVID-19. From the great rush to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) to the international vaccine acquisition tussle that […]
‘Freedom Convoy’-prompted pause to Centre Block work cost estimated $3-million: PSPC
Work to renovate Centre Block and build a new underground visitor’s welcome centre is running apace to where where it was before a 16-day suspension caused by the “Freedom Convoy” that occupied downtown Ottawa last month, an interruption that Public Services and Procurement Canada estimates cost roughly $3-million. “PSPC is currently assessing the cost and […]
With no end in sight, it’s time for a national inquiry into the Phoenix pay fiasco
The average Canadian could be forgiven if Feb. 28 doesn’t hold any special meaning. But for hundreds of thousands of federal public service workers and retirees, the date marks the sixth anniversary of the Phoenix pay system disaster. More than 300,000 workers—Canada’s largest workforce by far—haven’t forgotten, and they certainly haven’t forgiven. Every paycheque is […]
Public service union helped residents take back their streets as citizens grew weary of law enforcement lag
As the “Freedom Convoy” that descended on downtown Ottawa and surrounding residential streets moved into its third week, thousands of counterprotesters in the nation’s capital began pushing back, many of whom were upset with the ongoing occupation and the lack of action by police services prior to the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Alex Silas, […]
