Doppler radar, $10 garage-opener remote, 505 phones: feds lose $18-million of property in 2017-18
The federal government lost 505 BlackBerrys and other mobile devices, 152 computers, and a “public transit token” curiously valued at $153 in 2017-18, newly released public accounts figures show. A total of 461 government-owned Blackberry and other mobile devices were reported accidentally lost by government workers in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Another 44 phones were […]
The best way to boost high-tech jobs for Canadians? Have government lead by example
The recent revelation the city of Calgary, the Alberta government, and Ottawa are contributing $2.5-million to help American companies find expert talent in this country was nothing short of depressing. It shows how thinking about the relationship between the state and industry has stalled in this country. Let’s be blunt: Canada’s future prosperity will depend […]
PPS to begin collective bargaining with security officers’ unions after labour board ruling
There’s light at the end of the tunnel of the almost 18-month-long labour standoff between the Parliamentary Protective Service and the unions representing officers after a recent federal labour board ruling ordered the employer to go to the bargaining table. On Oct. 10, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board issued its decision […]
Lewis authors new book, Power, Prime Ministers and the Press: The Battle for Truth on Parliament Hill
Former Maclean’s magazine editor and parliamentary correspondent Robert Lewis has a new book out, Power, Prime Ministers and the Press: The Battle for Truth on Parliament Hill. Published by Dundurn, Mr. Lewis’ 375-page book explores the rich history of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, which dates back to before Confederation and has covered 23 prime ministers and […]
Labyrinthine federal procurement system too complex: watchdog
The complexity of the federal procurement system is hands down the top problem ombudsman Alexander Jeglic and his team hear from both suppliers and federal officials, says Mr. Jeglic, which is why he highlighted it in his office’s annual report, released earlier this month. “My duty is to shine a light on issues that are […]
Three-quarters of Centre Block-based MPs have moved out
Three-quarters of MPs have cleared out of Centre Block and into their new Hill offices in the Parliamentary Precinct in advance of the House of Commons moving into its temporary home next door this winter. Despite the daily bustle in Centre Block halls since Parliamentarians returned from their summer recess last month, fewer MPs can […]
PSAC president wants four largest contract negotiations finished by the new year
The leader of the largest public service union wants to wrap up contract negotiations by the end of 2018 for four of its largest groups. Public Service Alliance of Canada national president Chris Aylward, representing about 140,000 federal public servants, said he’s cautiously optimistic about the negotiations, but admitted the two sides are still far […]
Feds closing in on winning bidder for $60-billion warship project
Ottawa could be close to settling on the winning bid for the $60-billion procurement of multi-purpose vessels that will form the backbone of the Canadian Navy, with rumours swirling that a decision could come in a few weeks’ time, although Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says the government will announce it by the end of the […]
PCO clerk Wernick celebrates the bureaucracy’s best at annual awards shindig
Most Hillites have heard of Canada-U.S. coordinator Brian Clow’s unit based out of the Prime Minister’s Office, but what about the bureaucrats backing them up? Known as the Canada-United States Engagement team, the 15-person group was recognized with an Exemplary Contribution Under Extraordinary Circumstances award at the 2018 Public Service Award of Excellence ceremony held […]
Not rising from the ashes: everything you need to know about the Phoenix pay system
The federal Phoenix pay system has been such a headache for so many people, it’s become a verb: Phoenixed. Intended to streamline the government’s $22-billion annual payroll and originally projected to save $70-million annually, the Phoenix pay system has instead has left more than half of the 290,000 federal public servants in Canada either underpaid, […]
