Thursday, March 5, 2026

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Thursday, March 5, 2026 | Latest Paper

Public Servants

News | BY MARLO GLASS, NEIL MOSS | March 4, 2026
David Morrison, pictured, was named Prime Minister Mark Carney's senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser as part of a wide-ranging March 4 shuffle. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS, NEIL MOSS | March 4, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS, NEIL MOSS | March 4, 2026
David Morrison, pictured, was named Prime Minister Mark Carney's senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser as part of a wide-ranging March 4 shuffle. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY TESSIE SANCI | March 2, 2026
Dr. Joss Reimer will join the Public Health Agency of Canada as its chief public health officer on April 1, 2026. The former president of the Canadian Medical Association, the long-time physician is known for her frequent media appearances advocating for improvements to the health-care system. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Medical Association
News | BY TESSIE SANCI | March 2, 2026
News | BY TESSIE SANCI | March 2, 2026
Dr. Joss Reimer will join the Public Health Agency of Canada as its chief public health officer on April 1, 2026. The former president of the Canadian Medical Association, the long-time physician is known for her frequent media appearances advocating for improvements to the health-care system. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Medical Association
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 27, 2026
Sharon DeSousa is president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. The union's grievance over the transfer of the health-care plan for federal public servants can proceed, according to a recent labour board ruling. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 27, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 27, 2026
Sharon DeSousa is president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. The union's grievance over the transfer of the health-care plan for federal public servants can proceed, according to a recent labour board ruling. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | February 25, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s career has been shaped by disciplined risk management, institutional credibility, and respect for independent challenge. That gives Ottawa a credible path from chronic underperformance to reliable delivery, writes Ram Mathilakath. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | February 25, 2026
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | February 25, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s career has been shaped by disciplined risk management, institutional credibility, and respect for independent challenge. That gives Ottawa a credible path from chronic underperformance to reliable delivery, writes Ram Mathilakath. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ANDREW CADDELL | February 25, 2026
Transparency is important, but if you are a minister or the president of an agency, you have a duty to be discreet, writes Andrew Caddell. Pexels photograph by cottonbro studio
Opinion | BY ANDREW CADDELL | February 25, 2026
Opinion | BY ANDREW CADDELL | February 25, 2026
Transparency is important, but if you are a minister or the president of an agency, you have a duty to be discreet, writes Andrew Caddell. Pexels photograph by cottonbro studio
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 23, 2026
PIPSC president Sean O'Reilly is calling for the government to 'stabilize' its pay system ahead of pending job cuts in order to avoid a growing backlog in cases of inaccurate pay. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 23, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 23, 2026
PIPSC president Sean O'Reilly is calling for the government to 'stabilize' its pay system ahead of pending job cuts in order to avoid a growing backlog in cases of inaccurate pay. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 23, 2026
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali at a committee meeting this month on Parliament Hill. According to the Treasury Board's website, 17,217 public service positions, including 704 executive-level jobs, are set to slashed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 23, 2026
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 23, 2026
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali at a committee meeting this month on Parliament Hill. According to the Treasury Board's website, 17,217 public service positions, including 704 executive-level jobs, are set to slashed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 17, 2026
Shafqat Ali
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali. The Parliamentary Budget Office says total compensation in the public service grew to $143,271 per per full-time equivalent in 2024-25, from $136,345 the year prior. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 17, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 17, 2026
Shafqat Ali
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali. The Parliamentary Budget Office says total compensation in the public service grew to $143,271 per per full-time equivalent in 2024-25, from $136,345 the year prior. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 12, 2026
Liberal MPs Jenna Sudds, left, and Bruce Fanjoy represent Ottawa-area ridings with thousands of federal public servants. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 12, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 12, 2026
Liberal MPs Jenna Sudds, left, and Bruce Fanjoy represent Ottawa-area ridings with thousands of federal public servants. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 6, 2026
The Treasury Board Secretariat, led by President Shafqat Ali, announced on Feb. 5 that executives in the core public administration will be required to work in-office full-time as of May 4, and all other staff four days per week as of July 6. Separate agencies within the public service are 'strongly encouraged' to follow suit. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 6, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 6, 2026
The Treasury Board Secretariat, led by President Shafqat Ali, announced on Feb. 5 that executives in the core public administration will be required to work in-office full-time as of May 4, and all other staff four days per week as of July 6. Separate agencies within the public service are 'strongly encouraged' to follow suit. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 6, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney's first budget bill includes an early retirement incentive as a way to reduce the size of the public service without directly cutting jobs. Bill C-15 is currently being considered by various parliamentary committees. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 6, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 6, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney's first budget bill includes an early retirement incentive as a way to reduce the size of the public service without directly cutting jobs. Bill C-15 is currently being considered by various parliamentary committees. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 4, 2026
Shafqat Ali
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali. Officials from TBS defended proposed legislation that would exempt corporations from certain laws and regulations if it serves the public interest. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 4, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 4, 2026
Shafqat Ali
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali. Officials from TBS defended proposed legislation that would exempt corporations from certain laws and regulations if it serves the public interest. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | February 4, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s career has been shaped by disciplined risk management, institutional credibility, and respect for independent challenge. That gives Ottawa a credible path from chronic underperformance to reliable delivery, writes Ram Mathilakath. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | February 4, 2026
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | February 4, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s career has been shaped by disciplined risk management, institutional credibility, and respect for independent challenge. That gives Ottawa a credible path from chronic underperformance to reliable delivery, writes Ram Mathilakath. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 3, 2026
Public Service Alliance of Canada president Sharon DeSousa said some ports of entry in rural Saskatchewan have been closed, and there is a 'dire need' for frontline workers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 3, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 3, 2026
Public Service Alliance of Canada president Sharon DeSousa said some ports of entry in rural Saskatchewan have been closed, and there is a 'dire need' for frontline workers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 2, 2026
PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa, centre left, and vice-president Alex Silas join union members at a picket outside the West Block on Jan. 28. Newly released data identifies at least 8,230 jobs to be cut across dozens of departments via the workforce adjustment program. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 2, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | February 2, 2026
PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa, centre left, and vice-president Alex Silas join union members at a picket outside the West Block on Jan. 28. Newly released data identifies at least 8,230 jobs to be cut across dozens of departments via the workforce adjustment program. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 30, 2026
Shafqat Ali
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat confirmed on Jan. 30 that 15,775 positions, and 642 executives, will lose their jobs, after weeks of speculation about the scale of job cuts amid a massive retooling of the federal public service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 30, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 30, 2026
Shafqat Ali
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat confirmed on Jan. 30 that 15,775 positions, and 642 executives, will lose their jobs, after weeks of speculation about the scale of job cuts amid a massive retooling of the federal public service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 28, 2026
Agricluture Minister Heath MacDonald. Last week, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada confirmed approximately 665 jobs will be cut, and as a result, several research centres will be closed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 28, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 28, 2026
Agricluture Minister Heath MacDonald. Last week, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada confirmed approximately 665 jobs will be cut, and as a result, several research centres will be closed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY MARLO GLASS | January 28, 2026
Public Service Alliance of Canada National President Sharon DeSousa, and Vice-President Alex Silas, join PSAC members at a picket outside West Block on Jan. 28, 2026. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY MARLO GLASS | January 28, 2026
Feature | BY MARLO GLASS | January 28, 2026
Public Service Alliance of Canada National President Sharon DeSousa, and Vice-President Alex Silas, join PSAC members at a picket outside West Block on Jan. 28, 2026. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | January 26, 2026
Former federal deputy minister of Indigenous Services Canada Gina Wilson is retiring this spring after almost three decades in the public service. 'My whole career, I focused on Indigenous federal employees. Recruiting them, retaining them, building their talent, developing them, and building policies around them to support them.'  Photographs courtesy of Gina Wilson
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | January 26, 2026
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | January 26, 2026
Former federal deputy minister of Indigenous Services Canada Gina Wilson is retiring this spring after almost three decades in the public service. 'My whole career, I focused on Indigenous federal employees. Recruiting them, retaining them, building their talent, developing them, and building policies around them to support them.'  Photographs courtesy of Gina Wilson
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 24, 2026
A lack of funding runs the risk of “completely discrediting, and therefore ruining the impact of a proper whistleblower regime,” says Harriet Solloway, Canada's Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 24, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 24, 2026
A lack of funding runs the risk of “completely discrediting, and therefore ruining the impact of a proper whistleblower regime,” says Harriet Solloway, Canada's Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 23, 2026
Interim NDP leader Don Davies says drastic cuts to the federal public service are a 'knee-jerk reaction' as thousands of notices of potential job cuts piling up in recent weeks. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 23, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 23, 2026
Interim NDP leader Don Davies says drastic cuts to the federal public service are a 'knee-jerk reaction' as thousands of notices of potential job cuts piling up in recent weeks. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, has reportedly issued nearly 980 workforce adjustment notices as part of the government-wide job cuts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, has reportedly issued nearly 980 workforce adjustment notices as part of the government-wide job cuts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 21, 2026
Members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service rallied on Parliament Hill on Jan. 16, 2026, to denounce the government’s proposed cuts to federal scientists and programs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 21, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 21, 2026
Members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service rallied on Parliament Hill on Jan. 16, 2026, to denounce the government’s proposed cuts to federal scientists and programs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 14, 2026
Reporting from The Globe and Mail indicated private-sector Bay Street workers are being wooed to join the Major Projects Office, presenting new ethical dilemmas for the public service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 14, 2026
News | BY MARLO GLASS | January 14, 2026
Reporting from The Globe and Mail indicated private-sector Bay Street workers are being wooed to join the Major Projects Office, presenting new ethical dilemmas for the public service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 25, 2023
New deputy minister of finance Chris Forbes, left, and his predecessor Michael Sabia. Forbes was appointed to the role earlier this month. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 25, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 25, 2023
New deputy minister of finance Chris Forbes, left, and his predecessor Michael Sabia. Forbes was appointed to the role earlier this month. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 18, 2023
PCO Clerk John Hannaford, pictured, has served in multiple senior roles within the public service. 'The end of the mandate is an hourglass—sands running through, time running out—they’re already limited in how much more they can get done,' says former PCO clerk Michael Wernick. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 18, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 18, 2023
PCO Clerk John Hannaford, pictured, has served in multiple senior roles within the public service. 'The end of the mandate is an hourglass—sands running through, time running out—they’re already limited in how much more they can get done,' says former PCO clerk Michael Wernick. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | September 4, 2023
Treasury Board President Anita Anand says she 'takes diversity in the public service extremely seriously. I will be working hard every day to ensure that diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in the public service continue to be a top priority' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | September 4, 2023
News | September 4, 2023
Treasury Board President Anita Anand says she 'takes diversity in the public service extremely seriously. I will be working hard every day to ensure that diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in the public service continue to be a top priority' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KELLY HUTCHINSON | August 17, 2023
Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech's top marching order will be easing Canadians' frustrations over excessive delays and access to basic government services like passports or immigration assistance, writes Kelly Hutchinson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KELLY HUTCHINSON | August 17, 2023
Opinion | BY KELLY HUTCHINSON | August 17, 2023
Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech's top marching order will be easing Canadians' frustrations over excessive delays and access to basic government services like passports or immigration assistance, writes Kelly Hutchinson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 2, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference on July 26, standing in front of his newly shuffled cabinet. Post-cabinet shuffle, bureaucrats will be preparing briefs for all the incoming ministers, but don't expect them to be providing policy direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 2, 2023
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 2, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference on July 26, standing in front of his newly shuffled cabinet. Post-cabinet shuffle, bureaucrats will be preparing briefs for all the incoming ministers, but don't expect them to be providing policy direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 31, 2023
Michael Wernick
Former clerk of the Privy Council Office, Michael Wernick, says the annual report should serve as a 'jumping off point' for a larger discussion around the state of the public service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 31, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 31, 2023
Michael Wernick
Former clerk of the Privy Council Office, Michael Wernick, says the annual report should serve as a 'jumping off point' for a larger discussion around the state of the public service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
Jake Cole, a former federal public servant, keeps a close watch on where federal departments and agencies rank within a lengthy list. Photograph courtesy of Jake Wright, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
Jake Cole, a former federal public servant, keeps a close watch on where federal departments and agencies rank within a lengthy list. Photograph courtesy of Jake Wright, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier. Internally, the public service functions as a tightly-wound hierarchy. Externally, it's steered by the political power of the relevant minister and commands of the PMO, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier. Internally, the public service functions as a tightly-wound hierarchy. Externally, it's steered by the political power of the relevant minister and commands of the PMO, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JAKE COLE | July 13, 2023
According to the 2022 federal public service survey, the Canadian Human Rights Commission ranked No. 1, while CSIS ranked last. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JAKE COLE | July 13, 2023
Opinion | BY JAKE COLE | July 13, 2023
According to the 2022 federal public service survey, the Canadian Human Rights Commission ranked No. 1, while CSIS ranked last. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ANTHONY PIZZINO | June 27, 2023
Public Service Alliance of Canada members picket Parliament Hill on April 26. The non-partisan federal public service is made up of ordinary people who work hard to deliver programs, policies, and services to Canadian taxpayers and help make Canada one of the best countries in which to live, writes Anthony Pizzino. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ANTHONY PIZZINO | June 27, 2023
Opinion | BY ANTHONY PIZZINO | June 27, 2023
Public Service Alliance of Canada members picket Parliament Hill on April 26. The non-partisan federal public service is made up of ordinary people who work hard to deliver programs, policies, and services to Canadian taxpayers and help make Canada one of the best countries in which to live, writes Anthony Pizzino. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade