Introduction

Through an arms-length position, the Public Service Commission administers the processes established to resolve complaints arising from a number of different policies and programs, as well as providing support services to departments in the resolution of conflicts within their organizations.

Strategic Areas

A) Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the resolution of current complaints
     and, in partnership with stakeholders, exploring positive alternatives for "early"
     prevention and resolution of complaints.

B) Strengthening understanding of conflict of interest issues throughout the public
     service specifically as it relates to the function and role of the Conflict of Interest
     Advisory Committee.

C) Conduct of indepth and comprehensive investigations on behalf of Government.

The Appeal and Investigation Division will be responsible for the following functions:

• Investigate formal complaints regarding the staffing process received by the Commission;
  
  

• Facilitate the conduct of Commission inquires;
  
  

• Administer the preparation, coordination and conduct of Classification Appeal Boards Proceedings;
  
  

• Research, investigate and facilitate the Management Grievance Process as outlined in Section 520K - Personnel Administrative Procedures; and
  
  

• Provide support and facilitate referrals by Deputy Ministers to the Conflict of Interest Advisory Committee
  
  

• Coordinate action in response to requests to the Public Service Commission under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
  
  

• Provision of a Government wide investigation service.

Current Program and Service Areas

  Classification Appeals: The Commission supports and coordinates the Classification Appeal Board's adjudication of appeals from Bargaining Unit positions through a formal hearing process.

  Management Grievances: The Commission is the custodian of this Treasury Board policy.  It coordinates, supports and conducts the operations of Grievance Resolution Conferences and/or Grievance Hearing Panels which result in related recommendations to Treasury Board.

  Staffing Complaints: The Commission accepts and adjudicates complaints arising from the administration of the Staffing Process.  The Strategic Staffing Division will normally conduct staffing investigations that involve competitions that are conducted by departments and scheduled agencies.  The Appeal and Investigation  Division will become engaged in staffing complaints when participation in the conduct involves Commission Staffing Officers or with specific competitions mandated by the Commission to chair.

  Conflict of Interest: The Commission supports the work of the Conflict of Interest Advisory Committee established to provide advice to Deputy Ministers who ultimately are responsible for determining whether a conflict of interest exists.

  Investigation Services:  The Commission has the capacity to provide comprehensive investigative service to Government departments and agencies.

  Investigation Unit: As a result of a proposal by the Public Service Commission in January 2003, Treasury Board approved the creation of the investigation unit on a one year pilot project basis. The purpose of the unit is to investigate harassment cases and fulfill the full spectrum of investigative needs of government, including but not limited to the following categories:

• be of a sensitive nature, based on multi-party involvement or on the nature and

• involve senior government employees;

• potentially high profile matters;

• potentially generate significant public interest; and

• matters that could potentially place government in a position of liability.

With the three available Investigators the unit has the capability to address the full range of government investigative requirements focusing primarily on the broad categories outlined above. Depending on the service demands investigations may have to be undertaken on a priority related basis. Investigators are available to senior officials in order to conduct investigations on request and to Directors of Human Resources, and to the greatest extent possible, relieve some of the current pressure that exists within departments and agencies in this area.

For information or services, please contact: