News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

December 2, 2019

Manitoba Government Introduces New Public Service Act

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Establishing Key Values for Public Servants: Helwer

The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would modernize the way the provincial public service is governed under the new Public Service Act, Central Services Minister Reg Helwer, minister responsible for the Civil Service Commission, announced today.

“The core elements of The Civil Service Act have not changed since 1885 and no longer accurately reflect the working environment and practices of a modern public service,” said Helwer.  “Manitoba will now have the most modern public service legislation in Canada.  Our principle-based public service legislation aims to strengthen and harmonize the shared identity across the public service, regardless of whether someone works in a department, Crown corporation, agency or public-sector organization.”

This proposed legislation is focused on maintaining an efficient, safe and harassment-free workplace.  The act would establish a framework for an ethical and effective public service for Manitoba by setting out fundamental values such as integrity and respect for others, and ensuring they are consistently applied.

Proposed changes are also designed to eliminate red tape and duplication within employment and rights-based legislation, such as The Employment Standards Code and The Workplace Safety and Health Act.  The new legislation would establish a Public Service Commission, led by the public service commissioner, which will replace the Civil Service Commission and the outdated Civil Service Commission Board.

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