April 22, 2022
Manitoba Government Proclaims New Public Service Act
The Manitoba Public Service Commission advises the Manitoba government has proclaimed the Public Service Act (PSA) to replace the Civil Service Act.
Manitoba’s public service continues to transform, ensuring it is a modern organization that can readily meet the challenge of providing effective, high-quality services. The PSA is principle-based public service legislation that aims to strengthen and harmonize the shared identity across the public service – not just for staff in core government, but for everyone who serves the Manitoba taxpayer, regardless of what Crown corporation, agency or public-sector organization they work for.
Proclaimed on Feb. 26, the PSA provides a legislative framework for an ethical and effective public service for Manitoba by setting out fundamental values such as transparency, accountability, integrity and respect for others. It provides a modern and innovative approach to workforce management supported by a code of conduct and an action plan that strengthen the foundation for a dynamic public workforce. The PSA more clearly defines the different components of the public service and harmonizes principles and values across sectors, while reducing legislative duplication and aligning government priorities. This is among the most modern pieces of public service legislation in Canada.
The PSA establishes a Public Service Commission (PSC), led by the public service commissioner, and replaces the Civil Service Commission and the Civil Service Commission Board.
Some key changes:
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The PSA defines the public service in a broader way, with the following three groups comprising the public service of Manitoba:
- core public service including deputy ministers and employees within departments of government;
- broader public service including CEOs and employees of Crown corporations, health organizations, post-secondary institutions, school divisions and districts and other reporting entities; and
- allied public service including staff for the officers of the legislature, staff for the Legislative Assembly offices and political staff.
- The Oath or Affirmation of Office Regulation modernizes the wording of the oath of office, formerly contained in the Civil Service Act. A separate oath has been established for political staff, given they serve a different role than core public service employees. To learn more, visit: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/_pdf-regs.php?reg=17/2022.
- A new Public Service Regulation contains the terms and conditions of employment for non-represented (excluded) core public service employees and scopes acceptable political activities for core public servants and political staff. To learn more, visit: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/_pdf-regs.php?reg=11/2022.
- The PSC policy framework has been refreshed to ensure alignment with the new legislation.
The PSA does not impact the regular work of core, represented employees, and existing workforce management policies and procedures will continue to apply. The PSA does not change wages, benefits and working conditions contained in collective agreements.
All Public Service Commission policies are available at www.gov.mb.ca/csc/policyman/index.html. To view the new Public Service Act, visit: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/_pdf.php?cap=p271.
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