Public Service Modernization Act

The public service is undergoing the broadest reform in human resources management in over 35 years to meet the Government’s vision of creating a modern, world-class federal public service.

The Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA), passed in December 2003, recognizes that fostering excellence in people management and leadership is one of the most important priorities for the Government today. It couples changing the way government operates with changing the way the public service must work. It takes a more collaborative approach to labour-management relations. It improves the staffing process. Human resource planning and accountability systems are being strengthened, and it introduces a more cost-effective approach to learning for employees at all levels through the new Canada School of Public Service.

In essence, the PSMA will fundamentally change the way employees are hired, managed, supported and led.

The following tools are designed to help you communicate the HR modernization goals, obligations and opportunities that flow from the PSMA, to all your target audiences.

Communications Plans

• PSMA Communications Plan

Press Releases 

• President of the Treasury Board of Canada Very Pleased with Passage of the Public Service Modernization Act

Key Messages

• Public Service Modernization Act

Questions & Answers

• Frequently Asked Questions on the PSMA

Backgrounders

• Overview of Human Resources Management Modernization
• Public Service Modernization Act Timeline
• Overview of the Public Service Modernization Act

Fact Sheets

• The PSMA and You: A Guideline for PS Managers
• The PSMA and You: A Guideline for Human Resources Advisors

PSMA Newsletters

• Modernization Now, Summer 2005

Speeches

• Modernizing People Management – Off to a Good Start, presented by Rick Burton, at the Materiel Management Conference, May 4, 2005.

Presentations

• Modernizing HR Management in the Public Service, presented by Monique Boudrias, at National Managers’ and HR Communities’ Development Forum, April 27, 2004.

• Human Resource Management in the Public Service – what it means for Heads of Agencies, presented by Monique Boudrias to heads of federal agencies, February 24, 2005.

Public Service Labour Relations Act and Financial Administration Act

The Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA) sets the tone for a more constructive labour management climate, shifting responsibility away from the central agencies into the hands of managers, while strengthening their accountabilities. The Act emphasizes the importance of enhanced dialogue, joint problem solving, mutually agreed-upon solutions and more effective collective bargaining to ensure a healthy and productive workplace.

The Financial Administrative Act (FAA) allows deputy heads to oversee the learning and developmental requirements, and the provisions for awards and discipline within their organization.

These materials are designed to help you heighten awareness of the PSLRA and FAA communicate what it means for better labour-management relations and improved human resources management.

Key Messages

• Public Service Labour Relations Act

Backgrounders

• Modernization and You – A Key Reform in our Labour Relations

Fact Sheets

• PSLRA What Stops, What Starts
• Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution
• Overview of the Financial Administrative Act Direct Authorities

This page contains information prepared jointly by the Agency and the Public Service Commission. Because two government bodies contributed to its content, it is presented as a Government of Canada page.