2.1: Human Resources Modernization

Put in place the required supports to hire, promote, recognize and nurture employees.

Other Information:

The Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA), passed in November 2003, aimed to bring about a more collaborative, innovative and self-regulating workplace. In the short term, the key challenge for DFO is to create stability in its workforce while preparing for significant projected departures due to retirement.  Current financial realities and the need to reallocate internally require some restraints.  However, succession planning is required to ensure the right people are in place to continue providing quality service to Canadians.The Department strongly supports innovative staffing methods that attract the skilled workforce needed to deliver programs and services.  These methods will be developed within the more flexible context provided by the PSMA.  Good planning and innovative staffing are also essential if DFO is to meet its commitments around official languages and diversity. Having a representative workforce is a legal obligation, as well as a way to ensure DFO provides the best possible service to Canadians. Building on this, the Department needs to follow through on its Employment Equity Action Plan, to increase awareness at all levels and provide access to the tools and training necessary, while continuing to foster an inclusive and representative workforce, including the use of both official languages in the workplace. Once employees are on the job, their motivation and ability to take on new tasks depend on solid learning and recognition programs.  Building a workplace of choice involves rewarding outstanding work, offering accessible and relevant learning opportunities and fostering a work environment that is responsive to employee needs.  With its recently approved Learning Strategy, DFO is providing tools, such as the Learning Plan and Coaching Guide that help build the learning environment needed to address retention issues and move in the direction of a learning organization. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will improve the organization and classification of work using model work descriptions that ensure a more consistent, up-to-date understanding of the main duties performed in the workplace. The Department is also establishing a centre of expertise for labour relations. Its objectives, consistent with the PSMA, are to support the need for a more strategic approach to labour relations, including continued improvement in union management relations, increased awareness of policies and procedures, and greater consistency of advice. The National Labour Relations Symposium is an example of genuine consultations and ongoing work toward more open and constructive relations with unions.The Department will continue promoting a more collegial work environment, and support Public Service values and ethics, informal conflict resolution and internal disclosure.

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