Yesterday in the Senate, Senator Ringuette introduced Bill S-44 An Act to amend the Public Service Employment Act. This bill intends to disallow the establishment of geographic criteria to determine an area of selection for the purpose of eligibility in appointments processes.
Presently, the Public Service Commission establishes geographic criteria for the purpose of eligibility for both internal and external competitions. Senator Ringuette believes that every Canadian should be able to apply to all federal jobs regardless of their current address.
“The current selection process seriously limits the job accessibility within the public service to all Canadians. This restriction is not acceptable and does not concur with the mobility rights provisions of our Charter of Rights. Every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of Canada has the right to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province” Senator Ringuette stated.
This Bill also ensures that appointments to, and from within the public service are free from bureaucratic patronage.