Update on Political Activities

1. Update on Political Activities • UMCC HR Sub-Committee • December 1, 2006

2. Purpose • To provide committee members with: • a recap of provisions regarding political activities under the PSEA • an update on political activity requests by DND civilian employees

3. What is a Political Activity? • The PSEA defines "political activity" as: • any activity in support of, within or in opposition to a political party; • any activity in support of or in opposition to a candidate before or during an election period; or • seeking nomination as, or being a candidate in an election before or during the election period. • Examples of political activity are: • joining a political party • carrying out administrative activities for a political party or candidate • wearing a political button or posting a sign on your lawn • seeking nomination as and securing candidacy

4. Changes under the PSEA • Employees may engage in any political activity but are still subject to upholding political impartiality, whether real or perceived • Permission to seek nomination and run as a candidate applies to the federal, provincial, territorial and now municipal levels • Increasedflexibility for the PSC (eg. when LWOP starts) • PSC authority to investigatebroadened to include any allegation of improper political activity

5. Requirements for Non-Candidacy Activities • “Will this activity impair, or be perceived as impairing, my political impartiality as a public servant?” • As there is no formal approval process involved, the decision to participate in political activities rests solely with the employee • employee must become familiar with subject matter and assess their own situation • employee responsible for making reasonable decisions • employee is accountable for decision to participate • PSC resources available: Regulations, Guidance Document, Self-Assessment Tool, Q&As • DND resources available: DGLRC Guidelines, Political Activities and You! brochure, Departmental Designated Representative (DGLRC)

6. Requirements for Candidacy • Permission must be obtained from PSC before seeking nomination or candidacy through a formalized process • Employee must submit request directly to the PSC at least 30 days in advance (longer for more complex situations) • The PSC may consider the following when making it’s decision: • nature of the election • nature of the employee’s duties, and • level and visibility of the employee’s position • Permission may be subject to conditions (eg. LWOP or cease to be an employee) determined on a case-by-case basis

7. Update on Political Activities by DND Civilian Employees • To date there has been a total of 6 formal requests by DND civilian employees seeking nomination/candidacy • PSC allowed 4 without imposing additional conditions • 3 of these candidates ultimately elected into office • PSC allowed 2 subject to condition of LWOP once elected (declined by employee in both instances) • All requests have been for municipal elections • mostly seeking city council • mainly in Ontario

8. Upcoming Elections • The PSC is maintaining a 2006-2007 calendar of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal elections across the country • 2006 • provincial/territorial in New Brunswick and Yukon • municipal in Ontario and Northwest Territories • 2007 • provincial/territorial elections are expected in Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories • municipal elections are expected in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta

9. QUESTIONS?