Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates

Comité permanent des opérations gouvernementales et des prévisions budgétaires

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 18, 2019 -

Canadian veterans have tremendous skills and expertise that would make them valuable additions to the federal public service workforce. But according to a report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (the Committee) tabled today in the House of Commons by Committee Chair, Tom Lukiwski, too many veterans are being passed over for public service positions.

The Committee’s report, entitled Veterans: A Valuable Resource for the Federal Public Service, contains 17 recommendations that, if implemented, would rectify this situation by:

• Requiring that public service managers and human resources specialists in the federal government receive regular training regarding the rules and obligations of the Veterans Hiring Act;
• Obligating federal departments and agencies to report to the Veterans Ombudsman annually on the number of veterans they hire and employ per position level;
• Creating a veterans liaison to assist veterans in navigating the federal public service hiring process, and to support veterans after they are hired; and
• Ensuring every veteran who is not selected for a public service position is provided feedback in writing, and that that feedback is automatically forwarded to the Veterans Ombudsman.

“Throughout their military careers, veterans make immeasurable sacrifices in serving our country at home and abroad, and many want to continue that service after their release by working for the federal government. Our unanimous Committee report makes 17 recommendations that, we believe, will result in more veterans being hired into the federal public service and ensure a smoother transition to civilian life,” said Mr. Lukiwski.

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank all veterans who took the time to meet with us and submit written briefs. Their experiences are the foundation of our report and recommendations, and we are optimistic their contributions will result in meaningful change,” Mr. Lukiwski added.

The report is available online on the Committee’s website.