PACP Committee News Release
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Standing Committee on Public Accounts |
HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES OTTAWA, CANADA K1A 0A6 |
Comité permanent des comptes publics |
For immediate release
NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEEDS TO IMPROVE HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING
Ottawa, April 14, 2010 -
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) needs to improve its human resources planning to ensure that it is able to meet its current and future challenges, according to a report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts presented to the House of Commons today.
In May 2007, the Office of the Auditor General released an audit of DFAIT’s human resources management. The audit found that DFAIT did not have a strategic plan for its human resources, has had difficulty filling positions with people who have the required skills and competencies, and has an inflexible process to compensate employees for living conditions abroad.
The Public Accounts Committee was especially concerned that only 16% of DFAIT’s employees that needed a working proficiency in a foreign language actually met the language requirements, that there was a lack of records on security checks on locally engaged staff, and that the Foreign Service Directives inhibit the Department’s ability to find people willing to accept some postings abroad.
The Committee recommended that DFAIT report on the number of foreign service officers who meet the language requirements for their position, that DFAIT randomly inspect missions to ensure regulations for security checks are being followed, and that the government improve the flexibility and accessibility of accidental death and dismemberment insurance for public servants posted abroad.
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