Professional Institute Opens 96th Annual General Meeting Determined to Restore the Balance in the Public Service

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 6, 2015) - Delegates with the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) gathered in downtown Ottawa today to begin their 96^th Annual General Meeting, under the theme Restoring the Balance.

PIPSC President Debi Daviau opened the proceedings by highlighting the challenges that Institute members had successfully overcome over a difficult past year, the steps PIPSC had taken to expose the previous government's record, and what had been at stake in the 2015 federal election.

"Up against the most anti-union government in our history, we captured the imagination of Canadians," said Daviau. "And they responded by turning the page on the Harper government. Now we can all concentrate on restoring the balance, which means repealing anti-labour legislation like Bills C-377 and C-525, reinvesting in critical programs and services, leaving behind a hyper-partisan and secretive government, and rebuilding at every level relationships with elected officials based on mutual respect and integrity".

"I think we are off to an excellent start in that regard," continued Daviau. "Over the past two years, Tony Clement couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone and discuss issues with me. But yesterday, I got a call from Scott Brison, the new President of the Treasury Board, the day after he was appointed. I look forward to working with him in the future," concluded Daviau.

The Institute was also very proud to welcome Dr. Linda Duxbury of Carleton University's School of Business, an award-winning researcher, writer and speaker on workplace health. Dr. Duxbury has significantly advanced the practices and attitudes toward work-life balance, and the development of supportive managers and work environments in Canada.

She made a strong case for a positive change in the nature of the employer-employee relationship with the emphasis on creating a healthy workplace. Earlier this year, PIPSC brought to the bargaining table a standard for a federal government wellness program that would mean support for public service employees and better public services for Canadians. Dr. Duxbury's timely information is certain to inspire more discussions at all levels in the months ahead.

The Institute's 96 Annual General Meeting continues on Saturday November 7^th.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents some 55,000 professionals and scientists across Canada's public sector.