Letter to MND: Civilian Classification Investigation

30 July 2018

The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, PC, OMM, MSM, CD, MP
Minister of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
13th Floor, North Tower
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

 

Dear Minister Sajjan,

Over the past several years, my Office has received numerous complaints from civilian employees related to delays in the administration of civilian classification within the Department of National Defence.

In June 2016, I informed your predecessor of my intent to investigate the administration of classification grievances within the Department of National Defence. I promised to keep your Office apprised of our progress.

We have since published a number of helpful information products to help educate our civilian constituents about these issues. Despite these efforts, we continue to receive complaints.

I wish to inform you that my investigation into the administration of civilian classification is now underway. I have expanded my investigation to include not just classification grievances, but the administration of classification reviews and cyclical work description reviews as well. I am aware that the Classification Renewal Plan is currently underway. My staff have already met with the Director of Civilian Classification and Organization. This initiative will be incorporated into our review.

I look forward to working closely with the Department during the course of this investigation.

I intend to release my report in late 2018.   

Sincerely,

 

Gary Walbourne
Ombudsman

Enclosed