Letter to MND: Civilian Classification Report

28 September 2018

 

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, PC, OMM, MSM, CD, MP
Minister of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive,
13^th Floor, North Tower
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

 

Dear Minister Sajjan:

Please find enclosed the report Positions over People: An Investigation into Delays in the Administration of Civilian Classification at the Department of National Defence.

This office has been tracking issues related to civilian classification since 2011. In recent years, this office has become increasingly concerned about reported delays in the administration of classification. While the Department of National Defence states that classification relates to positions, it also has a significant human dimension that must be considered. Delays in the administration of classification can directly and negatively affect the employees who occupy those positions.

This report makes thirteen recommendations. If implemented, we believe that these recommendations will bring positive change to all civilian employees at the Department of National Defence. Additionally, our office believes timely implementation will assist the Department of National Defence’s efforts to fulfill its commitments made in Strong, Secure, Engaged.

This report is submitted to you pursuant to paragraph 38(1)(b) of the Ministerial Directives respecting the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.  As is standard practice, we will be publishing the report no sooner than 28 days from the date of this letter. We would appreciate your response prior to publication so that it may be included.  As in the past, we have offered your staff a briefing on the report prior to publication.

I look forward to your response to our recommendations.  

Sincerely,

 

Gary Walbourne
Ombudsman

Enclosed (3)