News release

February 1, 2006

Gomery: good report, but whistleblowing still falls short

OTTAWA - For the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the largest union representing federal public sector workers, the Gomery report, if implemented, would represent a fundamental shift in the way government works. Increased power would go to the Secretary of the Treasury Board and the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, with diminished power and responsibility for the Privy Council Office.

“This is an important report for all workers in the federal public sector” said PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.

According to Justice Gomery, “the Sponsorship Program involved only a tiny proportion of the annual expenditures of the Government. Its mishandling was an aberration. The majority of the expenditures of the federal government are well handled, and citizens usually get value for money from them.”

Turmel supports the report’s suggestions and recommendations to strengthen the whistleblowing legislation that was passed late last year, but noted that the suggested changes still do not provide adequate protection, nor do they cover all public sector workers. “The PSAC intends to push the new government to implement the Gomery whistleblowing suggestions and take other steps to ensure that all whistleblowers are fully protected,” Turmel said.

Turmel also raised a caution with regard to the cost of implementing many of Gomery’s recommendations. “Many of Gomery’s recommendations, including the increased scope and timelines for access to information, will require more staff and resources,” she said. “We are extremely concerned that the government will accept these suggestions without providing the resources to get the job done.”

The PSAC also questions the recommendation to legislate a code of conduct and other recommendations that make it an offense not to document recommendations and decisions.

Overall, the union strongly agrees with Gomery’s conclusion that federal public sector workers are dedicated, ethical and competent. PSAC members employed by the federal government are committed to providing the front line public services that Canadians want, count on and deserve.

-30-

For information: Louise Laporte, PSAC Communications
(613) 560-4287 or (613) 558-4975

01-010206