Letter from the President: Shared Services Canada

August 23, 2011

The Honourable Tony Clement
President of the Treasury Board Secretariat
44A King William Street
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1G3

Dear Honourable Clement:

On behalf of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, I am requesting an opportunity to meet with you to discuss the creation of the Shared Services Canada announced on August 4, 2011.

While the Institute supports in principle streamlining and standardizing of the government’s information and technology systems to achieve efficiencies and cost savings, we are deeply concerned that the government is proceeding without a detailed plan in place. Meaningful dialogue and consultation with the Institute and other stakeholders is vital to ensure its successful implementation, with minimal disruption of service to the Canadian public while maintaining security of information. The Institute is committed to ensuring that at least some of the anticipated cost savings are achieved by reducing the government’s reliance on IT contractors.

I look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

Shannon Bittman
A/President