This page is now archived. Please visit www.pipsc.ca for the new website and update your bookmarks

logo
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada > News & Events > Communications Magazine > Vol. 36, No. 2, Spring 2010
Decrease Text Size Increase Text Size
Logo
PerspectivePerspective
As you read this issue of Communications Magazine, our 2nd Symposium on Public Science will already be over. This was an extremely successful event featuring high-caliber speakers who triggered thought-provoking debates and discussions with politicians, members of the media, guests and members. We continue to herald the importance of public science as a core government function.  

Vol. 36, No. 2, Spring 2010

On the cover
Cover of Communications magazine

The Institute of Ocean Sciences - Canada’s Scientists Keeping Us Safe

At the Institute of Ocean Science: Robin Brown (far right), Manager, Ocean Sciences Division, explains the receding Arctic shorelines to (far left) Dan Jones, B.C./Yukon Regional Director and President Gary Corbett as Carmel Lowe, Director, Geological Survey of Canada, Pacific looks on.

Read More

Contents
The Institute of Ocean Sciences Canada’s Scientists Keeping Us SafeThe Institute of Ocean Sciences Canada’s Scientists Keeping Us Safe
Neighbouring the Victoria Airport, in Sidney, British Columbia, resides the internationally renowned Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS) which is shared by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).  
“For the Public Good” Campaign Expands“For the Public Good” Campaign Expands
Regular readers are aware that the Institute’s branding campaign, “For the Public Good”, has been featured in many cities across the country for the past few months (see our Autumn 2009 and Winter 2010 issues for more details).  
“Poor No More” on the Big Screen!“Poor No More” on the Big Screen!
The Institute was the proud organizer and sponsor of the two official Ottawa premieres of the English version of the film “Poor No More”, shown on Parliament Hill and in the Empire 7 Theatre this past April 12 and 13 respectively. 
Protecting Your PensionProtecting Your Pension
Over the course of the fall and winter months, rumours circulated in the media about possible changes to be brought to the public service pension plan. Two right-leaning organizations, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and the C.D. Howe Institute, were in the forefront of efforts to convince the federal government to take an axe to “gold-plated” public service pensions in its 2010 Budget. 
Government Parking PolicyGovernment Parking Policy
The Professional Institute has concerns about the government’s new Parking Policy as initiated by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) for implementation across most federal departments and agencies. In the past, parking policy was dealt with by the Treasury Board. However, in 1996 Treasury Board rescinded its parking policy, and custodian departments and agencies were responsible for setting parking rates.  
Contracting out...the Real Picture! - Vol. 36, No. 2, Spring 2010Contracting out...the Real Picture! - Vol. 36, No. 2, Spring 2010
The Conservative Government has engaged in a sweeping series of public service privatization and outsourcing exercises. While the government purports to re-establish a balanced budget, it spent $8 billion dollars for professional and special services in support of program delivery in 2009. This amount represents one-quarter of the total operating budget for salaries and benefits. 
Snapshots - Vancouver Branch AGM
PIPSC Challenges Employer’s Unilateral Action to Alter Terms and Conditions of Employment
Snapshots - Gatineau Branch AGM
Members in Atlantic Canada
Peter Krahn: Canada’s Environmental Defender
A Legacy of Service
First OPEEPM Scholarship
91st Annual General Meeting
Collective Bargaining Report
Regional News
Know Your Rights
Member News
ServicePlus

Editor’s Note

Getting to see first hand what our members do and meeting them face to face is one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of my job. Even better, I am able to share their stories with you, our readers. These features provide a glimpse of the work being done by PIPSC professionals who make Canada one of the healthiest and most secure countries in the world. In this issue, discover the work being accomplished at the Institute of Ocean Sciences where scientists monitor the Earth’s tremors and the receding Arctic coast line among others. Share your thoughts and suggestions on work sites, drop me an email at clecours@pipsc.ca