December 2, 2021 - OTTAWA – On Thursday, December 2nd, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) met with the new President of the Treasury Board, the Honourable Mona Fortier (Ottawa-Vanier). The meeting took place virtually and comes only five weeks after her cabinet appointment.
The meeting, intended as a quick meet and greet, was cordial and allowed CAPE to go over a few critical points.
Remote working, the future of work
CAPE noted that unions and the employer are involved in discussions around policies that will shape the way forward, stressing abundantly on the need for meaningful consultations.
CAPE advocated for flexibility as the government explores return-to-the-workplace options, highlighting the good performance of public service employees working from home as they maintained the quality of service throughout the pandemic despite the hiccups of the earlier days.
Interpreters, suffering in silence
CAPE pressed the minister to help force greater compliance with guidelines in place to protect interpreters from harm during remote simultaneous interpretation, especially during virtual meetings of Parliament.
The minister reiterated her deep commitment to employees’ health and safety and to official languages. She fully acknowledged the interpreters’ struggle and committed to raising this matter with relevant officials.
Minister Fortier noted CAPE’s leadership on the National Joint Council as well as its work on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public service.
CAPE will be reconnecting with the minister in 2022 to continue the discussion on the topics and to cover more, including the RCMP deeming process, and all issues related to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts on federal employees.
In attendance
From the Office of the President of the Treasury Board
Hon. Mona Fortier President of the Treasury Board
Jade Mallette Director of Labour Relations
Participants from CAPE
Greg Phillips National President
Jennifer George Senior Advisor to the President
Dina Epale Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Advisor
