Reminder to Parks Canada Team Members – Political Activities and Election Candidacies

Dear colleagues,

With several municipal elections planned this year and the upcoming provincial elections taking place in Newfoundland and Labrador, I want to take a moment to remind you of your rights and responsibilities as public servants. More specifically, you have the right to engage in political activities if they do not, nor appear to, impair your ability to perform your duties in a politically impartial manner.

Seeking nomination or running as a candidate

If you are considering seeking nomination or running as a candidate in a federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal election, you must first obtain permission from the Public Service Commission (PSC). This requirement applies to all employees, including term and indeterminate staff, students, and those on a leave of absence. Given that the PSC has 30 days from receiving a request to make a decision, it is important to submit your request for permission as early as possible. More information can be found on the page I want to become a candidate.

Engaging in other political activities

Should you wish to engage in other political activities, which includes supporting or opposing a candidate or a political party, you do not require permission. That said, you should carefully consider the nature of your duties, your visibility as public servants, and the nature of the political activity. The Political Activities Self-Assessment Tool can help you make informed decisions about participating in political activities. Given the ease and widespread use of social media, public servants should be mindful of their digital footprint, how quickly posts can be amplified, and the potential impact on their current and future roles.

Duties as a Public Servant

As stated in Parks Canada’s Values and Ethics Code, as public servants we are required to demonstrate loyalty to our employer - the Government of Canada and Parks Canada - and uphold both the reality and perception of objectivity and impartiality in carrying out our responsibilities. We must carry out our duties in accordance with legislation, policies and directives in a non-partisan and impartial manner free from political influence.

I encourage you to refer to the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) website for information about your rights and responsibilities with regard to engaging in candidacy related activities and political activities related to supporting or opposing a candidate or a political party. Please note that the PSC has exclusive authority to look into allegations of improper political activities, which can be made by anyone. If the investigation finds the allegation to be valid, the PSC may recommend corrective action as deemed appropriate.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your designated political activities representative, Lila Turenne at Lila.Turenne@pc.gc.ca, or your manager. The designated political activities representative is an individual designated by your organization to raise awareness, provide you with advice, and act as a liaison with the PSC.

Your cooperation is essential to maintaining Canada’s non-partisan public service.

Thank you,

Rawan El-Komos

Vice-President, Human Resources and Employee Wellness

Useful Links:

I want to become a candidate

Non-Candidacy Political Activities