Treasury Board Secretariat Analyst Profiles

Heather – Program Analyst

	Home town:	Montréal, Quebec
	Grad degree:	Master of Public Policy Simon Fraser University (2009)
	Started at TBS:	June 2009
	Interesting work:	Heather works on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police file. While challenging, the Olympic Security is one of the files that provided her with a unique insight into the complexity of providing such high-level protection for an enormous and involved undertaking.

In Heather's words:

“The most significant characterization of the operating environment at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) is the reactionary nature of the work we do. We see a direct translation between international events, issues and challenges, and our daily work. Whether it is an earthquake in Haiti or Canada’s hosting of the G8/G20, there is an explicit link between these occurrences and how a TBS program analyst spends his or her day. Having to multitask, differentiate between high and lower priority items, and to work collaboratively with other sectors within the Secretariat has provided me with a tremendous opportunity for learning – about government and our country.”

The transition to living in Ottawa from Vancouver was a fairly easy one for me. Being from Montreal originally, I had the added bonus of being closer to family and old friends. To me, the best part about this city is how incredibly active it is. The most positive thing I did in my personal life was to join a running group. It has proven to be a wonderful way to connect with other people and to network with other public servants!”

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Jennifer – Policy Analyst

	Home town:	Vancouver, British Columbia
	Grad degree:	Master of Public Policy Simon Fraser University (2009)
	Started at TBS:	May 2009
	Interesting work:	Jennifer works on a range of files. Her work can impact many Canadians or affect individuals, such as the extension of certain EI benefits to self-employed people, or the remission of tax to individual taxpayers. She enjoys the variety because every file is a chance to learn something new.

In Jennifer's words

“Working at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) is both challenging and rewarding. I like the fact that the organization has high expectations of me and that there is so much support for my development as an analyst. My colleagues are generous with their time and knowledge, and I am learning from them. I have found that as I demonstrate what I can do, I am given more responsibility.

One of the things I appreciate most about working at TBS is that junior analysts are able to gain a lot of experience in a relatively short time. The work is fast-paced, and if I show an interest in a particular file, my director will often find a way for me to be involved. I was surprised to find out how much interaction junior analysts have with senior management. We regularly discuss government and departmental priorities at staff meetings, which helps me bring context to the files I work on and understand how decisions are made.”

There are also many opportunities to get involved outside of my regular duties. There are brown bag lunches with senior management, training sessions, the Renaissance new professionals’ network, committees of employees interested in issues like sustainable development, and lots of chances to volunteer at special events. Participating in these events is a great way to meet colleagues in other sectors, and makes me feel part of the TBS community.”

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Ely – Expenditure Analyst

	Home town:	Sherbrooke, Quebec
	Grad degree:	Master in Economics Université de Sherbrooke (2008)
	Started at TBS:	July 2009
	Interesting work:	Ely works closely with the program sectors and central agencies to support them through the strategic review process. He also plays a key role in the conceptualization and development of the Strategic Review Information System by producing various reports that will help Ministers make important decisions to better align departments spending.

In Ely's words

“Working at a central agency like the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) enables you to get a lot of experience and progress fast. With invaluable support from my senior manager and my co-workers I have been able to integrate well into the team and put to use what I have learned in university.

TBS provides me with a challenging and stimulating environment where I have been given a lot of responsibility and the opportunity to make a positive impact on expenditure management. I really feel that I am part of a bigger entity that puts all this strength together to accomplish things better. There is a culture of respect, diligence and work excellence that drives all of us to always go further and do more.

Working at TBS is an amazing opportunity and it will undoubtedly give your career a fantastic start, which will be considered as a strong asset by everyone.”