ARCHIVED - Review of Workforce Adjustment Programs for Department of Finance Canada and the Treasury Board Secretariat
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Prepared by Consulting and Audit Canada - March, 1996
The following interim report is intended to highlight the main issues that were
determined during the recent review of workforce adjustment management and administration
in the Department of Finance and the Treasury Board Secretariat. Two separate reports will
be issued in the near future for this ongoing project, and they will provide a more
comprehensive assessment of our review activities and findings.
MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS
Department of Finance
- The program of workforce reduction was centrally controlled with good evidence of senior
management involvement (Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Ministers).
- Programs, functions and individual operations were reviewed and redundant positions
identified and vulnerable employees were advised.
- Communications (written and verbal) were provided to employees through the various
stages of downsizing.
- All cash-out situations meet the eligibility criteria, and are in compliance with the
payments allowed under ERI, EDI and EET.
- It was not always possible to assess how the reductions were determined in the Corporate
Services area, and what represented Finance Canada's share of the position reduction
and how these positions were identified as redundant.
Treasury Board Secretariat
- The program of workforce reductions is not based on an activity or function review.
- The initial year of downsizing has been primarily accomplished through voluntary
departures.
- It is not always evident from departmental documentation why a particular position is
declared redundant, and why the particular individual is accepted for a voluntary
departure.
- The non review of functions and activities has resulted in some pressures and instances
of managers seeking to restaff behind cash out situations.
- Management should examine its activities and functions and determine what areas will be
subject to lack of work, or discontinuance of function with respect to future cash out
situations.