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Thinking about becoming a candidate in an upcoming election?
The Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) provides a regime for governing employees’ political activities. More specifically, Part 7 of the PSEA recognizes the rights of employees to engage in political activities, while maintaining the principle of political impartiality in the public service.
If you are considering becoming a candidate in a federal, provincial, territorial or municipal election you must first obtain permission and, if applicable, leave of absence without pay (LWOP) from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC may grant permission, with or without conditions, only if it is satisfied that seeking nomination as, or being a candidate will not impair, or be perceived as impairing your ability to perform your public service duties in a politically impartial manner. Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis in light of such factors as the nature of the election, the nature of the employee’s duties and the level of visibility of the employee’s position.
Until an employee has requested and received permission from the PSC to seek nomination as, or be, a candidate in an election, no declaration of candidacy or related activities may be undertaken. For federal, provincial or territorial elections, the employee must also request and obtain a LWOP from the PSC prior to engaging in any activities related to being a candidate during the election period. Employees interested in seeking nomination or being candidates must submit their request to the PSC with proper documentation regarding their position, their duties, the election, and the input of their manager and deputy head, at least 30 days before the Commission’s decision is required.
In addition to granting permission and leave for candidacy, the PSC also provides guidance with respect to involvement in political activities; may investigate allegations of inappropriate involvement of an employee in political activities or of non-compliance with the requirements related to candidacy permission and leave; and can take corrective action when allegations are founded.
For more information on the procedure and forms for requesting permission or leave, please visit our Web site or speak with your organization’s departmental political activities designate. You can also contact the PSC at 1-866-707-7152, or by e-mail.