What It Means to Be a Public Servant
Disclaimer: The summaries and interpretations provided on this page are unofficial and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS).
Summary
- Public servants are a central pillar of the democratic system and make direct contributions to fundamental aspects of society
- The work of public service extends beyond individual achievements to being part of something bigger that serves the entire country
- Every interaction with the public, from tax help to online services, shapes public perception of government and builds trust
- Excellence in public service requires both what is done and how it is done, with integrity and sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars
- A professional, nonpartisan public service provides evidence-based advice to government and implements decisions regardless of personal beliefs
- Core values include courage, candor, transparency, openness, and respect for all people including Indigenous communities
- Meaningful progress on anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and accessibility creates stronger teams and better problem-solving capabilities
- Agility and resilience are essential for adapting to constant change, from global events like pandemics to local priority shifts
- The public service provides continuity during electoral periods and supports democracy by serving both citizens and elected governments
- Current challenges require new guidance on artificial intelligence use and social media engagement for public servants
- Values and ethics conversations must continue beyond conferences through ongoing dialogue and education initiatives
Actionable Advice
- Learn the history of the Indigenous peoples in your local area wherever you work
- Take pride in being a public servant and recognize your role in serving democracy
- Deliver excellence and demonstrate integrity in all work interactions with the public
- Exercise sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars in all financial decisions
- Provide honest, evidence-based advice to leadership even when it presents challenges
- Support government decisions professionally regardless of personal beliefs
- Engage in candid conversations about mental health and workplace safety
- Seek out different points of view and reflect on diverse perspectives before making decisions
- Communicate decisions clearly along with their rationale to team members
- Prepare for change by analyzing trends and predicting scenarios for future planning
- Accept uncertainty and develop comfort with unknown challenges that may arise
- Discuss your role during electoral periods if you're new to public service
- Update your organization's code of conduct to reflect current values and practices
- Prepare departmental reports on disclosure of wrongdoing and misconduct procedures
- Require employees to submit annual conflict of interest declarations
- Incorporate accountability measures for progress on anti-racism and inclusion initiatives
- Continue values and ethics dialogue beyond formal conferences through ongoing discussions
- Hold yourself to high standards in all aspects of public service work