Disclosure of position reclassifications

Overview

The Government of Canada has implemented a series of measures to strengthen public sector management by enhancing transparency and oversight of public resources in the federal government.

One of these measures includes the proactive disclosure of financial and human resources related information, including the reclassification of occupied positions, by departments and agencies. By making this information readily available on departmental web sites, Canadians are better able to hold the Parliament, their government and public sector officials accountable and increase the openness and transparency of government operations. With the passing of Bill C-58, this proactive disclosure is now a legislative obligation under part 2 the Access to Information Act.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s proactive disclosure reports on the reclassification of occupied positions are available on Canada's Open Government Portal. The information on this website is updated within 30 days after the end of each government fiscal year quarter.

The rules and principles governing the reclassification of occupied positions are outlined in the Directive on Classification. These guidelines provide Deputy Heads with a framework within which to exercise their delegated classification authority for the reclassification of existing positions.

A reclassification occurs when there is a change in the occupational group, sub-group (if applicable) and/or level of an existing position. The following are some of the reasons that the duties of a position change resulting in a reclassification of the position:

Changes to departmental/program mandate;
Managers reorganize in response to external conditions that increase or decrease available resources;
Managers reorganize to make more efficient and effective use of their financial and human resources, such as technology innovations, changes in employee competencies; or
Managers reassign work among their existing human resources to increase productivity, such as in response to vacancies that require temporary or permanent reassignment of work;
Results from a classification grievance.

Reclassification of occupied positions in the Public Service of Canada is an important and necessary business management option. However, when contemplating changes to a position that may result in reclassification, management must endeavour to ensure the proper, effective and efficient use of public funds. The cost implication associated with an upward reclassification must be known, transparent and support accountability for classification decisions.

Please note that information that would normally be withheld under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act does not appear on this Web site.

In April 2017, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada began posting disclosures of position reclassifications on the Open Government section of Canada.ca. Please visit Proactive Disclosure – Position Reclassifications.