Extension of measures supporting departments and agencies (20-11)
As the pandemic situation continues to affect government operations, the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Canada has decided to extend second language evaluation measures so that departments and agencies can continue to meet their staffing needs.
The following measures will remain effective for all appointments (indeterminate, term, acting) to any bilingual position until September 30, 2020:
- Deputy heads are exempted from the requirement to use the PSC’s second language evaluation tests when assessing second language proficiency (reading comprehension, written expression and oral proficiency). The alternate tests used by departments and agencies must still respect the guiding principles for alternate methods to second language evaluation tests.
- Extension of the validity period of expired second language evaluation results.
I would like to remind you that for all appointments over 12 months, second language evaluation results must be confirmed with tests approved by the PSC within 12 months of the appointment. Also, departments and agencies will be asked to report on the use of these measures in their regular 2020–21 reporting to the PSC.
The questions and answers for human resources specialists on the PSC’s website will be adjusted accordingly, and we will continue to update them regularly.
Sincerely,
Patricia Jaton
Vice-President
Policy and Communications Sector
Public Service Commission