Communiqué to employees: Elections and political activities of employees
Elections are held across Canada at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels on a regular basis. As a federal public service employee, you have the right to engage in political activities as long as they do not impair, or are not perceived as impairing, your ability to perform your duties in an impartial manner.
Thinking of participating in political activities?
Interested in being a candidate in a federal, provincial, territorial or municipal election?
The video below provides further information on the candidacy request process.
Transcript
A message from the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC)
Are you a federal public service employee?
Are you thinking of becoming a candidate in a federal, provincial, territorial or municipal election?
Remember, you must first request and obtain permission from the PSC.
This applies for any elected office.
- Municipal Councillor
- Mayor
- Alderman
- MP
- MLA
- Full-time
- Part-time
Elections anywhere in Canada.
Let's walk through the process:
- Speak with your manager, your organization's Designated Political Activities Representative and the PSC.
- Complete the request form and include the required documents.
- Submit your request. The PSC decision process may take up to 30 days.
- The PSC considers: nature of the election, nature of your duties, level and visibility of your position
So… if you are considering becoming a candidate in an election…
Get informed! Start the process early!
Your manager, your organization's Designated Political Activities Representative and the PSC are ready to help!
For more information: 1-866-707-7152 or canada.ca/political-activities.
Did you know?
Before you become a candidate, you must first request and obtain permission and, if applicable, leave without pay, from the Public Service Commission. If you’re interested, we encourage you to complete and submit your request for permission as soon as possible to minimize any potential delays.
Still have questions?
You may wish to speak to your manager, your organization’s Designated Political Activities Representative or visit the Public Service Commission’s political activities website, where you can find a suite of tools to help you make an informed decision.
Allegations of improper political activity
Anyone can submit an allegation to the Public Service Commission of improper political activities by federal public servants. The exception is that only a person who is or has been a candidate in an election can submit an allegation about improper political activity of a deputy head. The Public Service Commission conducts investigations that may result in corrective action.