Federal Retirees reflects on Canada’s outstanding public service

June 13, 2019
Canada’s national flag flying at half-mast during National Public Service Week at the Claude Edwards Building in Ottawa honouring the contributions of Canadian public servants who have passed away.
Canada’s national flag flying at half-mast during National Public Service Week at the Claude Edwards Building in Ottawa honouring the contributions of Canadian public servants who have passed away.

 

From coast to coast to coast, in big cities and small towns, federal public servants are doing important work that positively affects all Canadians every single day. Taking place from June 9 to 15 this year, National Public Service Week is a time to recognize the value of this work and to celebrate excellence in the public service.

Most of us don’t take much time to reflect on the effort that goes into supporting the projects, programs and services of the Government of Canada and addressing the needs of Canadians in their daily lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to offer federal public servants the thanks they richly deserve but seldom receive for the work they do, even in the face of incredible challenges like the ongoing problems with the Phoenix pay system.

The 75th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2019, sparked a global conversation about remembrance and inspired innumerable commemorative ceremonies, events and activities all over the world. The anniversary of this watershed moment in our history also served as a reminder of the importance of telling and re-telling the stories of those who worked to build our country, to support our communities and to fight for our safety.

“Once a public servant, always a public servant,” said National President Jean-Guy Soulière. “We salute all federal public servants and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP for their devotion and commitment, which often go unrecognized. They work hard to provide Canadians with the best services in the world.”

Last year, the National Association of Federal Retirees began a new tradition of lowering our flag on the last working day of National Public Service Week and remembering the Federal Retirees members, and all public servants, who have passed away. We hope you’ll join us in taking a moment on Friday to honour deceased members of the public service, Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP and to reflect on their enormous contributions throughout their careers.