Every June, National Public Service Week is recognized by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada in order to highlight the value, contributions, and dedication of federal public service employees. This year, as in past years, USJE is proud to honor the vital contributions that federal public service employees carry out every day to keep Canadians safe.
On behalf of myself, USJE’s Regional Vice-Presidents and our staff, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to USJE’s 19,000 plus members across -multiple departments and agencies. We recognize that this past year in particular has brought significant challenges, including budget cuts, shifting priorities, and increased workplace pressures. The reality is that you may not always see the results of your work. Most of your work rarely or ever makes headlines. Most of the time, it isn’t always recognized in the moment. And more often than not, it happens behind the scenes, , within complex systems, spaces and places most Canadians will never see. . But it matters.
Every file processed, every system maintained, every operational support role undertaken with care and precision contributes to something larger: a public safety network that Canadians rely on, often without even realizing it.
National Public Service Week is usually described as a time to celebrate contributions. And it is. But it is also a time to acknowledge something less visible; the quiet consistency of your work. Because being public service is not defined by one moment. It is defined by showing up, again and again, with professionalism and excellence, even when the work is demanding, even when recognition is limited, and even when the challenges persist or increase, , as they are during this year when the Comprehensive Expenditure Review has loomed so large.
Across USJE, our members play a vital role in supporting safety and justice in this country. That work requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. It also requires confidence, , not only in one another, but confidence that what you do matters.
This year, more than anything, I want to recognize that consistency. Not just the achievements, but the effort behind them. Not just the outcomes, but the commitment it takes to get there.
As your union, we see that effort. Which is why USJE continues to work on several key initiatives, including:
- The Presumptive Injury campaign, where we continue to advocate for improved mental health supports for all federal public safety personnel.
- A nationwide campaign, Serving Together, to protect RCMP-related jobs, which has been a success so far, with no jurisdictions severing ties.
- The Safety in Jeopardy campaign, a public mobilization effort highlighting the impacts of budget cuts and increased workloads.
- An active campaign for a fair and flexible approach to on- and off-site work, including rallies and outreach efforts in support of hybrid work and better work-life balance.
- Ongoing support for members facing Workforce Adjustment, providing guidance and representation during times of change.
- USJE’s dynamic, award-winning monthly podcast featuring a range of experts on relevant and timely workplace topics
We will continue to push for workplaces that reflect the value of your contributions through fair treatment, improved conditions, and respect for the work you do.
But during this week, I encourage you to take a moment for yourself. To recognize not just the public service as an institution, but your place within it. Because the strength of the public service is not abstract. It is built, day by day, by people like you.
Thank you for the work you do, and for the professionalism and excellence you bring to it every single day.
In solidarity,
David Neufeld
USJE National President