Update on the Deeming of Civilian Members

May 3, 2020

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RCMP Veterans’ Association

Members Helping Members

This information is being provided to all Association Members

Update on the deeming of civilian members

Dear Members of the Association

We have been provided with a recent message from Commissioner Lucki regarding the deeming of the Civilian Members of the Force.

Commissioner Lucki’s message follows.

James Forrest
Director of Communications
RCMP Veterans’ Association

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION TO INDIVIDUAL MAILBOXES

APPROVED BY COMMISSIONER BRENDA LUCKI ON MAY 1, 2020.

Update on the deeming of civilian members

The last few weeks have been challenging for all of us. It’s not business as usual, and we continue to work under different circumstances due to the tragedy in Nova Scotia and in response to COVID-19. In times like these, it’s more important than ever to look after one another, but also to take time for yourself.

As we continue to adjust to our new day-to-day life, I wanted to give you an update on an important initiative that is still on the top of our minds – the deeming of civilian members (CMs).

Since my last update on deeming (http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/comm/broad-comm/2020/03-02-eng.htm), we have been working closely with our partners, including the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Public Safety Canada, to determine the best way forward. After much consideration, the Treasury Board has decided to accept the recommendation to revoke the deeming date of May 21, 2020.

Revoking the deeming date will provide the Government with flexibility to consider options, consult with bargaining agents and determine next steps for the future. This includes working with bargaining agents to facilitate the career mobility of CMs, and reducing barriers that might discourage civilian employees from considering opportunities in the greater public service.

Until these next steps are determined, the CM and public service employee staffing alignment strategy (http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hr-rh/workplace-milieu-de-travail/coe/cm-ps-faq-mc-fp-eng.htm) will remain in place. The representation of CMs by bargaining agents is unchanged.

I understand that this uncertainty may be difficult and that you may be in need of some additional support, so please feel free to reach out to your manager. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Employee Assistance Services (EAS) (http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hr-rh/health-sante/ment/support-soutien/assistance-aide-eng.htm) and Peer to Peer System (http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hr-rh/health-sante/ment/support-soutien/peer-eng.htm) remain available to you. CMs who are represented may also reach out their bargaining agent directly (http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hr-rh/workplace-milieu-de-travail/mlrd-rtm/uccm-csmc-eng.htm).

I know that many of you had been awaiting this decision in order to make important decisions regarding your career. We will keep you informed and share updates as they become available.

Brenda Lucki
Commissioner