May 25, 2010

Ms. Maria Barrados, President
Public Service Commission
L'Esplanade Laurier, West Tower
300 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1A 0M7

Dear Ms. Barrados:

I received a copy of the response you provided to the Senate National Finance Committee answering my questions from the April 13, 2010 meeting related to the priority status in the federal public service for medically released veterans.

The statistics included in your response are unfortunately very disturbing: 69 percent of the priority employment appointments for medically released veterans were to one department. Other departments are only marginally participating in this program even though they are supposed to search the Priority Information Management System prior to making an appointment.

In your response before the committee you stated, “We are now doing more work on how well the priority list is being used”. Can you please provide additional information on what action you are going to take to increase the participation and involvement of other departments?

Sincerely,

Percy E. Downe
Senator