B.C. PUBLIC SERVICE

ONE OF B.C.'S TOP EMPLOYERS

VICTORIA – For the first time, the province’s largest employer, the BC Public Service, is now also on the list of BC’s Top 40 Employers.

“As we face the impact of an aging workforce and an increasingly tight labour market, it is critical that the BC Public Service is able to retain and recruit the skilled employees needed to meet the expectations of British Columbians,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “This recognition is a strong endorsement of the actions we’ve taken to increase the competitiveness of the BC Public Service as an employer, and it will further support our ability to attract and keep talented employees who value a rewarding and challenging career.”

In the annual list of BC’s Top 40 Employers announced by Mediacorp, the BC Public Service was recognized for offering a highly competitive pension and benefits package, strong support for employing training and development, and a uniquely wide range of career opportunities. BC Public Service employment policies were also recognized on Mediacorp’s list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, with the Royal B.C. Museum, whose employees are part of the BC Public Service, being named on the Top 100 list.

“To be recognized as a top employer is really a tribute to the exceptional commitment of the almost 30,000 men and women working in the BC Public Service,” said Ida Chong, minister responsible for the BC Public Service Agency. “We have made significant strides over the past year to increase the competitiveness of the BC Public Service as an employer. You don’t get to be a top employer without having top-notch employees.”

In October 2006, the BC Public Service released its first corporate human resources plan, Being the Best, which set out an ambitious strategy to become a more competitive employer. Significant actions implemented under Being the Best in the last year include:

The Pacific Leaders program, offering forgiveness of B.C. student loans for employees, scholarships for employees and their children, and graduate fellowships to help recruit new employees.

The commitment to make the BC Public Service a carbon-neutral employer by 2010.

The opening of all job competitions to external as well as internal applicants.

Expanded recognition programs to highlight the achievements of award-winning employees.

A unique partnership with CUSO that allows employees to volunteer for overseas service for up to two years with the employer portion of their benefits paid during that time and a job available upon their return.

A new Aboriginal Intern program to introduce Aboriginal youth to career opportunities in the BC Public Service.

Promotion of career paths to help all employees take advantage of the diversity of job opportunities available in the BC Public Service.

A series of new employee fitness initiatives to encourage health and wellness and support the goals of the ActNow BC program.

Increased recruitment efforts, resulting in a 75 per cent increase in the number of employees under age 30 hired into the BC Public Service.

The BC Public Service is the province’s largest corporate employer, with approximately 30,000 professional employees in 280 B.C. communities working in over 100 diverse job streams. Just under half of all BC Public Service employees live on Vancouver Island, one third live in the Lower Mainland, and just over 10 per cent live in each of the Interior and Northern regions of the province.

By 2015, 35 per cent of bargaining unit employees and 45 per cent of managers in the BC Public Service are expected to retire. B.C. currently has the second smallest public service of any jurisdiction in Canada with a ratio of 8.1 public servants for every 1,000 citizens