CS Classification Changes – June 7, 2021

As you may have learned from your manager, and further to the recent email, [2021-05-26] Classification renewal (conversion) – IT, PA and CT, from the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Human Resources Services Branch to all employees, I am writing to inform you about changes to the Computer Systems (CS) group.

The CS group will change to a new occupational group called Information Technology (IT). This is planned to take place in October 2021.

Why now?

Computer systems and information technology work was last reviewed in 1985. Since that time, the information technology field has changed considerably; the new classification will reflect that. Modernized and streamlined classifications help ensure that our tools reflect the work of today’s public service and bring more consistency in how similar jobs are evaluated.

Key information:

  • Unless otherwise informed, CS employees continue to be covered under their current collective agreement and their bargaining agent does not change.
  • The existing five-level CS structure will continue to be used in the new IT model. Salary protection measures will apply if the maximum salary of an employee’s new group and level is lower than the maximum salary of their current group and level, although this is not expected for any ESDC CS employees.
  • The current CS qualification standard requires successful completion of two years of an acceptable post-secondary educational program. The new IT group will instead require graduation, at a minimum, from a two-year program of study relevant to the position to be staffed, from a recognized post-secondary institution. When the conversion goes into effect, indeterminate CS employees will be deemed to meet new qualification standards.

I recognize that these changes may cause some uncertainty about what this means for you. Our communications and human resources teams are planning information sessions for managers and employees to help ease this transition.

For more information, I invite you to consult:

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) about CS changes generally, available on the Classification Renewal GCpedia page; and
  • FAQs about CS changes, specific to ESDC, available on iService. Information on this page will continue to be updated as needed.

Next Steps:

All affected employees will receive advanced personal notification of which position they are mapped to under the new classification. It is expected that all ESDC CSs will be mapped to a standardized job description in the IT group. This is scheduled to take place in late August 2021.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Classification generic mailbox, or your supervisor, if you have any questions or concerns. You may also contact your union representative for more information.

Thank you,

Peter Littlefield

Chief Information Officer