Political Activities

Merit and non-partisanship are core values of the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). A politically impartial public service means: appointments are made on the basis of merit and free from political influence; public servants perform their duties and are seen to perform their duties in a politically impartial manner; and, programs and services are administered in a professional and non-partisan manner.

Public service employees have the right to engage in political activities while maintaining the principle of political impartiality in the public service. The PSEA defines “political activity” as any activity in support of, within or in opposition to a political party, any activity in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate before or during an election period, or seeking nomination as, or being, a candidate in a municipal, provincial, territorial or federal election, before or during the election period.

The Office of Values and Ethics is responsible for: providing advice, guidance, training and assistance to employees and managers; act as liaison between the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); provide information for the Deputy Head’s input regarding candidacy request.

Candidacy Process

Are you thinking about becoming a candidate in a federal, provincial, territorial or municipal election? Remember that federal public service employees must first request and obtain permission from the Public Service Commission. This video explains the process.

For more information on political activities, you can contact ESDC’s Designated Political Activities Representative, review section 4(d)(iii) of the Departmental Code of Conduct and access additional guidance and tools on the PSC Web site, or contact the PSC's Political Activities and Non-Partisanship Directorate at 1-866-707-7152 or E-mail.