Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada

Dear Colleagues,

I am proud to share with you the Thirty-First Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada, covering the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

Since taking on the role of Clerk last June, I have been honoured to learn more about the incredible work you do every single day. I have always known that public servants were hard-working and committed to serving their fellow Canadians with excellence. But my new vantage point—encompassing the entire public service—paints a new picture for me of the breadth and depth of your knowledge and expertise, and the work you do each day.

By delivering the Government’s agenda over the past year, public servants have made a real difference in the lives of Canadians through the implementation of initiatives for more affordable housing, improved public health and dental care, advancing reconciliation, combating climate change, and providing safety, security and emergency response services, just to name a few.

This year’s report showcases examples shared by public servants, such as yourselves, from across Canada that illustrate how we have continued to deliver for the people of Canada, and our allies. I invite you to watch this video message and to read the report for examples of the great work that has been accomplished this year.

This work is not easy and, while celebrating our many successes over the past year, the report also acknowledges that, as an institution, we can improve support for our employees and strengthen trust with Canadians. We know there are specific areas where we need to do better for public servants and for the Canadians we serve to build and maintain trust.

This year’s report emphasizes the importance of the ongoing values and ethics dialogue that was launched across the Public Service to sustain the momentum we have been building and break down systemic barriers to make sure we continue to serve with the utmost integrity and respect for people. The values and ethics dialogue supports us as we advance progress and increase accountability for actions in response to the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service. Together we will continue to foster culture change in the Public Service because all of us—with our diverse perspectives and abilities—deserve a public service where we feel valued and can realize our full potential. 

As we continue to grapple with a rapidly changing operating environment, impacted by global issues such as geopolitical conflicts and the effects of climate change, we are already seeing examples in this year’s report of how public servants are embracing the opportunities that innovative technologies, like artificial intelligence, and new ways of working can present to improve our effectiveness. 

No matter the setbacks or obstacles we encounter, no matter the challenges we face as an institution, we should never let them dampen our spirits. We face these challenges head on, and we face them together. Today, and every day, let us never forgot to celebrate our achievements.

Looking back on my first year as Clerk, I am impressed by the resiliency and ingenuity that you demonstrate every day in serving and supporting Canadians.

Sincerely,

John Hannaford (he/him)

Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet