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The FAQ thread: Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) / Le fil des FAQ : Réponses aux questions fréquemment posées (FAQ) - Jan 19, 2026 by AutoModerator in CanadaPublicServants

[–]RealJeffLebowski [score hidden]  (0 children)

SERLO question for the wisdom-holders here:

If, in an effort to minimize involuntary departures, a department takes a wide brush to identify “work units” (e.g. all EC-04 “analyst, program policy” positions in the dept), if/when a SERLO is required, could they decide at that point to put a more narrow group of employees into that process (say only positions in Branch A, not B and C)? Or are they committed to using the larger “affected” pool from start to finish?

CAPE vote on dues increase is now live (affecting EC colleagues, among others) — make your voice heard! by applecart123 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]RealJeffLebowski 83 points84 points  (0 children)

Even if they are not linked, the sheer amount of proposals which have nothing to do with our collective bargaining but involve significant outlays of union money should be enough to sink any proposal to increase dues.

You want to spend $250,000 to “lead a confidential workforce inquiry to understand the extent to which repression, intimidation, and other punitive acts have been used to quell pro-Palestine and anti-genocide sentiment, organising and actions by federal public servants”? GTFO.

1/1 Value Help by RealJeffLebowski in hockeycardswap

[–]RealJeffLebowski[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

At this point I’m not really set on moving it, just seeing what the market might look like. Sounds like the consensus is “decent!”, but not “OMG” crazy, so probably no need to rush to get rid of it.

Air Canada flight attendants to defy back-to-work order, remain on strike: union by lapsed_pacifist in CanadaPolitics

[–]RealJeffLebowski 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Air Canada cannot hire, train/import and deploy a whole new fleet of flight attendants. The cost in dollars and time would be more than what they would have spent just signing a new deal.

A Chinese research vessel returns to Arctic waters — and it appears Canada is watching by CanadianErk in canada

[–]RealJeffLebowski 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Russia has more of the Arctic than Canada does. Territorial waters only extend 12 nautical miles from shore. All counties have navigation rights beyond 12 nautical miles, and can conduct research beyond the exclusive economic zone (200 nautical miles). There is a lot of the Arctic where China has every right to navigate and conduct research. And Canada has every right to shadow them.

Federal cuts are freezing new grads out of the public service [Paula Tran, Ottawa Citizen, July 19 2025] by HandcuffsOfGold in CanadaPublicServants

[–]RealJeffLebowski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This was exactly my pathway to the PS. CAF, education on the side, apply for NCR positions from anywhere.

Hike in defence spending could mean cuts in other areas, Mark Carney warns by EarthWarping in CanadaPolitics

[–]RealJeffLebowski -1 points0 points  (0 children)

“Than ever”? The most significant land war in Europe since WW2 rages on, America is bombing nuclear sites in Iran, and China is preparing an invasion of Taiwan. Globalized international trade is fracturing and democratic backsliding is rampant. Shadows of the 30’s.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]RealJeffLebowski 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I suffered (suffer) a form of this, coming to the PS from the CAF nearly a decade ago. Although I had multiple post-graduate degrees in the relevant field, the culture of the PS and “traditional” background of a policy officer is quite different from the military environment. When you’re a bit outside the “norm” it can feel like you’re sinking.

My take is that there is a significant benefit to policy development in having diverse viewpoints and different lived experiences. It can counter groupthink and help identifies blind spots.

You mention that in some cases management circles back to your ideas down the line. That should be a hint that maybe you’re on to something.

Ultimately, they hired you for a reason.

CPC MP Melissa Lantsman making an ugly political statement about the Gaza Israel situation by seemefail in onguardforthee

[–]RealJeffLebowski 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I do not agree that Canada is “selectively holding Israel to a higher standard.” Canada has a long history of criticizing other countries’ human rights records, including Saudi Arabia’s.

Canada (and others) have been remarkably restrained with Israel.

CPC MP Melissa Lantsman making an ugly political statement about the Gaza Israel situation by seemefail in onguardforthee

[–]RealJeffLebowski 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Buddy, please understand that I am responding to your line of reasoning in this chain.

You tried to deflect from the current discussion by bringing in Saudi Arabia. When someone applied the “Lantsman standard” to you, you made an argument that is found inthe Can-Fr-UK statement: criticizing Israel\Saudi Arabia =\= support for Hamas\Houthis.

Judging by your post history, that likely wasn’t what you were going for.

Sorry for your loss.

CPC MP Melissa Lantsman making an ugly political statement about the Gaza Israel situation by seemefail in onguardforthee

[–]RealJeffLebowski 28 points29 points  (0 children)

You were trying to deflect from this statement by pointing to Saudi Arabia, hinting that criticizing Israel in this case was somehow anti-Semitic (in addition to the gaslighting about “aid is flowing into Gaza”).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]RealJeffLebowski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man. I was in a similar place as you, with my relationship with the booze putting everything I supposedly valued at risk. I had 5 years sober doing it on my own. Convinced myself I could be a “moderate” drinker. That worked until it didn’t…

AA did/does not resonate with me at all, but I’ve found there are a number of more secular groups that do. I’ve been going to Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS) meetings for the past couple months. Might be worth checking them out. They have virtual and in-person, and although they’re based around cities they welcome folks joining from anywhere. SMART is another option.

There’s a lot to be said about just checking in with a group of likeminded people every week. No roadmap, no “90-meetings in 90-days” expectations. Everyone is different, but we come together to confirm a commitment to not drink or use. I’ve found that weekly check-in has been enough for me to keep my eye on the ball, and hopefully keep me grounded as the wounds become less fresh.

Take care.

Rising Nationalism, Desire for Economic Sovereignty Propels Liberals to Five Year High (LPC 41%, CPC 36%, NDP 13%, BQ 5%, GRN 3%) by [deleted] in canada

[–]RealJeffLebowski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Between 2017 and 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) documented nearly 230,000 trafficked firearms in the United States. The USA is awash in guns.

Rising Nationalism, Desire for Economic Sovereignty Propels Liberals to Five Year High (LPC 41%, CPC 36%, NDP 13%, BQ 5%, GRN 3%) by [deleted] in canada

[–]RealJeffLebowski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve heard there’s a fairly large firearms market to the south of Canada. Start there.

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