Public Service Employees to be Rewarded for Finding Savings

June 14, 2010

Ottawa – The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced today that cash awards will be given to public service employees with a creative and practical idea that leads to tangible savings and improved services to Canadians.

Individuals or teams will need to develop an approved plan to deliver a required service in a better way, while reducing costs. They will then have an opportunity to put that plan into action.

If after six months an audit can show real savings and improved service, then a reward will be given. It will consist of 10% of the savings measured in the first year of implementation, up to a maximum of $10,000.

"As we embark upon our road to deficit reduction, it is essential for the government to live within its means and identify substantial savings," said Minister Day. "We are implementing this new incentive program which will encourage all employees to identify more efficient ways to deliver services to Canadians within their department."

Starting in the fall, the new Employee Innovation Program will be run as a two-year pilot in eight departments: Parks Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Environment Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Treasury Board Secretariat. Similar programs are running in other Canadian and US jurisdictions and achieving a high measure of success.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone. Employees are rewarded for creativity and innovation and taxpayers benefit from improved service and more effective use of taxpayer dollars," concluded Minister Day.

Employees whose proposals are adopted and lead to tangible savings will be recognized during the Public Service Award of Excellence Ceremony starting in 2011.