The CBC has reported that over 24% of government-appointed positions in Canada are either vacant or occupied by individuals whose appointment has passed its end-date. These positions range from boards of port authorities and advisory councils to tribunals handling refugee claims or parole cases. A study conducted by CBC analyzed 1,731 positions in 206 government bodies and institutions and found that 418 of these positions were either vacant or occupied by individuals whose appointments had continued past their end dates.
Out of these 418 positions, 280 were completely vacant, while 138 appointees were beyond their end dates and waiting for renewal or replacement of their appointments. The analysis did not include positions that were being temporarily occupied by individuals in acting or interim capacities, some of which had been held for years. The vacancies are not limited to positions appointed through the governor in council (GIC) process but are also evident in the Senate, where 14 out of 105 seats are currently empty, and in the federally-appointed judgeships, with 86 vacancies across Canada.
The news analysis also highlighted the impact of these vacancies on the functioning of government agencies and organizations. Wait times for services or decisions can be affected by a significant number of vacant positions, while boards staffed by individuals whose appointments have expired may struggle to make decisions effectively. However, experts argue that the backlog is a result of the Trudeau government’s aim to depoliticize the appointments process and improve diversity, which led to a longer duration in filling vacancies.
The analysis of ministerial offices also revealed variations in the vacancy rates across different government departments. Transport Canada had the highest percentage of vacant or past-due appointments at 47.8%, followed by Global Affairs at 42.1%, and Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities at 40.9%. These high vacancy rates are attributed to the technical requirements and complexity of roles within these departments.
Government officials have defended their appointment process, stating that vacancies are being addressed through an open, merit-based approach. The Privy Council Office (PCO) spokesperson emphasized that appointments are made on a rolling basis throughout the year, taking into account current and projected vacancies to maintain the operational integrity of institutions. The government made 780 GIC appointments in 2022 and continues to fill openings.
Despite these assurances, critics argue that the current government’s failure to fill essential positions affects security, the economy, and the overall functioning of departments and agencies. The shortage of federally-appointed justices has been deemed alarming by Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner, while Conservative critics have highlighted the backlogs and delays in government services and decision-making.
Experts suggest that the increased vacancy rate can be attributed to the reforms made by the Trudeau government, aiming for a more diverse and less political appointments process. The changing nature of the process and the desire to be more inclusive have resulted in a longer process to fill vacant positions. Some experts emphasize the need for more effective communication about available positions to encourage a wider pool of candidates to apply.
In conclusion, the CBC’s analysis reveals that over 24% of government-appointed positions in Canada are either vacant or held by individuals past their end-dates. These vacancies can have significant repercussions, such as delays in services and decision-making. While government officials defend their appointment process, critics argue that the vacancies reflect a larger problem with the current government’s ability to deliver essential services. The vacancy rates vary across different government departments, with some facing higher rates due to specific technical requirements. Experts highlight the impact of the Trudeau government’s changes to the appointments process as a factor contributing to the backlog.
