What are random audits looking for?
Each appointment audit looks to determine: Was the hiring process properly applied to result in appointments based on merit? Was the person appointed to the position qualified?
I work in the education sector at a public school. Will the Merit Commissioner review my dismissal?
No. The Merit Commissioner’s mandate is limited to employees appointed under the Public Service Act. For example, employees within ministries of the provincial government.
What difference will the review make to me?
Our reviews will not result in any direct impacts to individuals dismissed for just cause. The goal of the reviews is to improve future processes.
Can the Merit Commissioner order remediation if there is a determination that I have been wrongly dismissed?
No. Any remediation you have a right to would be determined in appeal and litigation processes before our Office receives your file. The Merit Commissioner can recommend how to improve processes related to dismissals for just cause.
How long will it take the Merit Commissioner to review the process leading to my dismissal?
Our goal is to review eligible files quickly. We will report the results along with other files we review during a particular cycle. There may be instances where we do not get the file for a significant time after the actual dismissal for just cause. This could occur if there is a prolonged court action [...]
I was let go from my job because of restructuring I believe is unnecessary. Will you look into my case?
No. Our mandate only covers dismissals for just cause. Termination due to restructuring is not considered a termination for just cause; it is not within the scope of the Merit Commissioner’s review.
I don’t want the Merit Commissioner to look at my files. How can I prevent that?
If you were dismissed for just cause under the Public Service Act, you do not have a choice about our Office considering your file. You do have our assurances that we will protect your privacy. We will not publish any identifying information in any public report. The law requires that files for all persons dismissed for just cause under the Public Service Act are available for the Merit Commissioner to review.
I don’t want my name to be public in any report. Can you assure me that won’t happen?
We will not include names or identifying information in any public report released by the Office of the Merit Commissioner. Like all the reports published on our website, we will group our findings in a manner that will not identify anyone.
What if I would like to appeal the Merit Commissioner’s decision?
There is no appeal process as part of our mandate to review just cause dismissal processes. The Merit Commissioner does not make decisions on if dismissals for just cause were justified.
I was fired and want to know what the Merit Commissioner’s findings are about my case. How can I do that?
We will not make any information related to the review of files available to the persons who were dismissed. The only information we report publicly will be based on all the reviews made, and will not include any personal identifiers.
