CSIS and CBSA rank as worst federal workplaces in Canada survey

Over 186,000 employees from 93 federal departments and agencies participated in the 2024 poll, which was conducted from October 28, 2024, to December 31, 2024, yielding a 50.5 per cent response rate. Statistics Canada handled it in collaboration with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Federal government workers were given a variety of questions regarding their overall job satisfaction in the 2024 Public Service Employee Survey, including questions about leadership, well-being, and pay. Public employees were asked if they would describe their department or agency as a "great place to work" in one of the questions.

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In total, 67 per cent of public employees responded favourably to the query. With 46 per cent of respondents from CBSA and Indian Oil and Gas Canada saying they were fantastic places to work, those companies tied for the worst place. Of those who work at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, 48 per cent said they would suggest their employer as a fantastic place to work, and 49 per cent said the same for the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

CSIS and CBSA least likely for best workplace dynamics

According to a study of federal public officials, workers at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Canada Border Services Agency are the least likely to say that their workplace is a great place to work. According to the survey, CBSA workers are less satisfied with their work-life balance, sense of fulfillment from their jobs, and recognition for their efforts than other public servants.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Mark Weber, national president of the Customs and Immigration Union, stated that he is "not shocked" by the findings and that the agency typically ranks "dead last" or in the bottom three. Weber said his union regularly discusses workplace morale and areas for improvement with the CBSA, but regrettably "things don't really seem to change."

According to Weber, the CBSA has a reputation for being quite strict when it comes to suspension and discipline inside the federal public sector. "They will spend thousands of dollars to litigate a grievance when it would have been less expensive to simply settle. Our members frequently express their disappointment with that, and once more, nothing seems to be changing," he told The Canadian Press.

Weber also told The Canadian Press that some members are annoyed by the requirement to return to the office and the growing automation at crossings for front-line employees. He went on to say that the CBSA is experiencing a shortage of personnel and that management is becoming "bloated."

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Jacqueline Roby, a representative for the CBSA, told The Canadian Press there are various aspects that affect an employee’s work experience. According to her, the organisation supports workers' "right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of harassment," strives to establish a safe workplace, and is concerned about their welfare.

Pride of work high amid low workplace ratings

When asked if they were "proud" of the work they do, 84 per cent of CSIS employees gave positive comments, which was slightly better than average, even though they ranked their workplace quite low. When asked if they liked their job overall, 77 per cent of them responded positively, which was comparable to the public service as a whole.

In a statement to The Canadian Press, the Union of Safety and Justice Employees said it is not shocked by the survey's findings and that members' morale is generally low at CSIS. The union observed a "considerable" delay in the implementation of the collective agreement negotiated in 2022 and stated that there is a significant feeling that certain union members have not received the same treatment as non-union employees.

Employee opinions considered, says, CSIS

In an email to The Canadian Press, CSIS spokesperson Eric Balsam stated that the agency values employee opinions. According to him, CSIS is looking at the data to identify areas of strength and concern and is still working to make sure that workers feel appreciated and supported.

With all of its employees who replied stating that the departments were excellent places to work, the RCMP External Review Committee and the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada could not have done better in the survey. More than 90 per cent of employees at Invest in Canada and the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada agreed.