Transformation of Pay Administration Initiative

Overview

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) administers pay for 101 departments, agencies and Crown Corporations, servicing approximately 290,000 employees, making it one of the largest payroll providers in the country.

Are you a Public Service employee?

Public Service employees can access our Publiservice web page through the Government of Canada network. You will find additional information related to the Transformation of Pay Administration (TPA) Initiative (The following information is only accessible to federal departments and agencies) including:

  • Phoenix Webcasts;
  • Monthly TPA newsletter In Touch;
  • Fact Sheets, Frequently Asked Questions, and other user-specific information to help you prepare for Phoenix implementation!

Why modernize?

The federal government pay system, which is operated by PWGSC, was more than 40 years old. It had become increasingly difficult to maintain and it relied on outdated technology that put the sustainability of the administration of pay at risk. In addition, pay services have become fragmented and decentralized. The capability of the old pay system and the accompanying business processes were insufficient to meet the increasing employee and client demands.

Transforming the pay system

To address these issues, the Government of Canada (GC) approved the Transformation of Pay Administration (TPA) Initiative in 2009 to transform the GC's pay administration system, renew business processes and consolidate pay services.

Benefits for the Government of Canada and its Employees

The TPA Initiative is aligned with the Government of Canada's overall commitment to Canadian taxpayers for more cost-effective public service administration. The Initiative is an example of using technology and centralizing services to simplify and standardize administrative functions and reduce unnecessary costs across government.

Some of the benefits the government and its employees will realize as a result include:

  1. Cost effective services contributing to savings of over $70 million per year starting 2016-17;
  2. Modern, sustainable pay system using commercially-available software products;
  3. Streamlined business services offered through the Public Service Pay Centre in Miramichi, NB;
  4. Creation of 550 public service jobs in the Miramichi region by 2015-16;
  5. Paperless environment and greener operations;
  6. Increased functionality for employees and managers.

Pay Modernization Project

The Pay Modernization Project replaced the government's outdated pay system with "Phoenix", a modern, commercial off-the-shelf solution, which includes streamlined and modernized business processes. Phoenix provides increased automation and self-service, as well as seamless integration with the Government of Canada's Human Resources Management System (GC HRMS, PeopleSoft).

Consolidation of Pay Services Project

The Consolidation of Pay Services Project (CPSP) consolidated pay services from participating departments and agencies to the Public Service Pay Centre in Miramichi, NB. Phase 1 involved departments and agencies using the Government of Canada's Human Resources Management System (GC HRMS, PeopleSoft). Pay accounts have been transferred in waves in a measured and deliberate manner to ensure that pay services are not disrupted and employees are supported throughout the transition. Phase 2 involved the remaining non-PeopleSoft departments and will be part of a separate initiative.

Kristine Renic
Director General, Transformation of Pay Administration (TPA) Initiative