Message to All Public Service Employees
From Mel Cappe,
Head of the Public Service
September 17, 2001
Dear Colleagues:
The tragic and horrific events that unfolded in the United States last week
called upon the compassion and determination of Canadians everywhere. Not only
did these events shake our sense of security, they also had an enormous personal
and professional impact on all Canadians. From the onset of this devastating
situation, many public service employees had to cope with urgent, difficult and
important tasks for the well-being and security of those who, both here and
abroad, were affected by what happened to our American neighbours. Some of you
may have been affected by this horror on a more personal level, and to you I
offer my deepest sympathies.
I must say that I am continually struck by the ability of public servants at
all levels of the institution to accomplish the extraordinary, even in the most
difficult of circumstances. Employees carried out their responsibilities in the
midst of this tragedy with the qualities that have come to symbolize the Public
Service of Canada.
Once again, public sector employees, including members of the Canadian Forces
and the RCMP, have demonstrated the utmost professionalism and dedication. Alone
or in collaboration with provincial or municipal colleagues and other partners,
employees of the Public Service dealt with the tasks at hand in an exemplary
fashion.
Whether it be taking care of more than 250 planes unable to reach their
destinations in Canada or the United States, increasing security at the borders,
gathering and providing information on missing persons or offering consular
services to Canadians abroad, planning and taking part in various commemorative
ceremonies across the country, or maintaining day-to-day government operations,
you displayed the values which exemplify the Public Service of Canada -
excellence, professional competence, quality, efficiency, devotion to the public
interest and, above all, compassion.
As Head of the Public Service, I am extremely proud to work alongside you -
the dedicated men and women who make up the Public Service of Canada -
individuals who work tirelessly every day, and during periods of enormous
challenge, to serve the public. As a Canadian, I am incredibly grateful to know
that our country is being served by men and women who have accepted, and meet on
a daily basis, the challenge of serving the public good.
Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for your hard work and support during
this period of great adversity, and also for your unwavering commitment to the
Public Service of Canada and to serving the public.
Yours sincerely,
Mel Cappe
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