Prime Minister Salutes Federal Public Servants

Prime Minister Jean Chretien marked the start of National Public Service Week by paying tribute to the thousands of men and women who make up Canada's federal public service:

"After 35 years in public life, I know first hand the important role that federal public servants play in Canada," said the Prime Minister. "Canada has been well served by its public service, and by the dedication and commitment of public servants in meeting the needs of Canadians."

"Every day, Canadians' lives are affected by the work of federal public servants," the Prime Minister continued. "Just how vital their work is was never more evident than in times of crisis such as the ice storm that hit central Canada earlier this year, or the flooding in Manitoba and the Saguenay."

Looking to the future, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that Canada's federal public servants are more than up to the tasks before them. "As we approach the new millennium, we have a modern, vibrant institution, with people who are ready to take on challenges as great as any that have been faced by their predecessors."

National Public Service Week was created in 1992 by an act of Parliament to recognize the value of the services provided by federal public servants and to acknowledge their contribution to the federal public service and to Canada. This year, National Public Service Week runs from June 14 - 20. Activities marking the occasion will take place in federal worksites across the country.

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