Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Public Service promote employment equity?

Yes. The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply. Information on employment equity
I am a person with a disability or require adaptive measures in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act. I will require assistance throughout the selection process. Who can I contact to arrange for accommodation?

If you require accommodation during the selection process, please contact Melanie Blais to discuss your accommodation needs.

Persons with a disability preventing them from applying online are invited to also contact Melanie Blais.
Do I have the option to be assessed in the official language of my choice?

Yes. Per the Official Languages Act, applicants are entitled to participate in the selection process in either English or French. Applicants must indicate their preferred language on their application. Applicants will receive written correspondence in their preferred language. Applicants who advance through to the written exam and/or oral interview will be asked to confirm their preferred language for the written exam and the oral interview.
I am a Canadian Citizen but I reside outside of the National Capital Region, am I eligible to apply?

Yes. Candidates residing outside the National Capital Region are eligible to apply. This includes Canadian Citizens residing abroad.
I was born outside Canada but I currently reside in Canada. Am I eligible to apply?

Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad, are eligible to apply. Applicants who are successful in the process will need to demonstrate that they are authorized to work in Canada.
Will Canadian Citizens be considered first for job opportunities?

No, as per the Public Service Employment Act, successful candidates who meet all essential qualifications are appointed in the following order: 1) a person who is in receipt of a pension by reason of war service; 2) a veteran or a survivor of a veteran; and 3) a Canadian citizen and a permanent resident.
I am a public servant, am I eligible to apply?

Yes, external appointment processes are open to the public, including federal public servants.
Why am I being asked to respond to questions as part of my application?

Applicants are asked to respond to intake questions as part of Phase 1 of the assessment. Applicants must successfully respond to the intake questions in order to be considered in the next phase of the assessment process.
Will I be informed of the status of application?

Yes. Impact Canada will keep you apprised of the status of your application, at each assessment phase. Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).
Is there possibility of indeterminate employment status under the Fellowship program?

Employment under Impact Canada’s Fellowship program is term employment, 12-24 months. There is no option for indeterminate (permanent) employment offers. Term employment can however be extended beyond the 12-24 months depending on operational requirements, availability of the work, and successful completion of probation.
I do not meet the educational requirement. Am I still eligible to apply?

As per the Qualification standards for the core public administration by occupational group or classification, the minimum requirement for the EC job category is a graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in economics, sociology or statistics.

Candidates must always have a degree. The courses for the specialization must be accepted and may have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Proof of education will need to be provided prior to appointment.
I possess a degree in a different field of study. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, as per the Qualification standards for the core public administration by occupational group or classification, you may meet the specialization for the position through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Impact Canada will assess educational requirements based on the stipulation that candidates must always have a degree. The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and may have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Proof of education will need to be provided prior to appointment.
I pursued studies from an educational institution outside of Canada; will my degree be recognized?

As per the Qualification standards for the core public administration by occupational group or classification, Section 4. Foreign Credential Recognition and the Qualification Standards, if you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. This will enable you to provide proof of Canadian equivalency, which can be pursued during or upon completion of the recruitment campaign.

Fees to obtain proof of Canadian equivalency are at your expense and are not subject to reimbursement.

A Document-by-Document evaluation can be administered by the World Education Services.

You may also opt to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) for additional assistance and/or clarifications. The CICIC can be contacted at www.cicic.ca
Where are the position(s) located?

Although the positions are located in Ottawa, Ontario, applicants residing outside the National Capital Region are eligible to apply.
The job ad states various work locations (telework available). What does this mean?

Impact Canada follows the Federal Public Service’s common hybrid model and has its main office in Ottawa, Ontario, while also having office access in Toronto, Ontario. Residents located 125 km or more from their designated workplace must be able and willing to work remotely from their homes within Canada.
I do not live in the National Capital Region (NCR), would I be required to relocate to Ottawa (Ontario) at a future date?

While the Fellowship program leverages flexibilities to allow for remote work across Canada for its Fellows, it is possible that recruits under the Fellowship program could be required to relocate to the National Capital Region, pending evolution of hybrid policies and context. Should this be applicable, these considerations would be discussed at the time of an appointment being offered.
If I need to relocate, will relocation expenses be reimbursed to me?

As per the Initial Appointees Relocation Program and/or the National Joint Council Relocation Directive, persons who are appointed for a duration of one year or more and living outside the NCR may be eligible for relocation assistance. Relocation must take place within 12 months upon signing a letter of offer and is coordinated by the employer. Relocation expenses that are incurred after the eligible timeframe will not be reimbursed, without exception.
Will I need to travel for any of the assessment phases and/or meet with people in person?

Impact Canada will administer all assessment phases virtually.
I have prior commitments (i.e., travel, planned surgery, etc.) in future weeks. I may not be available for the written exam or interview. Will my candidacy still be considered?

Applicants must inform Impact Canada of the dates they will not be available by sending an email to fellowship@pco-bcp.gc.ca. Failure to participate in assessments as scheduled may result in the rejection of your candidacy.
I do not currently hold a SECRET level clearance. Can I still apply?

Yes, you may still apply.
Will I be required to undergo a SECRET level clearance verification?

Yes. Obtaining and maintaining a SECRET level clearance is a condition of employment.

Applicants advancing through to the interview stage will be asked to complete security verification documentation to apply for their SECRET level clearance.
In order to obtain a SECRET level clearance, what information is verified?

A thorough security clearance process will be applied to all applicants considered for an appointment. This process includes inquiries, verification and assessments regarding matters such as, but not limited to:

Law enforcement inquiry (criminal record check)

Out-of-Country checks

Personal and professional references

Verification of educational and professional credentials

Financial inquiry (credit check)

CSIS Security assessment (loyalty assessment check)
What if I am unsuccessful at obtaining a SECRET level clearance?

Failure to obtain this security clearance deems applicants not eligible to receive a job offer.
I have additional questions that were not covered above, who can I contact?

You may reach Impact Canada by writing to fellowship@pco-bcp.gc.ca.