Two public servants allowed to run

Summary#

The Public Service Commission has published two notices saying it allowed two federal employees to run for elected office and granted them unpaid leave for the election period. The employees are Rouba Al‑Fattal, who intends to run in Kanata–Carleton (federal), and Valaria Van Den Broek, who intends to run in Langley (provincial). The notices appeared on February 10, 2024.

What it does#

• Under the Public Service Employment Act, the commission gave each employee permission to seek nomination and to be a candidate before and during the election period.
• It also granted a leave of absence without pay for each employee during the election period, starting on the first day they are a candidate.
• Specifics for each person:
  • Rouba Al‑Fattal (Senior Economist, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) may run in the federal riding of Kanata–Carleton; that federal election is expected on or before October 20, 2025.
  • Valaria Van Den Broek (Detachment Services Assistant, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)) may run in the provincial riding of Langley; that provincial election is expected on or before October 19, 2024.

Who's affected#

• The main people named are Rouba Al‑Fattal and Valaria Van Den Broek.
• Their employers: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
• Voters in Kanata–Carleton and Langley may see these public servants on the ballot.
• Co‑workers and managers who will cover their duties while they are on unpaid leave.

Why it matters#

• It tells the public that these two current public servants have been allowed to seek elected office and will step away on unpaid leave if they become candidates.
• The rule and the notices are part of how the government balances public servants’ political rights with the need for impartial public service.
• For voters, it flags candidates who are currently federal employees. For workplaces, it signals upcoming temporary staffing changes while the employees are on leave.