Diversity Employment Program

The PEI Public Service Commission (PSC) is committed to building a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and promoting welcoming, inclusive, and respectful workplaces that are accessible to all interested individuals seeking a career in the public service.  For more information, refer to the Province of Prince Edward Island Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy.

The PSC Diversity Employment Program (DEP) supports individuals belonging to diversity groups including Indigenous peoples, neurodivergent candidates, persons living with disabilities, immigrants, newcomers, international students, Black, Racialized and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Diversity candidates are invited to apply to the DEP using the online application below. Your file will remain active for one year after which you must reapply. 

What employment support services are offered through the DEP?

The DEP provides qualified diversity candidates with information on employment opportunities within the provincial government and offers mentorship and guidance for career advancement to new and existing diversity employees.

DEP services may include:

• Career Counseling services, including alternate career opportunities. 
• Personalized job search strategies.
• PEI government hiring process, including demonstrated equivalencies in civil service jobs.
• Tips for resume and cover-letter writing and choosing references.
• Interview preparation (mock interviews).
• Advice on obtaining appropriate legal authorization to work in Canada (e.g. work permit).
• Guidance on foreign qualification recognition and assessment for education credentials and language benchmarks. 
• Referral to upgrade skill (e.g. GED/Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), language training, micro-credentialing etc.).
• Criminal record checks.
• Networking and mentorship opportunities.
• Referral to external employment assistance services in other regions of PEI.

Am I eligible for diversity employment support?

You are eligible to register as a diversity candidate if you:

• Are legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Are a member of a diversity group;
• Have completed Grade 12 (or equivalent) with some work and/or volunteer experience. Service Worker positions require directly related, recent, and relevant experience;
• Are fluent in English, both English and French for bilingual positions, and/or languages other than English and French as specified by a department or agency;
• Provide proof of completed studies including certificates and official transcripts; and
• Provide a valid Education Credential Evaluation (ECA) report (required for internationally educated candidates only).

How are diversity candidates selected for public sector positions? 

When you register with the PSC’s DEP, your profile is automatically created in the Diversity Talent Pool (DTP), an interactive database of qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. Candidates may be selected to compete for public sector positions as follows:

• If a position cannot be filled through the internal process, as per the UPSE Civil Collective Agreement, departments may approach the Public Service Commission for placement through DEP; or 
• The Public Service Commission will refer qualified applicants to the department or agency for employment consideration, screening and referencing.

Successful diversity candidates may be appointed on a temporary or permanent basis. After continuous employment, they may be eligible to compete for internal competitions. The PSC diversity and inclusion consultant will monitor the employee's progress and provide support.

What information do I need to apply to the DEP?

You will be asked to provide:

• Identity and contact details;
• Education history and ECA report (for internationally educated candidates only);
• Updated resume emphasizing relevant skills, experience, and qualifications;
• Applicable supporting documentation, such as work or study permit, occupational licenses and certification;

Self-identification may require candidates to voluntarily disclose their ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status or geographical location (e.g., living in rural or urban PEI) among other dimensions of individual diversity. The personal information you provide is confidential and unauthorized personnel will not be able to access it.

Hiring managers or hiring committees will not have access to your diversity self-identification information provided during the registration process. Personal information provided through the DEP registration will not impact or be linked to other job applications that you have or will submit to the PSC. You may voluntarily choose to withdraw from this program at any time.  You may also choose to voluntarily self-identify every time you apply for a job with the Government of PEI.

By self-identifying, you provide vital information the PSC may leverage to: 

• Build the capacity of the Public Service, by fostering inclusive, diverse and skilled workforce and workplaces that reflects the diversity of our Island’s population;
• Allocate resources and create programs that support diversity members seeking employment with the government of PEI;
• Provide tailored support services to diversity members requiring special accommodation(s) throughout the recruitment and job orientation process;
• Identify and eliminate barriers faced by diversity group members when seeking employment with government of PEI;
• Evaluate recruitment and accommodation processes and make improvements; and
• Implement initiatives to promote inclusion in the workplace and increase employee retention.

For assistance completing the form contact the DEP administrator at diversity@gov.pe.ca.