Definition: The term exempt staff in the Canadian federal government refers to the political and partisan office staff of federal cabinet ministers. Exempt staff are outside the official Public Service of Canada and are exempt from Public Service Commission staffing guidelines, controls and protection. Cabinet ministers hire their own exempt staff. Exempt staff are covered by terms and conditions set by the Treasury Board of Canada.
The staff of federal cabinet ministers may also include departmental assistants, who unlike exempt staff are public servants. Departmental assistants are assigned by a government department to work for a cabinet minister in a non-partisan, non-political manner.
The staff of federal cabinet ministers may also include departmental assistants, who unlike exempt staff are public servants. Departmental assistants are assigned by a government department to work for a cabinet minister in a non-partisan, non-political manner.
