Health Canada, PHAC seek contractor to probe employees’ financial problems

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are seeking an external contractor to conduct financial inquiries into employees as part of the federal government’s personnel security screening process.

According to a new federal procurement notice, the two agencies “require the services of a financial inquiry service provider to conduct financial inquiries as part of the Government of Canada’s mandatory personnel security screening process.”

The screening is intended to identify financial cirblockstances that could potentially create security concerns for federal employees requiring security status or clearance.

Under federal personnel security rules, financial inquiries can form part of enhanced security screening. The federal government’s Standard on Security Screening says such inquiries may include a credit check and, where required, further examination of an individual’s financial situation.

The rationale is that serious financial difficulties can potentially make a person more vulnerable to bribery, coercion or other forms of exploitation, particularly when they have access to sensitive government information.

The procurement indicates that Health Canada and PHAC intend to contract out the financial inquiry work rather than perform all screening internally.

The requirement comes as both organizations employ thousands of federal public servants, including personnel who may have access to sensitive health, regulatory and government information.

The tender does not mean every Health Canada or PHAC employee experiencing financial difficulties will automatically face an investigation. Financial inquiries are conducted according to the level and requirements of the federal government’s personnel security screening process.