Nomination Guidelines and Criteria

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OAA 2013

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Background

The Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) is distinct from other awards as it is the Prime Minister’s Award and accords the highest expression of recognition for senior leaders in the Public Service of Canada. The OAA recognizes the sustained and outstanding performance of career public servants occupying full-time positions at the executive or deputy minister level or equivalent. It is a celebration of achievement and a symbol of public service pride and excellence.

A total of 87 awards have been conferred since the establishment of the program in 1966. The Award consists of a gold pin, a work of Canadian art, and a formal citation signed by the Prime Minister and the Governor General of Canada.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, nominees must be professionals at the executive, deputy head or equivalent levels, including Governor-in-Council appointees, occupying a full-time position in any organization listed in Schedules I, IV and V of the Financial Administration Act, in the Canadian Forces and in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, at the time of nomination.

Selection Criteria

The nominee’s achievements are not confined to any particular field of specialization, but should reference:

  • Leadership – how the nominee has demonstrated leadership in realizing the attainment of government priorities such as through a sustained commitment to modernizing service or program delivery, building the Public Service as a vibrant national institution adapted to future needs, policy renewal, and/or enhancing Canadian interests in the global market or outreach on the international stage; and
  • Innovation – how the nominee has demonstrated innovation, such as in scientific or technological achievements and/or effective management approaches resulting in improved service to Canadians.

The factors to be considered in the assessment of the criteria include: creative, problem-solving leadership; perseverance; initiative; impact on government operations; modernization of service or program delivery; people management; values and ethics; and peer recognition.

Nominees must have worked in the Public Service for a significant period of time and have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence through leadership and innovation. The nominee’s endeavours are to have culminated in achievements which are at or near completion, so that the impact and degree of success can be fully appreciated.

Supporting Documentation

A covering letter signed by a Minister, Member of the House of Commons, Senator, or Deputy Minister (or equivalent) must accompany the nomination. That letter must document the nominee’s achievements, taking into account the selection criteria. The letter may be in either official language.

If you wish to nominate your Deputy Minister (or equivalent), the covering letter may be signed by the Associate Deputy Minister (or equivalent).

A minimum of two letters of support, either from clients, colleagues or partners that reinforce or expand upon the nominee’s achievements, are also required. The letters may be in either official language.

To enable the committee to fully and equitably assess the degree of success and extent to which the nominee has made an impact, all nominations should be well documented. Note that the committee places considerable weight on the narrative in the nomination.

Nomination Package

The nomination must be prepared in both official languages, typed on 8½” x 11” paper, single spaced and must follow the proper nomination format (refer to the document entitled, ‘Nomination Format’).

The complete nomination package that includes the covering letter (in either official language), nomination (in both official languages) and letters of support (in either official language), should be forwarded to:

  • Famida Rao
    Senior Personnel
    Privy Council Office
    59 Sparks Street
    2nd Floor, Room 202
    Ottawa, Ontario
    K1A 0A3

Selection Committee

The OAA Selection Committee is appointed by the Prime Minister. The Committee is comprised of distinguished Canadians from outside the Public Service representing a cross-section of regions, backgrounds, and experiences, and a representative from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Committee reviews all nominations and provides its recommendations directly to the Prime Minister. Up to two awards will be conferred each year.

For More Information

If you wish to obtain more information on the OAA, please contact: