Within the first three months of employment, all BC Public Service employees covered by the Public Service Act (including co-op, interns and auxiliary employees) are required to take the oath of employment.
Supervisors must make sure that employees who are new to the public service take the oath within the first three months of starting their new job.
Most employees who change jobs within the BC Public Service do not need to retake the oath.
Public service employees who work for an office of the legislature and then go to work in a ministry do need to retake the oath.
All employees who leave the public service and return do need to take the oath again.
Supervisors and managers can only administer the Oath if they are a commissioner for taking affidavits.
The oath reminds public servants of the special trust placed in them to carry out their duties on behalf of all British Columbians and not to abuse that trust. It also highlights the importance of acting with honesty, integrity and impartiality.
By taking the oath, employees promise to:
The virtual oath sessions are now available for registration in the Learning System (IDIR restricted). You can enrol by searching for 'Oath of Employment' in the 'Find Learning' field.
Take the oath in person. No appointment is necessary.
A commissioner for taking affidavits can administer the oath at Service BC offices, as well as one of the locations below.
You'll need to bring:
Lower Mainland
Abbotsford Courthouse
32375 Veterans Way
Call to make an appointment: 604-855-3200
New Westminster Law Courts, Begbie Square
651 Carnarvon Street
Call to make an appointment: 604-660-8521
Surrey Law Courts
14340 57 Avenue
Call to make an appointment: 604-572-2250
Vancouver Law Courts
800 Smithe Street
No appointment needed. Visit the administration counter between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Your supervisor will submit your completed form via AskMyHR (IDIR restricted).
Use the categories Myself (or) My Team/Organization > Submit a Form or Document > Oath of Employment Form.
If you attended a virtual oath, the commissioner will submit your form.
Because of their unique partisan role, political staff take the political staff oath and abide by the Standards of Conduct for Political Staff (PDF, 217KB).
Political staff are appointed under Section 15(1)(a) of the Public Service Act and report through the chief of staff to the premier or provide support to a minister. Their job is not primarily an administrative, technical or communications role.
Staff working with Government Communications and Public Engagement (GCPE) are not political staff.
If you're a political staff member, contact the Premier's Office about taking your oath.
You'll need to bring a current piece of government-issued photo ID with your signature on it. Your name and signature on the oath must match your ID.
The Offices of the Legislature support the work of the Legislative Assembly by carrying out important functions, from monitoring government programs to ensuring compliance with provincial laws. These offices are headed by independent officers who are appointed by and report to the Legislative Assembly.
For this unique role, a stand-alone oath of employment has been established for public service employees working for an office of the Legislature. Employees of an office of the legislature must take the Office of the Legislature Staff Oath (PDF, 597KB).
If you're an employee of an Office of the Legislature, contact your human resources department about taking your oath. You'll need to bring a current piece of government-issued photo ID with your signature. Your name and signature on the oath must match your ID.
Ask questions or get more information: Onboarding.Support@gov.bc.ca
