Cybersecurity Incident Response: Staff Updates
- Systems across the City’s network continue to be impacted.
- The incident is a result of a ransomware attack, which prevents the City from accessing some IT systems.
- Based on our ongoing forensic analysis, the City has no evidence that people's personal data has been compromised.
- The City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to be activated.
The City of Hamilton takes this matter very seriously. We have a talented and dedicated team of experts working hard to restore the City’s systems safely and securely.
Regrettably, these incidents take a lot of time to recover from, and we will restore services progressively over time. While we currently can’t provide a concrete recovery timeline, please be assured we are working diligently to resolve this situation.
Information for City employees related to the cybersecurity incident that the City has been experiencing since Sunday, February 25, that has disabled some of our IT systems.
City Manager Update: Cybersecurity Incident Staff Message
Ways for City Staff to get information
To ensure staff have ongoing access to important information and answers to questions related to employee impacts or internal process changes as a result of the cybersecurity incident, information will be provided through:
- STAFF BULLETINS: The “Cybersecurity Incident Response - STAFF UPDATE” bulletins will be sent to staff as information becomes available.
- FAQS: Frequently asked questions will regularly be updated on this staff webpage. (If you have a question and don’t see it in the FAQ, let your departmental rep know.)
- DEPARTMENTAL REPS: If you have service impacts that you need to communicate, you can go to your departmental cybersecurity incident representative to share them:
- Mayor and Council Offices: Lisa Zinkewich and EOC Liaison EOCCouncilLiaison@hamilton.ca
- City Manager's Office: Jodi Koch
- Planning & Economic Development: Rob Lalli
- Public Works: Pat Leishman
- Healthy & Safe Communities and Community Services: Carrie Brooks-Joiner
- Corporate Services: Cindy Mercanti
- ASK HR: You can email askhr@hamilton.ca to ask questions about HR-related processes or make inquiries.
- ASK COMMUNICATIONS: You can email communications@hamilton.ca if you have questions that have not been answered through the other channels listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have questions and concerns, and we are committed to keeping you informed and supported throughout this process. These FAQs have been prepared to provide staff with essential information regarding the incident, its impact, and steps we are taking to address it, as well as the details most important to you.
What happened?
The City of Hamilton was impacted by a cybersecurity incident that compromised some of our IT systems. The City is actively investigating the situation to understand the full extent and impact. We have a dedicated team of experts who have taken swift action to investigate, protect our systems, and minimize the impact on staff and the community.
What is a cyber security incident?
A cyber security incident refers to any unauthorized access, disclosure, or disruption of computer systems, networks, or data.
How long will this last?
While we are aiming to address this situation as quickly as possible, we are currently unable to provide a concrete timeline. The City of Hamilton is taking this matter very seriously. We have a talented and dedicated team of experts working hard to restore the City’s systems safely and securely. Please be patient; it will take time for a complete restoration.
How will this impact our day-to-day operations?
While we are seeking to minimize disruptions, there may be delays or limitations in accessing specific resources. Currently, landlines outside the Customer Contact Centre are not available, and there is limited access to files. We're working diligently to minimize any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
What services have been affected?
The list of service disruptions is available on the City of Hamilton’s website, and this list is regularly updated as service impacts are confirmed: www.hamilton.ca/alert/ongoing-cybersecurity-incident.
If you are aware of service impacts in your area, please escalate them to your People Leader or assigned Cybersecurity Incident departmental representative for escalation to the EOC via Directors and General Managers, allowing all potential service disruptions and impacts to be assessed and communicated appropriately.
I’ve developed a workaround to access files and systems needed for my work. Is this ok?
Please do NOT create any new systems while we continue our investigation.
Do I need to come in to work?
We recognize that the cyber incident has created some disruption for staff, particularly as it relates to the use of IT systems (emails, phones, etc.) in the office. We want to support you to be as productive as possible. People Leaders have been assessing the suitability for staff to work from home, where possible, and advising their team members accordingly. The General Managers are also cascading department-specific instructions to People Leaders to cascade to their teams. (Note: Please report to work according to your regularly planned work schedule until advised otherwise by your People Leader.)
Is my personal information at risk?
Based on our ongoing forensic analysis, the City has no evidence that people's personal data has been compromised.
Why can’t you tell us more?
As the investigation and response to this situation is ongoing, the City must be sensitive about what information is shared. We will proactively provide updates to the public and to staff as soon as they become available.
What do I say if I am asked about the Cyber Incident by the media or public?
To ensure coordinated communication and management of this situation, we request that all inquiries from the media or the public about the incident be directed to communications@hamilton.ca.
I’m feeling anxious about this situation. What supports are available to me?
We recognize this is an evolving situation which may impact staff in various ways. A reminder that all City employees and eligible family members have access to counselling services and other health and wellness services through the Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). This is a free, confidential service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit www.homeweb.ca for more information.
What steps is the organization taking to prevent future incidents?
The City will be actively reviewing our security protocols and implementing additional measures to strengthen our defences against cyber threats. Your safety and security remain our top priority, and we're committed to maintaining the integrity of our systems moving forward.
Will I continue to get paid?
Yes, employees will continue to get pay. Due to the cybersecurity incident and associated payroll system limitations, City staff received a pay based on the employee's base pay, excluding any premium pay such as overtime, standby, shift premium, etc., which will be calculated and included in future pay.
Premium pays, overtime and stand by etc., will soon be advanced to employees. Effective March 28, 2024, salary employees pay to includes overtime, standby, and premiums. For wage employees, this commenced on April 5, 2024.
Once the City systems are operational, the administration of pay will resume, and the application of pay will be discontinued. At that time employees can expect that their pay will reflect any overtime, standby, shift premiums, etc. that was not included in their pay during the disruption.
How do I get my T4 if I haven’t retrieved it yet?
Employees who still need to retrieve a copy of their 2023 T4 prior to the disruption can access their T4s and T4As on the Canada Revenue Agency website by signing into their CRA MyAccount. If you do not have an account, you can register for one through CRA. Before registering, please read the instructions from the CRA.
As of March 2, 2024 the T4’s are now posted to the CRA site
Why is my pay less than normal?
Due to the cybersecurity incident and associated payroll system limitations, the City has swiftly pivoted to manual processes to ensure that all employees receive their pay.
Since the City is limited at this time to administering pays, this may result in a difference from what you would normally expect to receive.
Some discrepancies will arise because of limitations in reflecting certain deductions beyond the following that are captured: OMERS, CPP, EI, and estimated Income Tax. Deductions like employee-paid parking, United Way donations, computer loans, union dues, and garnishments, however, cannot be included in the pays.
During the disruption, pays will continue to be calculated as described above. Once our systems are fully operational again, your pays will reflect the earnings and deductions that should have been processed, less any advances. If the total advances were too low, an additional deposit will be made. If the total advances were too great, then future pays will be adjusted to reflect the recovery of this overpayment.
When will I get my overtime pay?
The City has pivoted to manual processes to ensure that all employees receive their pay, including overtime, standby and premiums, as soon as possible. Because of the need to pivot to manual processes to provide pay, premium pay will lag two weeks from the current schedule until City systems are operational again.
- Salaried employees: The premiums advanced for any salaried employees for the March 28 pay will include four weeks of premiums (for the periods between February 12, 2024 and March 10, 2024) as a one-time catch-up. After that, premiums will continue with the additional two-week lag, such that the pay of April 12, 2024 will include premiums pay for the two-week period ending March 23, 2024.
- Wage employees: The premiums advanced for any wage employees for the April 5 pay will include four weeks of premiums (for the periods between February 19, 2024 and March 17, 2024) as a one-time catch-up. After that, premiums will continue with the two-week lag, such that the pay of April 19, 2024 will include premium pay for the two-week period ending March 30, 2024.
Once our systems are fully operational again, rest assured that any additional compensation owed, including overtime, standby, and shift premiums not accounted for in the pay, will be promptly reflected in your subsequent payment.
We understand the importance of timely and accurate compensation, especially during such trying circumstances like these, and want to assure you that we are prioritizing this. If you have questions about your pay, please contact citypayroll@hamilton.ca.
What happens with my COLA and merit?
Employees who are eligible for Council approved Cost of Living Increases (COLA) or merit increases will have these increases applied retroactively when systems are fully operational again.
My net pay is considerably more than I was expecting. Why?
The main reasons are the City’s inability at this time to reflect garnishments and additional tax withholding requests from employees in the pays.
If you have a Family Responsibility Office (FRO) deduction, FRO has been advised that the City is unable to deduct the FRO order at this time. FRO has advised that these employees must remain in compliance with the order when the employer is unable to deduct and remit on their behalf. Therefore, these employees should contact the garnisher, whether it’s FRO or another, to explain the circumstances and make arrangements directly with them. When operations resume, it is critical that impacted employees advise payroll staff of payments made so that this can be confirmed with the garnisher.
Why was my pay deposited to only 1 of the 2 banking institutions that it is normally deposited to?
Some employees have designated a flat amount to go to Momentum or HMECU Credit Union, with the balance going to another financial institution. The City was unable to apply this split manually; therefore, all deposits were made to the institution you designated as the secondary bank. If you had mortgage payments or loans coming out of Momentum or HMECU, please transfer funds to those accounts and reach out to Momentum or HMECU to explain the situation.
I just joined the City. How will I be paid?
If you have recently joined the City and have not yet received an advance deposited to your account, it is likely because we do not yet have your banking information. For any related questions please contact askhr@hamilton.ca.
I did not receive a deposit and believe I should have. What should I do?
Please contact citypayroll@hamilton.ca.
How do I get my Record of Employment?
At this time, the City cannot process Records of Employment (ROE) as we are unable to retrieve the required data. We have contacted Service Canada to make them aware of the situation, and they have added a note to the Employers account number.
Service Canada has advised that you should still apply online for your EI benefit, but you will also have to speak to a Service Canada representative at 1-800-206-7218 and let them know that the employer is unable to file an ROE at this time due to a cybersecurity incident. You will have to provide them with as much information as possible, and the agent may be able to construct a temporary ROE. Once we have recovered from the cybersecurity incident, the employer will file the ROE and Service Canada will make any necessary adjustments to the claim and delete the temporary ROE.
I will be retiring from the City. Will there be a delay in receiving my first pension payment from OMERS?
Pension staff are completing the retirement process with OMERS based on estimated 2024 payroll information to avoid delays in OMERS processing your retirement. Once the City systems are operational, retirees can expect that pension staff will update OMERS with actual payroll information for 2024. OMERS will, in turn, adjust your pension benefit as applicable.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the pension analyst who conducted your pension interview via email. Alternatively, email citypayroll@hamilton.ca.
Are Pensioners in receipt of an HSR, HWRF or HMRF monthly pension benefit affected?
During the disruption we will be depositing the amount you previously received in a prior month into your bank account. However, we cannot produce cheques. We are working on a solution for the small group of pensioners in receipt of a cheque. In addition, we are unable to produce pension advice slips at this time. Pensioners can reach us at citypayroll@hamilton.ca
Where can I find/how can I access my paystub?
At this time, employees nor Payroll are able to access paystubs from the system. Once available, notification will be sent out.
If you require a paystub for the purposes of renewing or applying for a mortgage, please contact askhr@hamilton.ca and request an Employee Verification letter.
Who do I reach out to if I have a payroll question, that is not addressed in the FAQ.
Please contact citypayroll@hamilton.ca with your specific question.
New! What does restoring the PeopleSoft HR system involve?
Our HR and Payroll teams are diligently working to reconcile and input data to ensure employee pay, for each of the pays previously advanced, are accurate before returning to processing regular pay. This is a necessary step before the system is live and we can resume regular payroll processing.
New! Are there any immediate improvements being made to pay processing?
Yes, as we gain better access to system data, we are enhancing the processing of pay. These improvements include more accurately reflecting compensation such as pay in lieu of benefits and pay in lieu of vacation pay. This will make your advance payments more comprehensive and precise moving forward. The improvements to pay will start with the pay on May 17 and continue for all future pays.
New! When will the City return to fully processing regular pay?
The projected timeline to return to processing regular pay is mid-July. However, this timeline is subject to change depending on the progress of our system recovery. If the City is able to accelerate the recovery, allowing us to accelerate the processing of pay, staff will be promptly updated via email.
New! What will happen if I have been overpaid or underpaid?
Details related to any overpayments requiring recovery or underpayments requiring reimbursement will be calculated and communicated once the PeopleSoft HR system is fully operational again and regular payroll processing has resumed, including the processing and reconciliation of all advanced pays. The projected timeline for resolution and processing regular pay is mid-July. If the City is able to accelerate the recovery, allowing us to accelerate the processing of pay, staff will be promptly updated via email.
New! I am a former employee. Why have I received a deposit from the City into my bank account?
As we prepare for the restoration of the PeopleSoft HR system, our teams are reconciling and updating final payouts for former employees. If you've received a deposit, it is likely your final payout, less any advances already paid.
I have vacation booked. Will I have to re-book/cancel due to the ongoing situation?
Unless you have been designated as an essential service, you are able to continue with your booked vacation. Please speak to your People Leader to confirm that you are able to continue with your planned vacation time.
Am I still able to submit health and dental claims for reimbursement from our Benefits Carrier, Manulife, during this Cyber incident?
Yes. You are still able to submit your claim forms for reimbursement of health and dental coverage, which can be submitted directly online through the Manulife website.
How can I make changes to my existing Benefits?
If employees have health and dental updates (e.g., dependent or coverage level changes), please complete a Benefit Enrolment/Change form and email it to hr.benefits@hamilton.ca. We will compile all changes and make them effective when service is restored.
If you are making changes to your beneficiary designations for life insurance purposes, please complete the Beneficiary Nomination form and return a scanned copy to hr.benefits@hamilton.ca and mail the original to the Benefits Section, Human Resources as indicated on the form.
All employees whose benefits eligibility date was on or after February 12, 2024, will have their benefits enrollment delayed until such time that we have access to the appropriate systems. Once your change has been processed, we will send you confirmation by email.
Can I continue with training on the LMS?
Yes, you can continue with your online training through the Learning Management System (LMS). Simply connect through your personal link to register for and complete your personal training requirements.
What if I have more questions about HR-related matters?
For any other HR-related questions, please email askhr@hamilton.ca
How do I get an Employee Verification Letter?
Starting Monday, March 4, 2024, employees may send their request for an ‘Employee Verification Letter’ from a City (Hamilton.ca) email address to hrrecords@hamilton.ca. Employee data can be verified based on information available up to February 24, 2024.
Requests will not be accepted from a personal email address. Alternatively, staff can send the request through their supervisor’s or manager’s or FA’s City (Hamilton.ca) email address.
Employee Verification Letters will only be sent to the employee’s City email address or a personal email address that they have indicated in the request sent from a City email address.
Unfortunately, Return to Work dates for employees on a Leave of Absence cannot be validated at this time.
I am returning to work from maternity leave. Who do I notify of my return to work?
Notify your supervisor/people leader about your return-to-work date. Your supervisor/people leader will then notify HR Records (hrecadmin@hamilton.ca) of your return date.
Can I call the IT Service desk for help?
Yes. Staff can now access the IT Service Desk via phone at 905-546-HELP (4357) for assistance with:
- Tethering mobile devices (iOS and Android)
- Outlook assistance – set up out-of-office, set up an auto-reply for a shared mailbox, add a user to calendars, how to access outlook.com/OWA
- How to connect to a wireless hub
- How to connect to a USB printer
- Resetting LMS/Success Factor password(s)
- How to add data to a mobile device that is talk/text, add travel packs for mobile devices
What do I do if I’m on-site and there is no internet connection?
You can use a mobile phone to ‘Tether’ or Wi-Fi ‘Hotspot’ the laptop to gain access to Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams), WebEx and Internet.
Note: if you use your personal mobile phone, you will be using your personal data and could incur additional data usage and associated costs.
How do I set up a mobile phone for hotspot/tethering?
Details on setting up a hotspot or tether, depending on the type of device you have:
- Apple: How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
- Android: Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android - Android Help (google.com)
Note: To find out your Hotspot Wi-Fi Network Name and Password on an Android device press on the “Mobile Hotspot” words beside the on/off toggle to see more settings including Network name and password.
Can I share my mobile phone hotspot/tethering?
Yes, multiple devices and city staff can connect to one mobile phone. This may help staff in the same room or within close proximity workspace to gain connectivity.
This may also help staff that have laptops (but no ability to tether) to share one corporate device among several staff.
Note: More city staff connected to one mobile device may slow the connection.
How do I connect my laptop to my mobile phone's wireless hotspot/tethering?
- Unplug your ethernet/internet cable from your laptop or connected docking station.
- Click on the network/Wi-Fi Icon in the bottom right system tray and select the network name and password associated with your mobile device. Identical to how you would connect to home Wi-Fi.
Note: Desktop computers may not have a wireless internet connection therefore hotspot or tether wireless connections are not possible unless additional equipment is added.
My data keeps dropping, what can I do?
Hotspot/tethering data can sometimes drop randomly. If this occurs, shut off tethering on your phone, wait 1 or 2 minutes, then re-enable and reconnect your laptop to your Cellular Wi-Fi network to restore connectivity.
For staff with iPhones, you can enable the “Maximize Compatibility” setting via the “Personal Hotspot” settings to help.
Why don’t I see my mobile device's Wi-Fi network name when I see the list of available networks?
Sometimes clicking the blue Wi-Fi button at the bottom of the list to shut off Wi-Fi, waiting 10 seconds and then turning Wi-Fi back on will pop up the network name from your mobile device to the top of the list to select.
What can I do to help?
Remain vigilant by following these steps:
- Lock laptop/desktop when leaving the device. Verify that you can see the login screen to confirm that you have locked it. Please do this every time you walk away from your computer, even if it is for a very short time. Keyboard short cut to quickly lock your device is Windows Key + L.
- Never share passwords and or other log-in details like usernames
- Never write passwords down: memorize them or use a password manager.
- See: Microsoft Edge password manager security | Microsoft Learn
- Create unique passwords for each application you use. See: Create and use strong passwords - Microsoft Support
- If you use multiple accounts for the same application, use different passwords.
- Never re-use passwords
- Never use personal account passwords for City accounts
- Never allow others to use your account.
- Do not download unauthorized software.
- Do not install unauthorized software
- Never insert a USB/Thumb Drive you find anywhere (ground, desk, in a drawer, etc) unless it is your own USB and you know the complete history and use of that USB/Thumb Drive.
- Make sure if your Home Wi-Fi is password protected with a strong complex password. Your home Wi-Fi should never be an open Wi-Fi network that anyone can access without a password.
- Secure Your Mobile Devices using a complex passcode or biometric lock (even better than password) on your smartphone and tablet.
- Always install the latest software updates for your Mobile Phones and Tablets. Even better is to ensure Automatic updates are enabled for these devices:
- How to manually update apps on your Apple device - Apple Support
- Check & update your Android version - Android Help (google.com)
- Check online to find out how to keep other devices automatically updated.
What do I do with a suspicious email?
Report all suspicious emails using Phish Alert or by forwarding them to IT - Security Matters at SecurityMatters@hamilton.ca.
Important tips:
- Do not click suspicious links.
- Do not view/open attachments.
- Do not chainmail (share a copy with others)
- Do not follow up on reported emails (due to volumes would overwhelm Service Desk)
What do I do with a link from www.training.knowbe4.com?
Hover over the link to ensure the address in the link has training.knowbe4.com within it. Knowbe4 provides our Cyber Security training and their emails are safe to click on to access training.
What is the appropriate use of City devices?
Minimize personal use of City assets and infrastructure (e.g., streaming radio or video for entertainment) and outright avoid if using cellular mobile device / hotspot tethering.
What internet connections are safe to use?
- Use a secure home Wi-Fi network to access Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams), WebEx and Internet.
- VPN access is not functional currently, but it is still possible to access MS Outlook, Teams, and WebEx programs directly from your desktop.
Note: Please do NOT use public Wi-Fi (e.g., cafés, restaurants, airports, hotels, etc.) with City devices since VPN (which secures those connections) may not be functional.
Is it safe to use Microsoft Office tools?
Use of Hamilton.ca MS 365 and MS Teams is approved for use from your browser (Edge) including:
- Outlook
- Word
- Excel
- OneNote
- Edge
- Teams and approved apps such as MS Forms, SharePoint or similar.
How do I log on to the web version of Microsoft 365?
Staff can use https://office.com and log in using “username@infonetwork.ca” where “username” is your Windows login username. Then use your regular Windows Network password. Along the left-hand side is a ribbon where staff can launch Outlook and Teams.
Note: Do not use your email address as your username DO NOT change your password via office.com at this time.
I am receiving an Outlook error when I open it, what do I do?
A potential error when launching Outlook on Desktop may occur, as Outlook may try to connect to PST files (An Outlook Data File (.pst) is a file that contains your email messages and other Outlook items and is saved locally on your computer) that are on network drives.
Keep hitting cancel as those prompts appear and allow Outlook to load. This can take approx. 3 to 4 minutes to launch.
Is there a best practice for sharing links?
Be mindful of who you are sharing links to documents with. Ensure you have the proper permissions on those links and avoid using “Share the link with Anyone” option unless users outside our organization must be able to access content.
The default access mode is “People in City of Hamilton” or if you need to limit internal staff that can access use via the url can allow only specific people within the City you invite too share with.
To learn more about sharing links in Microsoft 365 visit: Upload and share files - Microsoft Support
Are external emails coming through to our City inboxes?
Yes, we do have External Emails being delivered to Microsoft Office 365 Mailboxes. There is a security filter that reviews and processes all external emails. There may be a delay in receipt of an external email if it is flagged for inspection by the security filter, as the inspection is a manual process.
Is texting and / or using Team Chat secure?
Secure means the messages are end-to-end encrypted.
- Not secure: Standard Texting (SMS) is not a secure protocol. Avoid sending Personal health information, financial data or highly sensitive information via SMS.
- Secure: Teams Chat is secure. iMessage on Apple devices is secure only if both sender and recipient are on iMessage.
If I’m coming into the office, what should I do?
- No tailgating/piggyback entry to pass card-secured areas.
- No holding door open for unknown individuals.
- Everyone must tap/scan their access card/fob etc.
- Escort unknown individuals to their City contact
- Practice warm hand-offs do not leave visitors in a waiting area, or an office unattended.
I hurt myself at work. What do I do?
Report your injury to your supervisor. If you seek medical attention, lose time from work, and/or require an accommodation advise RTW Services (RTWS@Hamilton.ca). In your email, please identify your full name, Employee ID, Job Title, City Department, current shift schedule, Union (if applicable) and the date of your workplace injury. A RTW Services staff member will contact you to provide guidance on next steps.
I have started a new sick absence. What am I required to do?
You are required to follow your Collective Agreement or Income Protection Plan Policy (for non-union staff) with respect to submitting doctor’s notes or Claim Forms. Please submit all documentation to RTW Services (RTWS@Hamilton.ca). In your email, please identify your full name, Employee ID, Job Title, City Department, current shift schedule, and Union (if applicable). A RTW Services staff member will contact you to provide guidance on next steps. Please monitor your email and provide a phone number for contact.
I have been cleared to return to work by my doctor. Will I be able to return to work?
Please submit your medical documentation to RTW Services (RTWS@hamilton.ca)to advise of your return-to-work clearance. In your email, please identify your full name, Employee ID, Job Title, City Department, current shift schedule, Union (if applicable) and return- to-work date. A RTW Specialist will contact you to arrange for your return.
I have been cleared to return to work by my doctor with workplace limitations/restrictions. What arrangements will be made to accommodate my limitations/restrictions?
Please submit your medical documentation to RTW Services (RTWS@hamilton.ca)to advise of your return-to-work clearance. In your email, please identify your full name, Employee ID, Job Title, City Department, Union (if applicable) and return- to-work date. A RTW Specialist will contact you to review your accommodation needs and will determine the next steps in your return-to-work plan.
Will my supervisor know that I am returning to work?
Please submit your medical documentation to RTW Services (RTWS@hamilton.ca) to advise of your return-to-work clearance. RTW Services will advise your supervisor of your return-to-work clearance date. You should also update your supervisor directly and/or follow your normal departmental procedure for returning to the workplace.
Will all jobs that were posted prior to the Cybersecurity Incident get reposted right away?
While we are eager to start posting jobs, only positions that are approved by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be posted in our new platform. EOC will be using the following criteria to determine the priority of postings:
- Essential – Roles are responsible for front-line core service delivery, including positions in Fire, EMS, Lodges, Transit, Waste Collection, Cemeteries, etc.
- Critical Support – Roles that provide the necessary infrastructure for the City to operate, including positions in IT, Finance, HR, Legal, and Communications. Priority will be given to those roles supporting vital Recovery operations.
- Hard-to-Fill – Roles that we have had difficulty recruiting for and have now been able to identify someone for the role.
- Other – Roles that are not front-line or critical support and may include optional services or discretionary programs.
I am an internal applicant. How does the City of Hamilton know I am internal if I don’t have to log in to apply?
There will be a screening question on the new job posting that asks if you are an internal employee. Please select “yes” and your Talent Specialist will verify your information as needed.
I applied for a job the weeks prior to the Cybersecurity Incident. What happened to my application?
If you applied for a job the weeks prior to the incident and have not yet been contacted, it is likely that your resume was not reviewed by Human Resources prior to the Cybersecurity Incident. A Human Resources Talent Specialist will repost all jobs that are not accessible, subject to EOC approval to proceed. Candidates will need to re-apply to those positions if they are still interested in the opportunity.
What happens to my application if it is not accessible?
If you applied to a posting prior to the Cybersecurity Incident, there will be an opportunity to apply online at a later date, provided the position is approved by EOC to post. Please continue to check www.hamilton.ca/jobs each week for updates.
I have been contacted to move forward with testing, interviews and references. Why are some recruitments moving forward?
Some job competitions were past the screening stage and resumes were sent to hiring managers for review prior to the Cybersecurity Incident. In these instances, the Talent Specialist team has candidate application and information, so they can continue with the recruitment process up until the offer stage. Any offers of employment are subject to EOC approval.
Are we hiring summer students?
Yes, we are hiring summer students. Offers have gone out to General Labourer summer students. This is because candidate application and information was retrieved from the system by Human Resources prior to the Cybersecurity Incident. All other summer student recruitments will be posted in the near future, as approved.
I applied for a summer student position prior to the Cybersecurity Incident, but I have not heard anything further. What should I do?
Student applicants who have not yet been contacted should re-apply for any posting they are interested in, once available. Some applications may have been submitted during a short window after we ran our preliminary applicant reports and before the system was impacted. Those applications are not currently available due to the Cybersecurity Incident, so it is best to reapply to guarantee consideration for hire.
I am a dual position holder. What happens when I move to my summer position?
When you move to your summer position, you will continue to receive your current rate of pay. Once the system is operational, pays will be processed, one pay at a time, and your pay will reflect the correct rate of pay, less any advances received. If the total advances were too low, an additional deposit will be made. If the total advances were too great, then future pays will be adjusted to reflect the recovery of this overpayment.