Pros
The benefits can't be beat. If you need a secure job, can get your foot in the door and are resilient, you'll be taken care of. Very low entrance requirements, but requires several months of free time to apply, hear back, go through the hiring process. Does not require a high level of computer literacy. Tons of days off (2.5 per month, up to ~60 bankable) Special time is given for those from out of the country to visit family, yearly. Will pay to move you to (and later, from) Montreal. If you can certify your sick days at the time of sickness, you don't use up your sick days (within reason - comes from a different pool). These notes sometimes cost money at the doctor, however. Longer stays for health reasons are pretty much unpunished due to the slow advancement pace. Somewhat lower salaries than outside, but interesting and important work. Will pay for any training, assuming the training can be justified to the job you are already doing, and has dates locked in for the year (pop-ups will need to be funded out of pocket with no guarantees.)
Cons
Not a progressive environment, ideas and ethics are about 30 years old, including management & business. Political, both at the world level and internally. You will need to understand how to 'play the game'. You will need to be comfortable that some appointees will move into certain positions. Most people have been employed for more than a decade, so will act more casually than in the private sector with one another for better and worse. Advancement, when possible, is very slow. The job is measured in decades rather than years. This can be good for those that want to escape the continuous learning race that occurs in the public sector. Two month notice of resignation. Can make it difficult to transition out again. Systems range from paper to 90's and 2000's internally built programs. Appreciation for modern programs and systems is mixed. Glass ceiling for women as well as by level of education. Despite the low bar for entry, applicants should apply to any position with a bachelor's in hand, at least, or mobility is affected down the line, and is sometimes exacerbated informally by gender. Increased temporary positions mean it can be hard to secure the benefits that make the workplace stand out. You may have to spend 1-3 years in contract positions to get at the stability it can offer. Unequal maternity leave. Must use 7 sick days for all types of leave: family days, bereavement. This can harm working parents (especially single parents) disproportionately. No official work from home policies. Can be more difficult to be hired as a Professional if Canadian.