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Events

Armchair Discussions

Past Armchair Discussions – 2009

January 15, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Government Blogging - Best Practices and Tips for Success

Language: English

How we communicate as a society is rapidly changing. There are currently over 200 million blogs on the Internet: 1.6 million new posts each day, 18 each second. It was only a matter of time before someone realized the tremendous potential for citizen engagement that effective blogging can bring.

The revolution of social networks and blogging is coming to government. Join Mike Kujawski (external link) as he present the latest examples of effective government blogs in Canada and around the world. He will also provide you with10 tips for blogging success as learned through his own experience and numerous interviews with well-known bloggers.

Speaker: Mike Kujawski is an enthusiastic marketing professional, business strategist and entrepreneur with a passion for leveraging new digital marketing technologies and trends. In 2005, Mike helped launch the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing (CEPSM) (external link), where he is now the lead Project Manager and Strategist. His most recent tasks at CEPSM have involved the development of comprehensive marketing strategies for the Department of National Defence, the Public Service Commission and the City of Burlington.

January 23, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Aquatic CSI: A Question of Identity

Language: English

Since the language of DNA is common to all organisms, genetic methods developed for humans can be applied quickly and inexpensively across the animal and plant kingdoms. Fisheries and Oceans Canada uses genetic research and tools for many purposes, such as to identify and protect salmon from populations of conservation concern, to identify northern abalone harvested illegally from BC waters and to identify the species of sharks eaten by killer whales for lunch.

Speaker: Ruth Withler, is a senior Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) research scientist in the Molecular Genetics Section at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, BC. She received her M.Sc. in Zoology at UBC and joined DFO in 1981.

Watch On-demand

February 4, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Developing a Strategic Plan for Optimal Results

Language: French

A first agreement on official languages was reached between Canada and British Columbia in 2001, allowing French-speaking British Columbians to receive several services in French, such as a support and counselling program for women. This agreement will be coming to an end soon. Last fall, the B.C. government consulted the province's Francophone population and French and Francophile organizations to determine their needs and priorities. A strategic five-year plan (2009-2014) will be adopted in a few months. What are the goals and priorities of the province's Francophone population? How will this strategic plan be carried out?

Speaker:
Véronique Mercier is manager of the Office of Francophone Affairs in Victoria, British Columbia.

February 4, 2009 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET)

The Official Language Act: Fabulous at 40?

Language: Bilingual

Forty years after the adoption of the Official Languages Act, is the value of linguistic duality well integrated into the Public Service? How can public servants go beyond obligations and regulations to better serve the Canadian public and create a work environment where everybody can contribute to its full potential? Join the discussion about the future of Canada's language framework with Commissioner of Official Languages Graham Fraser.

Speaker:
Graham Fraser, the Commissioner of Official Languages, is a respected journalist and author who has been interested in linguistic duality his entire career. Before becoming Commissioner, Mr. Fraser worked as a journalist covering national affairs for the Toronto Star. He also worked for Maclean's, the Montreal Gazette and the Globe and Mail. He was a weekly columnist for Le Devoir from 1995 to 2000 and has been a regular commentator on Panorama, a public affairs program on TFO.

February 5, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Government Blogging - Best Practices and Tips for Success

Language: English

February 10, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)

2010 Winter Games: Careful Preparation for Linguistic Duality

Language: French

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver is a golden opportunity for Canada to proudly show off its linguistic duality. What is the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) doing to offer quality services in both official languages? What does this mean for VANOC's key players? What can be done to ensure that the French service will be used? The 2010 Winter Games is the perfect opportunity for all French-speaking Canadians to gain recognition and take full advantage of the event. Come discuss the many different ways of carrying out this plan.

Speaker:
Francine Bolduc is director of Official Languages, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

February 12, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Middle Management: The Barometers and Architects for Public Service Integrity

Language: Bilingual

As future leaders in the Public Service, you have a key role in building an open and trustworthy work environment, and in supporting a culture of integrity and "rightdoing". The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner wants to support you in this regard.

Learn how to enable employees to feel they can openly raise ethical issues without fear of reprisal and where they trust that ethical concerns will be dealt with seriously and appropriately. In addition to highlighting the key roles and responsibilities you have as a manager under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA), this Armchair Discussion will allow you to learn how to deal with situations surrounding disclosure of wrongdoing and reprisal.

Through this dynamic and interactive Armchair Discussion ,Christiane Ouimet will engage participants by addressing specific challenges you face in the prevention of wrongdoing and the promotion of integrity in the workplace.

Speaker: Christiane Ouimet, Commissioner, Public Sector Integrity Canada.

About the Speaker:
Christiane Ouimet was appointed as Canada's first Public Sector Integrity Commissioner and by resolution of the Senate and House of Commons and took office in August 2007.

February 19, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

The Evolution of Official Languages

Language: Bilingual

The importance of bilingualism in the public service goes well beyond official languages legal requirements. Since the creation of the Council of the Network of Official Languages Champions in 2003, Daniel J. Caron has had an active interest in official languages, both as a member of the Council and as its chair since 2007. Drawing from his experiences, he will address official languages developments in the context of public service renewal, globalization and multiculturalism, and illustrate the benefits of bilingualism for individuals, institutions and society.

Attendees will learn how to support existing tools and will be encouraged to take a leadership role with respect to bilingualism.

Speaker:
In October 2007, Daniel J. Caron became President of the Council of the Network of Official Languages Champions. He is a native of Sainte-Foy, Quebec. He has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Economics from Université Laval, and a Doctorate in Applied Human Sciences from Université de Montréal (public law and strategic management). Over the course of his career, Mr. Caron has gained extensive experience as a researcher, speaker, professor and senior manager in the federal government.

February 19, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

A New Environment for Canada's Immigration Policy

Language: English

The success of Canada's immigration policy depends on the continuous monitoring of an ever-changing global environment, a constant focus on immigration outcomes, and a willingness to adapt.

Dr. Demetrios Papademetriou, President of the Migration Policy Institute, will lead a discussion on developments affecting Canadian immigration policy that must be seriously considered if we are to continue to manage immigration successfully. Some of the issues discussed will include:

The implications of the global recession;
The potential for new forms of Canada-US co-operation on immigration;
The expanded array of options now available to the world's migrants, and Canada's competitive position to attract the rate of immigration required for economic growth.

Speaker:
Dr. Demetrios Papademetriou is among the world's most sought-after experts on international migration. He advises governments throughout North America and Europe and has long studied and offered advice on Canadian immigration policy.

February 26, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Mobilizing Knowledge

Language: Bilingual

Do concepts like online collaboration, Web 2.0, Government 2.0, knowledge management or communities of practice interest you or do you have your doubts about their effectiveness?

We know that retirement, organizational changes and employee turnover cause considerable loss of knowledge and experience. However, there are strategies, tactics and technologies that help meet this challenge by mobilizing and managing organizational knowledge.

Learn all about communities of practice, how they can help enhance your organization's performance and seize the collaboration opportunities offered by emerging technologies.

Becoming familiar with communities of practice will give you a strategic advantage!

Speaker:
Jean-Simon Marquis works for the Canada School of Public Service as senior advisor on interactive learning and communication. He specializes in virtual networks, Web 2.0, communities of practice and group facilitation.

March 3, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Impartiality in the Federal Public Service of Today and Tomorrow

Language: Bilingual

Putting up a sign in support of a political candidate, joining a Facebook group in support of a particular cause, running as a candidate in municipal elections: do these activities compromise a public servant's obligation to act in a politically impartial manner?

Today's public servants operate in an environment that includes greater public scrutiny, increased accountability, and technological advances that blur the distinction between political and private realms. These developments add to the complexity and pressure faced by public servants who, by law, may engage in any political activity as long as it does not impair, or is not perceived as impairing, the employee's ability to perform his or her duties in a politically impartial manner.

The Public Service Commission (www.psc-cfp.gc.ca) has safeguarded impartiality in the federal public service for a century and, since 2005, it has administered the new regime governing the political activities of federal public servants.

Speakers:
Donald Lemaire, Senior Vice-President, Policy Branch, Public Service Commission of Canada

Kathy Nakamura, Director General, Political Activities Directorate, Public Service Commission of Canada

March 5, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (ET)

Mass Collaboration, Government and Internet

Language: English

Online networks and Web 2.0 applications like Facebook and Flickr have turned old business models upside down. But what about the public sector? Whether it's fixing a pot hole on your street or tracking your MP, Us Now, a new British documentary about the power of mass collaboration, government and the Internet explains how many of these same technologies are about to change history by changing the way government works and the way citizens self-organize.

Join the spirited debate and discussion about the future of web-savvy government and its implications for Canada.

Speakers:
Anthony Williams, Author
David Hume, Special Advisor on Engagement, Government of British Columbia
Maryantonett Flumian, University of Ottawa
Mike Kujawski, Marketing Professional

March 5, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

How Strangers Become Neighbours: Integrating Immigrants through Community Development

Language: English

Leonie Sandercock will discuss Canada's bold experiment in managing an increasingly pluralist society, specifically through attempts at creating welcoming cities using a community development approach. There are vast differences in municipal responsiveness across the nation, and even within one metropolitan area.

Her presentation will focus on the City of Vancouver, in the interest of emphasizing policy innovation and understanding how a welcoming city is constructed through public policy. Collingwood, one of the most culturally diverse neighbourhoods within the City of Vancouver, is the site of a particularly promising experiment, through the inclusive mission of a Neighbourhood House that was established 23 years ago. Its story and achievement deserves wide recognition and is a potential model for federal funding support that acknowledges the vital importance of working at the neighbourhood scale.

Speaker: Leonie Sandercock, Professor, University of British-Columbia

About the Speaker:
Leonie Sandercock, is Professor in Urban Planning and Social Policy in the School of Community and Regional Planning at the University of British-Columbia.

March 10, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

The Gradual Implementation of Departmental Audit Committees

Language: Bilingual

Seize the opportunity to chat with people who are at the leading edge of a change initiative based on excellence in management. Since the adoption of the new Policy on Internal Audit and the Directive on Department and Agency Audit Committees (DAACs) in 2006, these committees have played a vital role in the efforts made to reinforce public funds management and spread accountability throughout the public service. DAACs work with the deputy head, giving independent and unbiased advice as well as demonstrating the relevance of the control procedures and accountability report processes.

Furthered by the Federal Accountability Act, a secretariat was created for the sole purpose of forming the committees by means of an objective and transparent recruitment process. It also facilitates the integration and development of this new governance method. Three years have passed. What progress has been made?

Listen to what the members of the committees, the deputy ministers, chief internal audit executives and chief financial officers had to say in a consultation led in the summer of 2008.

Speaker:
Marie-José Bourassa, is executive director of the Treasury Board of Canada's Audit Committee Recruitment and Development Secretariat. She loves people and organizations and applies her unique management and leadership experience to making functional and durable change. Marie-Josée will be accompanied by guests who are very familiar with the implementation of these wonderful committees!

March 11, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (ET)

Leadership and Gender Intelligence

Language: English

Gender differences are apparent in all facets of life, and work settings are no exception. In this Armchair Discussion, Barbara Annis will explore gender differences in the workplace and consider the resulting implications for leadership.

By examining the latest research on men's and women's brains, she will reveal how brain differences show up in leaders' behavior, and what specific steps leaders can take to be more effective. She will also explore the broader topic of Gender Intelligence, which seeks to alter how we perceive gender issues and barriers as problems to be solved, to seeing gender as a powerful opportunity to access our different and complementary strengths.

Speaker:
Barbara Annis, leading expert in Inclusive Leadership and Gender Initiatives

March 12, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

The Theory and Practice of Citizenship in the 21st Century: A Few International Trends

Language: English

Until recently, debates about immigration and naturalisation were conducted on very different terms in the developed countries of the global North. On the one hand, "countries of immigration" such as Canada, the United States and Australia possessed fairly open policies that did not place significant hurdles on immigrants seeking naturalization. Immigration policies were premised on a fairly optimistic vision of the integrative capacity of these countries' cultures.

On the other hand, European countries did not think of themselves as countries of immigration at all and thus placed significant obstacles in the way of foreigners seeking to acquire citizenship. These policies were premised on an assumption about society's capacity for integration of culturally different peoples diametrically opposed from those made in countries like Canada.

Daniel Weinstock will trace the evolution of debates on both sides of the Atlantic, and suggest that we are now witnessing a period of convergence that may lay the groundwork for a new international dialogue on migration.

Speaker:
Daniel Weinstock holds the Canada Research Chair in Ethics and Political Philosophy at the Université de Montréal. A frequent contributor to public debates about multiculturalism, he recently was member of the Taylor/Bouchard Commission's advisory council. He recently guest-edited a Metropolis special issue of Canadian Diversity titled "Citizenship in the 21st Century: International Approaches", which included articles from 23 countries.

March 17, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Living Renewal: How to Turn an Organization Around in 1,000 Days

Language: English

Challenge the myths around change management and demonstrate how simple - and yet difficult! - turning an organization around can be!

To say the organization was in a poor state would be an understatement - it was a mess! Much of the pride and commitment of the employees had been eroded, if not lost altogether. Relations between management and staff were strained and the organization was preceded throughout by its "bad reputation".

Fast-forward 3 years later: trust has been rebuilt, employees are as dedicated as they ever were, and people are now saying: "If this organization was able to realized great change, anyone can!" How did this organization renew itself? What were the steps that lead to organizational healing? What were the big lessons learned? What can you do to make renewal a reality in your organization?

In this presentation, Etienne Laliberté, will tell the story of the renewal lived in his organization over the years, and even share the secrets of how they systematically do staffing in three weeks (yes, that is correct: only three weeks!!!). Please join us!

Speaker:
Etienne Laliberté is Senior Advisor, Change Management and Organization Development, for Conservation and Protection at Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Vancouver (Etienne.Laliberte@dfo-mpo.gc.ca). He is best known for his provocative paper "An Inconvenient Renewal". He is also the author of the blog "Contrarian Thinking". A federal Public Servant since 2003, Etienne holds a Masters in Project Management (M.SC.) and has ten years of experience in the subject areas of consulting and management. He has received recognition for his work including the 2005 Management Trainee Association (MTA) Merit Award; the 2008 Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Region Distinction Award, and; the 2008 National Managers' Community Leadership Award for the Pacific Region.

March 18, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (ET)

Public Service Reform

Language: English

In 2005, the Government of Kenya launched a considerable Public Service reform program entitled Results for Kenyans. The long term goal was to transform Kenyan public service culture from a process-centered to an outcome-focused organization. Inspired by reform efforts around the world and modelled quite closely on our own 2001 Results for Canadians agenda, the Kenyan program was set out in the Government's 2006--08 Strategic Plan (the Plan). The Plan provided a contributions accountability framework for donor countries, such as Canada, trying to support democratic development in sub-Saharan Africa. Implementation of this Plan was expected to lay the groundwork for a subsequent, even more ambitious, reform agenda.

The Plan has now run its course and work is underway to craft the next phase of this reform. Meanwhile, the Government of Kenya and the donors want to know the results and accomplishments of the reform's first phase. Ivan Blake was part of the Kenyan-Canadian team tasked to assess the progress of this Public Service reform. He tells a compelling story of passion and vision, of strong personalities and competing strategies, of enormous challenges and political upheaval, and above all. of remarkable accomplishment and national pride. This story also provides an insight into the issues and challenges associated with Public Service reform in Canada.

Speakers:
Ivan Blake is a Senior Fellow with the Canada School of Public Service and is currently conducting research on risk management and internal control best practices.

Russell Robinson former ADM with Finance Department and Privy Council Office; and International Consultant.

March 19, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (ET)

The Story of French: From Charlemagne to Cirque du Soleil

Language: French

Imagine a language spoken by 200 million people around the world, a language whose speakers has tripled over the last 60 years. Commonly used in two G8 countries and five European nations, it is taught daily to 100 million students by two million teachers, a quarter of all language teachers worldwide. It is an official language in 33 countries and 53 countries are members of an organization devoted to its promotion.

A language of culture, diplomacy, research and industry, French offers a direct link to almost every culture and every area of activity.

Like all good stories, La Grande Aventure de la langue française (translated into The Story of French) is filled with fabulous twists and turns, from William the Conqueror's boldness to Richelieu's tenacity, from De Gaulle's stubbornness to Senghor's clear-sightedness, from Trudeau and Lévesque's conflicting personalities to Abdu Diouf's activism.

Celebrate international Francophonie week by delving into this journey through the centuries that explains why French continues to assert itself as the other great international language. Far from sinking into oblivion, the French language is opening up every horizon.

Speaker:
In 2003, Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow published the bestselling Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong. The Globe and Mail called it "simply marvellous." The Wall Street Journal said, "After reading it, you may still think the French are arrogant, aloof and high-handed, but you will know why."

In the fall of 2006, Nadeau and Barlow released The Story of French (Knopf Canada, St-Martin's Press, and Robson Books in the UK). The New York Times called it "...a well-told, highly accessible history of the French language", The Montreal Gazette called it "mind-altering." The Story of French won the 2007 Mavis Gallant Prize for Non-Fiction.

In 2007, Nadeau and Barlow released a French language translation of The Story of French, La Grande aventure de la langue française, in North America (Québec Amérique). It will be appearing in France in 2008 (Michel Lafon).

Nadeau and Barlow's work has appeared in the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, The International Herald Tribune and the Courrier international. They live with their two daughters in Montréal, where they are award-winning contributors to the French Canadian public affairs magazine L'actualité.

April 2, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Talent Management in the Federal Public Service

Language: English

Talent management means to anticipate the need for human capital and then set out a plan to meet it. Through talent management initiatives, we can gain a comprehensive perspective of our talent in the public service, identify gaps in our strengths and skills, and take steps to ensure we have a workforce ready to meet current and future needs.

To learn more, come and hear Joan Atkinson, Visiting ADM, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, who has led the development of existing talent management initiatives for ADMs and other EXs.

Speaker:
Joan Atkinson, Visiting Assistant Deputy Minister

About the Speaker:
Joan Atkinson, joined The Leadership and Talent Management Sector (then called The Leadership Network) in June 2006, bringing with her a wealth of experience in developing policy and programs, leading large organizations to deal with complex national and international issues, and providing strategic advice to senior officials, including Deputy Ministers, Ministers and the Prime Minister.

April 9, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (ET)

To Be or Not to Be an EX

Language: Bilingual

Have you ever considered working in an executive position? Find out if this employment level is right for you!

Come join us to discuss the myths and realities about being an executive, and find out what strategies can help you get the job.

Speaker: Denise Amyot is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation.

April 16, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Preserving Canadian Architectural Treasures: A Tradition of Respecting Values

Language: Bilingual

Public Works Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is widely recognized for its conservation work on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and deservedly so: managing these architectural treasures challenges us to balance the needs of a modern seat of government with the protection of important heritage values.

But as you may know, the broad tapestry of Canada's heritage stretches across the country, and there is an increasing public expectation that the federal government play a role in protecting its heritage assets. What you may not realize is that PWGSC plays an important role in meeting these expectations and strengthening our cultural identity through departmental efforts.

PWGSC is in a unique position, to honor and respect Canadian values and tradition by ensuring that Canadians can continue to benefit from these treasures for many years to come. We own and manage over 150 heritage designated buildings that are important landmarks representing communities, their identities and history in all regions of the country: Bedford Row in Halifax and the Sinclair Centre in Vancouver are only two examples. In fact, we also assist other federal departments, through our National Centre of Expertise in built heritage, by providing highly specialized conservation architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and heritage recording to all federal departments and agencies that own heritage assets.

Find out more in this fascinating Armchair Discussion with John McBain, Associate ADM, Real Property Branch, PWGSC and how PWGSC's experts are helping maintain Canadian treasures while strengthening our international reputation as a leader in heritage conservation practice.

Speaker: John McBain Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Branch, Public Works Government Services Canada

April 16, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Mentoring the Leaders of Tomorrow: The Voice of Experience

Language: Bilingual

Find out how mentoring can enhance leadership and competency development, knowledge transfer, organizational commitment and retention, and the personal and professional growth of your most important organizational resource: your employees.

In partnership with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Organizational Effectiveness Directorate, National Defence's Lieutenant-Colonel Janine Knackstedt will explain the difference between mentoring, coaching and leadership as well as various types of mentorships. She will also share the best practices on mentoring and its advantages to mentees, mentors and the organisation.

This is your opportunity to learn how a simple, but well-planned mentoring initiative can help address your organizational efforts in light of the current mandate of Public Service Renewal.

Speaker: Lieutenant-Colonel Janine Knackstedt PhD (Industrial/Organizational Psychology) is an accomplished keynote speaker on leadership development through the lens of mentoring.

April 30, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

How to Set Up a Mandate-Focused Organization Structure

Language: Bilingual

Organization reviews are of growing importance in the Canadian public service since they offer management the ability to build more effective and efficient operations towards the goal of best serving Canadians. These reviews can be done at the most strategic and senior levels of an organization or could include a review of operational, day-to-day considerations. The organization review process is multi-faceted, that is, a review of the organization's governance and structure, processes and systems, and resource impacts takes place so that a clearer picture of the entity emerges. The focus of the implementation plan, necessarily, depends on the needs of the organization and the issues identified during the course of the review - one size does not fit all.

The Government Consulting Services is frequently called upon by departments in the Public Service to assist them in reviewing their organization and to provide them with recommendations consistent with the department's needs. As the Government of Canada's in-house management consulting firm, it develops recommendations and implementation plans that will allow the organization to move forward in a strategic and orderly manner. This Armchair Discussion will provide an overview of the organization review process and will allow managers the opportunity to ask questions of organizational design experts.

Speakers:
Christian Burrs is a bilingual Principal Consultant with the Organizational Effectiveness and Strategic Human Resources Team of Government Consulting Services. He has fifteen years experience in the Federal Public Service community in both Human Resources and Labor Relations. He has worked as a HR planning and organizational development officer with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Prior to working at the NRC, he worked in labor relations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada where he was actively involved in collective bargaining as well as in grievance and adjudication. Before his stay at the Public Service Alliance, he worked as a labor economist with the Ontario Treasury Board where he was responsible for collective bargaining research as well as developing labor market policy initiatives for the provincial government.

Dale Olm is a Principal Consultant with the Organizational Effectiveness and Strategic Human Resources Team of Government Consulting Services. He has been a Management Consultant since 1988 and has worked in Labour Relations, Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness. In addition to his consulting experience, Mr. Olm has been a university and community college instructor in management, labour relations and Human Resources management. Regarded as an expert in Organization Design, he has been an invited speaker at both the national and local levels where he provided analysis on issues facing management.

May 14, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Some Ideas on the Future of Government Science

Language: English

Learn about the evolution of government science and the challenges facing science-based departments and agencies, and science managers, in the current environment. This discussion will focus primarily on public policy and will be especially beneficial to people working in science-based departments and agencies or who are involved in the management of science, policy and related programs in government.

After working as a university lecturer for many years, in 1978, Jim Mitchell began a government career where he had experience in the analysis and resolution of complex public policy issues. He was also a principal advisor on the 1993 reorganization of the federal government.

After leaving the public service, Jim Mitchell became a founding partner of the policy-consulting firm Sussex Circle. Now as a consultant, Mr. Mitchell provides policy and organizational advice in virtually every area of federal responsibility including defence, science and agriculture. In his lecture, Mr. Mitchell will be drawing from this experience to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing government science and the science community.

Speaker: Jim Mitchell, Founding Partner, Sussex Circle

May 19, 2009 | 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (PT)

Pacific Federal Council Priorities and the Opportunity for Regional Federal Public Servants

Language: French Presentation, Bilingual Question Period

Ms. Desgagné is the executive director of Pacific Federal Council and heads the Secretariat responsible for working with Council members, committees and networks in British Columbia to foster cooperative efforts, coordinate activities, and share information on horizontal federal priorities among federal departments and agencies in British Columbia.

Speaker: Annie Desgagné, Executive Director, Pacific Federal Council

May 21, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Recruiting Talents: Lessons for Canadian Policy-Makers

Language: English

The Armchair Discussion program is pleased to welcome David Ley, Canada Research Chair of Geography at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, as a presenter in our partnership with Metropolis, an international network for comparative research and public policy development on migration, diversity, and immigrant integration in cities in Canada and around the world.

In the current global market-place for talented migrants, potential immigrants with high levels of human and/or financial capital have numerous options as they seek new lands of opportunity. Over 30 countries, for example, have business immigration programs, and to be successful in this market a receiving country needs both competitive terms of entry as well as attractive living and working opportunities following landing.

Consequently, the question of immigrant retention rises to the surface with the growing mobility of information as well as labour. Dr. David Ley argues that Canada is performing well at the level of immigrant selection, but more poorly when it comes to retention of skilled and wealthy households.

Drawing examples from the business immigration streams to Canada in particular, Dr. Ley will emphasise the significance of what the UN Commission on International Migration referred to as the new paradigm of "temporary and circular migration". This process of transnationalism sees repeated movement between origin and destination countries as opportunities vary through the life course. This is a more flexible response than the older view of return migration, though that process is happening as well, particularly among skilled workers from China.

For additional information on the Metropolis Project, please visit: http://www.metropolis.net

Speaker: David Ley is Canada Research Chair of Geography at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Dr. Ley has been part of the Metropolis Project since the mid-1990s, and was the UBC Director of the Vancouver Metropolis Centre from 1996 to 2003. His research on immigration issues includes: housing markets and labour markets; immigrant poverty; transnationalism and return; the immigrant church as a service hub; multiculturalism and the governance of diversity. His abiding focus has been migration from East Asia, and particularly the wealthy migrants who entered Canada, and particularly Vancouver, from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s. He has just completed a book on this group, Millionaire Migrants: Trans-Pacific Life Lines, to be published by Blackwell.

May 26, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Making Sense of Leadership in Complex and Crisis Contexts

Language: English

Discuss and reflect on comparative leadership challenges and pivotal issues facing leaders in today's organizations.

This discussion is a joint presentation by the International Leadership Research Network (ILRN) of scholars from the University of Guelph, University of New South Wales and Canadian Forces College, in support of a greater collaboration and cooperation across the national leadership domain.

The ILRN collaborative research team is dedicated to advancing leadership, culture and capability in support of defence, development and diplomacy. It also fosters a whole of government approach to leadership in complex social contexts requiring human security, development and sustainability. This research team consists of senior academic-practitioners who are conducting leadership research and program development in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and China.

The presentation provides a high level leadership perspective of:

The nature of leadership in complex contexts and locales of operation;
Preparing leaders at all levels for managing in complex crisis situations;
Ramifications for collaboration, cooperation and decision-making;
How leaders make sense for shaping the contemporary context;
Implications for mobilizing leadership, culture and capability.

Speakers:
Dr. Michael Cox, University of Guelph
Dr. Michael Hess, University of New South Wales
Dr. Alan Okros, Canadian Forces College
Dr. James Warn, University of New South Wales

May 28, 2009 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET)

Dealing with Unsatisfactory Performance: A Panel Discussion

Language: English

Are you facing a challenge in the area of employee performance? How can your intervention strategies be met with success? What essentials are required to achieve optimal Performance Management?

In partnership with the National Managers' Community, the Canada School of Public Service invites you to join expert panellists as they explore these questions and others, supporting you in the preparation of performance reviews with your manager and with your staff.

This panel discussion will permit for honest and open dialogue on the identification, prevention, intervention and resolution of performance issues or challenges. Through advice, feedback and key recommendations from the expert panel, participants will be better equipped to deal with both current and future performance issues.

Speakers:
Micheal Holt, Director, Labour Relations Operations, Department of National Defence
Craig Spencer, Representative, Public Service Alliance of Canada
Paul Beaudry, Director of the Office of Workplace Conflict, Public Works Government Services Canada
Sandra Fry, Director of the Ontario Area Laboratory Network, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

May 28, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

The Evolution of Official Languages

Language: Bilingual

Daniel J. Caron has an active interest in official languages issues as a member of the Council of the Network of Official Languages Champions since its creation in 2003 and as its chair since 2007. With public service renewal as a backdrop, his presentation will address official languages developments and ways to support existing tools. A few anecdotes will serve to illustrate a number of themes, including globalization, multiculturalism and the benefits of bilingualism for individuals, institutions and society.

Attendees will be encouraged to take a leadership role with respect to bilingualism. It is on a positive note that Dr. Caron will provide an updated definition of the importance of bilingualism in the public service that goes well beyond official languages legal requirements.

Speaker: Dr. Daniel J. Caron, Librarian and Archivist of Canada

May 29, 2009 | 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (ET)

Generations

Language: French

Baby-Boomers, Generation Xers and the Millennium Generation...

While most baby-boomers are heading for retirement, a new generation is entering the job market. The millennium generation, also known as Generation Y, is self-confident, ambitious and known to question everything. This attitude ruffles some feathers and challenges our human values and concepts such as respect, authority and acknowledgement of experience.

This discussion is an overview of the different generations that make up the workforce. The speaker will discuss a number of strategies that will help the generations work together in harmony and even complement one another. Moreover, participants will learn about generational differences, knowledge that will help avoid or prevent conflicts.

Speaker:
Luc Proteau, is an Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisor at the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, using his organizational knowledge to the Agency's benefit. He was accredited as a co-mediator in 2003 and received his solo mediator accreditation within the CRA and the Initiatives Shared Mediators Program in 2005. He has since acquired extensive dispute resolution experience. Mr. Proteau occasionally gives talks on intergenerational differences, conflict management and harassment.

June 11, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Transformational Change Management in the Public Service

Language: Bilingual

All members of the public service who want to effectively manage change within their organizations and require the right tools to do so, should take part in this Armchair Discussion!

Maintaining an effective public service in a changing environment requires thought out change management. This Armchair Discussion will allow you to discuss fundamental elements of the change process and the various coping strategies that can be employed.

Speakers:
Sylvie Pépin has over 20 years of experience as a consultant in Organizational Effectiveness and Strategic HR Services. Ms. Pepin is currently employed as a Principal Consultant at Government Consulting Services, the Government of Canada's in-house management consultancy firm. Ms. Pepin is a certified professional leadership coach and directs change management initiatives at the strategic, tactical and operational level.

Dan Stepchuk is an experienced consultant and manager in the fields of Organization Development, Managing Strategic Change, and Learning and Development in various organization settings in the private and public sectors. Mr. Stepchuk is a graduate of the Master's in OD program at Pepperdine University and has recently collaborated on a number of large-scale Service and Business transformation initiatives in the Federal Public Service.

June 11, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion: Potentials and Challenges of Diversity

Language: English

Multiculturalism is a cornerstone of Canadian national policy. The underlying behavioural theory is that preserving our cultural mosaic and resisting the 'melting pot' helps build Canadian cohesion and national unity. According to Jeff Reitz, this theory is only partly valid: "It turns out that this is only partly valid. Preserving the ethnic and cultural diversity of Canada enhances a sense of belonging and improves the quality of life of Canadians, but it also poses challenges because it tends to isolate Canadians from one another. This, to some extent, weakens Canadian identity and reflects some inequality and social exclusion in Canadian society."

The study suggests multiculturalism in Canada could be much more effective if it moved beyond celebrating diversity to embrace a commitment to developing positive relations between groups.

The research is the subject of a new book which was released in April 2009, Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion: Potentials and Challenges of Diversity. The research team was lead by Reitz and co-authors include: University of Toronto sociologist Raymond Breton, and psychologists Karen Dion, and the late Kenneth Dion. The team also included graduate students Rupa Banerjee, now a faculty member at Ryerson University and Mai Phan.

Speaker:
Jeffrey Reitz Professor of Sociology, R.F. Harney Professor of Ethnic, Immigration and Pluralism Studies, Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto

June 19, 2009 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (ET)

Action: Play the Lead Role in Your Life!

Language: French

What role do you play in life? Are you the actor or spectator, director or critic?

Professional actor and motivational speaker Hugo Dubé believes that everyone has a role to play. The key is to add pleasure and enthusiasm and seize the opportunities that present themselves, both personally and professionally.

In order to reach their performance objectives, employees need stimulation and motivation. Teamwork plays a large part in supplying motivation. The desire to contribute, belong and feel useful implies a willingness to get involved, which leads to successful collaboration and great results.

In order to create a winning scenario, employees need to commit themselves, contribute, meet challenges, adapt to change and dare to be creative! By accepting the idea that failure points you toward success, the potential for turning your story into a great one is limitless. 3, 2, 1, action! Let's see what you've got!

Speaker:
Hugo Dubé has acted professionally for 20 years and has been a motivational speaker since 1998. He has played over 75 roles on the big screen (La forteresse suspendue, October), television (Ramdam, Providence) and stage (Hamlet, 24 poses). He was also in over 25 television ads, three international film shoots for France and a European advertising campaign targeting several countries (Russia, Poland, Romania, etc.).

June 24, 2009 | 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (PT)

An Overview of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Canadian Francophonie

Language: French Presentation, Bilingual Question Period

Created in 1994, the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie (MCCF) brings together federal, provincial and territorial ministers, who, in their respective government are responsible for the Canadian Francophonie portfolio and/or services in French. This forum has a leadership role on the subject and its members work in a collaborative way to advance the files concerning the Canadian Francophonie.

Join Véronique Mercier for this important discussion taking place on Saint-Jean Baptiste Day!

Speaker:
Véronique Mercier Manager, Francophone Affairs, Government of British Columbia

August 6, 2009 | 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. (PT)

Pursuing Excellence

Language: English

As individuals, how can we contribute to team excellence in the public service? Karolina Wisniewska is a six time Paralympic medalist in alpine skiing and the first Canadian athlete to win four medals in a single Olympic or Paralympics Winter Games. She is currently preparing for the 2010 Paralympic Games. Karolina will share her experiences as an athlete and public service employee working for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Federal Secretariat.

Speaker:
Karolina Wisniewska athlete and public service employee working for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Federal Secretariat.

August 19, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Maillardville 100th Year Anniversary: First Francophone City in British Columbia

Language: French

The first Francophone community in British Columbia is turning 100! Come and join Johanne Dumas for a vivid presentation on Maillardville, with a fascinating account of its humble beginnings in 1909 right up to the dynamic community of today.

She will also describe this year's centenary celebrations and the role that Maillardville will play as a Francophone community during the 2010 Olympic Games.

August 20, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Social Innovation in a Community Setting: The evolving role and comparative advantage of community sector organizations in the provision of social support

Language: English

Policymakers need to turn their attention to who is best placed to meet the changing needs of Canadians, given the uncertainty surrounding the current recession and growing concerns over its longer-term interactions with other key change drivers.

Dan Vale will speak about community sector organizations as sources of social innovation, that is, of finding and developing new and better ways of meeting these needs. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the changing role played by the community sector and on how governments may better achieve their objectives in collaboration with that sector.

The Policy Research Initiative is pleased to present an Armchair Discussion in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service. The theme of the discussion will be: Social Innovation in a Community Setting: The evolving role and comparative advantage of community sector organizations in the provision of social support.

Speaker: Dan Vale, leads a major project on mapping unmet and emerging needs at the UK-based Young Foundation. He joined the Young Foundation in October 2007. He has nearly 20 years experience in UK civil society organizations in various senior positions.

August 28, 2009 | 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Lessons Learned from the Reform of the Dutch Central Government

Language: English

Professor Bekker will give a presentation on the history of the Dutch central government reform over the past 30 years. He will outline the current program for reform and will compare it with past attempts, linking them to reform programs abroad. He will conclude his presentation by drawing lessons for future public administrations.

Speaker:

In 2007 Roel Bekker was appointed Secretary General for Government Reform in the Netherlands. He is responsible for the implementation of an ambitious plan to reduce the size of government while increasing performance and quality of service. In 2008 he was also appointed as Professor for Employment Relations in Government at the University of Leiden (Albeda Chair).

September 3, 2009 | 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Government of Canada Technology Trends for 2009-2010

Language: English

Emerging technology trends are certain to influence Government of Canada IT and business in the coming years. Join Chuck Henry, Chief Technology Officer of the Government of Canada (GC), as he uncovers the 2009-10 trends in technology. This engaging dialogue will give your department the insight needed to plan for and sustain IT operations in today's challenging economic environment.

Speaker: Chuck Henry, Chief Technology Officer, Government of Canada

September 9, 2009 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET)

DAAC and the Amendments to the Policy on Internal Audit

Language: Bilingual

Since the introduction of the Policy on Internal Audit in 2006, departments have made significant and substantial progress to strengthen the internal audit function. Across government, chief audit executives are now in place, independent departmental audit committees have been established, and the Office of the Comptroller General is undertaking horizontal auditing work on issues that transcend individual departments and agencies.

As a result of a consultative and formative review, the Treasury Board has approved a number of amendments to the Policy on Internal Audit and its associated directives. The changes, which are in effect since July 1, 2009, are designed to bring the Policy in line with the Federal Accountability Act, and support the role of deputy heads as accounting officers.

Join us to learn more about these changes and their impact on Department and Agency Audit Committees and their stakeholders!

Speakers: Brian Aiken, Assistant Comptroller General, Internal Audit Sector, as well as guests from the Department and Agency Audit Committee (DAAC) and the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) communities.

September 10, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

The Recordkeeping Directive: Explained and Framed

Language: Bilingual

Explore how recordkeeping will establish the ways and means for organizations to capitalize on information as a key business asset in support of decision-making. Recordkeeping can also document business activity in order to satisfy stewardship, accountability and legal requirements.

On June 1, 2009, the Treasury Board Secretariat released the Directive on Recordkeeping which supports the Government of Canada's effort to fully implement a set of policy instruments affecting Information Management (IM) outcomes, accountabilities and governance. This session is aimed at IM functional specialists, and presents the development of the policy suite. Participants will learn where the new recordkeeping directive fits within the IM policy structure, and how it affects the future work of the IM community.

Speakers:

Geneviève Allard is the director of the Government Operations Division at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). She has been at LAC for nine years, working with government records first as an archivist and then as a manager, in the Web area as well as in the Government Records Branch. Geneviève and her team play a key role, working with Treasury Board Secretariat in the development and implementation of the Directive on Recordkeeping and the consultation process.

Kim Steele is the manager of the Information Management Policy and Compliance Unit for the Chief Information Officers Branch of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS).

September 15, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

The Accidental Public Servant

Language: English

Mr. Tom Balfour is the Regional Director in the Quebec Region for the Public Service Commission of Canada.

Tom Balfour will speak about his career in the Public Service and outline important and unexpected influences and events that helped him make choices along the way during his 22-year career. As a former Public Servant in residence at UQAM, Mr. Balfour is well-equipped to speak about the needs and interests of young public servants vis-à-vis the importance of post-secondary education and the value of diversified experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the multitude of career choices in the public service by listening to Mr. Balfour's anecdotal and insightful story.

The federal public servants not working at the Complexe Guy-Favreau will need to register themselves at the control post of the East Tower. The officer will provide you with a visitor pass in exchange of an identity card that will be given back to you upon your departure. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes in advance due to the mandatory registry of visitors.

Speakers

Tom Balfour's various federal government leadership positions, both at headquarters and especially in a variety of regional operations, has led him to acquire expertise in client services and stakeholder relations, both internally and externally. This knowledge will serve him well in his new role with the Public Service Commission (PSC).

As the PSC's leading representative in the Quebec Region, Tom will use his considerable skills and experience to support federal organizations in connecting people and jobs.

September 17, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Controlling Travel Costs - What Every Chief Financial Officer Needs to Know

Language: Bilingual

The 2009 Budget laid out a clear direction for these challenging economic times: every dollar needs greater expenditure control and transparency. Each Department and Agency is looking for ways to reduce travel costs and tighten controls to ensure necessary trips can still be taken at the best value. During this session, leading experts share their experience and perspectives on controlling travel expenditures.

Topics include:

the role of change management in lowering costs through altering the travel culture;
senior management's role in managing travel;
controls and savings achieved through automated travel processes and technology; and
reporting to support travel expenditure decisions.

This discussion is led by Michael Corbett, Acting Senior Director of the Shared Travel Services Initiative and two Finance executives, Patrick Amyot, Acting Director General at HRDSC and Luc Casault, Director of Finance and Procurement at NRCan. Both departments rely heavily on Shared Travel Services for reporting and for greater efficiency in the travel process.

Join us to find out how to lower costs and tighten controls over travel in your organization.

Speakers:

Michael Corbett is the Acting Senior Director of the Shared Travel Services Initiative (STSI) at Public Works and Government Services Canada. He holds a Masters of Science in Engineering degree from the University of New Brunswick, and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario. He has been involved in the STSI project for over seven years and has seen it evolve from a Human Resources Modernization effort at the Treasury Board Secretariat to an operational, cross-governmental service. Michael has a wide variety of project management experience in the private and public sector, from IT to construction engineering.

Patrick Amyot is the Acting Director General of Corporate Accounting and Reporting at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Patrick is a certified Management Accountant (CMA) with a graduate diploma in Management Accounting. He started his career in the public service as a Financial Officer Recruitment and Development Program (FORD) recruit with Transport Canada. Since then, he has held various positions with evolving financial responsibilities in a number of different departments, including the Public Service Commission and Industry Canada. He has worked in every domain of financial management including resource management, accounting operations, financial systems, and government wide projects such as Corporate and Administrative Shared Services (CASS).

Luc Casault is Director, Finance and Procurement Services at Natural Resources since 2007 and has held other finance related positions with both Natural Resources Canada and Citizenship & Immigration. He is a Certified General Accountant (CGA) and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. Part of Luc's current responsibilities is to direct re-engineering, continuous improvement and performance measurement activities to meet the needs of clients and increase efficiencies. One of these activities has been the implementation of the entire STSI travel solution. His team continues to manage the travel process to implement efficiencies.

Septembre 23, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Unbundling and Globalization

Language: English

Professor Richard Baldwin will present the new-paradigm globalization which focuses on the unbundling of goods and services and the concept of trade in tasks. Professor Baldwin will also discuss the significance of these emerging trends for international trade and for North American economic integration, in particular in the context of the current economic crisis, and will examine some of the potential policy implications for the Government of Canada.

Speaker:

Richard Edward Baldwin is Professor of International Economics at the Graduate Institute, Geneva since 1991, Policy Director of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (Europe's leading economic research network, commonly referred to as the CEPR) since 2006, Editor-in-Chief of Vox since he founded it in June 2007, and an elected Member of the Council of the European Economic Association.

September 24, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Community Generics: A Public Service Renewal Success Story

Language: Bilingual

Standardized generic products and tools, referred to as IT Community Generics, can aid in the delivery of IT and HR programs. This discussion will demonstrate how community generics can be beneficial for clients and communities. Participants will learn how to take ownership of their career, and will benefit from an exploration of this successful facet of Public Service Renewal.

Speakers:
Nikolas Florakas, Director General, Organizational Readiness Office, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Patti Kuntz, Director General, Human Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Charles Shawcross, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Information Officer, Environment Canada

September 24, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Does Geography Matter? Immigrants' Experiences of Discrimination in Canada's Gateway Cities

Language: English

The Canada School's Armchair Discussion Program is pleased to welcome Valerie Preston as a presenter in our partnership with Metropolis, an international network for comparative research and public policy development on migration, diversity, and immigrant integration in cities in Canada and around the world.

The discrimination experienced by immigrants who are often racial minorities is of growing concern. Perceptions of discrimination raise questions about social cohesion in pluralist democracies such as Canada, particularly in immigrant gateway cities that are increasingly heterogeneous. In this exploratory study using the Ethnic Diversity Survey, we compare the frequency with which discrimination and discomfort are reported by Canadian- and foreign-born ethnic and racial minority groups among Canada's major gateway cities and explore how selected social and demographic characteristics influence experiences of discrimination in the Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver metropolitan areas. Many Canadians even those who are Canadian-born and from British or French backgrounds experience discomfort and discrimination. There are important differences in the frequency and determinants of perceived discrimination and discomfort from place to place. We suggest that the urban geography of discrimination should inform public policy responses to the problem of discrimination. National and provincial policies must be developed and implemented locally through cooperation with municipal officials and nongovernmental organisations.

Speaker:
Valerie Preston , is a Professor at York University, Department of Geography, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.

October 1, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Human Resource Planning: What Good Is It? Where Does It Fit?

Language: Bilingual

Human Resource (HR) planning is so much more than just checking off requirements or meeting deadlines. It is a dynamic and innovative tool which benefits all employees in an organization. Understood well and used effectively, HR planning is critical to securing, developing and retaining the talent to deliver on your business.

Drawing from their work with clients at all levels within federal departments and agencies, Frances Manning and Francine Dubuc, principal consultants with Government Consulting Services (GSC), will highlight the essentials of HR planning - including how strategic and operational levels support each other and how they are connected to the broader context of your mandate, business planning, Performance Activity Architecture, etc.

Furthermore, Ms. Manning and Ms. Dubuc will discuss the key success factors for effective planning and implementation, including the challenges faced even by teams with strong operational skills in trying to bring together the strategic and the operational.

Speakers

Frances Manning is a Principal Consultant with Government Consulting Services (GSC). She has 10 years of consulting experience combined with over 20 years of experience in the federal public service. Frances has both project management experience and has participated in a wide variety of highly innovative projects in the public, non-government organization and private sectors. In her four years at GCS, She has managed and developed several HR and Business Plans at the branch, sector, directorate and functional community levels. Frances also has considerable experience in assessing organizations, mapping processes, developing planning tools, etc. She has extensive experience defining team objectives, establishing processes, and assessing and managing budgetary requirements.

Francine Dubuc is a Principal Consultant with Government Consulting Services (GCS). Since joining GCS in 2005, Francine has managed and participated in several projects involving strategic, business and HR planning for several federal government departments and agencies including the Canada Border Services Agency, Defence Research and Development Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Canadian International Development Agency, the Department of Justice and Public Works and Government Services Canada. Prior to 2005, Francine held several senior positions in the Canada Revenue Agency.

October 15, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (ET)

Authentic Relationships and Time: Investment or Cost?

Language: Bilingual

In acknowledgment of Conflict Resolution Day 2009, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service, is hosting a dialogue exploring the crucial importance of developing harmonious and productive relationships in the work environment. In today's workplace, we often feel that we are being asked to do more with less and focus uniquely on the outcome of our work. How can we make authentic relationship building in the workplace a priority? Building authentic relationships must not be seen as a cost, but rather an investment in our business. Making time in our busy, demanding schedules to build and maintain relationships can bring us valuable returns on the investments we make in our workplace!

Speakers

Nicole Charron is founder of Coaching Training Charron-Poggioli Inc, holds two Bachelors of Arts Degrees, in Psychology and Education, and has completed a Masters in Project Management. She has completed her scholarship in a doctoral program in education. Nicole has over 25 years of experience in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In 2009, she was the first recipient of the Women Building Peace Award from the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative and the Civilian Peace Service Canada. She has been trained in Integral Coaching (New Ventures North) and in the CINERGY™ model of conflict coaching. She provides conflict coaching, trains, co-trains and mentors, under the auspices of CINERGY™ Coaching.

Lucie Allaire is President of L.A. Management Consulting. She has extensive experience as a Senior Executive in the Public Service of Canada in the field of Human Resources and Informal Conflict Management Systems. She designed and managed the Conflict Management programs at Department of National Defence and Revenue Canada. She is a trainer, facilitator and coach with international experience in Australia and Africa. She is currently lecturing in mediation and negotiation at St. Paul's University, Ottawa and is also engaged in providing HR consulting services.

October 20, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (PT)

Technological advancements have substantially changed our personal and professional lives. Rather than talk and visit, we now tweet and broadcast ourselves. These developments heighten our need for vigilance and discretion, particularly in our role as public service employees.

Do you use Social Networking websites such as Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter? Are you curious about the security issues that our use of the Internet raise? Do you want to know how you can protect yourself both personally and as a public servant?

Join us and Civilian Member Tom Ellis from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Vancouver Integrated Technological Crime Unit (VITCU) for a discussion on how the online world is currently being leveraged by the 'bad guys' who have the potential to scam, blackmail, and gain information about people, the organizations they work for, and their roles within them.

Speaker

Tom Ellis Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Vancouver Integrated Technological Crime Unit

October 28, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Transitions to a Sustainable Future: Opportunities for Transformational Change in Canada

Language: English

The Canada School of Public Service is pleased to present an Armchair Discussion in partnership with the Policy Research Initiative. The Policy Research Initiative conducts research in support of the Government of Canada's medium term agenda. Its core mandate is to advance research on emerging horizontal issues, and to ensure the effective transfer of acquired knowledge to policy-makers.

Governments around the world are wrestling with how to shape and lead major structural changes required to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over coming decades. Incremental changes to existing practices and policies are not enough to achieve real solutions. Governments and others are increasingly realising that transformational change is required.

Professors Jan Rotmans and Derk Loorbach from the Netherlands are leading scholars in the field of transition management - an approach to becoming a more sustainable society that is being applied in the Netherlands, Australia and elsewhere.

Transition management is as a new governance-model based on complex systems' thinking aimed at facilitating and directing processes of societal change in the direction of sustainability. It is a form of participatory governance in which envisioning, scenario-development, shared agenda-setting and experimenting are basic elements. The framework is developed in an iterative way; through constant interaction between theory development and practical application in diverse social settings.

This is your opportunity to learn about their innovative ideas and lessons learned from their practical experience.

Speakers

Jan Rotmans is a full professor in transitions and transition management at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. He is also the scientific director of Dutch Research Institute for Transitions. A member of the Supervisory Board of the Tyndall Institute in Norwich, UK, Prof. Rotmans is one of the founding fathers of integrated assessment and an expert in the field of integrated modelling, scenario analysis, indicator development as well as uncertainty analysis and uncertainty management. Recently, he has focused his research on the further development of the concepts of transitions and transition management. He is scientific director of the Dutch Network on System Innovations: Transitions to a Sustainable Society. He leads the European MATISSE-project that deals with the development of tools and methods for assessing sustainability in Europe.

Derk Loorbach started his professional career working as researcher for the International Centre for Integrative Studies (ICIS), Maastricht University. Within his research, he focuses on the development of transition management in theory and practice through his research and diverse consultancy projects in this area. The central theme in his research is the development of an integrated framework for structuring transition management activities and for organizing transition management processes. He is also the author of Transition Management: New Mode of Governance for Sustainable Development (2007).

October 29, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Employee Engagement: A Case Study

Language: English

In the current environment of Public Service Renewal and talent management initiatives, how would you engage your staff in designing solutions?

Discover how Wendy Ace and Sharon Parker, both Senior Advisors and certified Organizational Development (OD) practitioners, helped to engage hundreds of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) employees, representing all Branches in both Headquarters and the Field, in working together to create an "Excellence in People Management" Action Plan within a six-month timeframe. Their project illustrates the importance of going beyond simply communicating a new initiative to actually engaging employees in discovering and defining the possibilities of change.

This is your opportunity to listen to their experience and learn about their key challenges and findings in this very successful initiative.

Speakers :

Sharon Parker is a Senior Organizational Advisor in the Strategic Change Directorate at the Canada School of Public Service, since November 2005. The mandate of the Strategic Directorate is to support senior leaders in building the individual and collective capacity needed to exercise strategic leadership and manage transitions associated with major change initiatives.

Wendy Ace is a Senior Organizational Development Practitioner in the Strategic Change Directorate at the Canada School of Public Service. During her 25-year career in the federal Public Service, she has occupied various positions, notably in project management and communication. One of her most successful achievements since joining her current team in 2008 was to provide CIDA with advisory and project delivery support for a public service renewal initiative, including the design and implementation of an employee engagement strategy aimed at enhancing excellence in people management.

October 29, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Immigrant Voting Rights: Time for "Urban Citizenship"

Language: English

The Canada School's Armchair Discussion Program is pleased to welcome Myer Siemiatycki as a presenter in our partnership with Metropolis, an international network for comparative research and public policy development on migration, diversity, and immigrant integration in cities in Canada and around the world.

Immigrants are devoted to urban Canada - the vast majority of newcomers settle in our largest cities. In over three dozen countries around the world, non-citizen immigrants are accorded municipal voting rights as a means of promoting their civic integration. Canada, which is widely regarded as a leader in inclusive approaches to immigrant integration, provides no such rights. Across Canada's largest metropolitan areas, over a million foreign-born residents are denied municipal voting rights because they do not yet hold national citizenship. This presentation argues that Canadian democracy and immigrant integration would be strengthened by extending municipal voting rights to all permanent residents living in Canadian cities and towns.

Speaker

Myer Siemiatycki is a Professor of Politics at Ryerson University, where he served as Founding Director of the M.A. Program in Immigration and Settlement Studies. His research explores immigrant civic participation in Canada. He is co-editor of Electing a Diverse Canada: The Representation of Immigrants, Minorities, and Women, and has published on topics related to immigrant political participation, urban citizenship and transnationalism. Myer Siemiatycki comments widely in the media on immigration policy and urban affairs. An engaging lecturer, he has received teaching excellence recognition, and is a frequent public speaker.

November 5, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Coaching and Mentoring: the 80/20 Dance!

Language: Bilingual

Mentoring and coaching play highly supportive roles to those who wish to make a significant change within their professional or personal lives.

This session aims to clarify the distinction between the disciplines of mentoring and coaching and will give you an opportunity to discern and practice which role to play depending on the specific needs of a given situation.

Speakers:

Catherine Pagot-Reynolds, a certified professional coach, has been in the field of leadership development for 12 years, with 2 years experience as a professional coach. She currently works as a learning specialist for the Coaching Programs and Services unit at the Canada School of Public Service.

Suzanne Roy-Love has been working in the Public Service since 1983 where she spent 15 years in career development. In addition to being a Certified Professional Coach and providing one-on-one coaching, Suzanne is a professional and accomplished conference speaker. She currently works as a learning specialist in the Coaching Programs and Services unit at the Canada School of Public Service.

November 5, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

The Common Human Resources Business Process - Reducing Duplication & Making Government More Efficient

Language: Bilingual

In the federal Public Service, people are our greatest asset. Effective management of human resources is perhaps the best - if not only - way to achieve wide-spread efficiencies and improved service delivery across government, departments, and ultimately for managers and employees.

Driven by this need to make government more efficient, the Government of Canada's Common Human Resources Business Process (CHRBP) establishes a common approach to conducting human resources business in the Government of Canada. In accordance with applicable policies and legislation, it provides a common blueprint that departments can use to face constant challenges such as cost reduction, and delivery of more effective human resources. Led by the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (formerly Canada Public Service Agency), the CHRBP was developed by over 300 subject matter experts from more than 35 departments and agencies across Government.

Join Gilles Carpentier, and Leaders from departments currently leveraging the CHRBP in their own organizations to learn what the common human resource processes are all about, the benefits anticipated, and to learn about its place in public service human resources management in the future. Additionally, engage in a frank discussion on what is driving organizations to get involved and hear about their lessons-learned to date.

In the mean time, you may find out more about the Common Human Resources Business Process at http://chrbp-pocrh.tbs-sct.gc.ca (external link).

Speakers:

Gilles Carpentier, ADM, Governance, Planning and Policy, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer

Gina Rallis, ADM, Human Resources Services, Human Resources & Skills Development Canada

Marielle Doyon, Director General, Human Resources and Workplace Services Branch, Indian and Northern Affairs

Marie-Flore Baptiste, Director, HR Business Transformation Office, Department of National Defence (Human Resources - Civilian)

November 10, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (PT)

Planning for Fun! How to get what you want from your money...

Language: English

A discussion of income, outgo, and outcome in simple terms. This session will give you the tools you need to make the most of what you have and use your resources to accomplish your goals.

Participants will leave the discussion with a new sense of understanding and control of the factors which affect their income, savings and investments.

With a number of tools and an explanation of the tax system, Gillian will help you to understand how to plan for any event in your life without losing your sense of humour.

Gillian Manson has more than 30 years of experience advising individuals, corporations and foundations. She will walk you through the basics which you need to reach success in managing your finances.

You are invited to attend this Armchair Discussion on-site at 539A-1230 Government Street, Victoria BC, CSPS training room, by selecting "Register" below. (NOTE: webcast is not available)

Speaker:

Gillian J. Manson, DULE, CFP, FMA, CIM, FCSI
Investment Advisor

Work Experience

Gillian has more than 30 years experience advising individuals, corporations and foundations. She has a broad insight into the elements of the investment industry which matter most in any given situation.

Education

Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)
Canadian Investment Manager (CIM)
Financial Management Advisor (FMA)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Community Involvement

Gillian is very actively involved in the Victoria community. She has been Director of Community Service, Victoria Harbourside Rotary Club and is a Director with the Gorge Waterway Action Society. She has also served on the steering committee for Leadership Victoria and on the Intentional Interim Ministry Transition Team at St. Aidan's United Church.

November 12, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Administrative System Clustering - Past, Present and Future

Language: Bilingual

In an enterprise as decentralized as the Canadian government, clustering makes sense. Since the 1980s, departments and agencies have entered into formal and informal agreements to collaborate on the acquisition, development, maintenance and support of administrative systems. In 1996, the Shared Systems Initiative Aide Mémoire, approved by Treasury Board Ministers, formalized many of these collaborations into "administrative systems cluster groups".

This session will include a brief history of clustering, an update on today's reality and challenges, and a discussion of the possibilities for the future. This is a growing and ever-evolving area which requires that public servants have up-to-date knowledge.

Speakers :

Mark Perlman is the Director General, Shared Services Integration at Public Works and Government Services (PWGSC) responsible for enterprise-wide cluster co-ordination and development within government. In this capacity, he is responsible for managing 5 system clusters on behalf of 100 different departments and agencies representing over 250,000 employees using clustered HR, Finance and/or Materiel systems. In addition to this, Mark is responsible for managing the provision of human resources services to over 28 small departments and agencies. Prior to joining PWGSC, Mark spent over 20 years in progressively more responsible positions at several government departments and agencies in the areas of Finance, Administration, Real Property, Internal Audit, Policy and Information Systems. Mark has also served as past Chairperson of Management Board of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) cluster of departments as well as a member of the Government of Canada Human Resources Management Systems (GC HRMS) Board of Directors. Mark holds a Bachelor's degree from McMaster University and is a Certified Management Accountant.

Gerry Matthews has been a financial professional in the public service for 29 years. He has managed two clusters and participated in several cluster and ERP studies. He is a Principal Consultant in the Financial, Risk Management and Decision Support Services Practice of Government Consulting Services (PWGSC), the Government of Canada's in-house management consulting organization. Gerry holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University.

November 12, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Responsive Policy and Program Development with Gender-Based Analysis

Language: Bilingual

Based on Canada's domestic and international commitments, government organizations are required to use gender-based analysis to inform and guide the development of responsive policies and programs. This type of analysis assesses the differential impacts on women and men by considering their unique life situations - their different socio-economic realities. It recognizes that equal opportunity does not always mean equal results.

In Spring 2009, the Auditor General of Canada released a report that commented on the lack of a government-wide policy for gender-based analysis within the federal government of Canada. It also indicated that even when gender-based analysis was done, there was no evidence that the results had been incorporated into the programs or policies under development.

At Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, a gender-based analysis was completed as part of the development of the Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development. Join Line Paré and Marie-Elisabeth Lebrun from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada as they discuss they experience and lessons learned during this process.

Speakers :

Line Paré, Director General, External Relations and Gender Issues Branch, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Marie-Elisabeth Lebrun, Senior Policy Analyst, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

November 18, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Leadership Development: An Imperative

Language: French

In the last several years, much has been said in the media and elsewhere about a lack of leadership, due in large part to demographic conditions. Baby boomers are retiring and the upcoming generations are smaller in number. Moreover, succession planning has proven to be inadequate.

In this Discussion, Ms. Morissette will answer the following three questions:

What are the best ways to produce competent leaders?
How can Canada ensure that it will have a reliable pool of qualified leaders to choose from?
How can Canadian leadership be reinforced?

In order to create a large reserve of competent leaders, Canada needs to produce a critical mass of leaders instead of passively waiting for them to arise. This means that leadership development efforts need to be made, consciously and concertedly. Current initiatives are carried out in relative isolation, lacking integration and common goals.

Speaker :

A consultant, Ms. Morissette plays a leading role in the world of organizational development. Leadership is her area of expertise. Thanks to a variety of interventions, she is able to help leaders, organizations and communities reach their potential.

November 19, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Developing Effective Government of Canada Partnerships - Trends and Best Practices in 2009

Language: Bilingual

The Canada School of Public Service is pleased to present an Armchair Discussion in partnership with the Communications Community Office (CCO). The CCO is an interdepartmental initiative created by Directors General of Communications to promote professionalism and excellence in the community in order to help the government meet its objectives. The CCO supports communicators and facilitates the renewal of the communications community by increasing learning opportunities for federal communicators.

In response to increased demand for information on partnerships, the CCO, working with PartnerNet, and the Advertising Coordination and Partnerships Directorate at PWGSC, is offering this Armchair Discussion/CaféCOMM: Developing effective Government of Canada partnerships - Trends and best practices in 2009. PartnerNet is the Government of Canada community of practice for partnering and collaborative arrangements. With 350 members from 52 departments and agencies, its goal is to support continuous learning and information exchange for public servants. This session will provide an overview on how to incorporate partnering in communications as well as lessons learned from current and past partnerships.

The panel will consist of three members from PartnerNet. Doug Davidge, chair of the group, will moderate the panel and speak about partnering trends and best practices with examples from government departments and agencies. Also on hand will be Peter Levick from Library and Archives Canada and Amy Jarrette from Public Safety Canada. They will speak about their department's experience with partnership focussing on case studies.

This is your opportunity to learn about innovative ideas and lessons learned from their practical experience with partnerships.

Speakers :

Doug Davidge, Manager, Public Works and Government Services Canada

Peter Levick, Director General, Library and Archives Canada

Amy Jarrette, Manager, Marketing and Communications Outreach, Public Safety Canada

November 19, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Making Cultural Differences Work in the Workplace

Language: Bilingual

Conflict is experienced and conceptualized differently as a result of personal perceptions, attitudes and intercultural influences. How the cultural differences are interpreted - or misinterpreted - can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of your workforce. In this session, Brigitte Lapierre will present a framework for exploring the dynamics of intercultural differences and how to develop the competencies required to interpret cues through an intercultural lens. The tools and approaches presented by Ms. Lapierre will help you, and your team, maximize your intercultural workplace.

Speaker :

Brigitte Lapierre is a Senior Learning Advisor responsible for the Research and Development Unit at the Centre for Intercultural Learning (CIL). Her work has had intercultural dynamics as a main focus. She has worked and lived in various regions of Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean. Ms. Lapierre has worked extensively in the area of adult education; she designed and delivered workshops in the areas of Intercultural Effectiveness, Pre-Departure Orientation, Harassment Awareness, Diversity in the Workplace, Training the Trainers, and Re-entry for Canadians working overseas as well as Adaptation to Canada for newcomers.

November 23, 2009 | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (ET)

Leadership, Communication and Emotional Intelligence

Language: French

The Quebec Federal Public Servants' Youth Network is pleased to present its second Armchair discussion in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service in Québec.

Like it or not, the atmosphere of an organization has a major impact on performance. Communication is key to fostering the creation and maintenance of healthy collaboration, and promotes the well being of each individual. It is, therefore, an essential skill.

Language is generative. Learning communication and emotional intelligence fosters well-rounded people who have sound knowledge of themselves, as well as others. They are also able to effectively manage their emotions in difficult situations. They may well become leaders who feel better about themselves, establishing collaborative relationships within a satisfying environment.

This is your opportunity to listen to an expert and learn about emotional intelligence in the workplace.

Speaker :

With his energy and devotion, Farès Chmait has enabled a wide variety of companies to meet their business goals since 1986. Mr. Chmait is the founder of Impact-Pro, Post Master Practitioner in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and specialist in training and in learning.

Farès Chmait has shared the fruits of his experience with clients in 20 nations, working in four different languages. Practitioner to the core and firm believer in his methods, M. Chmait is the author of numerous publications, including Beyond Selling (1995), recognized as one of the best works on applying new communications techniques to selling. He is also author of Coupables de réussir (2002).

November 26, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Emerging Trends in Canada: 2006 Census Results Analysis

Language: Bilingual

The practice of taking a census dates back to the dawn of civilization. The methods employed in ancient censuses were rudimentary, and the goals were short-term. Today's censuses are more complex and thorough. They provides vital information that allows businesses, non-profit organizations, government and individuals to make informed decisions and develop appropriate policies to plan our future.

In 2006, the Canadian government published its census results online for the first time. It offered information on the Canadian population, immigration, language, ethnic origin, visible minorities, aboriginals, education and labour, providing a statistical portrait of Canada and its people.

In this presentation, Mr. Anil Arora, Assistant Chief Statistician responsible for Social, Health and Labour Statistics at Statistics Canada will highlight key findings of the 2006 Canadian Census and speak about the opportunities and challenges for future survey taking. As the manager of the 2006 Census, Canada's first e-Census, Mr. Arora led an innovative and major redesign of the Census program, placing Canada at the forefront of survey taking in the world. Discover how census results impact the public service and what they can mean to you as a public service manager.

Speaker :

Anil Arora is the Assistant Chief Statistician responsible for the Social, Health and Labour Statistics Branch at Statistics Canada. In addition to his responsibilities at Statistics Canada, Mr. Arora chairs and participates in a number of inter-departmental and corporate committees in the areas of Human Resource Management, Change Management and Employment Equity. He is active internationally, providing advice, papers and presentations to other statistical agencies and organizations on a broad range of statistical and human resource management issues. Mr. Arora is also the recipient of the 2009 Apex Award for leadership.

December 1, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Workplace Task Force: Initiative, Commitment and Passion

Language: Bilingual

In August 2008, the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Kevin Lynch asked Monique Collette, President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), to conduct a one-person task force on behalf of the Deputy Ministers' community. She was tasked with exploring ideas and practical approaches in three main areas which impact our workplace environment and our effectiveness in the Public Service of Canada. These areas include creating and promoting an effectively bilingual Public Service throughout Canada, improving lines of communication, and promoting diversity. During a series of consultations, she met with public servants from various departments and agencies in all regions of the country.

Join Monique Collette as she shares her conclusions and talks about examples of the initiative, commitment and passion that she discovered in the Public Service. Her insights will spark your interest in learning more about the practical approaches leaders at all levels are taking to create a Public Service that espouses the values of bilingualism, diversity and good communication.

Speaker :

Monique Collette began her public service career in 1974 with the Department of the Secretary of State in Moncton, New Brunswick. She went on to join the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency (ACOA), serving in several positions including Executive Assistant to the President, Corporate Secretary, Director General of Co-ordination, and Vice-President for Prince Edward Island. She later served in the position of Director General, Communications, with Human Resources Development Canada and then as Executive Director of the National Crime Prevention Centre with the Department of Justice. Ms. Collette continued her career in several positions at the Department of Justice, including Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services. She was appointed president of ACOA in May 2003.

December 1, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (PT)

Celebrating Linguistic Duality: Yukon's Language Act turns 20

Language: French

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Yukon's Language Act, the Canada School is pleased to welcome Jeanne Beaudoin, Communications and Policy Manager of the Government of Yukon's French Language Services Directorate. Ms. Beaudoin will lead a discussion outlining the complications and success of the Act.

The discussion will focus on the mandate and functions of the Language Act. She will begin by providing background information on Yukon's Language Act and its current legal and administrative status. She will address francophone rights and the responsibilities of Yukon government in relations to the law on languages and French services. Furthermore, Ms. Beaudoin will talk about upcoming projects from the French Language Services Directorate as well as the consultations with the Francoyukonnaise community.

Speaker :

Jeanne Beaudoin is the former President and Director General of the Francoyukonnaise Association. She has contributed to the development of a dynamic francophone community in Yukon and has played an important role in the implementation of the Yukon's Language Act.

December 3, 2009 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (ET)

A Day in the Life... Of a Second Generation Canadian Muslim Woman

Language: English

The Canada School's Armchair Discussion Program is pleased to welcome Salima Ebrahim as a presenter in our partnership with Metropolis (external link), an international network for comparative research and public policy development on migration, diversity, and immigrant integration in cities in Canada and around the world.

Identity, relationships and family dynamics, racism and discrimination, gender issues, and violence against women were five issues studied at great length in a year long journey to talk to hundreds of Canadian born Muslim women. Their stories were captured and published in a resource kit called "In My Own Skin", which garnered attention from governments and organizations in North America and Europe.

Salima Ebrahim, a national Board member with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, will present a candid view of some of the challenges facing Muslim women who are balancing their religious and Canadian identities. This discussion will also touch upon past studies of Canadian Muslim women and civic engagement, as well as stories of patriotism often overlooked in the media.

Speaker :

Salima Ebrahim is a national board member with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and a senior consultant with Deloitte's public sector practice. She completed a Masters of Science in Public Policy and Administration at the London School of Economics and Political Science and completed a fellowship at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, where she looked at the state of Muslim women in Canada.

December 10, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Leveraging Information Management Practices

Language: Bilingual

It is an increasingly challenging task to produce paper and electronic information tools to meet the demands of the Crown's litigation team as they respond to cases. Join François Matte and Edward Tompkins, Principal Consultants with Government Consulting Services (GCS), as they discuss their experience in developing approaches to support federal departments and agencies to respond to mass and class action litigation.They will share lessons learned and best practices developed while working with the Gomery Commission and five other major class actions and mass litigations faced by federal departments and agencies.The session will also share a roadmap for departments and agencies in the event they are required to respond to, or produce documents relating to, litigation and inquiries.

Speakers :

François Matte and Edward Tompkins are Principal Consultants with Government Consulting Services (GCS) at Public Works and Government Services Canada.

December 10, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (PT)

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games and Tourism in British Columbia: An Opportunity to Develop a Long-Term Industry

Language: French

In preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Canada School of Public Service has the privilege of welcoming René Digard, Business Services Manager and Project Manager in charge of the Olympic Games for the British Columbia Economic Development Society (BCEDS).

René will offer an overview of the current situation of the Canadian tourism industry. He will explain how the BCEDS fosters tourism growth in Canada in partnership with Western Economic Diversification, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Industry Canada, among others. Mr. Digard will more precisely address the tourism industry in the context of the Olympic Games. This will include opportunities, risks and forecasted economic fallouts. The presentation will also cover the involvement of the BCEDS in the Francophone Tourism Corridor for Western Canada, an initiative that allows tourists to "travel in French".

Speaker:

René Digard is the Business Services Manager and Project Manager in charge of the Olympic Games for the British Columbia Economic Development Society.

December 17, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)

Evolutions in the Field of Leadership Development: A Practitioner's Perspective

Language: Bilingual

Over the past 16 years, Michel Bourdon has been designing, facilitating and managing leadership development programs for federal Public Service executives. During these years, he has witnessed some fascinating changes and important paradigm shifts in how institutions support their managers. At this Armchair Discussion, Michel will share his thoughts on these evolutions and provide some of his views on what the future could hold for this activity.

Speaker :

Michel Bourdon holds a bachelor of arts (Honours) degree, with specialization in History, a master's degree in History and a Licence in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa. He is a member of the Bar of Québec. After practicing law briefly in Montréal, he joined in 1980 the Federal Public Service and worked with Energy, Mines and Resources (now Natural Resources Canada). In August 1993, he was appointed faculty member at CCMD, now known as CSPS. In 1996, he became the Director of the Executive Leadership (EL) Program, then the Leadership: Reflection and Action (LRA)

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Past Armchair Discussions – 2009