This award recognizes an individual who has worked in HR management and, through the course of their career, has made significant contributions to, or impacts on, the HR community. The Nominee does not need to be a supervisor or manager.
Recipient
Catherine Kennedy
Senior Human Resources Advisor , EX Classification
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Catherine has been working in HR at VAC for 25 years. She has extensive experience in both staffing and classification for executive (EX) and non-EX groups, often required to perform staffing and classification advisory roles at the same time for extended periods. She understands all applicable HR policies and procedures, navigating requirements through effectiveness and clear communication to clients so they understand their HR-related responsibilities.
Throughout the years, Catherine has supported the advancement of hundreds of files and HR activities across the department, particularly through her ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients at all levels. She also contributes to the classification function across the public service by participating in classification review committees and graciously providing guidance or advice to colleagues in other departments upon request. Over the past couple of years, she has been a key contributor in the evolution of VAC’s organizational structure, supporting senior management with the creation and implementation of two new branch structures and a new assistant deputy minister position.
While her years of experience alone would demonstrate the significant contributions she has made over the course of her career, it’s Catherine’s competencies and positive behaviours that make her irreplaceable. She treats everyone she encounters with kindness, thoughtfulness and respect, and is truly a joy to work with and to learn from.
“Catherine is diligent and thorough in her work and consistently demonstrates professionalism and dedication by ensuring clients are well supported and well informed in planning and decision-making regarding their organizational structure, classification of positions and workforce needs.”
Finalists
Joy M. Racine
Senior Director, Resourcing and Service Centre
Correctional Service Canada (CSC)
Over the past 12 years, Joy Racine has had a remarkable career in HR at CSC. She has held several senior management positions, with her most recent role being the Senior Director of the Resourcing and Service Centre. Throughout her tenure, Joy has made noteworthy contributions to the HR Community, taking the lead on important files such as employment equity, official languages and HR planning. Additionally, as Senior Director, she has overseen teams responsible for various areas, including staffing and recruitment, HR services, HR innovation and corporate staffing. As an example of her impact, Joy played a pivotal role during the initial stages of the pandemic by ensuring uninterrupted payment processes and the continuous recruitment of correctional officers and crucial front-line staff. Thanks to her exceptional leadership, her team efficiently processed over 9,700 applications, successfully filling 515 seats in the Correctional Training Program.
Joy is a well-respected executive at CSC who leads by example, sets high personal standards and maintains an incredibly strong work ethic. While she has high expectations of her team, she is also a motivational and compassionate leader who never asks for more than her team can reasonably deliver. Over the course of her career, Joy has brought out the best in all those around her.
“Her advice and strategic direction throughout the years have had a tremendous impact on HR, clients and employees throughout her career, and will have a lasting impact on the department’s human resources functions for years to come.”
