This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact in HR policy development, program management and/or service delivery related to promoting a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace. This award magnifies the leadership and hard work of the individuals who are influencing openness in our organizational culture, and who are promoting and enabling equity of opportunity through fairness and transparency.
Recipient
Ray Edwards
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector & Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Great leaders are not preachers, but teachers; they are role models and mentors; they earn trust and admiration through their actions; they behave in a way that is inspiring and motivating. Ray Edwards exemplifies these traits.
As ISED’s inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO), Ray’s thoughtful and authentic leadership has been paramount to creating an environment that enables a more diverse, safe, equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees, but particularly for underrepresented employees at ISED and across the federal public service. As the CDEIO, Ray has collaborated with the Clerk of the Privy Council on the Clerk’s Call to Action and has been the principal architect behind the organization’s Learning Centre, its equity assessments initiative and the department’s external Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Board – a unique model in the Government of Canada that provides the Deputy Ministers of ISED with diverse perspectives and best practices on EDI, as well as ongoing feedback on the department’s direction.
It’s often said that culture changes one person at a time. Ray has been the change agent driving a culture shift where all employees are heard and respected, and where differences are seen as strengths.
“As a genuine leader, he is well respected by all. His willingness to put off retirement and accept a leadership role to advance the department’s EDI functions is the latest example of his commitment to the public service and the public good.”
Finalists
Navtej Jassar
Senior Project Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Secretariat
Department of Justice (JUS)
Navtej Jassar is being recognized for her dedication and incredible efforts in incorporating equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation into departmental initiatives. As a Senior HR Advisor with more than a decade in the human resources field, Navtej has married both her vast HR knowledge and expertise with a strong commitment to equity and representation to provide unparalleled service to internal clients and stakeholders. Navtej has made immense contributions and impact in HR policy development, program management and service delivery.
At every opportunity, Navtej both promotes and advises on the application of an equity, anti-racism, inclusion and accessibility lens to management and stakeholders within JUS. She is a highly sought-after resource for advice on ensuring that staffing, training and career development strategies are effective and results-driven. Furthermore, Navtej’s efforts have had impacts outside the department and across the public service. For example, she collaborated with other departments on disaggregated data initiatives that have since been adopted by JUS and other federal departments and agencies.
“Much of the accomplishments attributed to the development and implementation of Justice’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Results Framework were accomplished through Navtej’s ability to bring clarity to HR processes and translate that knowledge into effective strategies within the organization.”
Cynthia Pye
Acting Director, Indigenous Affairs Secretariat-Operations
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
When Cynthia Pye joined the CBSA as a learning specialist in the Human Resources Branch, the Agency gained a valuable, committed leader and her team has been learning from her ever since. Cynthia is a proud Inuk from a small community of 90 residents in Lodge Bay, Labrador. She has been an integral part of the Agency’s efforts to take positive steps towards ensuring that Indigenous employees, in all branches and regions, have a psychologically and culturally safe workplace.
Additionally, her contributions in training and development ensure that frontline border services officers have all the tools and education required to greet Indigenous travellers and their goods with the respect and dignity they deserve. She recognizes that education is the key to reconciliation. The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, states, ”Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.” This is a mantra that Cynthia lives and leads by every day.
“For over a decade, Cynthia has empowered the voices of Indigenous people at the Agency through her tireless efforts at ensuring that appropriate and culturally competent protocols are applied throughout the development of Indigenous training.”
Notable Nominees
Marilyne Boulay
Manager, Accessibility, Accommodation and Disability Management Programs
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Marilyne played a crucial role in developing the Departmental Accessibility Plan and has been a valuable ally for the Employee Accessibility Network. She received recognition for her tireless work and commitment to delivering a high-quality Accessibility Program. Marilyne’s ability to collaborate with stakeholders has made her a respected figure in the federal public service’s Accessibility Community of Practice. Despite working alone, Marilyne remained determined to deliver an exceptional program. She is a highly dedicated and persevering individual who excels in the challenging field of accessibility. The organization relies on individuals like Marilyne to drive the Accessibility Program and provide support to people with disabilities.
Amy Labelle
EDI Business Analyst
Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
Amy Labelle is CSE’s Neurodiversity Affinity Group Lead, as well as an HR Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Analyst. Under her leadership, the Neurodiversity Group has grown to 60 dedicated and engaged employees, and Amy’s expertise and knowledge in this area is now sought out by other government departments and external organizations that are also seeking to develop programs to support those who identify as neurodiverse. Amy has created safe spaces for the neurodiverse community at CSE and she has been an effective liaison and advocate for necessary institutional change. She has also developed much-needed tools and resources for managers and leaders geared towards helping the organization create a more equitable space for all those who identify as neurodiverse. Privileged by the wealth of knowledge and passion for change that she brings to the Government of Canada’s effort to better serve and represent the neurodiverse community, CSE is extremely fortunate to have Amy as a member of its EDI HR team.
Ginette LeBlanc
Senior HR Advisor of OL, EE and HR Planning, Human Resources Branch
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Ginette’s reputation is unanimous: she is a model of integrity and respect. She consistently displays empathetic, supportive behaviour and a remarkable commitment to a culture of inclusion, making her an outstanding ambassador for social justice. Whether in her consultations with racialized and marginalized groups, as an ally in positive spaces, as a member of an Indigenous cultural awareness working group and various national networks, Ginette is a quiet force seeking opportunities to understand her colleagues’ challenges and actively contribute to the implementation of concrete solutions promoting a healthier, more inclusive and accessible work environment.
Michael Reid
Manager, Anti-Racism Task Force
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Since 2015, Michael has actively supported and empowered Indigenous employees, helping them realize their professional potential. He genuinely engages with Indigenous employees, discussing both individual challenges and systemic barriers. Michael courageously promotes the Government of Canada’s reconciliation priorities within the CFIA, recognizing the importance of fostering a learning journey for non-Indigenous employees as well. He consistently maintains a kind, non-judgmental and open-minded approach. Michael has played a key role in developing several Indigenous initiatives which have become integral to the CFIA’s operations for both internal Indigenous employees and the agency’s collaboration with Indigenous communities. Notably, he was one of the leads on the establishment of the CFIA’s first-ever Indigenous Liaison position.
