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December 2023

HR Council Newsletter

A Collective Voice, A Collective Purpose: HR Excellence

An image of the HR Council logo in gold, which depicts two faces carved into a maple leaf.

In This Edition

A Message From the HRC Executive Committee & Office

It is quickly becoming that time when we will say goodbye to another year and welcome in the new year, embracing the fresh opportunities and excitement it offers. We are confident that our community will continue to play an integral role in mapping the future of the public service and that each of us will be called upon to foster effective and sustainable change in people management for the benefit of all public servants. In pursuing these endeavours, we want you to know that you are not alone, and that our collective strength will only be amplified in our efforts to work together as a community.

We could not be prouder to know that the public service is in such exceptional hands of this amazing community, be it: fostering organizational diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; ensuring wellness and mental health supports for employees; building the public service of today and the future; and adapting and modernizing the human resources function. You have shown how to achieve results while leading with humanity, integrity and courage!

As always, there are far too many collective accomplishments this past year to list for our community, however, we hope that you take time over the coming weeks to reflect on all that you have achieved, both individually and within your teams during another amazing yet challenging year. Your contributions are recognized, appreciated and critical to the public service!

For some, this time of year can lend itself to increased stress, anxiety and fatigue, with multiple competing priorities and impacts in our personal and professional lives. May this serve as a gentle reminder to you all to prioritize your personal well-being, leverage available supports when needed, and take a well-deserved reprieve during this busy season to relax and reenergize.

2024 will provide us many more opportunities to connect and collaborate, to learn and develop, and to recognize and celebrate our successes together. With this, we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and restful holiday season!

The HRC Executive Committee

Darlène de Gravina, Renée de Bellefeuille, Vicki Cunliffe, Isabelle Desmartis, Kiran Hanspal, Bradley Harkness, Nancy Pike, Anne-Marie Ranger

The HRC Executive Office

Aaron Feniak, Stéphane Bélanger, Sébastien Boucher, Martine Dupiton, Lyne Landriault, Samantha Menard, Andrée-Michelle Reeves, Rebecca Schingh, Marie-Pierre Tarte, Ashley Weil

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HR Community Development Updates

HR Community Mentoring Contest

The Human Resources Council (HRC)’s Mentoring Draw is back! Enter now for a chance to be mentored by an HRC Executive Committee member.

With #MentoringMonth coming up in January, the HRC is pleased to announce the return of the popular HR Mentoring Draw! This month serves as a reminder for us all to rethink mentoring as being an integral part of our collective culture and to explore the different ways that mentoring can take place in our daily work.

This contest will be open from December 20th, 2023 to January 10th, 2024 to all members of the HR Community. Please complete the contest form for your chance to win before it closes on January 10th, 2024. Additional information regarding the draw is included below:

  • This contest is solely intended for members of the HR Community across the federal public service (i.e., HR professionals of all groups and levels).
  • Winning mentees will be assigned to mentors by the HR Council.
  • Mentoring sessions may take place either in-person or virtually, as agreed upon by the mentor and mentee.
  • Winners will receive up to three one-hour mentoring sessions with a leader of HR. Actual frequency and total duration of mentoring sessions may be adjusted based on mentor/mentee needs.

Registration Now Open! “helloHR” Speed Mentoring Event for the HR Community

Attention HR Professionals! Seize the opportunity to participate in the inaugural speed mentoring event for the HR Community!

In celebration of Mentoring Month coming up in January, the Human Resources Council (HRC) is hosting its first helloHR Speed Mentoring Event for the HR Community!

For both emerging and experienced HR professionals, this is a great chance to learn from leaders in your community, accelerate your professional development and expand your network. Additional information on this opportunity may be found below:

  • When? January 25, 2024.
  • Who? Human resources professionals of all groups and levels are invited to participate as mentees.
  • What? Small groups of mentees will meet with one mentor at a time for short, impactful sessions in virtual breakout rooms. Mentees will engage in three rounds of speed mentoring per session to ask questions and gain valuable insights from leaders and senior professionals in the HR Community across a broad range of organizations and areas of expertise.
  • Where? To encourage and accommodate regional participation, the sessions will be held virtually.

Register now to elevate your HR journey in 2024! Please note this event is limited to the first 100 participants to register for each session.

Additional information will be shared with participants prior to the sessions. If you have any questions, please reach out to the HR Council at HRCouncil/ConseilRH@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

COMING SOON! The HR Functions Handbook

Attention HR Professionals! Want to level up your knowledge of HR and take your skills to new heights? 

The HR Council Community Development team is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our latest job-aid for HR professionals: The HR Functions Handbook!

This job-aid will explore the different HR disciplines and how they are connected throughout the employee lifecycle. From talent management to workplace well-being, the HR Functions Handbook is packed with insights and practical examples that will enable you to work more efficiently and collaboratively with your colleagues in HR. 

Stay tuned in January for news on this tool via the helloHR Platform, where you’ll be able to explore the new Handbook in 3 easy steps:​​​​​​​

  • Step 1: Understand the bigger picture by navigating the HR Landscape
  • Step 2: Learn more about the individual areas of HR
  • Step 3: Apply your knowledge through practical scenarios

Are you an HR professional nearing retirement?
Or do you know of any former HR professionals who are looking to give back to the HR Community?

The HRC is establishing an inventory of former experienced HR professionals who are seeking various short-term roles, such as coaching or mentoring junior employees, managing special HR projects, providing subject matter expertise, facilitating training and/or undertaking HR administration.

Please share the exciting news with your networks! Those interested in participating this upcoming initiative are invited to get in touch with our team at: HRCouncil/ConseilRH@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

We would like to sincerely thank all those who have already expressed their interest and we look forward to sharing more information in the near future!

New Additions to the HR Learning Lounge and HR Resources Centre

Have you joined us on GCXchange?

The HRC GCXchange page is your go-to website to access a variety of useful resources to support and simplify your day-to-day work and development as an HR professional, including:

  • The HR Resources Centre, a one-stop-shop for legislation, policies, contacts, best practices, trends and tools related to the HR function; and
  • The HR Learning Lounge, where you will find suggested learning resources aligned with the HR competencies to support you in the development of your skills as an HR professional.

Don’t forget to save these jam-packed tools in your favourites!

To join the HRC GCXchange page for the HR Community, please follow these five steps. If you encounter any issues or have questions about GCXchange, please email support-soutien@gcx-gce.gc.ca.

Check out the latest additions to the Learning Lounge:

Check out the latest additions to the HR Resources Centre:

NEW! HR Job Board

This section of the HRC Newsletter will now promote the latest HR career opportunities posted on Career Marketplace.

For job seekers:

For hiring managers:

Take advantage of the Career Marketplace to quickly match your at-level mobility (i.e. micro-missions, assignments, deployments, etc.) and development (i.e. mentoring and job shadowing) opportunities with interested employees. A variety of resources and tutorials are available to guide you in promoting your opportunities on the Marketplace.

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Have Your Say

What You Said: October Survey

The HR Community Development team at the HRC wants to thank those of you who took the time to complete the recent survey on the HR Professional Development Needs!

We recognize that the HR function within the public service is quickly evolving and every aspect of our work is in constant movement. We want you to know that we heard YOU and that HR Community development is our top priority! We have also been engaging with the Heads of HR, HR Communities of Practice and central agencies to discuss common gaps and needs when it comes to better supporting the development our HR community and its people! These multi-level consultations will guide the establishment of key priorities, initiatives and next steps. Stay tuned for the survey results and the planned HR community development initiatives in the March edition of the HRC Newsletter.

December Survey: Staying Warm with Winter Activities

We asked our community about their winter activities to banish the cold weather blues. Here’s your winter bucket list of activity ideas to help cheer up this season!

Your Winter Bucket List

Indoor:

  • Play games (e.g., board games, cards, jack box, puzzles, or virtual group games like bingo or scattergories)
  • Make arts and crafts (e.g., crochet, watercolours, pottery, drawing, paint by number, sewing, knitting, painting, scrapbooking)
  • Watch movies & TV shows (e.g., Netflix, retro movies, hallmark holiday movies)
  • Have a family PJ day with fun snacks (e.g., pizza, popcorn and candies)
  • Decorate for the season with candles, bright winter colors and cozy blankets and cushions
  • Visit the museum
  • Read a book
  • Write in a journal
  • Go to a concert
  • Visit a café
  • Dance around the house to lively music
  • Relax by the fireplace
  • Enjoy a warm drink (e.g., hot coco, mulled cider and herbal tea)
  • Bake cookies (e.g., recreate TikTok recipes)

Outdoor:

  • Play in the snow (e.g., build a snowman, make a fort or snow angel, or have a snowball fight)
  • Take daily walks
  • Go to Winterlude to enjoy ice carvings and beavertails
  • Visit an outdoor brunch café
  • Enjoy winter sports (e.g., downhill skiing, cross-country skiing by headlamp, snowboarding, hiking, tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice staking, ice fishing, snowmobiling)
  • Have a bonfire

Social:

  • Host a party (e.g., a holiday re-gifting party, left-over potluck, ugly Christmas sweaters, music and dance marathon)
  • Meet for brunch
  • Rent a cottage
  • Plan dinner dates (e.g. fondue, raclette, dinner by the fireplace)
  • Make special beverages (e.g., fancy cocktails, holiday punch for kids)
  • Visit a senior residence centre (e.g., make candy grams for Valentine’s Day)

Travel:

  • Plan a trip down south to break up the winter
  • Organize a getaway out of town

Other Self-Care Activities:

  • Go to the spa
  • Get a massage or facial
  • Take a long warm bath
  • Mediate
  • Attend regular counselling sessions
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January is Mentoring Month!

The HR Council Executive Office was thrilled to collaborate with the GC Mentorship Community of Practice, which generously contributed the valuable mentorship articles and resources showcased in this edition of our newsletter. Dive into the exciting details of their work below!

Every January, Canada celebrates the dedicated mentors whose wisdom, guidance and positive examples set our people and employees on the right path to help prepare them to succeed in their lives and in their careers. Read on to learn more about #MentoringMonth.

The GC Mentorship Community of Practice (CoP) is a place for individuals to connect with others working on mentoring files across the government of Canada (GC) to collaborate, share effective practices and discuss common issues.

  • All employees from across the GC who are actively working on mentorship programs or are embarking on mentoring initiatives are encouraged to become a member of the CoP.
  • We chair monthly meetings for those working on mentoring files and support collaboration for the creation of baseline materials and templates.
  • We manage the GC Mentor GC webpages, with the intent of facilitating cross-GC mentoring, amplifying initiatives and offering a space for employees to crowd-source mentoring-related requests and questions.
  • We develop adaptable templates and materials, while also exploring possible digital solutions to streamline the administration of mentoring programs and events, to thus enable others to effectively tailor and manage organizational programs in accordance with the needs of their specific audiences.

PLEASE NOTE: This group is not a replacement for Mentorship Plus, nor does it seek to implement a one-size-fits-all standardized approach to mentoring; its objective is to support innovation and best practices in mentoring by disseminating information and resources for the benefit of all organizations.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list for the Mentorship CoP, please reach out to Justine Reynolds and/or Emily Smith.

Why is Mentoring Important?

  • Building community – Mentorship provides an opportunity for intergenerational, cross-functional or inter-level relationships. The mentoring relationship can create new connections among folks who may not have met or interacted otherwise, especially in a hybrid work environment.
  • Knowledge sharing – Both the mentor and the mentee have knowledge to share with one another, whether it be operational about the broader way government works, or a pulse on the attitudes and priorities of newer public servants. You don’t always know what you don’t know, and mentoring relationships provide a safe space to have honest conversations, to learn more about working in the federal public service in addition to navigating your career path.
  • Learning new perspectives – Mentorship is a two-way relationship, and each partner brings their own unique perspectives and experiences to the conversation. Mentorship is a tool that can help folks overcome and identify barriers in the workplace and allows them to hold space to challenge the status quo at the individual level.

How can you participate?

  • Educate and engage — Use internal platforms to raise awareness about the benefits of mentoring. Host and/or participate in webinars, workshops and events throughout January.
  • Celebrate existing mentorships — Acknowledge and appreciate existing mentor-mentee pairs within your organization. Share their success stories to inspire others.
  • Don’t forget to participate in our Speed Mentoring Sessions as part of this year’s Annual Career Boot Camp 2024! The Federal Youth Network in partnership with GC Mentor GC will be hosting three speed mentoring sessions in the month of January.
    • January 24th from 12:00 – 1:30 and 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EST
    • January 31st from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. EST

Resources: 1, 2, 3 (available in English only).

Mentorship Resources from the GC Mentorship CoP

Inventory of GC Mentorship Programs

GC Mentor GC is trying to build an inventory of mentorship programs and platforms within the GC to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. We will be using the information to populate our Inventory page on our GCwiki and GCXchange. We would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete this form to help us gather information.

Lifting as you Lead Mentorship Circles Program

The Future is Diverse, Psychologically Safer and Inclusive

Be the Change! Apply now to join the 2024 Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program. LLMC is the largest group mentoring circles program available to all Government of Canada and Canadian Armed Forces members. Over 1600 participants have completed the program from over 40 departments across Canada and internationally. We invite you to join us for Cohort #4, starting in September 2024.

The LLMC program is an initiative grounded in the 2020/2021 Deputy Minister Commitments on Diversity and Inclusion and strives to build on the Clerk’s Call to Action to better support leadership development toward addressing anti-racism, equity, and inclusion in the federal public service. Through this lens, the LLMC program provides you with an innovative space and opportunity to actively partake in making your workplace inclusive.

This unique program provides a platform for members to network with colleagues and leadership across the federal public service while developing interpersonal skills, learning about key inclusive leadership strategies and cultural competencies, and finding career-building opportunities. Inclusion means everyone, and we invite you to express your interest in participating in the 4th cohort of the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program by filling out this form below. A more detailed application will be sent to you in the Spring 2024.

  • Expression of interest – English
  • Expression of interest – French

LLMC is brought to you by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence:

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Official Languages: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know

Modernization of the Official Languages Act

Did you know the new Official Languages Act was enacted on June 20, 2023? The modernized Act:

  • includes improvements designed to meet the challenges facing the French language in North America and the challenges facing official language minority communities
  • aims to enable the Government of Canada to establish a new balance in its linguistic framework

The key changes are as follows.

Part IV: Communications with and Services to the Public

The Act:

  • clarifies the existing duties of federal institutions with respect to communications with and services to the travelling public (for example, in an airport setting)
  • adds clarifications for identifying when services provided by a third party are deemed to be provided on behalf of a federal institution

Part V: Language of Work

Bilingual leadership in the public service is strengthened by the new Act by requiring that persons appointed to deputy minister or associate deputy minister positions, or positions of equivalent rank in a department named in Schedule I to the Financial Administration Act, take language training to “be able to speak and understand clearly both official languages.” 

In addition, in designated bilingual regions, employees now have the right to be supervised in the official language of their choice, regardless of the linguistic profile of their position. This new provision will come into force on the second anniversary of royal assent (in June 2025) to allow for a transition period.

Part VII: Advancement of Equality of Status and Use of English and French

The new Act reinforces the duties of federal institutions to take positive measures to advance the equality of status and use of English and French in Canada. More specifically:

  • The Official Languages Act now lists the requirements that federal institutions must meet in conducting dialogue and consultation activities with official language minority communities in the lead-up to positive measures.
  • Federal institutions:
  • must now take the necessary measures to promote the inclusion of language clauses in agreements with the provinces and territories
  • have a duty to make the agreements public
  • When developing a disposal strategy for surplus federal real property (outside Quebec) or a surplus federal immovables (in Quebec), departments must now consider the needs and priorities of the English or French linguistic minority in the province or territory where the federal real property or immovable is located.

The Act has also given the President of Treasury Board a new leadership role. The President is responsible for:

  • coordinating the implementation of the act
  • ensuring its good governance

The Treasury Board’s authorities have also been expanded and strengthened. Among its new duties, Treasury Board will now be required to:

  • monitor and audit federal institutions for their compliance with official languages policies, directives and regulations
  • evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of federal institutions’ official languages policies and programs

The Act also:

  • updates the role of the Minister of Canadian Heritage to develop and maintain a government-wide strategy that sets out overall official languages priorities
  • expands the powers of the Commissioner of Official Languages, who now has additional tools to ensure compliance with the Act (see the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada’s website)

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Canadian Heritage have recently offered presentations on the new act to your institution’s Official Languages Champion and person responsible for official languages. We invite you to connect with them for further information on the modernized Official Languages Act and its implications for federal institutions.

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HR Community Managers’ Corner

This section of the HRC Newsletter highlights training, tools, best practices and practical advice for managers (including supervisors and team leads) in the HR function.

Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport: Supporting your Employees

As a manager, you play an essential role in managing your employees’ work environment. It’s your responsibility to set the tone for a positive work culture. One of your legal responsibilities is to provide workplace accommodations, while creating a supportive environment where each of your employees feel valued and equipped to perform at their best.

The Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport (the Passport) gives you the information you need to address potential workplace barriers, implement solutions and create the optimal conditions for employee success. This tool was developed to help federal public service employees get the tools, support and accommodations they need to perform at their best and succeed at work. It facilitates the recruitment, retention and career advancement of persons with disabilities.

To learn more about the Passport, take a look at the following three videos created by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) and the Public Service Accessibility Office:

As the first video explains, the first question you should be asking as a manager, to each and every one of your employees, is very simple: “What can I do as a manager to support you and empower you to succeed in your job?”. Take advantage of the many resources at your disposal, and don’t be afraid to have these conversations with your employees. It’s a win-win situation!

Additional Resources:

Visit the HR Learning Lounge for a variety of learning products related to Accessibility.

Don’t Miss Out! Secure Top PE-01 Talent by December 31st

Looking for an efficient recruitment option to staff your entry-level HR advisor positions with skilled professionals across all disciplines? Look no further!

The fully assessed pool of exceptional PE-01 candidates will close its doors at the end of December. Hiring from this pool will enable you to tap into a diverse group of skilled candidates who are equipped with the necessary competencies and keen interest to contribute to the success of your HR teams.

  • All candidates have successfully passed the Remote HR Consultant Simulation, the Public Service Entrance Exam and an assessment of written communication;
  • Most are bilingual and have self-identified as a member of one, or more, of the employment equity groups; and
  • They reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.

Time is running out to take advantage of this convenient opportunity to leverage the fresh perspectives of the next generation of HR professionals before December 31st, 2023. (Please note: Managers who submit a request before the closing date can continue to complete their staffing process and hire candidates from the pool. Therefore, candidates referred prior to December 31 may be contacted directly by hiring organizations.)

If you have any questions about this pool, please contact cfp.rp-psr.psc@canada.ca.

Empowering Indigenous Success: Enroll Your Students in the Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity!

Do you know any Indigenous students hired by the public service?

The Indigenous Centre of Expertise of the Public Service Commission of Canada invites you to assist the students to register to the Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity (ISEO), a support program for students who identify as Indigenous and are currently employed by the Government of Canada.

Registration can be done by the student, their manager or an HR specialist. To register the student for the program, please fill out the form by following this link. Don’t delay! There are events scheduled for winter 2024. Once the registration is complete, the Indigenous Centre of Expertise will email students with information about the resources available to them, including events and the mentorship program.

Contact Indigenous Centre of Expertise if you have any questions about the program!

Workshop on Staffing Irregularities for Managers

This workshop aims at offering to any person involved in an appointment process an overview of the investigations process and of the most frequent staffing irregularities such as errors, cheating, fraud and favouritism. Participants will explore ways to prevent these irregularities and to detect them when they occur, as well as their role and responsibilities on the subject. It is preferable to have attended training in staffing or participated in an appointment process, for example as an assessment board member.

Target Audience: hiring managers, sub-delegated managers and any person involved in an appointment process.

  • January 16 | French | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Register
  • January 17 | English |1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Register
  • February 6 | English | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Register
  • February 7 | French | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Register

Are you connected with the National Managers’ Community (NMC)?

The NMC is a federal horizontal network that seeks to amplify the voice and support the more than 40,000 managers who deliver thousands of government programs and services, oversee human resources management and report to senior management on value to Canadians. 

Check out the upcoming NMC events to add to your calendar.

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Sign up for the NMC News!

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Community of Practice Spotlight

Did you know that there are now 20+ communities of practice (CoPs) established across the various HR disciplines to facilitate collaboration towards a common goal of excellence in people management?

Check out the incredible work of this edition’s featured CoP below!

Interdepartmental Network on Values and Ethics

The Interdepartmental Network on Values and Ethics (INVE) is a collaborative forum for values and ethics practitioners, whose work supports the application of the Values and Ethics Code and the Directive on Conflict of Interest, from a range of federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations.  It acts as a hub for the dissemination of information from the core and facilitates discussions about current issues and trends related to values and ethics in the public sector. The Integrity and Ethics Policy Centre in the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO) is the secretariat for this network, with a focus on engaging with practitioners to share best practices with the objective of building a competent, connected and strategic community.

Values and ethics practitioners support all employees, in all roles and at all levels, to address ethical questions and conflict of interest declarations promptly and constructively in a safe and accessible environment. They also promote ethical leadership to reinforce a positive ethical culture and support ethical decision-making throughout the public sector.

By providing a regular opportunity to exchange with others in the community, the INVE is a place where members can discuss mutual issues of concern and exchange ways of managing the values and ethics situations they encounter in their practice. The INVE also helps practitioners find ways to promote and integrate the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector as living principles, practiced every day by employees in the workplace and reflected in the work they do for Canadians.

The INVE convenes monthly and meetings are co-chaired by the Treasury Board Secretariat and one other department/agency on a rotational basis. You may send any inquiries to the Integrity inbox at: Integrity-integrite@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

Interested in learning more?

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Did You Know?

Take Care of Your Mental Health This Winter

  • The new 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will offer 24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate support through trained responders. Together, we can raise awareness of this new service that makes it simple for people to access the help they need, when they need it the most.  

In case you missed it…

  • The Public Service Pride Network released its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing a year of dedicated efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and equality for 2SLGBTQIA+ federal employees.
  • The results of the 2022/2023 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) are now available for communities represented within the survey providing a visual snapshot of their unique workplace experience.
  • The results of the 2023 Student Experience Survey (SES), a public service-wide, summer experience survey aimed at all student employees, are now available.
  • In collaboration with departments and agencies, the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer’s Digital Solutions team has been exploring the challenges facing the HR systems landscape. This includes imagining what a great future could look like through the eyes of employees and how it will contribute to decisions on current and future HR systems investments. Join the Digital Solutions team on this evolving Employee Experience journey as they share insights and findings. Explore the Employee Experience Initiative on GCxchange and join our community today!
  • Do you want to make it easier for people to submit information online? Using GC Forms, you can create secure, accessible and bilingual forms yourself; no coding required. Sign up for a GC Forms demo (held bi-weekly) to learn about this product!
  • Updated guidance on the use of “Time off for personal medical and dental appointments” (leave code 698) for the purposes of vaccination is now available.
  • On November 9th, Treasury Board President, Anita Anand, tabled the annual Departmental Results Reports (DRR). These reports measure progress towards objectives set in annual Departmental Plans and give Canadians a view of the results achieved by Government of Canada organizations and how resources were used to achieve those results. To dig further into the numbers, you can also explore the DRRs through interactive data visualizations on GC InfoBase.
  • Changes to the administration procedures for the Second Language Evaluation – Oral Language Assessment have been implemented and tests are now administered with the camera on. Please consult the website for important information for test takers, managers, and human resources specialists.

Level up Your Digital Competencies

Busrides is a product of the CSPS Digital Academy, and a destination created to deepen your understanding of everything digital and government.

Check out their latest article: Working with Artificial Intelligence Series: Memos in Minutes.

An image of colleagues working together at a desk.

Virtual Course: Using Generative AI in the Government of Canada

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer many potential benefits to the Government of Canada. This course complements the government’s recent Guide on the use of Generative AI by explaining the primary considerations when using generative AI tools, including the importance of using inclusive language, commands and prompts. Participants will build the essential skills needed to make the most of this transformative technology by learning from specialists already working in this area.

  • French: December 19, 2023 | Virtual | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET) & March 06, 2024 | Virtual | 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (ET)
  • English: January 24, 2024 | Virtual | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET)

Virtual Course: Discover Digital for Executives (DDN204)

This course introduces public service executives to the GC Digital Standards and examines the impact of new and emerging approaches to doing business in a digital economy. 

  • January 22, 2024 | Virtual | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET) | English
  • February 29, 2024 | Virtual | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET) | English
  • March 14, 2024 | Virtual | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET) | French

GC Data Conference 2024: February 21-22

The annual GC Data Conference, now in its eighth year, is the primary forum for public servants and data leaders to increase awareness, share knowledge, and advance data applications across the Government of Canada. With the theme of “From Insight to Foresight,” the GC Data Conference 2024 will explore issues and opportunities related to the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data and process automation, and applying human-centred principles to data activities. This event is delivered through a partnership with Transport Canada and the Canada School of Public Service, with the subject-matter support and expertise of the GC Data Community.

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What’s Upcoming?

New Title! Government of Canada HR Excellence Awards

In November, the HRC Executive Office initiated a collaborative process with the HR Community to rename the Michelle C. Comeau HR Leadership Awards in order to remain current while representing the voices of our full and diverse HR community.

We are delighted to announce that the HR Community has decisively chosen the title “HR Excellence Awards” for these prestigious awards. This carefully selected name resonates authentically with the collective spirit of excellence and unity that defines our professional network. The HR community also underlined the importance of recognizing our administrative support members that are critical to HR service delivery and program management. This is why a new award category will be added this year to recognize dedicated HR administrative support employees within our community. This new award, combined with existing awards, will not only highlight the importance of every individual’s contribution to our shared success but also pays tribute to the diverse talents and efforts that are the foundation of our community.

We are excited about this evolution and the opportunity it presents to celebrate the collective achievements and dedication of our entire HR community. We are confident that the HR Excellence Awards will continue to play a pivotal role in underscoring the essential contribution of HR in shaping the future of work and fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful environment that supports the growth and well-being of all government employees.

Stay tuned for the 2023 HR Excellence Awards Call for Nominations in early 2024!

Events of Interest for the HR Community

LearnX 2024: Future-Focused Learning and Development

The Canada School of Public Service and the Heads of Learning Forum (HOLF) are proud to host LearnX 2024: Future Focused Learning and Development. This annual conference is the only professional development event for performance and learning professionals in the public service. Every year, LearnX brings together the brightest and best minds in learning and development to deliver relevant and practical sessions. Register now!

  • Date and time: January 9, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET)
  • Language: English, with interpretation in French
  • Location: This event will be delivered virtually
  • Audience: All public servants at all levels

New date! Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality: Exploring Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice

This event features Susan Markham, co-author of Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and in Practice, who will discuss how governments have implemented feminist foreign, development and trade policies at the multilateral and national levels.
January 10, 2024 | 45 minutes | Webcast

January 16 – 25: Career Boot Camp 2024

  • Location: Virtual (Attend from anywhere!)
  • Cost: FREE

Career Boot Camp is 4 weeks away! Did you register yet? You’ll gain advice from experts in the GC and you’ll have access to a brand new way to network on the Zoom Events platform. Hosted by the Federal Youth Network (FYN), Career Boot Camp 2024 is your gateway to unlocking the secrets of building a successful career in the federal public service.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to supercharge your trajectory, this virtual conference promises to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and connections you need.

  • Uncover the Path to Indeterminacy: Discover the keys to becoming indeterminate and navigating the federal public service landscape with confidence.
  • Master Social Media for Job Hunting: Learn how to leverage the power of social media to stand out in your job search and connect with opportunities you never knew existed.
  • Transform Disappointments into Learning Experiences: Turn setbacks into stepping stones by reframing disappointments as valuable lessons that propel your growth.
  • Engage Effectively with Diverse Audiences: Gain practical strategies to establish credibility, connect with diverse audiences, and excel in your interactions.
  • Digital Skills for Your Growth: Get recommendations on how to learn and develop essential digital skills that will accelerate your professional journey.
  • Leverage Video Recruiting Platforms: Uncover the art of showcasing your skills through video recruiting platforms, giving you a competitive edge in landing your dream job.

Register now! (If the registration link does not work, try opening it on a personal device.)

Workshop on Staffing Irregularities for Human Resources

This awareness session aims at helping human resources professionals prevent and detect the most frequent staffing irregularities, such as cheating, favouritism and fraud. Participants will explore the main indicators of staffing irregularities as well as their role and responsibilities when an irregularity has been detected in an appointment process.

  • French: January 23, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.| Register
  • English: January 24, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Register

Beyond the Assessment: Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series

Learn how to create safer workplaces with the free webinar series from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Learn practical ways to develop workplace mental health and safety programs, address risks, hold meaningful conversations, and the intersectionality of mental health and inclusion, diversity, and equity. Although presented as a series, you can attend each webinar individually without attending the previous.

GC Accessibility Training and Events

The Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology program at Shared Services Canada will be hosting several workshops on accessibility through March 2024. For more information, please visit the GC Accessibility Training and Events page. 

Important and Commemorative Dates

January

February

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Contact Us

Do you have any HR-related questions, news or initiatives that you would like to share in the next HRC Newsletter? We always love hearing from the community!

Get in touch with our team at: HRCouncil/ConseilRH@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

Don’t forget to follow the HRC on GCXchange for the latest updates!

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