This award recognizes a manager or executive who is not a human resources (HR) professional but demonstrates and champions the knowledge and use of HR practices across their department and/or the public service. The individual must be a leader who plays a pivotal and strategic people management role in their organization and has a demonstrated track record of excellence in people management leadership.
Recipient
Fleur Gervais
Manager, Accessibility and Adaptive Technology Program
Canada Border Services Agency
Fleur is the Manager of the Accessibility and Adaptive Technology Program, which reduces barriers for employees with disabilities by providing adaptive technology and tools, ensuring that they are well equipped to work. Her role also includes managing the IT Competency Centre, which examines the agency’s technology and programs through an accessibility lens. As a champion for equity and inclusion, especially for individuals with disabilities, she has been instrumental to the success of her organization’s Accessibility Plan. Fleur consistently demonstrates exemplary human resources practices, both in managing her team and in leading accessibility initiatives. Her human-centric approach to client service has fostered a more empathetic and effective process for persons with disabilities.
Fleur’s leadership promotes an accessibility-by-default perspective. Under her guidance, her teams have achieved remarkable results with significant benefits for the agency. Notably, they have reduced the previous months-long wait time for individuals to access adaptive technologies down to less than two weeks.
Living by the values of inclusion, Fleur ensures her team is diverse and representative of the population it serves. Her team’s expertise is regularly sought after for their innovative approaches to accessibility and user-centric design. Fleur’s dedication to inclusion and accessibility continues to drive positive change within the agency.
“One of Fleur’s strengths lies in fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within her teams. She has cultivated a diverse and multidisciplinary environment, where team members with varying backgrounds and expertise have come together to achieve shared goals.”
Finalists
Meagan Larocque
Director, User Experience Optimization
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Meagan is the Director of User Experience Optimization (UXO) within the IT Operations Branch at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). She established this directorate to integrate accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion into IRCC’s digital service delivery. Under Meagan’s leadership, the UXO identifies and removes technological barriers, creating a comfortable and inclusive workplace for all employees. Her significant accomplishments include developing technological solutions that allow employees to voluntarily add pronouns to their Microsoft profiles in both official languages, in addition to enabling seamless name changes in work email addresses without disrupting access to essential digital platforms such as myKEY and PeopleSoft.
Since 2020, Meagan has served as a branch representative for the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee and the departmental lead for the Information and Communication Technologies priority area under the Accessible Canada Act. Her exceptional ability to build collaborative partnerships has been instrumental to her success. By working closely with key partners across IRCC, the Government of Canada and the private sector, Meagan ensures the integration of diverse perspectives and enhances the organization’s capacity to innovate and adapt.
Meagan’s brave leadership, strategic risk-taking and creative outlook have had a positive impact on her colleagues, her department and the greater public service.
“Meagan’s efforts have transformed the culture within IT Operations at IRCC, promoting a more accessible, diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. This transformation not only improves the day-to-day experiences of current employees, but also positions the organization as an attractive and forward-thinking employer for prospective talent.”
Amir Siddiqi
Director Client Executive, National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (DND-CAF) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Shared Services Canada
Amir is an exceptional manager whose leadership style demonstrates integrity, empathy and professionalism. His relentless dedication to nurturing team growth, actively listening to concerns and cultivating a culture of collaboration has propelled both his individual development and the organization’s success. Amir’s unwavering commitment to upholding values and ethics sets a standard of honesty and respect that inspires colleagues and clients alike.
Through his adept leadership, Amir has spearheaded initiatives to align partners with enterprise solutions, including Secure Cloud Enablement and Defence onboarding, cloud evolution, and Department of National Defence (DND) Digital Communications and Collaboration. These efforts have fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration. Additionally, his support for Priority Partner Transformation Projects, like the DND Search and Rescue Mission Management System and Veterans Affairs Canada Automation of Disability Benefits, showcases his dedication to driving impactful change. Amir’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing Shared Services Canada’s internal service evolution, such as the development of Client360 and the Common Services Data Model which have significantly enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Despite his numerous responsibilities, Amir is a model of professionalism and always ensures to exceed objectives. His contributions warrant acknowledgment and celebration, serving as a testament to his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to excellence.
“Through effective communication, collaborative problem solving and a genuine commitment to fostering a positive work culture, Amir cultivates an environment where individuals thrive and collective goals in people management are achieved.”
