This award recognizes a Head of HR who has made an exemplary contribution to their organization, people management and the public service.
Recipient
As Head of HR for TC for the past six years, and over the course of her 38-year career in HR within the federal public service, Tracey Sametz’s contribution has been nothing short of remarkable. Her thoughtful and intentional leadership approach to mobilize a shared vision is consistent in her interactions at all levels and is the foundation of her successful track record.
Under Tracey’s leadership, TC has established a Diversity and Inclusion Secretariat and has advanced tools and programs to support anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion and official languages. Her work with the PSC’s Joint Advisory Committee to deliver training on the recruitment of persons with disabilities resulted in educating staffing advisors to reduce barriers for recruitment of this equity-seeking group. In this same vein, Tracey implemented a Gender-Based Analysis Plus and mental health lens to advance equity in people management policies and tools.
Interdepartmentally, Tracey is active with the HR Council and leverages her network for the benefit of the greater public service. Tracey shared TC’s approach and tools to support the implementation of the vaccination policy, the exemption framework and the future of work file, which proved beneficial for the community and resulted in improved consistency across the organization. Perhaps most notably, Tracey’s authentic leadership style has changed the culture at TC for the better, inspiring excellence, trust and compassion. Her contribution will endure through those she has worked alongside for decades to come.
“Tracey’s accomplishments are irrefutable, but it is her warmth and compassion for people that truly characterize her leadership style and set her apart. Her unwavering commitment to her team and to her clients, driven by strong values and integrity, inspire excellence in a unique way that produces genuine value for those who have the privilege of working with her. As she prepares for a well-deserved retirement, she leaves a legacy of authentic leadership.”
Finalists
Maryse Lavigne
Director General, Human Resources and Workplace Services
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
In March 2020, Maryse Lavigne was appointed to the position of Director General, Human Resources and Workplace Services Branch. Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, she skillfully managed a seamless transition during a critical time for the public service, while simultaneously supporting an ongoing change management initiative for the dissolution of one department to create two new departments, CIRNAC and ISC. Despite increasing demands, Maryse continuously demonstrated that her colleagues could rely on her to navigate the unique HR issues of this dynamic environment.
Maryse dutifully supports the Deputies and their respective Assistant Deputy Ministers of each organization, both benefitting from shared HR services provided by her team. She is also dedicated to key departmental initiatives, including leading the Human Resources and Workplace Services Branch renewal initiative to foster service excellence that supports employee productivity and well-being. Her professionalism and commitment helped shape the organizational culture in numerous ways, ensuring that key federal public service values are woven into people management approaches. Considering the volume and complexity of her responsibilities, Maryse’s contributions reach well beyond what is typically expected of her role.
Maryse’s commitment to delivering exceptional service is consistently praised by departmental executives. As an exceptional and highly respected leader, she actively advocates for diversity and embodies the core values of the federal public service.
“Maryse’s dedication to the field of human resources is second to none; her positive energy is infectious; her commitment to a job well done is unrivalled; and, her dedication to the organization, people management and public service standards are exemplary.”
Nancy Sanders
Director General, Human Resources
Public Safety Canada (PS)
Throughout her impressive career of nearly 35 years, Nancy has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the field of HR. As the Head of HR for Public Safety Canada, she has exhibited exceptional leadership skills, effectively propelling the organization’s mission forward. Nancy’s practical leadership style involves engaging with all team members and maintaining a focus on swift and tangible progress. This approach has facilitated her success in navigating significant milestones, including handling previous strikes, implementing a cost-recovery model for pay shared services and effectively managing vaccination-related challenges.
Her unique qualities have allowed her to build a team of dedicated and knowledgeable HR professionals, significantly contributing to the department’s growth. Under Nancy’s guidance, the HR team has nearly doubled in size – a testament to her excellent management abilities. Additionally, she has introduced numerous initiatives that have proven highly beneficial to the department and has played a key role in enhancing the competencies of managers and executives through these endeavors.
Furthermore, Nancy’s contributions extend across the public service, where she has been a respected member of the PSC’s Joint Advisory Council since 2016. She is also actively involved in contributing to various projects within the public safety portfolio and collaborates with other Heads of HR through the HR Council.
“Building a healthy and respectful workplace where people seek to work at Public Safety has been a great achievement and she leaves the department with a mountain of accomplishments to cherish.”
