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June 2024

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The Human Resources Council (HRC) stands as the cornerstone of the federal public service’s HR profession, dedicated to fostering excellence and collaboration among HR leaders and professionals of all levels. As the functional community office for HR, we provide key support to heads of HR and practitioners alike. Through frequent meetings, events and SmartShops, we facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing and professional development opportunities. Our overarching goal is to empower the HR Community for success by equipping leaders with strategic support and driving the continuous growth of the HR profession. At the HRC, we are committed to advancing the collective expertise and impact of HR across the Government of Canada, ensuring its vital role in shaping the future of public service.

In This Edition:

Happy National Public Service Week!

In celebration of National Public Service Week (NPSW), the HRC Executive Office extends its heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our talented HR Community members. Through your passion for people and commitment to service excellence, we are continually inspired by how HR professionals embody the values and ethics of the Canadian public service. We thank you for upholding these standards with unwavering integrity on a daily basis.

To our heads of HR, we recognize and appreciate the positive leadership and strategic vision you demonstrate everyday. Thanks to your determination and collaborative spirit, we continue to make significant strides in our collective success, creating a vibrant community where individuals want to work and make a meaningful impact in the public service.

We hope you take pride in your individual and collective achievements, as we do, and take advantage of NPSW to celebrate your countless contributions with your colleagues. While prioritizing self-care and well-being is always important, summer serves as a great reminder to do so. Take some well-deserved time to recharge, reconnect with your pastimes and spend time with loved ones over the coming months.

Happy National Public Service Week!

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HR Community Development Updates

The HR Council has recently stepped up its professional development activities to better meet the evolving needs of HR professionals. 

Since the last newsletter, we are proud to announce the launch of the following initiatives:

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HR Functions Handbook

The HR Functions Handbook explores the different HR disciplines and how they are connected throughout the employee lifecycle.

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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. Access this tool via the helloHR Platform, where you’ll be able to explore the 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

Experienced Former HR Professional Inventory

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The Experienced Former HR Professional Inventory is now available to support short-term hiring needs of organizations across the public service! Are you looking for ways to strengthen the skills of your HR team, solve complex people management issues and achieve your business objectives more effectively? Consider tapping into the expertise of retired HR professionals who bring deep knowledge of their field, flexibility and a desire to stay involved in their community!

 Visit the HR Council’s GCXchange page to explore the inventory in 3 simple steps: 

  1. Review anonymous profiles to find retired HR experts who match your opportunity across six role types: 
    • Advisory support to senior management 
    • Community-building and horizontal projects 
    • HR administrative support 
    • Coaching and mentoring 
    • Workshop and training facilitation 
    • HR subject matter expertise 

2. Submit a referral request by e-mail to the HR Council and include the reference numbers of the profiles you’re interested in. Once we receive your request, we’ll provide you with their contact information. 

3. Work with your HR advisor to engage with HR retirees and follow your organization’s staffing process. 

Are you an HR professional nearing retirement, or do you know any former HR professionals who are looking to give back to the HR community? The inventory remains open for applicants to submit their profiles and it will be updated on a regular basis. Apply today!

Data Literacy SmartShop Recordings

Want to improve your data literacy knowledge and skills? Consult the following Smartshops to find out more: 

Data Analysis 101 — This SmartShop, organized in partnership with Statistics Canada, aimed to familiarize HR professionals with six key steps in the data analysis process, focusing on planning the analysis, the analysis itself, and finally, the dissemination of results.

Exploring People Management Data — This SmartShop, organized in partnership with the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO) and the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC), aimed to highlight the various people management data sources available to the entire HR community.

New Additions to the Learning Lounge and HR Resource Centre

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The HR Resources Centre: a one-stop-shop for legislation, policies, contacts, best practices, trends and tools related to the HR function.

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.

Check out the latest additions to the HR Resources Centre:

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Labour Relations and Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety

Check out the latest additions to the Learning Lounge:

Register for the HR Council’s GCXchange Site

The HR Council needs your help to reach an ambitious goal: to grow from 1,600 to 10,000 members on our GCXchange site by March 31, 2025.  If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to register by following these five steps to access valuable resources for your professional development and to support you in your day-to-day work. If you have already registered, we sincerely thank you.

Professional development is essential in today’s ever-changing world. We encourage you to talk about our site with your colleagues, and to invite those who are not members to sign up to our platform dedicated to their development. Recommending our site to colleagues is a great way to contribute to their professional success, especially during National Public Service Week.

In our next newsletter, we’ll keep you informed of our progress, and we’re confident that our collective efforts will prove to be successful.

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Summer Professional Development

An image of a camera, hat, starfish and palm fronds with the caption: Heat up your career with professional development this summer!

As the temperatures rise, so does the opportunity to invest in your professional growth. Take advantage of the longer days to enhance your HR expertise and broaden cultural competencies, while also remembering to prioritize your personal well-being and celebrate both personal and team achievements.

A Summer Vacay to Disconnect from Work

This summer, we challenge you to completely unplug from work during your vacation. As leaders and employees, we can demonstrate this healthy behaviour and help others do the same.

How can you truly disconnect? Here are some helpful tips for taking time off with peace of mind. 

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Before you leave:

  • Practice shifting out of “work mode” a little each day before your vacation;
  • Set boundaries around being contacted while you’re away;
  • Block “catch-up time” in your calendar for the day of your return;
  • Draft a post-vacation to-do list and distribute tasks in a way that allows you to take the first few days back at a gradual pace;
  • Consider taking an extra day off to shorten your week back to work, if possible;
  • Clean up your inbox (consult tips to master your inbox);
  • Update your favourites and GCXchange pages;
  • Email clients and key stakeholders before your vacation;
  • Bring everyone up to speed on key files;
  • Ask for help from your manager and colleagues by:
    • identifying a contact person to handle urgent requests while you’re away;
    • delegating tasks efficiently;
    • planning handover meetings;
    • offering to do the same for them when they take leave.

During your vacation:

  • Adopt the mindset that time away is restorative;
  • Protect your vacation time:
    • Don’t read or send emails, or take phone calls;
    • Don’t plan too many activities and allow time for rest and self-care;
    • Don’t spend time on last minute tasks you forgot to do while at work;
    • Store work tools out of sight to resist temptation.

Returning to work:  

  • Give yourself buffer days to transition back into work mode:
    • Keep the vacation spirit alive and try to incorporate enough ‘’me time’’ into the working week (e.g. spa night);
  • Reach out to your colleagues for updates on what has happened in the workplace;
  • Seek assistance from your manager to identify key items requiring attention.
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The hope is that we all continue to see examples of leaders and employees “walking the talk”, helping to create healthy and balanced work environments where people want to work, and also feel encouraged to fully disconnect during their leave.

To all members of our HR Community, enjoy your well-deserved summer vacation!  

Flex Your Cultural Competencies

What You Said: Summer Activities to Celebrate Multiculturalism

During the summer months, Canada comes alive with numerous festivities celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. Why not take the opportunity to hone your cultural skills in a relaxed setting and encourage others to do the same?

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We recently asked you about summer activities (festivals, traditions, etc.) celebrating the richness of multiculturalism that you plan to take part in this year or recommend others to do so. Here’s what you said:

In many locations across Canada:

National Capital Region (Ottawa-Gatineau): 

Ontario:

Quebec: 

New-Brunswick: 

British Columbia:

Manitoba: 

Nunavut: 

  • Activities celebrating Nunavut Day – July 9, 2024 

In addition, we also asked you if there are any traditional dishes or demonstrations (e.g., dance, art, craft, ritual, etc.) that you’ve particularly enjoyed discovering and would like to share with others. Here’s what you said: 

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  • Bollywood dances; 
  • Drag performances; 
  • Indigenous cultural community activities such as tamarck bird making, beading work, moccasins, drum making, etc.;
  • Ukrainian dancing and egg painting with wax. 
  • Dishes from all over the world, including the following:  
    • oxtail, rice and peas; 
    • curry goat; 
    • doubles (street food from Trinidad and Tobago consisting of curried chickpeas served on two fried flatbreads called bakes; 
    • souvlaki; 
    • bannock; 
    • cipâte / six-pâtes / cipaille; 
    • paella de marisco (seafood paella). 
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Catch Up on Your Summer Reading and Training

Summer can be an ideal time to catch up on the long list of reading and training that’s been piling up on your to-do list. By investing in continuous learning during the slower pace of the season, you can enhance your skills, stay updated on HR trends and advance your career, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If your schedule permits doing so, try even taking your tablet outside for short periods to soak up the sunshine during the workday!

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  • If you have 5 minutes: Review the highlights of the 2024-2025 Supplementary Estimates, which were tabled by the President of the Treasury Board in the House of Commons for consideration by Parliament. The Supplementary Estimates (A), 2024–25 provides information to Parliament for approval of $11.2 billion in spending.
  • If you have 30 minutes: The Values and Ethics Discussion Toolkit (FON3-J01) now contains five new scenarios. This job aid is intended to empower public servants by facilitating their active engagement in substantive discussions around the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

Summer can be a great time to start making progress on your personal learning plan. Need some inspiration? Check out these jam-packed learning resources!

The Canada School of Public Service recently launched a variety of new learning paths:

The Learning Lounge features learning resources carefully selected by the HR Council to enable HR professionals to develop their skillsets. Explore the latest additions to add to your personal learning plan.

Lastly, don’t forget about mandatory training! Refer to your organization’s learning program and the Treasury Board Mandatory Training Inventory for applicable activities.

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HR Community Managers’ Corner

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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.

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. 

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

Sign up for the NMC News!

HR Job Board

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Advertise and/or Explore HR Opportunities on Career Marketplace!

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.

For job seekers:
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What You Said: Use of Artificial Intelligence in HR

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We recently asked you whether you use artificial intelligence in your day-to-day HR work and, if so, in what forms and for what purposes.

Here’s a snapshot based on the responses of 50 members of the HR community:

Bar graph showing the types of AI-based resources used (number of times mentioned): Chat GPT = 24; copilot = 11; DeepL= 7; MS built-in features -- translation, transcription, accessibility checking and design suggestions =4; Power BI = 2; Bing Chat = 2; CanChat = 1; Google Translate = 1; Bluej Legal = 1; Claude 3 = 1.
Bar graph showing the primary Uses of AI at Work by percentage: writing and translation assistance = 49%; research assistance = 30%; data analysis = 11%; support decision-making = 6 %; Other = 3 %; recruitment = 3 %; talent management = 1%.

Many of us are already using generative tools such as Chat GPT and Copilot. We invite you to draw on the concrete examples and guiding principles set out in the following article: Writing Inclusive Prompts. This will equip you to formulate your instructions more easily, maximizing your chances of getting more inclusive responses from these tools. Happy exploring!

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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!

Mental Health Office of Primary Interest (OPI) Network

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The Mental Health Office of Primary Interest Network is dedicated to advancing the Federal Public Service Workplace Mental Health Strategy and the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace within Government of Canada organizations. Led by the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace, the Network’s bi-monthly meetings enable the sharing of enterprise-wide updates and guidance. They provide a platform for federal public service organizations to collaborate, share progress and address challenges to improve psychological health and safety in their work environments.

Interested in learning more?

For the latest news and information, readers can stay connected with the Mental Health Office of Primary Interest Network via their GCXchange community. For more information or to get involved, please contact The Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace.   

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What’s New?

  • Recent changes have been made to modernize the public service Supplementary Death Benefit. As of June 1, 2024, if you currently have coverage under the death benefit, you will be able to name up to 5 beneficiaries, including minors.
  • The Employment Equity Act Modernization Engagement Sessions will be held from June 3-20, 2024, and all are welcome to participate. The Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO) is partnering with the Labour Program to support this engagement process with Equity-seeking employee networks and organizations within the Core Public Administration. To register for the session of your choice and access the meeting materials visit the Engagement on the Employment Equity Act Modernization with equity-seeking networks in the public service GCWiki page.
  • Join the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program and become part of a diverse and dynamic community of learners and leaders who are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal public service. The LLMC program is a unique opportunity to network with colleagues and senior leaders, develop your leadership and cultural competencies, and explore career-building opportunities. The program consists of five Circle sessions and five optional Masterclasses over ten weeks. The application deadline for the 4th cohort is June 30, 2024. Apply now!
  • Modification to the Cancellation Policy for the Second Language Evaluation – Oral Language Assessment (OLA):
    • Currently, organizations are required to advise the Public Service Commission (PSC) at least 2 working days in advance if they wish to reschedule or cancel a Second Language Evaluation (SLE) test administered by the PSC. If this timeframe is not met, the organization is charged a test administration fee. This cancellation policy applies to both core and extended jurisdiction clients. 
    • As of July 1, 2024, organizations must advise the PSC at least 4 working days in advance if they wish to reschedule or cancel a SLE-Oral Language Assessment test.
    • This change does not apply to the Reading Comprehension or Written Expression tests administered by the PSC. Organizations need to continue to advise the PSC at least 2 working days in advance if they wish to reschedule or cancel a Second Language Evaluation (SLE) Reading Comprehension or Written Expression test.
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Did You Know?

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The May 9, 2024 HRC SmartShop on the Budget Tool for the Performance Management Program (PMP) for Executives recording is available in English and French.

Previous HRC SmartShop recordings and documents are available on the HRC’s GCXchange page.

In Case You Missed It…

  • The Back Pocket Guide to Executive Supports was developed by the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO) in collaboration with enterprise partners such as Health Canada, the Canada School of Public Service, the Public Service Commission and the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada. It is an evergreen, evolving guide developed to consolidate resources available across the enterprise to support executives throughout their careers. It aims to facilitate access to the supports, tools, and training executives need to succeed.
  • Organization and Evaluation of Work Programs:
    • The Pay Equity Act came into force on August 31, 2021. To find out more about the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating an inclusive public service where women receive equal pay for work of equal value, visit: Pay Equity – Canada.ca.
    • The Organization and Classification of Work Program is on GCXchange. Their objective is to guide and support the organization and classification community and to inform those who are curious to find out more.

Upgrade Your Digital Competencies

Digital Skills Events and Resources

Digital Competencies For All Public Servants

Learn all about the Digital Competencies and find recommended learning by checking out the Digital Competencies Playbook on GCXchange. Join one of the informal drop-in sessions for any questions on the 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: The Trust Factor in Generative AI

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June 18: The impact of AI on psychological well-being

This forward-looking event from the Canada School of Public Service will unpack the unintended consequences and ethical implications of AI on mental health and psychological well-being, and examine how to minimize these risks and other potential negative impacts.

June 25: Practical Artificial Intelligence Series: Planning and Supporting AI-Enabled Projects

This event will examine the implementation of machine learning tools and technologies within the Government of Canada, and explore the skills, data, infrastructure, planning and leadership required for success. It will focus on how to use AI to streamline and synthesize departmental data holdings as a crucial first step.

July 17: Building Digital Competencies Now and for the Future (Rebroadcast)

This event will launch the six foundational digital competencies for all public servants for the digital age: digital literacy, information and data stewardship, continuous improvement, cyber security vigilance, digital responsibility, and inclusive interactions.
2 hours | Webcast

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What’s Upcoming?

HRC SmartShop

Addressing Workplace Barriers: Key Messages and Resources

Join us for a panel discussion with experts from the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Office of Public Service Accessibility, Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), to explore how various considerations related to Occupational Health and Safety, Duty to Accommodate, Accessibility and Labour Relations play a role in ensuring a barrier free workplace.

Registration

Audience: HR Community, more specifically Labour Relations, Occupational Health and Safety, Disability Management and other Duty to Accommodate Specialists

Presenters: Specialists from OCHRO and OPSA, TBS

Documents: Will be posted on the HRC GCXchange page.

Government of Canada HR Excellence Awards 2023

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During this National Public Service Week, the Human Resources Council (HRC) is pleased to announce the nominees and finalists of the 2023 Government of Canada (GoC) HR Excellence Awards. These awards recognize leadership and excellence in human resources management in the federal public service. It is an opportunity to highlight and showcase the work that has been undertaken in organizations to support outstanding people management. 

The HRC Awards Selection Committee carefully reviewed the 70 nominations, for all ten categories of awards, to select the finalists and recipients. This year’s nominees have “Illuminated our Values in Action”, this year’s theme, by demonstrating respect, inclusion, engagement, innovation and excellence in enhancing people management and strengthening our role as strategic partners throughout the federal public service.  

The HRC will be holding a live hybrid Awards Ceremony on October 17, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ET) to announce the recipients for each category.  

This year, in addition to recognizing our deserving public servants, we are honored to welcome our senior leaders to present the awards, and to host a special virtual presentation by Dr. David Saint-Jacques, Astronaut, Canadian Space Agency.  

Please register to join us on October 17th to celebrate the accomplishments of all nominees and to discover who will receive the award in each category.  

Note: 

  • In person attendance is open to GoC Deputy Heads, Heads of HR, HR Communities of Practice Leads, nominees, finalists and their guests (location: 395 Wellington St, Ottawa ON K1A 0N4) and 
  • Virtual attendance is open to the entire GoC HR Community. 

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Human Resources Council at HRCouncil/ConseilRH@tbs-sct.gc.ca. 

Congratulations to all GoC HR Excellence Awards nominees and finalists! 

Events of Interest for the HR Community

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June 11 to August 13: Summer 2024 Departmental Showcase

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, the Federal Youth Network and its partners will showcase a different government department, allowing new public servants to hear about cool jobs, understand common role responsibilities, and debunk misconceptions.

June 19: Supporting Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Through Staffing

This informative event for human resources specialists will explore staffing options under the Public Service Employment Act that support the organizational diversity and inclusion objectives of the Employment Equity Act.
1 hour | Webcast | English

June 21: Preserving and Revitalizing Indigenous Languages in Canada

This event will explore the history and legal framework of the Indigenous Languages Act and feature examples of some of the actions already taken to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages.
1.5 hours | Webcast

June 27: Social and Emotional skills – Building a Resilient Workforce 

The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) presents this FREE event on Social and Emotional skills. Sometimes called soft, people, or human skills, they are critical for high functioning teams and they include skills such as active listening, empathy, communication, collaboration, and resilience. These skills are in high demand for managers, despite the ongoing digitization in workplaces. 

Virtual|12:00 to 1:00 pm (ET)

June 28: New Measures to Reinforce best HR and Pay Practices

This informative event will provide managers with an overview of the new measures to help increase the accuracy and promptness of pay for employees and prepare the Government of Canada for the future state of HR and pay.
1.5 hours | Webcast

July 9: Relationships, Engagement and Consultation: The Essentials for Reconciliation (Rebroadcast)

This event features a panel of First Nations, Inuit and Métis representatives who will share their views on how to achieve better relationships through improved engagement and consultation, along with success stories and best practices to advance reconciliation.
2 hours | Webcast

Important and Commemorative Dates

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June

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June marks the launch of Pride Season! Celebrate with a wide range of activities taking place as 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies join together to highlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in all aspects of Canadian society.

July

August

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Contact Us

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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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