Take advantage of this long-awaited opportunity to network in person with colleagues from other departments and agencies where we will be reflecting on what it means to belong and the community we create when we make space for difference, curiosity and authenticity.
In partnership with the Federal Youth Network and Governexx VI, today’s program will include joint sessions for all participants, with breakout sessions for GovernexxVI/FYN members and for NMC members. The best of both worlds, this dynamic partnership will allow learners to build deep relationships.
Date and Time
Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST. Check-in starts at 8:30 AM
Location and registration
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, Pacific Room
728 Humboldt Street Victoria, BC V8W 3Z5
Language
This event will be in English.
Due to space limitations and the pilot nature of the sessions, the regional events will not include simultaneous translation services. Participants are encouraged to ask their questions in the language of their choice as a moderator will help with translation.
Agenda
8:30 to 9:00
Pacific Ballroom
Registration / Networking / Kiosks
9:00 to 9:15
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Isabelle Racine, Executive Director, National Managers’ Community
Joshua Frame, National Chair, Federal Youth Network
9:15 to 9:30
Icebreaker
- Frank Assu, Co-Chair, GovernexxVI
- Katelyn Moores, Co-Chair, GovernexxVI
9:30 to 10:30
Keynote Presentation: Leadership, Burnout and Resiliency
Introductions: Jana Keillor, NMC Regional Executive Champion, BC/Yukon
Speaker: Per Sekhon, Learning Design Specialist & Associate Faculty Member, Canada School of Public Service
Get inspired, get tools, get talking! Leaders want to know how to support themselves while supporting their staff and also delivering on their job responsibilities. This session will help participants consider how to be resilient while not getting overwhelmed and becoming burned out.
10:30 to 10:40
Integration / Self Reflection
Moderator: Teresa Martin, National Managers’ Community, BC/Yukon
Take your learning to the next level by making time to identify how the keynote impacts you and what you are going to do about it.
10:40 to 11:00
Break/ Networking / Kiosks
11:00 to 12:00
Break-Outs
Pacific Ballroom – NMC
Managers’ Interactive: Managing Hybrid Teams
Introductions: Aaron Billesberger, Co-Chair NMC BC Committee
Speaker: Carol Eros, Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, British Columbia Federal Council
For supervisors to senior managers, this session will explore mental health and the hybrid workplace. A short presentation plus small group conversations, this interactive session will give people managers more of what they need.
11:50 to 12:00 Stretch it Out – Carole will lead a short movement activity
Terrace Ballroom – GovernexxVI/FYN
Building Community in the Public Service
Introductions: Amber Brown, GovernexxVI Event Lead
Speaker: Brena Robinson, Indigenous Intern Leadership Program, British Columbia Federal Council
When we feel connected to our community we are happier, more engaged and less stressed. Based on her experience building a successful network of Indigenous interns across the province, Brena’s presentation will focus on how to strengthen connections and create a sense of community in your workplace.
12:00 to 13:00
Lunch (not provided)
13:00 to 13:50
Break-Outs
Pacific Ballroom – NMC
Managers’ Interactive: Connecting Managers with Executives
Introductions: Aaron Billesberger, Co-Chair NMC BC Committee
For supervisors to senior managers, this session gives you an opportunity for small group conversations with regional executives. Ask questions that you’ve always wanted to ask!
Terrace Ballroom – GovernexxVI/FYN
Finding your path
Introductions: Amber Brown, GovernexxVI Event Lead
Speaker: Jacqualine Johnson, Director – W-T COE for Diversity & Inclusion, Service Canada
Career opportunities within the Federal Public Service are expansive and exciting, but endless possibilities can leave you feeling overwhelmed or unsure where your talents lie. Jacqualine will share how she maximized her career as a Public Servant on Vancouver Island, and the importance of development and self-advocacy.
13:55 to 14:50
Pacific Ballroom
Plenary Session: Intersectional Identities and You
Introductions: Jana Keillor, Regional Executive Champion, NMC BC/Yukon, Employment & Social Development Canada
Speaker: Kaye Low, Manager-Diversity & Inclusion, Veterans Affairs Canada
This plenary session invites us to consider diversity and inclusion at a personal and professional level. Incorporating interactive exercises, reflection and learning about identity, this session builds on the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service
14:50 to 15:00
Break / Optional Movement with Carole Eros
Networking / Kiosks
15:00 to 15:45
Career Conversations
Pacific Ballroom
NMC – Managers Building their Careers
Moderator: Teresa Martin, National Managers’ Community, BC/Yukon
Frank Assu, Free Agent
Isabelle Racine, Executive Director
Managing one’s career and professional development is just as important as managing one’s team. In this session, managers are invited to get into a deeper conversation about what it takes in the public service, and what options there are. Panel with questions and answers.
Terrace Ballroom
GovernexxVI/FYN – Developing Your Career Using Social Media
Moderator: Amber Brown, GovernexxVI Event Lead
Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll engage with your peers and facilitators on the best practices, advantages and disadvantages of the GCTools, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Find out how you can leverage each platform to learn, develop or even find your next job!
15:50 to 16:00
Wrap up / Thank you / Next Steps
16:00 to 16:15
Optional Networking / Learn about Communities
Pacific Ballroom
NMC BC/Yukon Grassroots Connections
Take a few moments to learn about BC Yukon NMC, meet the NMC team visiting from Ottawa, and meet some other managers interested in interdepartmental collaboration.
Terrace Ballroom
GovernexxVI/FYN – Know your Network
Come join us for an overview of BC’s Communities of Interest and how they can benefit your Public Service career.
Speaker Bio
Per Sekhon
Per Sekhon is a Learning Design Specialist and Associate Faculty member at the Canada School of Public Service where she develops, designs, and facilitates learning on topics such as resiliency, leadership, and human centered workplaces. Based in Victoria, BC, Per is a registered social worker and started her federal public service career 20 years ago of which the past 14 have been spent at the School. Prior to joining the government Per held a variety of roles in counselling and career development in the non-profit and education sector.
An alumni of both Simon Fraser University (BA 96) and University of Victoria (BSW 2000), Per values lifelong learning and is certified in Insights Discovery, 360 feedback, Dare to Lead, 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Intercultural Facilitation, and most recently 200hr Yoga teacher training. Per enjoys working with public servants in enhancing their professional practice and purpose.
Carole Eros
Carole Eros, Mental Health & Wellness, British Columbia Federal Council
Carole Eros is the Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator for the British Columbia Federal Council. Carole has worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Pacific Region for 22 years in various resource management and marine planning roles. In September 2019 she made a career shift to workplace wellness. Carole has personal experience in, and knowledge of, mental health. She is passionate about fostering mental health and wellness in the workplace and taking as many steps as possible to eliminate stigmas. Personally Carole loves (and needs) to move and can’t get enough of yoga, exercise, music, animals, nature and first and foremost, hugs from her teenage son.
Brena Robinson
Brena Robinson, Indigenous Intern Leadership Program, British Columbia Federal Council
Brena is from Lyackson First Nation. Her grandparents are Thee’o’Letza, Clifford Thomas, and Joyce Moody (Squamish). Brena began working as a student in 2013 at the CRA and then bridged into audit in 2015. She has had several opportunities to work collaboratively with other Indigenous employees to help raise awareness about our shared history as Canadians. Brena began working on a micro-mission with the BC Federal Council in August 2020, where she has had the opportunity to help create an innovative way for the GC and BC First Nations to work together to help reach their shared goals and overcome their shared barriers. In addition, she is serving her 3rd term as an elected Councillor for Lyackson. She is grateful for the support of her husband and five children, who continue to inspire and motivate her. Brena is passionate about ensuring the future for Indigenous peoples is healthy, strong, and vibrant.
Jacqualine Johnson
Jacqualine Johnson, Director, W-T Centre for Expertise for Diversity and Inclusion, Service Canada
Jacqualine joined the public service in 2009 as a Benefits Officer in Service Canada. Since that time, she has worked as an advisor, a manager, a senior manager, and is currently the Director for the newly formed Centre of Expertise for Diversity and Inclusion in the Western Region and Territories. Prior to joining Service Canada, Jacqualine worked in Mental Health and Addictions for 19 years in various leadership positions including her seven-year role as Program Director, for the Medical Detoxification facility for Central Vancouver Island where she worked closely with community partners and stakeholders.
Kaye Low
Manager-Diversity & Inclusion, Veterans Affairs Canada
As a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community with a disability, Kaye’s career has been focused on supporting persons with disabilities with a special interest in social justice and administrative fairness. Today Kaye is a public speaker, facilitator and advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Kaye’s career began as a Case Manager with the CNIB Foundation, taking a similar role at Veterans Affairs Canada about twenty years ago. Most of her career with the Department has been as a manager and sometimes director for teams offering support to clients with disabilities. Her passion for social justice and 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusion brought her to an Ombudspersons’ office outside the Federal sphere, and in 2019 to the Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans at Veterans Affairs Canada. In 2021, she became the first Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department.
This work is a “calling” for Kaye!
Resources
Burnaby Regional Learning Day Materials
- Carla Rieger: https://mindstoryacademy.com/free/
- Carole Eros: Managing Hybrid Teams (GCcollab link pending)
- Diversity, Inclusion & You: Video of Deputy Minister Quan Watson
