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In this edition

NMC Insight

• Navigating Fall Challenges: Share Your Perspective on AI
• We're Hiring: Atlantic Regional Lead – National Managers’ Community (NMC)

Events and Celebrations

• Healthy Workplace Month
• Leading Through Technological Change
• Leading with Integrity: Understanding the Procurement Ombud’s Role
• Efficient Practices for Faster Staffing Processes
• CSPS Virtual Café Series: A Conversation on Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
• Leader Conversations

Spotlight on Resources

• Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO)
• Updated Government of Canada Materiel Management Community Competencies
• The Role of Managers Throughout the Procurement Process

Regional News

Atlantic

• Managers’ Connect Event in Charlottetown PEI

National Capital Region

• Managers’ Connect Event in Gatineau

Ontario

Prairies & Northwest Territories

• Managers’ Connect Event in Calgary
• Managers’ Connect Event in Regina

Quebec & Nunavut

• Managers’ Connect Event in Montréal

British Columbia & Yukon

• Managers’ Connect Event in Prince George
• Manager’s Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the BC Federal Council’s Community of Interest on Mental Health

Opportunities to participate as a mentor at the FYN Future Leaders Forum and In Person Learning Days

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NMC Insight

Navigating Fall Challenges: Share Your Perspective on AI

As fall 2025 settles in with its renewed energy, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. The season often brings shifting priorities, a heavier workload, and the challenge of keeping teams aligned after the summer break. Small actions, like checking in with your team, setting clear priorities, and leveraging available tools can make a big difference. And remember, the NMC community is here to support you.

This month, we’re bringing back the NMC Monthly Insight Question, a simple way to check in on managers’ realities and spark meaningful conversations across departments. In June, many of you highlighted “Understanding and leveraging AI tools” as a top leadership priority. With AI on everyone’s mind, the NMC is exploring sessions to support managers where it’s needed most.

To help us move forward this month, we’re asking:

📊 How confident do you feel about integrating AI tools into your team's work and which aspects of AI would be most valuable for your growth as a manager?

And if you’re curious, you can also revisit some of the insightful responses from the previous editions.

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We're Hiring: Atlantic Regional Lead – National Managers’ Community (NMC)

Ready to lead, connect, and innovate across the Public Service? The NMC is seeking a passionate Regional Lead for the Atlantic Region to join our vibrant cross-Canada team!

What’s in it for you?

• Collaborate across departments

• Drive creative events and initiatives

• Be part of a supportive, inclusive community

Details:

• 2-year secondment at AS-05 level (or equivalent)

• Must be able to work from the Moncton or Halifax CSPS office

• Travel and occasional overtime required

Apply by October 3, 2025

For more information or to send your resume and cover letter, contact: annie.bedard@csps-efpc.gc.ca  

Learn more: NMC Wiki | LinkedIn

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Events and Celebrations

Healthy Workplace Month

October marks an important time for reflection, action, and connection as we recognize Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5–11). This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month, a national initiative dedicated to fostering and maintaining healthy work environments.

The 2025 theme, “Unlocking Your Potential: Building Strength to Overcome Challenges,” presents a powerful opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to health and safety within the School. These initiatives highlight the importance of both physical and psychological health and safety, and aim to further sStrengthen our workplace culture.

Explore the full calendar of events and find opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive.

We encourage all employees to support these initiatives by participating in activities, motivating their teams to engage, and consistently modeling behaviours that promote health, safety, and well-being throughout the workplace.

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Leading Through Technological Change

In today’s fast-paced world, leadership demands a fresh approach to keep pace with technological change and shifting organizational realities. This event will explore what it takes to earn trust, lead with purpose and succeed amid constant change in today’s workplace.

📅 October 15, 2025 | Virtual | 10:00 am to 11:45 am (ET) | English, with interpretation in French | More details and registration here

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Leading with Integrity: Understanding the Procurement Ombud’s Role

As managers, whether you're purchasing pencils, booking training, renting meeting space, ordering catering, or managing large-scale projects—this session is for you.

Join us for an informative webinar designed specifically for Government of Canada managers. The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) is a neutral and independent organization that helps resolve contracting disputes between businesses and the federal government. We also review systemic procurement issues and make recommendations to improve federal contracting practices.

This session will help you understand:

• The OPO’s mandate and services

• How we support fairness, transparency, and efficiency in federal procurement

• When and how our services may apply to your work—even if you’re not a procurement specialist

• How we can help resolve disputes and prevent issues before they escalate

📅 October 16, 2025 | Virtual | More details and registration here: English session 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (ET) or French session 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (ET)

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Efficient Practices for Faster Staffing Processes

Staffing positions in the public service has been a persistent challenge for managers, with time delays impacting both efficiency and productivity.

Join representatives from the Public Service Commission on October 16, 2025 as they share simple strategies to streamline your staffing efforts. You’ll gain valuable insights into how to cut down on delays, improve hiring efficiency, and implement best practices that can transform your organization’s recruitment process.

📅 October 16, 2025 | Virtual | English, with interpretation in French, 1:00 to 2:00 pm (ET) | More details and registrations here

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CSPS Virtual Café Series: A Conversation on Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt

One of the most important elements of high-performing teams is strong relationships between team members. This must-attend event features Dr. Bill Howatt, an international expert in workplace mental health, who will elaborate on the importance of mental health literacy, workplace purpose and emotionally intelligent leadership in today's federal public service.

📅 October 21, 2025 | Virtual | English, with interpretation in French, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (ET) | More details and registrations here

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Leader Conversations

One of the most important elements of high-performing teams is strong relationships between team members. This must-attend event features Dr. Bill Howatt, an international expert in workplace mental health, who will elaborate on the importance of mental health literacy, workplace purpose and emotionally intelligent leadership in today's federal public service.

📅 October 21, 2025 | Virtual | English, with interpretation in French, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (ET) | More details and registrations here

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Spotlight on Resources

Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO)

The Public Service Commission has developed valuable resources to assist you throughout this journey. The comprehensive guide for managers and HR specialists covers everything you need to know before, during, and after a SERLO, ensuring that you are well-prepared and confident in your decisions.

Once you've read through the guide, it is highly recommended to watch the HR Council SmartShop: Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO). The smartshop provides an insightful overview of the steps and requirements involved in conducting a SERLO.

For an overview of the workforce adjustment including SERLO, you can register to the online self-paced course: Understanding Workforce Adjustment (COR123) at the Canada School of Public Service.

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Updated Government of Canada Materiel Management Community Competencies

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has updated the Government of Canada (GC) Materiel Management Community Competencies, which is an update to the 2021 Materiel Management Competencies.  

The updates further reflect the strategic nature of the materiel management function. The competencies are a baseline of behaviors required to be demonstrated by all materiel management officers in their day to day in accordance with their classification level. The adoption of competencies in the management of the workforce is a key element of the new professional development framework for the procurement and materiel management communities.

The TBS Comptrollership Community Development Office is available to answer any questions managers or materiel management specialists might have about the competencies at CCDO-DCCS@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

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The Role of Managers Throughout the Procurement Process

This CSPS event recording presents the federal government's procurement process and highlights the roles and responsibilities of managers in collaborating with functional experts to meet operational needs while adhering to policies, values and ethics principles.

The Role of Managers Throughout the Procurement Process (FON1-V55)

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Atlantic

Managers’ Connect Event in Charlottetown PEI

“Communication and Influence: Leading Change with Insight and Authenticity”

Join us for an inspiring and collaborative day designed for federal public service managers, whether they are experienced, new, or aspiring.

This inspiring and collaborative event is designed for public servants navigating the complexities of hybrid work, evolving expectations, and continuous organizational change. Participants will explore how to lead with compassion and strategic intent.

The sessions will delve into key leadership practices such as fostering psychological safety and wellbeing, championing change leadership and engaging in courageous conversations that build trust and drive meaningful impact in service of Canadians.

📅 October 15, 2025 | In Person | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm | Details and registration here

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National Capital Region

Managers’ Connect Event in Gatineau

Managers Connect on October 30 - Registration opens October 9

Join us in person for the next NMC Managers Connect day in the NCR, focused on resilient and inclusive leadership in uncertain times.

Programming includes Dr. Katy Kamkar (Clinical Psychologist, and Associate Ombud, Mental Health, PSPC) leading a powerful workshop on Building Individual Resiliency Pathways — gain personalized insights and practical tools to strengthen self-care and resilience. Followed by co-development groups to collaborate on real-world leadership challenges.  

In the afternoon, Dr. Nadia Ferrara (Ombudsperson, ISC & PCO) will present Cultural Humility: A Lifelong Journey, drawing on 30+ years of experience in art therapy and public service. Learn how cultural humility fosters inclusion and deeper connections in the workplace. Finally, a panel of senior leaders will share candid stories and strategies on resilience, courage, and adaptability. The day will conclude with an informal networking at a nearby venue.

📅 Save the date: October 30

📬 Registration opens October 9 – link will be shared in the October newsletter and on the NMC's Events and Activities page.

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Prairies & Northwest Territories

Managers’ Connect Event in Calgary

The National Managers’ Community (NMC) is pleased to offer you a day of professional development and networking on October 7th in Calgary.

The program includes Leading With Emotional Intelligence, a workshop for managers and supervisors facilitated by Susan Badame and Julie Wills, NMC Regional Leads, ICF Certified Coaches and Peer Coaching Circle Leaders.

In today’s complex and fast-paced work environment, emotional intelligence (EI) is more important than ever. This interactive session will explore how EI can help you communicate more effectively, build stronger teams, and lead with greater confidence.

Also planned, a panel of senior leaders will share their experiences and offer concrete perspectives relevant to the issues of today. This will be followed by a Speed Mentoring event where senior leaders will join participants at their tables to answer questions and share their knowledge and experience.

📅 October 7, 2025 | In Person | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | Details and registration here

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Managers’ Connect Event in Regina

The National Managers’ Community (NMC) is pleased to offer you a day of professional development and networking on October 29th in Regina.

The program includes 2 workshops facilitated by Mike Lund, a Chartered Mediator with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada and an Informal Conflict Resolution Practitioner at the Canada Revenue Agency since 2002.

Managing Difficult Conversations – the Fundamentals: In this interactive workshop, participants explore effective communication approaches that help to make difficult conversations less difficult. Topics include: the TAD dynamic, Identify Needs and “I” Statements.

Delivering Feedback: Participants learn the components of a specific feedback model, then work in pairs or trios to create a feedback approach/statement for a situation they are experiencing.

Also planned, a panel of senior leaders will share their experiences and offer concrete perspectives relevant to the issues of today. This will be followed by a Speed Mentoring event where senior leaders will join participants at their tables to answer questions and share their knowledge and experience.

📅 October 29, 2025 | In Person | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | Details and registration here

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Quebec & Nunavut

Managers’ Connect Event in Montréal

The National Managers' Community (NMC) is pleased to offer you a day of professional development and exchange, on October 22, 2025 at the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offices at 1035 Saint-Jacques Street, Montreal.  

This event, themes "Leadership in Uncertain Times", will immerse you in a world of learning, reflection, and collaboration. On the program: a workshop on difficult conversations in times of change led by Marine Agogué, Director of the Pierre Péladeau, Leadership and Management Centre at Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) Montreal and her team. Accueil - Pierre Péladeau Center - Leadership and Management

In the afternoon, a panel of executives will share insights on managerial courage and resilience, followed by co-development groups using collective intelligence to address common challenges. The day will conclude with informal networking — a great opportunity to connect and continue the discussions.

📅 October 22, 2025 | In Person | 8:30 am to 4:15 pm | Details and registration here

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British Columbia & Yukon

Managers’ Connect Event in Prince George

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the National Managers' Community with us at the NMC In-Person Managers Connect Day in Prince George! Join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. Don't miss out on this event!Topic of the day : Mastering Conflict Resolution: Theory, Practice, and Collaborative Leadership

We are pleased to announce that Amanda Vistman, Senior Informal Conflict Management Practitioner from the Department of Justice Canada’s Ombuds and Informal Resolution Services Office, will lead a hands-on session. Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience, adopting a positive, solution-focused approach to promote awareness and understanding within our workforce. Gain invaluable strategies to navigate and resolve conflicts in a constructive and effective manner and build confidence leading difficult conversations through taking a collaborative approach.

📅 October 16, 2025 | In Person | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm | Details and registration here

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Manager’s Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the BC Federal Council’s Community of Interest on Mental Health

We’re pleased to share the Manager’s Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the BC Federal Council’s Community of Interest on Mental Health, with contributions from the National Managers’ Community BC and Yukon regional representative and committee members. The toolkit is available on the GCXchange site - Manager Mental Health Toolkit.

Created in response to the unique mental health challenges faced by federal public service managers, this resource draws on insights from the Mental Health Pulse Survey, the Opening the Door to Mental Health symposium series, and other key initiatives.

It offers practical tools to promote mental wellbeing, foster psychological safety, and support managers in creating healthy, high-performing teams.

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Opportunities to participate as a mentor at the FYN Future Leaders Forum and In Person Learning Days

FYN In Person Learning Days: a full day of career development featuring hands-on activities, insightful discussions, and networking opportunities to support your career growth. The learning days are being held in the Atlantic provinces, Northern Ontario and Manitoba this fall.

FYN Future Leaders Forum: A leadership development day designed to inspire, equip, and empower aspiring leaders through workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities. The forums are being offered in the Atlantic provinces and in Manitoba this Fall.

Participate as a Mentor!

A speed mentoring session is being offered at each in-person learning day and Future Leaders Forum. Managers can register to participate as a mentor at the following links:

• In-person learning days: https://forms.office.com/r/6NhhikvCr4
• Future Leaders Forum: https://forms.office.com/r/ikZANM9jvx

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Learn more about the NMC and how we help support managers

NMC Events and ActivitiesSign up for the NMC NewsFollow us on LinkedIn / GCcollab / GCxchangeEmail: nmc-cng@csps-efpc.gc.ca

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