National Managers' Community (NMC)/ Newsletter / November 2025

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In this edition

NMC Insight

• Spotlight on Managers' Advice

Events and Celebrations

• The Responsible Use of AI for Managers
• Navigating AI: Age of the Agent for Public Service
• Creating An Inclusive Workplace Culture
• Giving and Receiving Feedback: Why This Emotional Intelligence Skill Can Strengthen or Destroy Teams
• NMC Virtual Leadership Panel : Navigating Senior Leaders’ Expectations

Spotlight on Resources

• GC Workplace Accessibility Passport: Support Your Employees to Succeed
• Key Procurement Resources and Guidance for Managers
• Release of Better Accommodation Project (BAP) Toolkits
• Get to know the HR and pay courses and resources
• Career Boot Camp 2026

Regional News

Atlantic

• NMC Managers Connect in Charlottetown, a few spots left...
• Atlantic NMC Networking Breakfasts

National Capital Region

• NCR Arts Fusion

Ontario

• Upcoming NMC Networking Events in Ontario

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NMC Insight

Spotlight on Managers' Advice

Last month, we asked managers: “What piece of advice or best resource would you share with other managers?”. Your responses were thoughtful and grounded in experience. Common themes highlighted the realities of leadership today:

• Self-care and resilience: Recharge, set boundaries, build networks, and celebrate progress; big or small.
• Communicate and listen: Lead with empathy and transparency.
• Be efficient: Coordinate, streamline, and focus on what you can control.

Managers also emphasized well-being, strong communication, and connection. Many highlighted the value of peer networks and encouraged using resources like EAP, Copilot and other AI tools, GCXchange, and professional development usefull links.

We’re now working on innovative ways to share all these valuable resources with you in the near future, so stay tuned!

Managers' Advice

Self-Care & Resilience	Empathy & Communication	Strategy & Efficiency
Pieces of advice: “Remember to include yourself when priority setting, supporting your team starts with supporting yourself.” “Don’t hesitate to take care of yourself! A single day off can make a huge difference.”	Pieces of advice: “Listen to your employees. Empower them. Lead rather than manage.” “Be flexible, everyone works differently. Support employees to grow in ways that work best for them.”	Pieces of advice: “Eliminate redundant work before it starts. It saves time and boosts credibility.” “Learn to leverage AI tools into your work.”
Tips: Take breaks and pause during the day. Build networks with other managers and focus on what you can control.	Tips: Hold regular check-ins and address small issues early. Adapt your communication style for diverse colleagues and show grace.	Tips: Coordinate before launching initiatives.. Prioritize on high-impact actions that are immediately actionable.

You spoke, we listened!

Join us on December 10th, 2025 for a virtual leadership panel on your top priority: Navigating Senior Leaders’ Expectations. Hear practical insights directly from senior leaders and learn strategies to thrive in today’s workplace.

Learn more:

• NMC Virtual Leadership Panel : Navigating Senior Leaders’ Expectations

This month "Check In' question:

📊 If you had to capture your current mood as a manager in one word, what would it be? and in one word, how do you think your team is feeling right now?

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Events and Celebrations

The Responsible Use of AI for Managers

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, and managers are leading the way in shaping its responsible use. In our May NMC Monthly Check-In question, managers identified Understanding and leveraging AI tools as one of the top leadership topics to develop.

The NMC is hosting an engaging virtual session on the Responsible Use of Generative AI in the federal public service. Based on the Government of Canada’s guidance, this session will explore how to balance innovation with accountability, transparency, privacy, and risk management.

Use this opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on your concerns so you can lead with confidence and support your team’s use of AI tools responsibly and ethically while staying true to public service values.

📅 November 18, 2025 | Virtual | Details and registrations : French 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (ET) or English 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)

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Navigating AI: Age of the Agent for Public Service

Coming this fall and winter, Navigating AI: Age of the Agent for Public Service is a dynamic, hands-on training experience designed to help leaders and teams navigate the latest advancements in generative AI, including AI Agents.

Training will be provided by Microsoft in collaboration with the KPMG Skills Development Centre.

📅 November 19, 26, and December 3, 2025 | Virtual | More details and registration here

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Creating An Inclusive Workplace Culture

The overall goal of this session is to engage you in a reflection on what you can do to create a culture of inclusion of persons with disabilities.

At the end of this interactive session, participants will:

• Explain the impact of a positive workplace culture on the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• Use neutral or non-ableist words to foster diversity and inclusion in the federal public service.
• Be equipped to learn more about disability inclusion and what they can do to positively influence workplace culture.

📅 November 19, 2025 | Virtual | English session 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (ET) | French session 10h00 à 12h00 | More details and registration here

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Giving and Receiving Feedback: Why This Emotional Intelligence Skill Can Strengthen or Destroy Teams

Discover how effective feedback can transform your team dynamics. The Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace in partnership with the National Managers' Community, are proud to welcome Dr. Karyn Gordon, to deliver a practical, research-based session on how to give and receive feedback across generations to build trust, boost engagement, and strengthen collaboration.

This interactive webinar will explore:

• How generational differences influence feedback styles
• Why feedback can energize, or harm teams
• Three simple strategies to make feedback more effective for everyone

📅 November 25, 2025 | Online via MS Teams | English, with French interpretation, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET) | More details and registrations here

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NMC Virtual Leadership Panel : Navigating Senior Leaders’ Expectations

Join our virtual panel: Navigating Senior Leaders’ Expectations, a top priority identified by over 1,000 managers in our June Monthly Check-in question.

Uncertainty, shifting priorities, and limited influence are realities for many managers. That’s why we’re bringing together seasoned senior leaders, in both official languages, to share how they: ✅ Balance competing expectations ; ✅ Communicate priorities clearly; and ✅ Empower managers to lead with confidence

Walk away with:

• Practical strategies you can apply immediately
• Real-world insights from public service leaders
• Clear guidance to help you thrive in today’s leadership landscape

Don’t miss this conversation!

📅 December 10, 2025 | Online via MS Teams | More details and registrations : English panel 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (ET) - French panel 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (ET)

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Career Boot Camp 2026

Back for its 6th virtual edition and hosted by the Federal Youth Network (FYN), the Career Boot Camp 2026 is your opportunity to sharpen your skills, build resilience, and thrive in a time of fiscal constraint. It’s a chance to find your way forward by adapting to change and growing within the federal public service.

This year’s program features interactive workshops, practical strategies, and networking opportunities to help you build meaningful connections and confidently shape your next steps. Career Boot Camp 2026 is all about turning challenges into stepping stones for both personal and professional growth.

📅 January 20 to 29, 2026 | Details and registrations : Career Boot Camp 2026

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Spotlight on Resources

GC Workplace Accessibility Passport: Support Your Employees to Succeed

Use this 2-minute video to learn about the Passport – a tool that you can use to foster a supportive work environment where employees with disabilities feel valued and equipped to do their best.  

Learn how to:

1.   Review a Passport that your employee has shared with you

2.   Collaborate with your employee to remove barriers

3.   Implement potential solutions

4.   Access additional resources

Watch the video on YouTube: GC Workplace Accessibility Passport: What Managers Need to Know

Download the video and transcript from the Accessibility Hub on the Passport GCPedia page.

Let’s work together to equip employees to achieve their full potential and be productive!

For more info, visit Canada.ca. Questions? Contact the Office of Public Service Accessibility, TBS at: AccessibilityPassport.Passeportdaccessibilite@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

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Key Procurement Resources and Guidance for Managers

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) has published a resource page to help managers understand their roles and responsibilities in procurement. Managers who procure goods and services in government act as “business owners” and have responsibilities under the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Procurement.

Your first point of contact for procurement questions is the file’s contracting authority. This individual has procurement expertise and will guide you through the process. Additional resources for managers include :

• Manager’s Guide: Key Considerations When Procuring Professional Services
• Guide to Mitigating Conflicts of Interest in Procurement

Canada School of Public Service courses :

• The Role of Managers Throughout the Procurement Process (FON1-V55)
• Key Considerations in Procuring Professional Services (COR4-V01)
• Procuring with Integrity: The Essentials for Public Servants (COR4-V02)
• Introduction to the Federal Procurement Process (COR421)

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Release of Better Accommodation Project (BAP) Toolkits

Launched in September 2024, BAP aims to improve how federal employees with disabilities are accommodated by addressing gaps in this process. With input from 365 managers and 933 employees, BAP developed two toolkits that will help to foster inclusive, barrier-free workplaces.

The toolkits align with the Directive on the Duty to Accommodate and the Duty to Accommodate: A General Process for Managers.

• Toolkit for users guides managers and employees through every step of the accommodation process
• Toolkit for organizations helps organizations review and strengthen their accommodation services

Discover BAP tools:

• Better Accommodation Project on GCpedia
• Better Accommodation Project - Canada.ca

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Get to know the HR and pay courses and resources

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), has created some interactive training products to help you with your HR and pay responsibilities.

HR and Pay for Managers (COR137) and HR-to-Pay for Employees (FON308) use realistic scenarios and practical tools—like videos and interactive exercises—to support Section 34 managers and employees in ensuring timely and accurate pay.

The one-stop shop on GCXchange has additional tools, guidance, and “how-to” support. No membership is needed; simply add it to your favourites.

What can you do: share these resources with your colleagues and contact HRtoPayTraining-FormationRHaPaye@tbs-sct.gc.ca to arrange a demonstration for your department or network.

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Atlantic

NMC Managers Connect in Charlottetown, a few spots left...

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

Join us for an inspiring and collaborative day of opportunities to pause, connect and grow alongside fellow colleagues.

The first part of the day will feature a mix of learning with an executive leadership panel and speed mentoring conversations. During the panel, participants will hear how empathy, insight, and connection strengthen leadership at all levels. A Speed Mentoring session will follow, providing the opportunity for participants to engage in short yet meaningful exchanges with experienced leaders on challenging topics.

The afternoon features a dynamic and interactive workshop that explores the power of Leading with Emotional Intelligence (EI).

📅 December 2, 2025 | In Person | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm | Details and registration here

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Atlantic NMC Networking Breakfasts

We are thrilled to announce the return of our highly successful NMC Fall Networking Breakfasts in Atlantic Canada! These events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues in a relaxed and informal setting while enjoying a delicious breakfast and some refreshing coffee. This coming month, we will be hosting breakfasts in Bathurst, Moncton, Dieppe, Saint Jean NB and Halifax.

Keep an eye on the details, including dates, locations, and registration information, they will be available on the NMC Events and Activities page. We can't wait to see you there and catch up!

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National Capital Region

NCR Arts Fusion

Join this social activity: NCR Arts Fusion (a new employee-led community connecting public servants through shared arts and culture experiences in the NCR) for Arts & Minds at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), an evening of creativity, dialogue, and connection for public servants.

Enjoy a welcome and gallery orientation by Rebecca Rama, OAG’s Development Officer, and a presentation on Ottawa’s Nightlife Economy Plan by “Night Mayor” Mathieu Grondin. Participate in “Sketchy Thursdays” sketching, explore the gallery in groups, or join the optional Public Policy Salon to discuss art’s role in the community, mental health, and democracy.

The evening wraps up with networking at the Jackson Café, where ideas and connections come to life.

📅 Thursday November 27, 2025 | Ottawa Art Gallery | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST | *Cost: $10 : please RSVP on Eventbrite

* The $10 fee supports both the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) and a donation to the OAG.

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Ontario

Upcoming NMC Networking Events in Ontario

Looking to expand your professional network, exchange ideas with peers, and take a refreshing break from your daily routine? Join fellow managers and supervisors from across departments to discuss real leadership experiences, share practical insights, and build meaningful cross-departmental connections.

The National Managers’ Community (NMC) is excited to host three informal networking events in the Ontario region this fall and early winter. Join us at the NMC Networking Lunch – Downtown Toronto on November 27, the NMC Networking Lunch – Mississauga on December 9, and the NMC Networking Breakfast – North York on December 11.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, professional support, or simply good conversation over great food, these gatherings are for you.

We hope you’ll join us!

Susan Badame, Regional Lead - Ontario

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Learn more about the NMC and how we help support managers

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