Policy Community Conference 2023: Agenda

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Event Program

November 23-24 | 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (ET)

The current state of policymaking in the Government of Canada can be characterized as dynamic, unpredictable, and potentially turbulent, which requires policy practitioners to exhibit a high level of adaptability.

This fifth Policy Community Conference explores adaptive policymaking across three key themes: lessons learned from major policy transformations, reconciliation efforts, and systemic policy design. The event provides a valuable space for policy practitioners across the federal public service and beyond to gather, share experiences and seek advice. Participants will gain new insights on how to continually reassess and adjust government policies based on new variables to improve future policy design and implementation.

>> Click here to register for the event

Thursday, November 23 - Day One

Simultaneous interpretation available for all sessions

10:30 am – 11:00 am
	Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
	Opening Ceremony by: Anishinaabe Elder Verna McGregor
	Opening Remarks on the Policy Community Initiative and Adaptive Policymaking by: Serge Bijimine - ADM Champion, Policy Community Initiative
	Master of Ceremonies: Pablo Sobrino - Former Public Servant

11:00 am - 11:40 pm
	Fireside Chat
	A Conversation between John Hannaford, Clerk of the Privy Council, and Serge Bijimine, ADM Champion, Policy Community Initiative
	To share perspectives on policy excellence, adaptive policymaking, and the collective capacity to respond to what is ahead.

11:40 pm - 12:40 pm
	Opening Keynote Address
	Reconciliation and Adaptive Policymaking
	Jesse Wente - Writer and public speaker
	This session will highlight the role of adaptive policymaking and co-development of policies in the context of reconciliation. The Speaker will explore how policymakers can incorporate adaptive approaches to address the evolving needs, aspirations and rights of Indigenous communities, ensuring that policies are responsive, accountable, and effective. The Speaker will draw upon real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how adaptive policymaking can be a catalyst for positive change in the context of reconciliation. The keynote address may include interactive Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with the Speaker.

12:40 pm - 1:40 pm
	Lunch Break

1:40 pm - 3:00 pm
	Panel Sesssion
	Lessons from Major Organizational or Policy Transformations
	A triangulation of perspectives from former and current public service leaders who will share lessons from the past leading policy through machinery to implementation, and the applicability of their insights today. Learning from their past experiences will help policymakers avoid repeating procedures, and ingrained practices that can hinder the implementation of adaptive approaches. This panel discussion is a must-attend for anyone interested in driving policy transformation in the face of turbulent times. Be prepared to be inspired, informed, and equipped with practical strategies as our esteemed panelists share their insights and experiences. The panel discussion will include an interactive Q&A session allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists.
	Panelists: Bryce Conrad - Chief Executive Officer, Hydro Ottawa Dr. Alika Lafontaine - Past President, Canadian Medical Association Deborah Richardson - Deputy Minister, Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat Dr. Nadia Ferrara - Ombudsperson, Indigenous Service Canada Moderator: Vanessa Vermette - Vice-President, Canada School of Public Service

3:00 pm - 3:10 pm
	Break

3:10 pm - 3:55 pm
	Interactive Session
	Inside Out: Policy Changemaking from the Inside
	Richard D. Sharpe - Director - Black Equity Branch, Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat
	This session will explore the idea of leveraging important societal issues to make transformational systemic and institutional change from the inside. Richard D. Sharpe will share his experiences in working to establish the Federal Black Employee Caucus which led to the creation of the Black Executive Network, which in turn inspired the creation of the Clerk’s call to action on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as the launch of entrepreneurship funds for various equity groups, and changes to the Employment Equity Act.

3:55 pm - 4:00 pm
	Closing Remarks
	Serge Bijimine - ADM Champion, Policy Community Initiative
	Offering highlights of the day and a preview of Day 2 of the conference.

Friday, November 24th - Day Two

Simultaneous interpretation available for all sessions

10:30 am - 10:35 am
	Opening and Welcome Back
	Master of Ceremonies: Pablo Sobrino - Former Public Servant

10:35 am - 11:40 am
	Opening Keynote Address
	Transition Design and Interconnected Policymaking
	Terry Irwin - Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
	In our complex and rapidly changing world, traditional approaches often fall short in tackling interconnected challenges that span multiple sectors. This session offers a fresh perspective, emphasizing the need for transdisciplinary collaboration and relearning problem clusters. Terry Irwin, a visionary in the field, will guide us in understanding and applying this groundbreaking approach. During this keynote session, Terry will introduce the principles and methodologies of Transition Design. She will delve into the interconnectedness of complex problems, emphasizing the importance of addressing them holistically and collaboratively across disciplines and sectors. Terry will share inspiring examples of how Transition Design has been successfully applied to real-world challenges, highlighting the transformative outcomes achieved. The keynote session will include an interactive Q&A session allowing attendees to engage directly with Terry.

11:35 am - 12:00 pm
	Community Spotlight
	Announcement of the 10th National Student Paper Competition Winner
	Lydia Laflamme - Étudiante, Maitrise en science politique, Université Laval David Jones - Student, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto
	The National Student Paper Competition (NSPC) was launched in 2013 with the aim of introducing innovative ideas and bright new thinkers to the Canadian public service and enhancing public service excellence and encouraging high performance. The NSPC is an annual competition organized by the Canada School of Public Service in partnership with the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. The competition is also supported by various Canadian higher-education institutions and associations, including the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
	Lunch Break

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
	Panel Session
	Adaptive Policies – What they Mean for Implementation
	In the ever-accelerating pace of today's world, there is a widening gap between ideas and their execution. The challenge is to adapt policies to new situations, without losing sight of their main objectives. How can we use past experiences to shape better policymaking in the future? This panel discussion is a must-attend for anyone interested in closing the gap between policy objectives and policy implementation in the challenges of embracing new technologies, building new relationships, and serving needs . Be inspired by practical stories as our esteemed panelists share their insights and experiences. The panel discussion will include an interactive Q&A session allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists.
	Panelists: Jutta Treviranus - Professor, OCAD University Roda Muse - Deputy Minister, Francophone Affairs, Ontario Government Darren Swanson - Associate, International Institute for Sustainable Development Moderator: Gail Mitchell - Assistant Deputy Minister, Women Advancement and Gender Equity Canada

2:15 pm - 2:25 pm
	Break

2:25 pm - 03:10 pm
	Panel Session
	Adaptive Policymaking and Central Agencies
	This session explores the concept of adaptive policymaking, and the pivotal role central agencies play in facilitating effective governance. Embracing adaptive policymaking can improve government’s ability to address complex challenges, promote innovation, and achieve positive outcomes for citizens. Yet, this poses significant implications for central agencies. As central agencies continue to evolve and adapt, they emerge as essential drivers of change, ensuring policies are flexible, evidence-based, and responsive to societal needs. The session aims to demystify and probe the forthcoming opportunities.
	Panelists: Heather Sheehy - Assistant Secretary, Government Operations Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat Eric Bélair - Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Priorities and Planning, Privy Council Office Samuel Millar - Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance Canada Moderator: Mark Schaan - Senior Assistant Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

3:10 pm - 3:50 pm
	Community Exchange
	Dialogue on the Application of Adaptive Policymaking
	The Policy Community Office - Community in-residence at Transport Canada
	This session focuses on presenting insights and lessons garnered to date from two Policy Community research projects: the MC Case Study and guidance materials for adaptive policymaking. The progress made in understanding and guiding an important organizational culture shift in policy approach and implementation within government will be shared. The goal is to develop guidance materials that support policy practitioners on this transformative journey. The session will dive into the insights PCPO has gathered thus far. The session is designed to foster an environment of learning, collaboration, and inspiration featuring instant polling and interactive Q&A. Attendees will gain insight into the innovative approaches proposed by the Policy Community, and discover how they, as practitioners, can contribute to the successful implementation of these projects in the future. Catherine Charbonneau - Director, Policy Community Partnerships Office Tamara Girard - Manager, Community Research and Outreach, Policy Community Partnerships Office Daniel Villate - Senior Research Designer, Policy Community Partnerships Office

3:50 pm - 4:00 pm
	Closing Remarks and Thanks
	Closing Remarks by: Serge Bijimine - ADM Champion, Policy Community Initiative