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National Managers' Community (NMC)/ Newsletter / January 2026
Lire la version en français ici
In this edition
NMC Insight
- Learning from Each Other, Moving Forward
Events and Celebrations
- The Trust Series: Promoting Information Integrity by Strengthening Public Trust
- Working Smarter with Microsoft Copilot: Practical AI for NMC Managers
- Leading Teams Through Disruption for HR Managers
- Navigating AI: Age of the Agent for Public Service
- The Buy Canadian Policy: Implementation Considerations and Guidance
Spotlight on Resources
Regional News
Prairies & Northwest Territories
- NMC Networking workshop in Québec City: Health and Well-being in the Workplace through the Lens of Nature’s Benefits
- Managers Connect in Iqaluit on March 17 and 18, 2026
NMC Insight
Learning from Each Other, Moving Forward
A new year has begun, and we know many managers face challenges that will require courage, flexibility, resilience, and empathy to navigate them. January is Mentoring Month, a perfect time to explore mentoring and also peer learning. Mentoring lets you connect with colleagues, share experiences, gain new perspectives, and transfer knowledge that is often missed. Whether as a mentor or mentee, it’s a powerful way to grow your skills, support your team, and ensure valuable organizational knowledge is passed on. Peer learning, whether it’s job shadowing, mentoring, coaching, co-development groups or even networking also helps managers reflect, clarify goals, and strengthen leadership across the public service. This month, consider reaching out, sharing your experience, or seeking guidance. Small steps like these help build stronger teams and a more connected community.
Events and Celebrations
The Trust Series: Promoting Information Integrity by Strengthening Public Trust
With rapid technological advancement and heightened public skepticism, framing public policy discussions to promote information integrity has become a priority for public institutions.
This timely event features Alicia Wanless, PhD, an expert in information integrity and public policy, who will examine how massive shifts in the flow of information are pressing governments to rethink how they communicate and engage with the public.
Participants will gain insights into the forces shaping today’s information ecosystem and learn how to build resilience to false and misleading content while upholding core democratic values, including freedom of expression.
📅 January 23, 2026 | Virtual | 11:00 am to 11:40 am (ET) | More details and registration here
Working Smarter with Microsoft Copilot: Practical AI for NMC Managers
Managers’ workloads continue to grow. What if artificial intelligence could become a powerful lever to help you stay organized, prioritize more effectively, and move work forward with greater efficiency?
In this NMC virtual session, you will learn how to use primarily Microsoft Copilot to:
- quickly structure your ideas and documents;
- streamline follow-ups and communications;
- craft effective prompts to generate useful, actionable results;
- optimize your workday without added complexity.
📅 January 28, 2026 | Virtual | To learn more and register to the session : French session 11:00 - 12:00 (ET) | English session 2:00 - 3:00 (ET)
Leading Teams Through Disruption for HR Managers
This virtual HRC Event, organized in collaboration with the PSC Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) Executive Counselling Services, is designed to help managers lead with clarity and care during times of uncertainty. Participants will gain insights and practical tools to support their teams through change and disruption, including how to:
- Learn from the lived experience of a seasoned senior leader
- Recognize what may be happening beneath the surface
- Foster a sense of autonomy among their teams
- Use a shared language that supports mutual understanding
- Apply practical guidance when interacting with employees and colleagues
📅 February 11, 2026 | Virtual | To learn more and register to the session : French session 10:00 - 11:30 (ET) | English session 1:30 - 3:00 (ET)
IPAC is offering the continuation of our Navigating AI series, Age of the Agent for Public Service coming this fall and winter is a new dynamic, hands-on training experience designed to help leaders and teams navigate the new advancements in generative AI, including AI Agents!
📅 February 4, 11 and 18, 2026 | Virtual | 1 :30 to 2 :30 p.m. (ET) | To learn more and register to the session, click here
The Buy Canadian Policy: Implementation Considerations and Guidance
On September 5, 2025, the Government of Canada introduced new measures to support Canadian industries in a changing global trade environment. In support, Public Services and Procurement Canada launched the Buy Canadian Procurement Policy Framework to prioritize Canadian suppliers and strengthen domestic supply chains across federal procurement.
This session will help managers understand how the Framework affects their day-to-day decision-making. Featuring a panel discussion on the intent and rollout of the Framework, key policy changes, implementation challenges, and the roles and responsibilities of contracting authorities and business owners. Participants will gain a practical understanding to support compliant, strategic, and forward-looking procurement within their teams.
📅 February 25, 2026 | Online | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (ET) | More details and registration here
For technical support, contact learningevents-evenementsdapprentissage@csps-efpc.gc.ca. For other questions, contact CCDO-DCCS@tbs-sct.gc.ca.
Spotlight on Resources
Managers: Let’s Shape Public Service Learning Together
Have 60 minutes to make a lasting impact?
The Canada School of Public service is redesigning the courses Who We Work For - FON304, a foundational and mandatory course part of the online Public Service Orientation suite for all public servants.
We’re inviting managers like you to ensure this course remains relevant, meaningful, and engaging for today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.
What’s Involved: 60-minute virtual one-on-one interview, Led by Kinga Petrovai, Ph.D., Learning Specialist.
Your experience can help shape how thousands of new public servants understand who they work for and why it matters.
Interested? Send an email to Eloise.Duchesne@csps-efpc.gc.ca
Regional News
National Capital Region
Managers Connect in Ottawa - Sold out
On January 8th we opened the registration for the Ottawa Managers Connect in-person event and due to overwhelming interest, the event sold out in a day. Thank you for the strong engagement! We invite you to join the waiting list, as spaces may become available as the event date approaches and will be able to take pulse of the demand for future offerings!
📅 February 12 | In-Person Ottawa | Event is full add your name to the waiting list here
Ontario
New date – The Managers Connect is coming in Windsor on March 4th,2026
Get ready to reconnect and recharge! Join fellow public service managers for an engaging in-person session focused on emotional intelligence, speed mentoring, and authentic leadership. Through powerful conversations and peer-led insights, this event is your opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow in good company.
👉 Register Now, limited seats available!
📅March 4, 2026 | 8:30 - 4:00 | In Person | To learn more and register click here
Prairies & Northwest Territories
Managers Connect in Winnipeg
The National Managers’ Community (NMC) is pleased to offer you a day of professional development and networking on Feb 24th in Winnipeg.
The program includes a workshop facilitated by Dr. Katy Kamkar, PhD, C.Psych, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Ombuds and Mental Health Special Advisor.
Building Individual Resiliency Pathways: Learn practical skills to enhance your self-care and psychological and emotional resilience, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and confidence. We’ll explore developing a healthy view of self, fostering coping flexibility, and discovering effective strategies to manage stress.
More info to come on further activities planned for the day.
📅February 24, 2026 | 8:30 - 4:30 | In Person | To learn more and register click here
NMC Networking workshop in Québec City: Health and Well-being in the Workplace through the Lens of Nature’s Benefits
The NMC invites you to a half-day workshop on February 3, 2026, at the Laurentian Forestry Centre in Québec. Under the theme Health and Well-being in the Workplace: The Benefits of Nature, join an experiential session with Delphine Théberge, PhD candidate, who will share science-based insights on nature’s impact on well-being. A short outdoor walk is planned—dress warmly. You’re also welcome to join us for lunch at the cafeteria (bring your own or order nearby). We look forward to seeing you there!
📅 February 3, 2026 | 8:30 am to 12:00 pm (ET) | The Laurentian Forestry Centre, Québec | More details and Registrations here
Managers Connect in Iqaluit on March 17 and 18, 2026
Join us for two days of in-person learning and connection in Iqaluit, focused on Building Trust: Communicating, Navigating Challenges, and Growing Together.
The agenda includes Inuit cultural perspectives to support respectful and inclusive ways of working, interactive workshops on managing difficult conversations, delivering feedback, and building workplace resilience, as well as time for reflection, learning, and peer exchange. An informal networking activity will close the first day.
📅 March 17–18, 2026 | In-Person Iqaluit, Nunavut| More details and Registrations here
British Columbia & Yukon
Upcoming Networking lunches and In-Person Events
The BC & Yukon NMC Regional Lead is pleased to invite managers to a series of in-person networking lunches this February. Come and connect with peers, share experiences, and expand your network in Vancouver and Victoria on February 18, and Prince George on February 19. A Whitehorse breakfast is also being planned, stay tuned.
👉 Visit the NMC Events and Activities page in the coming days for more information.
Save the date:
📅 February 26 – Mental Health Communities of Interest & NMC is planning the Open Door Mental Health Event in Vancouver
📅 March 4 – NMC Managers Connect in Vancouver
Event and registration details will also be shared by email. Ensure your NMC profile is up to date, including your region, to receive targeted information (complete the subscription form to automatically update your profile).
Learn more about the NMC and how we help support managers
