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National Managers' Community (NMC)/ Newsletter / March 2026
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In this edition
NMC Insight
Events and Celebrations
- Become an Affiliate of DPI & the 3-day Professional Development Week (PDW)
- Embracing Digital Accessibility
- Priority Entitlements Interactive Session for Managers
- The Trust Series: Exploring Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference
Spotlight on Resources
- Understanding Priority Entitlements in Staffing
- New: GC Career Transitions Centre of Excellence
- Invitation to participate – Official languages workshop series
Regional News
Prairies & Northwest Territories
- Upcoming Networking Lunches and In-Person Events
- 2026 Opening the Door to Mental Health Symposium
- Managers Connect in Vancouver
NMC Insight
Events and Celebrations
Become an Affiliate of DPI & the 3-day Professional Development Week (PDW)
Are you looking for opportunities to learn and network?
Are you passionate about technology, information management, digital government, AI, and advocating for better ways of working in government? If so, consider becoming a DPI Affiliate. DPI has been supporting the Public Service for over 60 years!
While DPI places a strong focus on technology, an array of learning and networking events is offered for public sector professionals across many fields; from IT to communications, project management, policy, and beyond.
Affiliation is free and provides access to monthly seminars, as well as networking and mentoring series. Take a look at upcoming events and follow DPI on LinkedIn.
Important upcoming event – Don’t miss out!
The signature event is the 3-day Professional Development Week (PDW). PDW 2026 will be held May 5–7, 2026. Check here to see whether your organization has purchased an Enterprise Pass.
Interested in volunteering?
Complete the Expression of Interest form and start giving back to the community.
Embracing Digital Accessibility
Ensuring accessibility in digital processes has become an integral part of managing diverse and effective teams. By attending Embracing Digital Accessibility, managers will gain practical tools that identify and address digital barriers to make day-to-day operations more inclusive and efficient. The session will offer engaging presentations, group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities. Registration is required.
📅 March 24 and 25, 2026 | Virtual Event | More details and registration here: English session: March 25, 1:30–3:00 pm ET | French session: March 24, 10:30 am–12:00 pm ET
Priority Entitlements Interactive Session for Managers
The Public Service Commission (PSC) invites managers to join an interactive Question & Answer virtual session on March 26, 2026, to increase their understanding of priority entitlements during workforce reductions.
As an introduction to priority entitlements, it is recommended to watch the video “Understanding priority entitlements in staffing” developed by the PSC and the Canada School of Public Service. To access the video, please sign in to the CSPC learning platform.
For more information on the session, click on the following links:
Register by March 19, 2026. If you have questions, please send an email to cfp.ap-demandes-pa-inquiries.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca.
The Trust Series: Exploring Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference
Foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) is not simply “fake news” from abroad. It involves sophisticated, coordinated operations designed to undermine a country's national security. Whereas foreign espionage targets state secrets, FIMI weakens social cohesion and erodes the fabric of public trust.
This informative event will convene representatives from government and civil society to examine why foreign threat actors engage in foreign information manipulation and interference, the tactics they deploy, and the many impacts on Canadian institutions and society.
Participants will learn how to better recognize the underlying patterns of foreign information manipulation and interference and how it affects their work as public servants.
March 31, 2026 | Virtual | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET) | More details and registration here
Leading transformation is no longer optional—especially in the current context of Workforce Adjustment and the Compensation Expenditure Review. The Think Tank Series on Transformation (TTsT) is a 90-minute interactive session designed for members of the National Managers’ Community, leaders, executives and employees to navigate disruption with empathy and purpose. Developed by certified practitioners from the Interdepartmental Organizational Change Network (IOCN), the session connects theory to real workplace realities and focuses on how transitions are experienced by people.
Participants explore three core modules: individual transition and adaptation, team dynamics, and practical management frameworks, including the Government of Canada’s Framework for Leading Change and Prosci. The session highlights what individuals and leaders can control, how to anticipate emotional reactions during uncertainty, and how small, practical actions can support meaningful transformation.
TTsT offers a safe and supportive space to reflect, exchange with peers, and strengthen resilience, communication and leadership capacity during periods of organizational disruption.
📅 Various dates from February to April, 2026 | Virtual event | More details and registration here Think Tank Series on Transformation - Navigate current disruptions with empathy and think about the future : GCcollab
21st Annual Leadership Summit - Shaping the Future of Public Service Leadership
Be part of the 2026 IPAC Leadership Summit, where public service leaders and innovators come together to explore the transformative potential of leadership in shaping a better future. This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Public Service Leadership,” highlights the critical role of bold, forward-thinking leadership in addressing today’s challenges and seizing tomorrow’s opportunities.
This dynamic event will feature thought-provoking keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to empower public service professionals at every level. Dive into topics such as fostering innovation, driving equity and inclusion, managing change with resilience, and leading with integrity in an ever-evolving landscape.
📅 March 5, 2026 | Virtual event | More details and registration here
Spotlight on Resources
Understanding Priority Entitlements in Staffing
This video provides an overview of priority entitlements and how they work in public service staffing, including information on the roles of hiring managers, HR professionals, and the Public Service Commission, while also clarifying key concepts and answering frequently asked questions through concrete scenarios.
👉 Understanding Priority Entitlements in Staffing
New: GC Career Transitions Centre of Excellence
This initiative aims to foster a supportive environment where employees can strengthen their career development skills and gain confidence in navigating career transitions, whether they are managing WFA situations or exploring new career paths.
Our goal is to reduce stress and uncertainty during periods of change by providing employees the knowledge, skills, and support they need to move forward with confidence and find their next role.
We will be offering a variety of free sessions on topics such as résumé writing, interview preparation, skill building, and more. Everyone is welcome—no prior experience or specific role is required.
Please share the link to the upcoming sessions with your employees: https://wiki.gccollab.ca/GC_Career_Transitions/Upcoming_Sessions
Invitation to participate – Official languages workshop series
As a manager, you play an essential role in implementing the Official Languages Act (the Act) and in fostering an inclusive and high‑performing workplace.
The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages is inviting you to a series of free workshops, which will provide practical tools to better support your teams.
The workshops cover the following:
· Objectives of the Act
· An effective active offer
· Bilingual meetings: Effective practices for internal meetings and external presentations
· The tool for the linguistic identification of positions: Implementing section 91 of the Act
· Linguistic (in)security in the workplace
👉 Click here for more details and to register.
Regional News
Atlantic
Ontario
Managers Connect Event is coming to Windsor
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 am - 4:00 pm (ET) | 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.
This will be followed by an interactive, team-based learning experience designed to help people learn with and from each other to tackle real workplace challenges together. Also planned, a panel of senior leaders will share their experiences and insights on today’s key issues, followed by a speed mentoring session.
📅February 24, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (CT) | In Person | To learn more and register click here
Managers Connect in Iqaluit
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 in Iqaluit, Nunavut | More details and registration here
British Columbia & Yukon
Upcoming Networking Lunches and In Person Events
The BC and 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..
👉 Visit the NMC Events and Activities page.
2026 Opening the Door to Mental Health Symposium
Join us on February 25 and 26, 2026 in Vancouver, BC, for a powerful two-day symposium focused on increasing mental health awareness and strengthening wellness practices.
- Day 1 – Open to public servants at all levels. The day will feature keynote and expert perspectives from Dr. Shimi Kang and Caitlin Mischki (Health Canada), offering practical insight to support mental wellbeing at work.
- Day 2 – For managers and leaders. This day will focus on leadership and mental health, with sessions led by Caitlin Mischki, the Community of Interest on Mental Health, and the NMC. Together, we will explore practical approaches to better support teams and foster healthier workplaces.
More information and registration here: 2026 Opening the Door to Mental Health Symposium | Eventbrite
Managers Connect in Vancouver
Join us for an upcoming Managers Connect event where managers and aspiring leaders will come together for a dynamic day of meaningful dialogue, peer learning, and practical leadership connections.
We are pleased to welcome Sabrina Andee, who will lead a timely discussion on briefing in a world of uncertainty, followed by interactive co-development group sessions. In the afternoon, Calvin Yan, will lead a conversation on leading during difficult times.
The day will conclude with a high-energy Speed Mentoring session, bringing executives and managers together to spark new ideas, build confidence, and expand professional networks.
📅March 4, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (PT) | In Person | To learn more and register click here
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