Important: The GCConnex decommission will not affect GCCollab or GCWiki. Thank you and happy collaborating!

NMC/About Us

From wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Home

About the NMC

The National Managers’ Community (NMC) is a federal interdepartmental network committed to supporting public service managers and ensuring that their insights shape the present and the future of their work. The NMC collaborate closely with key partners, advisory board and steering committee members to understand managers' needs and challenges, driving initiatives that reflect their perspectives across the public service. History of the National Managers' Community (NMC)

1998–2000: The Beginning.

The NMC formally launched in 2000, uniting regional manager communities inspired by La Relève. Its mission: to support managers by fostering networks, promoting learning, and addressing their unique needs. Michelle Comeau then Associate Deputy Minister with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Michael Nurse, then Associate Deputy Minister with Public Works and Government Services Canada, who were the first two Champions. They were instrumental in the creation of the NMC, and an ADM Advisory Board and Regional Coordinators soon followed to amplify its impact nationwide.

2001–2007: The Formative Years

Strong partnerships with The Leadership Network and the Canadian Centre for Management Development defined the NMC's early success, alongside the first National Managers’ Forum in 2001. In 2024, Ric Cameron, then Assistant Deputy Minister with Canadian International Development Agency, was appointed Interim Champion for the NMC following the retirement of Mike Nurse. Despite funding challenges, a business case in 2005 secured long-term stability, while external reviews highlighted the NMC's unique ability to unite public service managers.

The Hay Group was commissioned to conduct an external review and the report quote: “the NMC had the capacity to reach the entire managerial community in the public service in a non-fragmented, holistic manner and was the sole body through which the entire community of public service managers could be addressed.”

2014–2020: Transformation and Modernization

In 2007 François Guimont was appointed as Deputy Minister Champion for the NMC. Under his leadership, the NMC focused on increasing stability, implementing its new funding model that helped enhancing its governance structure.

Under Deputy Minister Champions Karen Ellis (2014–2017) and Christine Donoghue (2018–2020), the NMC evolved from delivering formal training to fostering partnerships and addressing managers' needs. During this time, the NMC solidified its role as a vital network connecting managers which focussed on regional inclusiveness. The NMC leveraged its ability to be a two-way conduit for communicating with managers and senior leaders, they started to represent a strong voice for managers in the public service, using modern tools and partnerships that gave them even greater influence and impact.

2020–2022: Adapting Through the Pandemic

Arun Thangaraj was appointed as Deputy Minister Champion in 2020, the NMC faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It rapidly transitioned to virtual programming to support managers through remote leadership, mental health concerns, and virtual world. This adaptation expanded the NMC’s reach and reinforced its relevance. The period also marked the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service from the Clerk of the Privy Council following significant world events of racism and discrimination.

2022–Present: A Hybrid Future

Under Arun Thangaraj’s continued leadership, in 2022 the NMC reintroduced in-person events alongside virtual offerings. The NMC Newsletter and the Managers’ Connect in person regional events Serie have become a recurring highlight in our annual programming, further demonstrating their impact and relevance of the benefits to re-connect, share stories, socialize and discuss common concerns. As we continue to grow, we have a distribution list now reaching over 11,000 members. Additionally, our Steering Committee's engagement is reigniting, with active participation and enthusiasm driving new ideas and initiatives forward.


Our mission is to support continuous improvement and innovation in public sector management. We provide meaningful outreach and engagement opportunities, fostering a dynamic and inclusive managers’ community.

NMC Gouvernance Structure

The NMC Secretariat

The NMC Secretariat is the core team that coordinates activities, connects with managers, and drives the NMC's mission.


The NMC Deputy Minister Champion

Appointed by the Clerk of the Privy Council, the NMC Deputy Minister (DM) Champion provides strategic advice and guidance to the NMC Secretariat. The NMC Executive Director reports to the DM Champion and meet regularly to ensure managers' needs are communicated and executives are actively engaged. This collaborative approach fosters a two-way exchange of feedback and guidance, creating mutual benefits for both groups. Additionally, the DM Champion chairs the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Advisory Board, providing alignment and collaboration across leadership levels.

  • Arun Tangaraj / NMC Champion / Deputy Minister at Transport Canada / LindedIn

The NMC Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Advisory Board

The NMC Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Advisory Board consist of executives from all departments and agencies that act as the Champion and advocates for managers’ network in their respective communities and regions.

  • List of members to link

The NMC Managers’ Advisory Board (MAB)

This group of leaders are the point of contact in their own organization’s managers’ community. They share insights and help shape the NMC's strategic direction.

  • List of members to link

The NMC Regional Committees

The NMC Regional Leads works with regional champions and steering committee co-chairs and members. They help the NMC represent and support managers from coast to coast to coast.

These committees meet monthly or quarterly to share insights and address the specific challenges faced by managers in their regions. By gathering valuable feedback on regional issues and departmental innovations, they ensure that the unique perspectives of managers are heard at the national level. This collaboration fosters a stronger connection between regional needs and national objectives.

  • Atlantic
  • British Columbia and Yukon
  • National Capital
  • Ontario
  • Prairies and Northern Territories
  • Quebec and Nunavut
  • List of members to link

The NMC Strategic Plan and Annual Reports


  • NMC Annual Report 2023