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National Managers' Community (NMC)/ Newsletter / February 2026
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In this edition
NMC Insight
Events and Celebrations
- GC Data Conference 2026 – A Strategic Learning Opportunity for Your Team
- The Buy Canadian Policy: Implementation Considerations and Guidance
- 21st Annual Leadership Summit - Shaping the Future of Public Service Leadership
Spotlight on Resources
- Introduction to the Planning and Management of Investments (course)
- Introduction to Work in the Government of Canada: Foundations for Success (course)
- Digital GC Workplace Accessibility Passport: Key Updates for Managers from OPSA
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
Mentoring Matters: Small Steps, Big Impact
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.
This month, consider reaching out, sharing your experience, or seeking guidance. Small steps like these help build stronger teams and a more connected community.
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Stay engaged and take part in our monthly Check-In Question, your feedback helps us continue to shape relevant, practical sessions that reflect the real challenges managers face.
This month, we’re asking:
📊 Which peer-to-peer learning or mentoring topics would be most valuable to you as a manager?
Events and Celebrations
GC Data Conference 2026 – A Strategic Learning Opportunity for Your Team
Help your team strengthen data‑informed decision making. The GC Data Conference 2026, “Navigating Canada’s Data Landscape,” offers practical insights on data sovereignty, departmental data maturity, and Canada’s broader data ecosystem. Encourage your employees to attend and build the skills needed to advance data maturity within your organization.
📅 February 18 and 19, 2026 | Online | About the conference
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.
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
Introduction to the Planning and Management of Investments (course)
The Canada School of Public Service, in collaboration with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and the Investment Management Community, has launched a new course: Introduction to the Planning and Management of Investments (COR433).
This course is designed for managers and employees involved in planning and managing investments across the public service. It is relevant not only for specialists in procurement, materiel management, real property and project management, or comptrollership, but also for those responsible for acquisitions, defining requirements, managing specialized assets or services, developing business cases, or contributing to Treasury Board submissions.
This course strengthens foundational knowledge to help ensure necessary assets and services effectively support program delivery to Canadians.
We encourage you to share this course with your teams and consider it as part of onboarding and professional development plans.
Introduction to Work in the Government of Canada: Foundations for Success (course)
This free course, developed by Apolitical in collaboration with the Federal Youth Network, is designed to help civil servants excel in their careers in the Government of Canada. Whether you manage brand-new civil servants in the Canadian Civil Service, or more experienced civil servants, they’ll be introduced to the knowledge, tools and connections to thrive. By they end of the course, they’ll understand how the government works, as well as being equipped to shape their career and contribute to meaningful change.
We look forward to seeing your colleagues on the course!
More info: Introduction to Work in the Government of Canada: Foundations for Success | Apolitical
Digital GC Workplace Accessibility Passport: Key Updates for Managers from OPSA
Interest in the Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport continues to grow across the GC. In a time of budget constraints and organizational reductions, the Passport is a practical tool that helps remove barriers and ensure fairness for employees with disabilities who may be affected. It also reduces administrative costs by giving managers a faster pathway to support employee needs and helping employees reach full productivity sooner.
Early indicators show strong uptake: the number of digital Passports on TAP has more than doubled since last November. Over 1,600 employees have created a Passport, approximately 1,200 have shared it with their manager, and close to 650 have established an agreement.
The Passport team is currently engaging organizations to increase onboarding.
51 organizations have signed the MOU for 2025-26, and 16 have submitted financial MOUs for 2026-27 to 2028-29.
For onboarding or MOU questions, please contact: Julie Fontaine – Julie.Fontaine@tbs-sct.gc.ca or Heather Baker – Heather.Baker@tbs-sct.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.
📅 February 12 | In-Person Ottawa | Event is full add your name to the waiting list here
Ontario
New Date – Managers Connect event is coming to Windsor on March 4, 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 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.
More info to come on further activities planned for the day.
📅February 24, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (CT) | 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) | In Person at 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 in 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
