Mental Health Open Door 2021
| OPEN DOOR FOR LEADERS IN MENTAL HEALTH |
February 25th, 2021 | Zoom Virtual Event
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8:25 Please join us a few minutes early to test your connection. Reminder: TURN OFF VPN
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MORNING PLENARY
Moderator: Christian Hansen
Regional Director General of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Co-Chair of the Community of Interest on Mental Health
8:30 – 8:45
OPENING REMARKS: Ravinder Rakhra
Regional Director General of the Pacific Regions, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Federal Black Employee Caucus Champion
8:45 – 9:00
OPENING PRAYERS : Elder Caroline Buckshot
9:00- 10:00
CULTIVATING SAFE SPACES THROUGH SELF COMPASSSION: Farah Saad This presentation will give an insight on self-care and self-awareness in creating safe spaces for yourself and those around you. It will touch on processing grief and that ultimately none of us are experts or perfect at mental health but we came here to learn!
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10:00- 10:15 HEALTH BREAK & STRETCHING EXERCISES: Carole Eros
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MORNING
BREAKOUT ROOMS 10:15-11:45
A. DIVERSITY AND RESILIENCE: Dr Olisa Mak (60 min) Lea Werthman (30 min) STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH
Dr. Mak will talk about strategies on how we can support all being affected by mental health, as well as some preventive measures we can take.
&
LESSONS LEARNED FROM A MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
Join Lea as she discusses mental health advocacy with the Federal Government.
B. PANEL ON WORKING DISABILITIES IN THE PUBLIC
Simple things matter – be it the placement of a door handle, a hook, where steps are, how much light is over a desk, or having an invisible disability and how it can impact your work.
How can we accommodate others so that they can do their work and their mental health is
not impacted.
∙ Adrianne Dunsmore (Moderator), Supply Specialist with Public Services and Procurement Canada, she is an active member of PSPC’s Regional Mental Health and Wellness Committee
since its inception and am the Mental Health and Wellness lead on PSPC’s Pacific Workplace Resumption Committee.
∙ Nicole Cote, Executive Director, Environmental Assessment, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and departmental co-champion for disability and accessibility issues.
∙ Jeff Kingsley, Public Service and Procurement Canada, During his career in the public service he has worked with many people with life challenges that can be adapted to help
improve the someone’s life through physical activities or inclusion.
∙ Pam Cypher, A/Business Expertise Manager with Employment Insurance. She has a background in providing education and employment support for people with barriers to
employment, including: disabilities, mental health, criminal records, socio-economic barriers, and survivors of residential schools.
C. INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SAFETY: INCORPORATING WISDOM AND HUMILITY ON
CREATING CULTURALLY SAFE SPACE
For many Indigenous people, culture plays a significant role in shaping our perspective
while influencing how we interact within our environment. Cultural safety can refer to the
provision of a safe and equitable environment for Indigenous peoples. This would be an
environment that takes into account how elements of social history influences the well
being and need of an individual. It is important to understand the definition of cultural
safety is evolving and self-defined. Successful efforts to create a culturally safe environment
can only be confirmed by the individual receiving those efforts. Within this panel, we will
explore various aspects of cultural safety and learn ways in which we can work toward
creating an environment where individuals feel acknowledged and supported.
∙ David Russell (Moderator): Director for Lands and Economic Development at the BC
regional office of Indigenous Services Canada
∙ Caroline Buckshot: Elder Caroline Buckshot is Algonquin First Nations Status from the
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg located in Maniwaki, Quebec. Her Anishinaabe name is KaNigan a
Pit, which means Woman who Teaches). She is an Indigenous Elder working within the
Correctional Service of Canada, and is a well-known and respected Elder in many
communities.
∙ Vicky Sawatzky: Vicki works within the Correctional Service of Canada as an Indigenous Programs Officer.
∙ Andrew Caldwell: Andrew is also Algonquin First Nations Status from the Kitigan Zibi
Anishinabeg. His Anishinaabe name is Wa-Wa-Ti-In-In-Ne, which means Northern Lights
Man. Andrew was employed with the Correctional Services of Canada for ten and half years
as an Indigenous Correctional Program Officer. He is a Positive Space Initiatives Trainer and
Ambassador and recently deployed to the Employment and Social Development Canada as
an Indigenous Policy Analyst in the Indigenous Coordination and Engagement for Skills and
Employment Branch – Indigenous Affairs Directorate.
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11:45 – 12:45 LUNCH
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AFTERNOON BREAK OUT ROOMS
12:45- 2:15
A. MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH: ADDRESSING ANTI-BLACK RACISM IN FEDERAL WORKPLACES
This workshop will explore how anti-black racism shows up in federal workplaces and the impact it has on everyone in the organization, and especially on black public servants. Participants will be provided with opportunities for discussion and reflection as well as practical tools on how to create an environment that is “psychologically safe”. This workshop will target managers but all are welcome.
∙ Ravinder Rakhra, Regional Director General of the Pacific Regions, Public Services and Procurement Canada, FBEC Champion
∙ Bohang (Matsumunyane) Benedix, Registered Clinical Counselor, No Fear Counselling ∙ Ayesha Sackey, Clinical Services Manager at Burnaby Mental Health and Addiction, Provincial Health Services Authority Regional Wellness Coordinator.
This workshop is presented by the BC Federal Council and the Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC).
B. ARMCHAIR DISCUSSION WITH THE OMBUDSPEOPLE ON DIVERSITY AND MENTAL HEALTH
Join BC Federal Council Mental Health Champion Rebecca Reid in chatting with the Ombudspeople of various departments about their experience of diversity impacting mental wellness in the public service, and how COVID has changed the playing field.
∙ Rebecca Reid (moderator), RDG of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), BC Federal Council Mental Health Champion
∙ Mathieu Giroux, Ombudsman for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
∙ Mario Baril, Ombudsman for Mental Health of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)
∙ Eve Nadeau, Deputy Ombudsman for Mental Health of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
∙ Gilles Moreau, Ombudsman of Small Departments and Agencies
C. COMING TOGETHER: CONSIDERING DIVERSITY IN MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCES - PANEL DISCUSSION
The intersectionality of gender and sexual orientation are some of the lenses through which we perceive ourselves and the world around us; and influences how we engage with each other. The roles, behaviours, expressions, and identities that are affected and influenced by gender and sexual orientation lead to considerable diversity in how we as individuals understand, experience, and express ourselves. Our identities create groups and sub-groups, each rich with experience of relationships, community and the limitations of expectations. Embracing this diversity, Panelists will discuss how gender and sexual orientation shape our mental health experiences, bringing greater awareness to the multiplicity of individual experiences while also revealing our common endeavours for mutual respect, caring, and happiness.
∙ Andrew Caldwell (moderator): is Algonquin First Nations Status from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg located in Maniwaki, Quebec. His Anishinaabe name is Wa-Wa-Ti-In-In-Ne, which means Northern Lights Man. Andrew was employed with the Correctional
Services of Canada for ten and half years as an Indigenous Correctional Program Officer where he worked at all of the security levels, as well as community corrections. He is a Positive Space Initiatives Trainer and Ambassador and recently deployed to the
Employment and Social Development Canada as a Policy Analyst in the Indigenous Coordination and Engagement for Skills and Employment Branch – Indigenous Affairs Directorate.
∙ Dr. John Ogrodniczuk: is a Professor of Psychiatry at UBC, Director of the
Psychotherapy Program at UBC and has his own private practice. He has also developed HeadsUpGuys, a leading global resource that supports men in their fight against
depression.
∙ Dr Genieve Burley: is a chiropractor in Vancouver, BC and chair of BC Women’s Health Foundation Gala Committee, focusing on women’s mental health.
∙ Gabriel Lanthier: is a SAP Basis administrator at ESDC. Gabriel has battled against mental health challenges (anxiety, depression) and through his questioning, he is now living more authentically in his pursuit of happiness and transitioned from female to
male in 2017.
∙ Nia Gillies: is an out Bisexual post-op Transgender woman and volunteers with
transgender refugees. She is currently a Human Resource Advisor with the Human
Resources Services Branch.
∙ Justine Munich: is a local community leader and activist in the asexual and aromantic community. They are also the chair of the board of directors of Asexual Outreach, a non
profit in Canada and a 501c3 charity in the US. Justine also volunteers as an
administrator on the largest online asexual community forum, the Asexual Visibilty and
Education Network.
2:15 – 2:30 HEALTH BREAK
LIVED
EXPRERIENCES: 2:30 – 3:00
CHOOSE
A or B
AFTERNOON PLENARY
A. WHAT IF EVERYONE WAS SHOCKED THAT YOU COULD TALK? THAT YOU ENJOYED MUSIC? Élise Doucet
This is life for E lise Doucet, a young Deaf adult. Others preconceptions about her deafness and its limits have invaded all major areas of her life: from her personal life, to her family, school, and to her experiences with the healthcare system. E lise’s presentation will give you a view into a world that lives in front of everyone, but is not often seen.
B. BLINDING CHALLENGES Jessica Bonish
Did you know that only 20% of blind people seeking work, obtain work? Join Jessica as she discusses the struggles to find work with a visual impairment, and the challenges of being able to maintain work – even in the Federal Government, while also dealing with anorexia and depression.
MODERATOR: Allison Webb
Co-Chair of the Community of Interest on Mental Health
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3:00 – 4:00 4:00- 4:15 4:15 – 4:30
SUICIDE AND SELF HARM: RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS AND WHAT TO DO: Dr. Dan Cox, UBC, and Christa Haywood-Farmer, CMHA
Has a friend or co-worker ever talked of harming themselves or dying by suicide? Do you call someone? If so, who? How do you talk to them? If you ask them questions, will it make it worse and they actually do it?
Join in for a talk and discussion about symptoms and signs of potential self harm, as well as tools that can help.
JOINT LEARNING PROGRAM UPDATE INCLUDING NEW VIRTUAL OFFERINGS: Michael Van Nen and Aaron Billesberger
The Joint Learning Program is committed to building relationships and improving the workplace through free educational and interactive online discussion series sessions and in-person workshops where participants are encouraged to share their own experiences. The Regional Field Coordinators for the BC-Yukon Region will be providing a program update, including the upcoming release of new engaging online sessions focused on anti-racism.
CLOSING REMARKS: Rebecca Reid
RDG of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), BC Federal Council Mental Health Champion
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THIS VERY IMPORTANT TOPIC!
Some of the workshops will be recorded for sharing.
Questions? Meghan.Chen@Canada.ca (236)-334-2721
At Open Door we aim to make everyone feel comfortable, supported and safe. Mental Health First Aid trained volunteers will available site throughout the event.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
If you are feeling distressed by any of the topics that come up, please reach out to any of our Mental Health First Aiders, who are on standby:
∙ Gail Muskeyn: (236) 313 – 1065
∙ Taylor Dobroshinsky: (236)– 313 – 0828
∙ Gabrielle Lhokta – (604) 363- 0091
∙ Carole Eros: (604) 813 – 5484 (not available from 9:45-10:15)
∙ Jeanne Olineck: (236) 313 - 1213 (not available from 2:15 – 3:15)
∙ Meghan Chen: (236) 334 – 7860
∙ Elder Virginia Peters
EAP is also available:
∙ Contact EAP at: 1-800-268-7708
∙ Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-567-5803
Other Services
∙ EAP LifeSpeak Resources
∙ Specialized Organizational Services (SOS)
∙ E-Counselling
With so much thanks to the departments that support Open Door 2021, especially Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) , Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Western Economic Diversification (WED). Special thanks to the Federal Black Employee Caucus for working with us to plan a more inclusive event. As well, we would like to thank our over 20 member departments of the Community of Interest on Mental Health, and the BC Federal Council Secretariat and our gratitude to individuals from those organizations who dedicated funding, time and expertise to developing today’s content.
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