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→About the NMC
==About the NMC==
==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.
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.
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.