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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
- Think Tank Series on Transformation - How do we navigate current disruptions
- 21st Annual Leadership Summit - Shaping the Future of Public Service Leadership
- Supporting Your Team Through SERLO: What Managers Need to Know
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
- Pilot to help shape the Neurodiversity Guide for Managers
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
The Peer Learning Topics Managers Value Most
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent NMC January managers check‑in. Your feedback offered a snapshot of where managers think peer learning and mentoring can provide the most value.
The strongest areas of interest focused on: managing performance and accountability, followed by employee engagement and motivation, as well as navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities.
Your comments also surfaced broader pressures, from workload and stress to career development and HR‑related questions, highlighting the need for practical, real‑world scenarios and support.
The NMC relies on feedback from its members to shape future offerings and foster open dialogue with our partners in support of managers.
Welcome Jeremy Trites, NMC New Atlantic Regional Lead
We are pleased to welcome Jeremy Trites as the NMC Regional Lead in the Atlantic region. Jeremy comes to us from Public Services and Procurement Canada, where he supported client departments, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in delivering compensation and HR services. He brings strong experience in people management, operational coordination and quality-focused service delivery.
Jeremy is known for his clear and effective communication in both official languages, and for his ability to support employees through challenges while fostering a positive, professional and collaborative team environment. With a solid understanding of compensation rules and processes, he provides guidance that is accurate, accessible and focused on helping people succeed.
Outside of work, Jeremy values health and wellness. He enjoys baking his own sourdough bread, playing golf and pickleball, practicing yoga, relaxing at Nordic spas and walking his dog.
We sincerely thank Marc Hamilton, former Regional Lead for the Atlantic region, for his contributions to the NMC and wish him continued success in his career.
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. The session features 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.
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
Supporting Your Team Through SERLO: What Managers Need to Know
The NMC, in collaboration with the Public Service Commission, invites you to a focused learning session to help managers confidently navigate the Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO) process. This session will provide clear guidance, practical insights and key considerations to support your teams during organizational transitions. Participants will also walk through practical scenarios to see how SERLO principles apply in real-world situations.
📅 March 12, 2026 | Virtual event | More details and registration : French session 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ET) | English session 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.(ET)
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 the 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 colleagues in this 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. Fifty-one (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.
Pilot to help shape the Neurodiversity Guide for Managers
The Infinity Network is inviting managers to take part in a short pilot to help shape the Neurodiversity Guide for Managers.
This guide is being developed to support managers in creating more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees and to provide practical, easy-to-use guidance across the employee life cycle.
By participating, you will help ensure the Guide is relevant, practical and useful for managers across the public service. Participants will be invited to a short kickoff session and will have until March 31, 2026 to review the draft and share feedback.
👉 Please confirm your interest in participating in this pilot project by completing this form Neurodiversity Guide for Managers – Pilot Registration
📩 Contact: Infinite-Infinity@pch.gc.ca
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 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..
👉 Visit the NMC Events and Activities page.
2026 Opening the Door to Mental Health Symposium
Join us on February 25 & 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 (PST) | In Person | To learn more and register click here
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