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Welcome to our Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Racism Series!

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2023 Show/Hide


Black Leadership Excellence: Truth and Resilience

February 7th, 2023 at 13:00 - 15:00 EST

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This event will feature a keynote address by Gerard Etienne and Gerard-Hubert Etienne, who will provide a historical perspective on the notion of racism and anti-Black racism. They will also discuss Canadian legal and institutional responses to racism and provide an understanding of what the levers of change will be in 2023 and beyond. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this important conversation.

Resources
Speaker Bio Socials/Contact
Gerard Etienne Gérard Étienne is a renowned Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) strategist. He has worked with world-class organizations in the public, not-for profit and private sectors that needed to maximize the convergence and collaboration of individuals of diverse identities, experiences, and ideas. He specializes in readiness assessment, intercultural development for executives, ED&I strategic planning, leadership, human resources renewal, and organization development. He is an author and lecturer at l’Université du Québec en Outaouais. Mr. Étienne is a Senior Associate with DiversiPro Inc. He is a former Vice-president at TD Bank Financial Group, Vice-president of Operations at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Vice President Human Resources at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Vice President Diversity Initiatives at the Institute on Governance. He is the Vice-Chair of the Community Equity Council for the Ottawa Police Service. Mr. Étienne is a passionate advocate for Human Rights and Employment Equity. He consistently demonstrates strong leadership on issues pertaining to diversity within and outside the public service, as a means of improving innovation, leadership, technical excellence and employee engagement. Mr. Étienne was the leading organizer for the first symposium in 2019 of the Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC). He has developed curricula and programs to meet the ED&I leadership and governance challenges of organizations. Participants in his ED&I leadership programs benefit from a world of leadership experience. Mr. Étienne has created and delivered several offerings to assist senior officers and managers in taking on greater leadership roles successfully in the changing environment of the private sector and public service. These include a year-long Executive Leadership Program, two-day leadership Boot Camps, roundtable, learning events and finally, coaching to executives and officers at all levels. Mr. Étienne is currently finishing his thesis for a PhD in Industrial Relations from Laval University. He holds a Masters’ degree in Industrial Relations from l'Université du Québec à Hull; an MBA from l’Université du Québec à Montréal; a Masters’ degree in Education from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Ottawa. He was conferred the designation “Fellow” by the Institute of Canadian Bankers with Honours. Most recently, Gérard graduated from the University of Ottawa Certificate Program in Public Sector Leadership and Governance and was named Valedictorian of his class. Gerard’s experience in and across many different sectors and settings has made him flexible, broadly based and extremely useful to those with whom he works. He has partnered with diverse teams, bringing together former senior public servants, not-for-profit executives, private sector leaders and academics.
Gerard-Hubert Etienne Gérard-Hubert Étienne is a public servant, student, spouse and father to a beautiful boy. His short career in the public service has taken him across the National Capital Commission, Transport Canada and very recently, Library & Archives Canada. He shares his father’s passion and dedication towards Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism and spent the better time of his youth honing his mindset by hammering him with endless questions. When Gérard-Hubert isn’t changing his son’s diapers, playing with toy cars or housecleaning, he spends his time geeking out to relax. His biggest wish is to hopefully have to answer less questions from his son than his father did.
Ashlyn Quesnelle Ashlyn Quesnelle is Métis from Penetanguishene, Ontario. She completed her undergraduate degree in History and Peace Studies from McMaster University in 2009 and most recently completed an advanced diploma in Applied Museum Studies from Algonquin College in 2017. She has been working in the Federal Public service since 2016, where she began as an intern in the Deputy Minister’s Office at Public Safety Canada. She has been working at Canadian Heritage since 2017 in various policy positions; she is currently an Analyst with the Reconciliation, Treaties and Engagement Branch. Ashlyn is very active within the public service and volunteers her time with a variety of committees and working groups focused on improving the recruitment, retention, and promotion Indigenous Public Servants. Ashlyn is a founding and Executive member of the Indigenous Federal Employee Network.  

A Heavy Load: Being an Ally in the Public Service

February 14th, 2023 at 13:30 - 15:30 EST

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Through interactive activities and discussions, participants will gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by colleagues from equity groups, and how everyone can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

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Equitable Leadership and Cultural Humility

February 21st, 2023 at 13:30 - 15:30 EST

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Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, ask questions, and engage in interactive discussions on this critical topic.

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Going High: Building Resilience While Achieving Equity and Anti-Racism Goals

February 28th, 2023 at 13:30 - 15:30 EST

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Inspired by Michelle Obama's famous phrase, this event will provide attendees with the tools and strategies needed to stay strong and overcome obstacles while working towards a more equitable and just society. Join us for a day of inspiration, motivation and practical advice to help you "go high" and make a meaningful impact in the fight against racism.

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2022 Show/Hide


Equity, Anti-Racism and Mental Health in the Federal Public Service - October 6, 2022 at 13:30 - 15:30 EST

Dr. Martin Nicholas and Elisabeth Martin are two of the most informative and engaging speakers on equity, diversity, inclusion and Anti-Racism within the GoC. Join them on October 6th for a one of a kind presentation that you don’t want to miss. They will discuss:

  1. Equity in the Federal Public Service is Substantive Equality as protected by the Charter
  2. Research and Analysis of Representation Data of Black Employees and the Employment Equity Designated Groups in the Public Service
  3. Cost of Racism on the Mental Health of Canadians

This will be followed by a Q and A from the audience. We hope to see you all there.

Date:

Oct 6, 2022 1:30-3:30pm EST Bilingual

RECORDING

Resources
File:Equity, Anti-Racism and Mental Health in the Federal Public Service - Équité, antiracisme et santé mentale dans la fonction publique fédérale.pdf
File:Leading The Way For Black Employees in the Public Service in Canada - English Only.pdf
File:Presentation to FYN on Oct. 6 2022 - Martin Nicholas Elisabeth Martin- Final Version-with Unit Numbers.pptx
Speaker Bio Socials/Contact
 


Dr. Martin Nicholas

One month after retirement from the Federal Public Service, I returned in October 2020 to work on Anti-Racism, Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion and Belonging in the federal public service. I had worked for 30 years at Health Canada on compliance and enforcement of federal legislation. For 25 years, I worked from the side of my desk, to be actively involved in employment equity (EE) as a Chair 0f EE and other related committees.  I served on the Steering Committee (1997-2003) for the Implementation of Landmark CHRT Order on racial discrimination against Health Canada (https://decisions.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca/chrt-tcdp/decisions/en/item/6924/index.do?q=NCARR), which includes 7 Permanent Corrective Measures that are still applicable in 2022. Mr. Ian Shugart, the Clerk who launched the Call to Action was my Champion. The Special Corrective Measures (SCMs) in the Order provide insight to all federal institutions into what duty of care and due diligence is required for complying with the EE Act and EE Regulations in their current form. Notably, the SCMs call for redressing the effects of past discrimination in accordance with substantive equality enshrined in Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.


In Justice Canada, we have developed predictive workforce projections that are clear and easily communicated to address out-of-date WFAs and LMAs. This summer, I analysed and found serious disparities in salary range representation for EE groups in the Core Public Administration of the Federal Public Service from 2017 to the present. Data shows that the Black EE subgroup is the most adversely affected both in terms of stagnation at the lower salary ranges and barriers to career advancement and entry to the Executive Cadre.


It is well recognized that racism is a risk factor for adverse health impacts including a cause of mental trauma.  Still, collectively in Canada we have failed to include Anti-Racism as a factor of the National Psychological Health and Safety Standard.  I am dedicated and committed to working collaboratively to redress this omission.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-martin-nicholas-736a353b/
 

Elisabeth (Liz) Martin

Liz currently works as a Human Resources Advisor for Shared Services Canada. She is also a board member of the Anti-Racism Ambassador Network (ARAN). This grassroots volunteer network is made of public servants across jurisdictions in Canada. It acts as a community mobilizer and connector to collect, house and disseminate information and resources on Anti-Racism activity for all to use. It amplifies the work done by Black, Indigenous and other racialized colleagues to dismantle systemic racism with an intersectional lens.



Liz was the co-chair of the Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC) - BC chapter from September 2020 to June 2022. She organized the first national collaborative, grassroots, and Black-led speed mentoring/coaching events dedicated to non-executive federal Black public servants in September 2021. She led several FBEC-BC activities dedicated to the mental health of federal Black public servants.


Liz is a jurist by training and an advocate at heart. Her three favourite words are “why?” and “why not?” Her mantra is “Purpose over popularity”. She challenges status quo and believes in the power of grassroots movements.

Deconstructing Colonial Practices in the Public Service - October 11, 2022 at 13:30 to 15:00 ET

Join Jolene Head, one of the GoC’s most preeminent thought leaders, for an important and insightful conversation on Deconstructing Colonial Practices in the Public Service.Jolene will discuss Reconciliation and decolonization in the public service. She will also speak about the many ways that Indigenous knowledge can be used within the public service to create more safe and inclusive work environments. Lastly, Jolene will discuss how the public service system and its culture can be used to effectively promote authentic Reconciliation efforts that effectively center Indigenous people.Please note, this presentation will be based on Jolene’s master thesis which features insights from many public sector leaders and Indigenous Elders as well. Feel free to access it here before the event: Deconstructing Colonial Practices in The Public Service.This is a thought provoking conversation that you don't want to miss. Register today!!

Date:

Oct 11, 2022 1:30-3:00pm EST Bilingual

Resources
File:Deconstructing Colonial Practices in the Federal Public Service.pptx
File:Deconstructing Colonial Practices in the Federal Public Service - FR.pptx
File:Deconstructing Colonial Practices in the Public Service - Jolene Head Thesis.pdf
Speaker Bio Social/Contact
 


Jolene Head

Jolene is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in norther Manitoba. She spent the bulk of her public service career in various positions within ISC/CIRNAC mainly in the areas of land, resources and environment.  Most notably, she was the lead Director on the pre-inquiry engagement for the creation of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry. Currently she is the Special Analyst on Reconciliation and Indigenous Engagement at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). She has recently completed her Masters of Arts in Leadership with Royal Roads University with her thesis entitled, Deconstructing Colonial Practices in the Public Service.


Her research was conducted through the methodology of wâkôtowin, utilizing Indigenous methods to gather data. The research allowed all niwâkomâkanak (my relatives) to share their truths about working in and against a colonial system while also offering recommendations on addressing the systemic barriers in the Public Service system.


She successfully defended her thesis on May 26, 2022 and we have invited her to present and discuss some of her findings. This dialogue will help us set the stage for a wider discussion on innovation leadership as part of our efforts to build an innovation culture at ISC.

https://twitter.com/jchead
 

Dr. Nadia Ferrara

Dr. Nadia Ferrara is an applied anthropologist and advocate for social justice. She is currently the Ombudsperson at Indigenous Services Canada. She was Senior Director of Values, Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion at Parks Canada. Prior to this, Nadia was the Executive Director at the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice. Nadia also worked at Women and Gender Equality Canada, and before that, at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada for over a decade, where she developed social policies and frameworks in collaboration with Indigenous partners. 


Nadia remains on Faculty at McGill University as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Anthropology where she supervises graduate and undergraduate students in her spare time.


Before entering the Government of Canada in 2003, Nadia worked as an art therapist for 16 years, specializing in cross-cultural psychotherapy with Indigenous peoples in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Her education includes a Master of Arts in Art Therapy, a Master of Science in Transcultural Psychiatry, and a Doctorate in Medical Anthropology.


In addition to her publications of several journal articles and chapters in various books across North America and in Europe, Nadia has published two books on her work with the Crees of Northern Quebec: Emotional Expression among Cree Indians, and Healing through Art. More recently, she published Reconciling and Rehumanizing Indigenous-Settler Relations, which is a reflection on her work as an applied anthropologist and advocate for Indigenous Peoples. Her latest publication is entitled, In Pursuit of Impact: Trauma and Resilience Informed Policy Development


Nadia is also an artist.  One of her sculptures, The Friendship Knot, is permanently placed at her former high school in Montréal, where she was born and raised. Nadia has a daughter, Mikayla, and currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario with her life partner, Lorna.

 

Moderator: Morgan Hurtubise

Morgan is from the French community of Bourget in Eastern Ontario. She worked as a piano teacher and as a coordinator at a non-for-profit before joining the public service in 2018. She has held different roles at Public Services and Procurement Canada, currently as a junior analyst for the Indigenous Procurement Policy Directorate. Her fields of knowledge include Parliamentary Affairs, proactive disclosure, and accessibility.

Evidence Based ways to impact Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism - October 25, 2022 at 13:30 to 15:00 ET -

Join GoC HR extraordinaire Etienne Laliberté as he shares his thoughts on evidence based ways to impact diversity, equity, inclusion and Anti-Racism in the Federal Public Service. Etienne has been doing tremendous work in HR and has excellent ideas on Human Resources Innovation, staffing, hiring and promotion. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Date:

Oct 25th 1:30-3:00 Bilingual

Speaker Bio Socials/Contact
 


Étienne Laliberté

Étienne Laliberté, Human Resources Innovation


Formerly a business consultant and web development project manager in the private and para-public sectors, Étienne joined the federal public service in 2003. He has since worked in eleven federal organizations, with most of his experience revolving around people management and human resources (HR).


After working on the implementation of the new Public Service Employment Act, Étienne joined the law enforcement branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Pacific region and hacked bureaucracy by systematically conducting staffing processes in three weeks. Perhaps more significantly, he helped turn the worst organization in the federal public service into the second best for its employee engagement.


Since 2018, Étienne has been firmly anchored in the HR innovation sphere. He has interviewed over 100 organizations about their HR innovations, especially in the areas of staffing and recruitment. He researched “predictive hiring”, an approach based on data and advanced statistics. Shortly after the pandemic started, he interviewed over 200 HR leaders across the federal public service about their views on the future of HR. He has explored how we could use data to make staffing and recruitment more efficient and initiated a project examining employment equity in annual performance reviews.


Fun fact: Étienne was the first non-official blogger in the public service of Canada, and perhaps its first videoblogger too!


You may follow him on his GCcollab group (3rd most popular group on GCcollab, with 5,400+ members) or YouTube channel or connect with him on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/EtiennLaliberte
Moderator: Ken Fortin Ken Fortin is as an ESDC public servant since 2007. Since May of 2022, Ken Fortin is the Senior Program Advisor for ESDC – Transformation Management Branch. In his role, he leads the Diversity and Inclusion portfolio for the branch. Their focus is to raise awareness and increase representation for designated Employment Equity groups.


Prior to that Ken was also a Business Expertise Consultant for the Ontario Region – Citizen Services Branch. He was the Lead for the Racialized Canadians portfolio in Ontario Region, a self-directed project. As the Lead, Ken successfully established an inter-departmental working group called Racialized Canadian Working Group. The group worked collaboratively to ensure Racialized Canadians are engaged in a meaningful and equitable way. Ken has also developed, piloted and launched Service Canada Live webinar series. An Ontario Region wide, scheduled online information sessions for Service Delivery Partners.


Most recently, He was a Co-Host for ESDC’s Interdepartmental Design Jam – an interactive MS Teams Event for Government of Canada employees. Throughout his time(2013 to May 2022) as a member of the Community Outreach and Liaison Services (COLS) team and in different capacities, Ken is has worked with all client segments of the community including: Indigenous Peoples, Seniors, Persons with Different Abilities, Newcomers, Youth, Workers, Employers, Racialized Canadians, Low-income/marginalised groups (homelessness), and Francophones. Ken is an active member of the community and a voice for fairness and equality in the sports arena, working as a Referee in both Basketball and Football. As a Football Coach, Ken was a mentor to youth and has adopted many team work principles in his everyday outlook.