Connexion Corner: ESDC's Monthly Learning Bulletin
February 2021 Edition
No matter your role within our department, you can find something to fit your unique needs and interests within Connexion Corner: your one-stop-shop for everything learning related at ESDC!
Celebrate diversity, foster inclusion
When we foster a diverse workplace where all voices are invited to contribute by sharing their own ideas and discussing the ideas of others—where all people feel included and welcomed—we create an environment that strengthens our ability to work together on behalf of Canadians.
In support of our commitment to Service Excellence and continuous learning, this month's Connexion Corner theme is Diversity and Inclusion.
Ready to start learning? Browse the learning options below to register for the offerings of your choice, or send this page to your colleagues to make it a team event.
Spotlight on!
Honouring the 25th Anniversary of Black History Month
February 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of Black History Month, since it was first observed across Canada in 1996. You can take part in one – or more! – Black History Month learning experiences to commemorate this occasion, such as:
- 25 years of Black History Month: Being Black in Canada, then and now:
February 25, 2021, 1:30 to 3:00PM EST - The Future is Now: Panel discussion with special guest Minister Hussen:
February 17th from 1:00PM to 3:00PM EST - The Black Engagement and Advancement Team's Design Jams: Register in Saba before February 15, 2021!
For more information about the history and significance of this national observance, visit Heritage Canada'sBlack History Month page.
Explore these online learning offerings at anytime
- Understanding Anti-Black Racism and How to Be an Ally
- Disability Inclusion in the Public Service of Canada: Julio's Story
- Cultural Self-Reflection: What I Know and What I Don't Know (K099)
- Employment Equity Under the Employment Equity Act (P745)
- Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) (B001)
- The Uncomfortable Truth (K100)
- First Nations in Canada (K101)
- Visible Minorities in the Senior Ranks of the Public Service of Canada: Challenges and Opportunities
- Overcoming Your Own Unconscious Biases (W006)
Do more learn more
Ask Coco!
Dear Coco,
As we tackle the second wave of the pandemic, mental health is at the forefront of many conversations. As a manager, I am looking for mental health resources to help me support my employees in coping with these challenging times. Managers have a responsibility to promote their employees' mental well-being, but we also need support to fulfil this role.
- Want To Help
Dear Want To Help,
You are absolutely right: Managers have a critical role to fill and we need to equip them with the tools and resources they need to successfully undertake this role. Well, ESDC managers, we've heard you!
ESDC's Human Resources Services Branch (HRSB) is offering short, focussed and live virtual sessions over the next few months to support managers, and in turn, their employees, in coping with work and life changes. To register, and for more information on sessions for February and March, check out the Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Sessions for Managers infographic, or visit the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Sessions iService page.
Positive Space Initiative: LGBTQ2+ Awareness (W080)
Date: Various dates and times available starting February 3, 2021
Language: Available in English and French
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces and Services
- Description:
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Diversity and inclusion are essential for building a modern, high-performing public service. While much progress has been made, the LGBTQ2+ communities still face challenges with heterosexism, genderism, transphobia and homophobia. Marginalization based on sexual orientation and gender identity can cause many LGBTQ2+ people to remain "closeted" or to feel unsafe at work.
This training is for individuals who are interested in learning about issues related to the LGBTQ2+ communities and wish to contribute to the creation of a safer, more inclusive public service.
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Register Positive Space Initiative: LGBTQ2+ Awareness (W080)
Marquee Moments in Public Service History: The Syrian Refugee Resettlement Initiative (rebroadcast)
Date: February 3, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST)
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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In 2015, as part of the Syrian Refugee Initiative, Canadians welcomed Syrian families to be resettled across Canada. By late 2018, almost 50,000 Syrian refugees had been resettled through government assistance and private sponsorship.
Revisit the public service's response to the Resettlement Initiative. Hear about what it looked like on the ground, from mobilizing teams and working with international partners to process refugees, to collaborating among federal, provincial and municipal government departments and service provider organizations to coordinate settlement, language training, housing, and employment services, all on very tight timelines.
Registration deadline: February 2, 2021, 4:00 PM (EST)
History of the Crisis on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)
Date: February 4, 2021
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (EST)
Language: Bilingual
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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This workshop will explain the history of the MMIWG2S crisis and the way we can end this crisis. The facilitator, Jessica Quijano, is the project coordinator of Iskweu (aboriginal women's home initiative). She has also been an activist and front-line worker for the past 16 years. The Iskweu project aims to reduce and eradicate the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (trans and two-spirit people) in Quebec. The current project aims to reduce barriers to access support and improve the actions of institutions that have historically adopted practices that discriminate against the families and relatives of Indigenous women and girls.
Ready-to-Use Workshop: Making a Difference in Supporting the Careers of Indigenous Employees (K114)
Date: Various dates and times available starting February 5, 2021
Language: Available in English and French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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This workshop provides human resources specialists and managers with concrete ways to help facilitate the hiring, retention and advancement of Indigenous employees within the public service. Participants will gain an understanding of the realities some Indigenous employees face in the public service, and will learn practices that can make a difference in supporting their careers.
Choosing inclusive technology
English: February 10, 2021, 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM (EST)
French: February 10, 2021, 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM (EST)
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces and Services
- Description:
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There are countless hardware and software options out there and many assistive tools to support people with disabilities, but not all of them work well together. How can we make sure the technologies we choose are inclusive for all? In this session, learn what you need to know to make the best decision for everyone through a combination of demonstrations, exercises and discussion.
Team Check-in Tool
English: February 9, 2021, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (EST)
French: February 10, 2021, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (EST)
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces and Services
- Description:
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This facilitated workshop will allow participants to experience a team check-in exercise that explores each person's current mental/emotional state in relation to their work. In an almost entirely virtual work environment, maintaining connection with staff (as a manager) or with colleagues (as a team member) is more important than ever. This tool is for all participants to be used individually (to pause and self-reflect) and at the beginning of team meetings.
Elder Talk: History and Contributions of the Métis in Canada
Date: February 15, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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Join us for a discussion on the past and present issues facing Métis People in Canada with preeminent Métis leader Tony Belcourt. Mr. Belcourt will share his experiences in securing Métis rights for future generations and removing barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples. Participants will come away with a greater awareness of Métis rights, the court cases that have shaped our country, and the ongoing work of preserving the history and culture of the Métis.
Register for Elder Talk: History and Contributions of the Métis in Canada
An Introduction the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
English: February 16, 2021, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM (EST)
French: February 9, 2021, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (EST)
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces and Services
- Description:
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This session will cover: the prevalence of mental health challenges; description and benefits of EAP; stress risk factors; who can access the EAP; how to access and use the EAP; and what happens during counseling sessions.
Register for An Introduction the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Counter Depression: The Words That Change Everything
English: February 16, 2021, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EST)
French: February 16, 2021, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST)
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces and Services
- Description:
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Véronique's testimonial goes through her struggle with being diagnosed with a clinical depression at the age of 25 and dealing with the aftermath. Being a type A perfectionist, this did not come easy. She brings the audience into her world with her storytelling and recounts her darkest days through her struggle and just how she got help. A very raw recounting of her story, she hopes that by being completely open and vulnerable, people will understand that the stigma with mental health needs to change and we should all seek out help when we need it.
Register for Counter Depression: The Words That Change Everything
Data Conference 2021: An Integrated Data Community for Building Back Better
Date: February 18 and 19, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Digital Mindset
- Description:
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Join the Canada School of Public Service and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as they co-host the fifth annual Government of Canada Data Conference. The theme of the conference is "An Integrated Data Community for Building Back Better". It responds to the Government of Canada's priority for recovery and its commitment to making positive systemic changes through quality data in collaboration with key stakeholders across civil society, academia and different levels of government.
Data Literacy Fest will take place on February 22 and 23! To find out more, join the Data Conference 2021 GCcollab group.
Registration deadline: February 17, 2021, 10:00 am (EST)
Register for Data Conference 2021: An Integrated Data Community for Building Back Better
EXecuTALK: The Executive Sponsor: Making Room for New Voices
Date: February 22, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM (EST)
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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In this EXecuTALK, speakers will share their personal experiences with sponsorship and how it positively impacted their careers. Executives will be invited to consider how they can leverage their unique position to support the professional growth of Black employees and other racialized employees and make space for new voices to thrive.
Learn more about EXecuTALKs.
Registration deadline: February 22, 2021, 10:00 AM (EST)
Register for EXecuTALK: The Executive Sponsor: Making Room for New Voices
Try this!
Indigenous Awareness learning is an essential part of not only our individual journeys to reconciliation, but also every ESDC employee's Mandatory Training curriculum, so any time you complete a learning activity, don't forget to make it count by entering it into Saba (yes, you can enter more than one!).
All you have to do is:
- Complete an Indigenous Awareness learning activity of your choice,
- Log into Saba,
- Open the ESDC Mandatory Training Curriculum for Employees,
- Locate the "Indigenous Awareness" declaration and open to answer the questions.
Sneak Peek
Your Connexion Corner theme for March is Official Languages Learning.
Best practices forum on Official Languages (various events) – March 1 – 5 (available in English and French) Register now!
An introduction to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – March 9 (English) and March 23 (French) Register now!