Connexion Corner: ESDC's Monthly Learning Bulletin
November 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!
Celebrating Diversity
When you think of diversity, what comes to mind? Some of us think of race and ethnicity when asked about diversity, but it is so much more than that. The dimensions of diversity can also include a number of other things such as age, gender, physical and intellectual ability, sexual orientation, educational background, talent, skill and experience, among other things.
ESDC is focused on fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, which values differences and actively encourages the full participation of all employees.
Read on to find many resources and learning activities that will help you better understand diversity and its importance at ESDC.
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!
Evidence shows that diversity of – background and of life experience – brings different insights, creates challenges and encourages change and innovation. For the benefits of diversity to be felt, we must create an environment where differences are not only respected, but also expected. Feeling included is not only good for us as individuals, it's good for teams and it's good for the people and communities we serve.
Cultural appreciation
Intercultural competence means displaying respect for other cultural values and beliefs and taking the initiative to gain an appreciation for various cultures and diversity issues. It is also an important aspect of inclusion.
The first stop on your journey to better understanding diversity should be ESDC’s Essential Training Curricula. You’ll find courses such as the Richness of Diversity and Inclusion and a suite of learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis people (part of the Employee ETC), as well as a series of courses on understanding and overcoming unconscious bias (open to everyone, but part of the ETC for Managers and Executives).
If you have completed the Reflecting on Cultural Bias: Indigenous Perspectives (K099) course as well as the Uncomfortable Truth (K100) course and want to further your learning, we have 2 courses for you to consider. They will help to strengthen your knowledge of Inuit and Métis cultures – to help you do your best work with our clients, partners and colleagues:
- International Inuit Day (November 7): Learn about the rich history and culture of Inuit communities by taking the course Inuit in Canada. Discover more through award-winning films such as Martha of the North and Angry Inuk.
- Louis Riel Day (November 16): Honour the Métis leader’s life, role as a father of Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and champion for Métis and minority rights, by discovering the richness of Métis culture in Métis in Canada.
Inclusive language
Another way we can contribute to an inclusive work environment is through the use of inclusive language. Inclusive language is free from intentional or unintentional words, phrases and tones that reflect prejudice, stereotypes and discriminatory views of specific groups or people, and does not exclude anyone from feeling accepted.
On November 30, learn about the lived experiences of your LGBTQ2+ colleagues and take the opportunity to ask your questions about inclusive language in an Ask Me Anything format. To encourage discussion, spaces are limited. Register today!
Stay tuned as the series continues in 2022, covering topics that are important to the LGBTQ2+ community, and more.
Make a Spotlight Submission! nc-college-gd@servicecanada.gc.ca
Explore these online learning offerings at anytime
The following courses are part of ESDC’s Essential Training Curricula:
- The Richness of Diversity and Inclusion (For Employees)
- Overcoming Your Own Unconscious Biases (W006) (For Managers and Executives)
- Overcoming Unconscious Bias in the Workplace (W007) (For Managers and Executives)
- Indigenous Awareness Learning
These offerings will help you better understand diversity:
- Panel Discussion: Understanding Anti-Black Racism and How to be an Ally - Bilingual
- Diversity – Panel Discussion: Black Careers Matter! - Bilingual
- Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) (B001)
- Reflecting on Cultural Bias : Indigenous Perspectives (K099)
Don’t miss out on this training offering. Spaces are limited!
Do more learn more
Ask Coco!
Dear Coco,
I am a new employee in the public service, having joined ESDC recently. I am finding it difficult to connect with my team members since we are all doing remote work. Do you have any resources to recommend to make working remotely easier?
- New kid on the block
Dear new kid,
I am happy to welcome you to the public service, and to ESDC.
Many of us have faced challenges when it comes to working remotely. Thankfully, there are tons of resources that can help!
ESDC has created several toolkits for employees, and there is one specifically for working remotely. In this toolkit, you will find information on how to stay connected with colleagues using Teams, mental health tips for working from home during COVID-19, as well as tips for staying productive and balancing family life.
If you find yourself on Twitter, scroll over to #Flexgc, or visit the Flexgc website. This group, run by dedicated public service volunteers, wants to help make the transition to remote/hybrid work easier by sharing their experiences. You can find out more about the group in this Beyond 2020 blog.
The Canada School of Public Service has put together a Virtual Team Toolkit. You’ll find job aids, online self guided courses, podcasts, blogs, and much more.
Check out the Going Remote Guide from Busrides.You will find a collection of short articles with tips and tricks on various aspects of working remotely.
I hope these resources will help you connect with your colleagues and feel more comfortable about working from home.
Remember, many of us have felt the same way you do. I encourage you to talk to your coworkers to see what has helped them adapt to our new way of working.
Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace's events
Date: Various dates
Time: Various times
Language: Varies by event
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
-
The Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace (the Centre) builds capacity and empowers all federal public servants with practical tools that are innovative, timely and responsive. Programming and activities provide an opportunity to share knowledge and best practices on mental health in the workplace and employee well-being.
Delivering Inclusive Client Service (R103)
English: November 18 and 25, 2021, various times
French: November 25, 2021, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Learning Priority: Diversity and Inclusion
- Description:
-
A client-centric approach is one that focuses on addressing client or user expectations, needs, challenges and feedback. This course explores the benefits of applying an inclusive mindset as part of client service delivery in a government context. Participants will reflect on behaviours and practices that encourage inclusiveness and how to integrate it when delivering services to clients.
Supporting a Healthy Workplace: Group discussion on managing challenging workplace issues (Managers)
English: November 24, 2021, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (EST)
French: December 7, 2021, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (EST)
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces and Services, Foundational Skills
- Description:
-
A group session for managers that offers additional support and guidance by HR professionals, to manage complex workplace issues that could arise with their teams. Following the session, you will feel empowered to manage a situation, able to recognize the signs of psychological distress, and have the confidence to proactively address situations, resulting in a trusting relationship with your employees. Scenario based, open discussion with smaller break out discussions. A two-hour session, minimum 10 - maximum 100 participants, with a panel of experts in the fields of:
- Mental Health Counsellor (External Firm)
- Office of Informal Conflict Management
- Harassment Centre of Expertise
- Duty to Accommodate / Disability Management-Sick leave management-Return to Work
- Labour Relations
A Conversation with the Honourable Murray Sinclair
Date: November 23, 2021
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (EST)
Language: English with Interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Indigenous Awareness
- Description:
-
As public servants, we work in an institution whose policies have historically oppressed First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
To engage in the process of truth and reconciliation as public servants and as citizens, take the opportunity to gain insights and understanding from the Honourable Murray Sinclair on how the federal public service can:
- drive reconciliation
- implement the TRC's calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Speaker
The Honourable Murray Sinclair, former senator and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Elder
Elder Muriel Sasakamoose, Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation
Moderator
Nadine Spence, Executive Director, British Columbia and Yukon Region, Parks Canada
Diversity & Inclusion – Being a good ally: LGBTQ2+ Workshops
English: November 30 2021, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (EST)
French: November 30 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Learning Priority: Diversity and Inclusion
- Description:
-
Increase your awareness and understanding of the history of and issues that are important to the LGBTQ2+ community. This series of workshops covers a variety of topics, including gender-inclusive language; transitioning and coming out; families and relationships; and sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Try this!
- We know that many of you may have questions about the new vaccination policy. The Guide to Returning to the Workplace is a great source of information for everyone at ESDC.
- You will find:
- Important dates
- Key elements of the policy
- Scenarios
- Frequently asked questions on compensation, duty to accommodate and more
- Resources
- The Vaccination Support Network (VSN) is also here to help. Their page has self-serve resources for both employees and managers.
- The VSN site covers multiple subjects and will help guide your request to the appropriate group for resolution. Whether you have a technical enquiry related to your MyKey, you need more information on test procurement, or you are a manager looking for more information on how the policy affects staffing, the VSN can help.