Keep in touch with the Joint Learning Program by consulting this column regularly.
Public Service Employee Survey Results Available
The results of the 2011 Public Service Employees Survey (PSES) are now available on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat website. During a six-week period between August and October, over 201,000 public servants in 89 organizations took part in the 2011 PSES. Employees shared their thoughts on leadership, culture, the workforce, the workplace, and their own personal level of engagement. This round’s participation rate of 72.2% is the highest in history. After the results of the 2008 survey, many departments included holding Joint Learning Program workshops as part of their action plan in response to their individual results.
Joint Learning Program Facilitator Orientation Session Prairies & Northwest Territories
The Praires & Northwest Territories Region recently welcomed 18 new facilitators who completed their orientation session during the week of January 16 to 20 in Winnipeg. This session was delivered by JLP Program Officer Rachel Besharah and Corrinne Mitchell, an experienced JLP facilitator from the Prairies Region.
Laurie Anne Burnouf, Robert Ferguson, Diane Fontaine, Jennifer Hounjet, Nancy Grant, Iqbal Grewal, Louise Kraus, Darcey Ladan, Jaclyn Lee, Josette Labossière-Di Nella, David Mills, Veronica Mok, La Vona Parker, Lisa Richards, Kelly Sefton (Canadian Border Services Agency Memorandum of Understanding),
Karen Sokol, Quentin Stewart and
Christine Walker (British Columbia-Yukon Region) are the new facilitators.
The Participants
February is Black History Month
It is a time for Canadians to reflect on the many experiences of Black Canadians in this country and deepen their understanding of the integral role they have played in Canadian history. Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and the events that have shaped Black history in Canada.
A week in February was originaly designated to recognize black people's contributions in the United States in 1926. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week. It was expanded into Black History Month in 1976. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first black woman elected to Parliament in Canada, the Honourable Jean Augustine. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons. In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Senate, introduced a motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.
A brief overview of the contributions of some prominent black Canadians can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website.
New Employee to the Joint Learning Program
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) is pleased to announce the arrival of a new member to its team. Joanna Nugent joined the JLP on January 27 as the new Clerk/Receptionist and will be with the JLP for the next six months. She can be contacted at 613-560-2595 or by email at nugentj@psac-afpc.com.
Regional Clinics on the Duty to Accommodate workshop will begin soon
Clinics on the Joint Learning Program (JLP) newest workshop with be held across the country during the next few weeks. The purpose of the regional Duty to Accomodate clinics is to introduce the new kit to JLP facilitators that have an interest in delivering this topic. The clinics are intended to introduce the material, identify the core learning activities and demonstrate how to build an agenda that best suits the needs of workplace workshops. Clinics help facilitators identify potential challenges related to the delivery of the workshop and to gain the confidence to deliver new learning material. For more information regarding the clinic being held in your region, please contact your regional field coordinators.
January 20, 2012
Job Opportunity
The Joint Learning Program wants to advise you that a job notice for a Regional Field Coordinator (Employer) position for the British Columbia and Yukon Region has been posted. Interested parties must apply through Publiservice. The competition closes on February 2, 2012.
January 17, 2012
Duty to Accommodate: Building an Inclusive Workplace is now available
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) announces that its Duty to Accommodate: Building an Inclusive Workplace workshop is finalized and available for delivery in the workplaces. Clinics will be held in each of the six regions over February and March to support JLP Facilitators in developing the skills to deliver this topic.
The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize employees and managers with the meaning of duty to accommodate, the legal framework as well as the benefits of inclusive workplaces for all employees working in the public service. The workshop has been designed to develop a common understanding of what the roles and responsibilities are of the individual employee, managers and the union.
There are two options for this workshop. It can be delivered in one day as an introduction to workplace accommodation covering the basics of the duty to accommodate (DTA). It can also be delivered in a day and a half providing participants with the opportunity to further apply their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the concepts that have been introduced in Day 1. The target audience is Union members and their corresponding supervisors and managers.
Duty to Accommodate: Building an Inclusive Workplace was developed with a reference group of representatives of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). The following people were instrumental in providing expertise and feedback during the workshop development process:
Marie Ranger (TBS)
Élise Lemoine (TBS)
Judi Webb (TBS)
Seema Lamba (PSAC)
Terri-Lee Ravals-Mele (PSAC)
Alex Roussakis (JLP)
Dale Akerstrom (Canada Border Services Agency)
Members of the JLP Advisory Committee on Learning
Participants of the pilot session came from close to 30 different departments as well as from the PSAC. The pilot sessions were held over the summer in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver. The sessions were opportunities to test the workshop learning contents and for participants to provide feedback which helped to finalize the kit.
The DTA workshop is one of the six topics covered by the JLP. For more information on Duty to Accommodate: Building an Inclusive Workplace or to organize a workshop in your workplace, please contact your JLP Regional Field Coordinator.
December 22, 2011
Holiday Wishes
The Joint Learning Program Team
would like to wish you
and your loved ones a happy Holiday Season!
A Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition for Donna B. Gagnon
On December 13th, 2011, Donna B. Gagnon was the recipient of a Joint Learning Program (JLP) Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition for her support and promotion of the JLP in her roles as (1) Branch President, Alberta District, Customs and Immigration Union; (2) Participant, Duty to Accommodate Joint Learning Program Pilot session in Vancouver, on July 13 and 14, 2011; and (3) Co-Project Lead, Customs and Immigration Union, for the Canada Border Services Agency Memorandum of Understanding in the Prairies.
The presentation was made in Winnipeg, Manitoba by Judy Freeman, Regional Field Coordinator (Employer), Prairies and Northwest Territories Region, at the occasion of the Canada Border Services Agency Regional Labour-Management Consultation Committee Meeting, Prairie Region.
Donna B. Gagnon with Judy Freeman
Orientation Session for Facilitators in Toronto
The Ontario and East Artic Region welcomed 18 new facilitators at the end of an orientation session: Andrew Sromek, Jasmine Tatem, Laura Haley, Lisa Tremblay, Brian Benson, Laura Trunzo, Melissa Cantin, Laura de Ruiter, Abigail Rodriguez, Tanya Toupin, Nadine Learn, Jean-Stefane Bergeron, Amanda Doggart, Boris Milinkovich, Jesslyn Bartman, Craig Russell, Danielle Lenehan and Diana Torresan.
By the end of the week, the participants were provided with strong foundation of facilitation skills and an overview of the Joint Learning Program and learning materials.
The orientation of the facilitators was held in Toronto from November 28 to December 2, 2011. The session was facilitated by Angela Leger, Regional Field Coordinator, Atlantic Region, and Rachel Besharah, Program Officer, National Office.
Participants
Joint Learning Program at National Managers’ Community Manitoba Region Workshop
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) was an exhibitor at the Tools for Engagement Workshop at the Winnipeg Convention Center on November 8, 2011. The National Managers’ Community Manitoba Region sponsored this one day learning event specific to new facilitation and engagement tools for federal managers, supervisors, team leaders and aspiring leaders.
Judy Freeman, JLP Regional Field Coordinator (Employer), Prairies and Northwest Territories Region, was on site to promote the JLP workshop benefits and introduce participants to the possibility of becoming a potential JLP facilitator.
Judy Freeman
Joint Learning Program at National Managers’ Community Manitoba Fifth Annual Fall Forum
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) was an exhibitor at the National Managers’ Community Manitoba Fifth Annual Fall Forum in Winnipeg, on November 23, 2011. The theme of this event was specific to current challenging times of Change Management and was attended by managers, supervisors and future leaders in the Federal Public Service.
Judy Freeman, JLP Regional Field Coordinator (Employer), Prairies and Northwest Territories Region, was on site to promote the JLP workshops as an additional tool to improve labour relations in the Public Service particularly during times of change. Panelist Anna Fontaine, Regional Director General, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Manitoba, acknowledged utilizing the JLP as a positive collaborative initiative with the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
Judy Freeman with a visitor
The Joint Learning Program in Saskatchewan
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) was an exhibitor at two events entitled Living and Leading with Courage jointly hosted by the Saskatchewan Region National Mangers’ Community and the Saskatchewan Youth Network on November 15 in Saskatoon and 17 in Regina. The objectives of these learning events were for leaders to learn and share experiences, to grow personally and professionally, and to become part of a positive change in uncertain times.
Carol Casey, Regional Field Coordinator, Prairies and Northwest Territories Region, was on hand to greet participants and promote the JLP as a tool to improve labour relations and strengthen workplaces in the Public Service.
Carol Casey welcomes visitors
Union-Management Consultation Facilitation Experience
This past fall, Brenda O’Neill, a facilitator from Transport Canada, had the opportunity to co-facilitate a 2-day Union Management Consultation Workshop for the first time. She shares her experience with the attendants at the annual National Capital Region Joint Learning Program Networking Event in November. She agreed to put in writing her testimonial. Read the full text.
December 6 2011
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at École polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.
As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Orientation Session for Facilitators in Montreal
The Quebec and National Capital Regions (NCR) welcomed 18 new facilitators including those from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canada Employment and Immigration Union and the Joint Learning Program. Linda Iezzi, and Alex Roussakis, Regional Coordinators, NCR, and Carolle Lajoie and Manon Bouchard, Regional Coordinators, Quebec Region, welcomed the new facilitators.
Stephane Lemieux, Eric St-Laurent, Stephanie Cliche, Stephane Carrier, Robert Martel, Idelta Vieira, Anouchka Chagnon, Isabelle Paradis, Sophie Mailhot and Joseph Benjamin will act as facilitator in the Quebec Region, while Lina Boucher and Melanie Lafontaine will do in the NCR.
Eric De Bellefeuille and Patrick Toupin, CBSA Quebec Region and Nicole Allard, Chantal Tougas, Roowdy Duré and Mélanie Buissière, CBSA, NCR will facilitate workshops under the MOU.
The orientation of the facilitators was held in Montreal from November 28 to December 2, 2011. The session was facilitated by Marcia Vergara (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) and Monique Bernier (Services Canada).
Participants to the Orientation Session; from left to right,
Stéphanie Cliche, Passport Canada; Sophie Mailhot, Transport Canada,
Anouchka Chagnon, Human Resources and Social Development Canada,
Chantal Tougas, Canada Border Services Agency, and Idelta Vieira, National Defense.
All the participants
December 2, 2011
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On December 3, 2011, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be commemorated around the world. The observance of this day serves to focus on issues related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, both as beneficiaries and agents. The theme for 2011 is Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.
Persons with disabilities make up an estimated 15 percent of the world’s population, and this day is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate their valuable contributions to all aspects of society.
Busy Day for the Joint Learning Program in the National Capital Region on November 22
The Joint Learning Program National Capital Region had two different kiosks at two different Public Service Alliance of Canada events in Ottawa on November 22.
Alex Roussakis, Regional Field Coordinator (Employer) was on site for the Stewards’ Symposium at the Hampton Inn. Linda Iezzi, Regional Field Coordinator (Union), staffed the kiosk at the Health & Safety National Conference at the Marriott.
Alex Roussakis with an interested visitor
Linda Iezzi with Luc Pomerleau, National Resources Officer
at the Canada Employment and Immigration Union
Trans Day of Remembrance Statement
November 20 marks the Trans Day of Remembrance. Transgender and transsexual people are often victims of discrimination, harassment and violence in the workplace, in their communities and at school. This day gives us a chance to mourn losses and advocate for change. Read about the representations made by the Public Service Alliance of Canada to advance the cause of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.
Joint Learning Program Ottawa/Gatineau Network Breakfast
On November 17, 30 facilitators and organizers attended the annual Ottawa/Gatineau Network Breakfast which was organized by the Regional Field Coordinators, Linda Iezzi and Alex Roussakis. Brenda O’Neill shared her experience in facilitating a Union-Management Consultation workshop and Nathalie Audet talked about how her experience facilitating the Duty to Accommodate (DTA) pilot’s has been acknowledged positively in her department.
Brenda O’Neill
Nathalie Audet (in the middle) received a token of appreciation from
Alex Roussakis (on the left) and Linda Iezzi (on the right) for her work
during the DTA pilot workshops.
November 8, 2011
Program Officer position (Employer) posted on Publiservice
The Joint Learning Program wants to advise you that the job notice for the Program Officer (Employer) position at the National Office, has been posted. Interested parties must apply through Publiservice at https://jobs-emplois.psea-lefp.publiservice.gc.ca/cli101.do?id=118777&lang=en. The competition closes on November 18, 2011.
The Joint Learning Program at the Labour Relations Symposium
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) was an exhibitor at the 2011 Labour Relations Symposium which was held in Saint-Sauveur, Québec from November 1 to the 4. Carolle Lajoie and Manon Bouchard, Regional Field Coordinators, Quebec Region, along with Mark Pecek, JLP Co-Director (Union) were on site to greet participants and promote the JLP as a tool to improve labour relations in the Public Service.
The Labour Relations Council’s objective was to make the Symposium a learning event that addressed the current and future learning needs of the federal labour relations community. It was also an opportunity for networking, learning about the latest trends, sharing best practices and meeting colleagues.
Manon Bouchard and Carolle Lajoie
November 4, 2011
New Administrative Assistant for the Joint Learning Program
The Joint Learning Program welcomes Roxanne Mathieu as its new Administrative Assistant. Mrs Mathieu is in secondment from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to fill this position. She can be reached by phone at 613-560-2965 or by email at mathier@psac0afpc.com.
The Joint Learning Program at the Union of Customs and Immigration Triennial Convention
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) was present on October 22 at the Union of Customs and Immigration (CIU)Triennial Convention, which was held in Ottawa. Most participants stopped by the booth which was decorated with a Halloween theme for the occasion.
It is crowded at the JLP booth
Ron Moran, left, CIU Chair, was one of many visitors.
He is with Alex Roussakis, Regional Coordinator for the National Capital
Duty to Accommodate Pilot Sessions
The Joint Learning Program conducted four pilot sessions of the newly developed Duty to Accommodate (DTA) workshop during the months. They were held in Ottawa on June 13 and 14, Montreal on June 28 and 29, in Halifax on July 6 and 7, and in Vancouver on July 13 and 14. The pilot sessions were very successful and well attended. Close to 30 different departments participated as well as representative of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Nathalie Audet and Céline Préfontaine facilitated all of these sessions.
Based on the feedback received from the participants and the facilitators of the pilot sessions the DTA workshop is in its final stages of being completed and released. Stay tuned to know the launching date.
The DTA workshop will be delivered as a one-day workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize employees and managers with the meaning of duty to accommodate, the legal framework as well as the benefits of workplace accommodation for all employees working in the public service.
This workshop will also examine myths and realities associated with workplace accommodation and will help to define DTA as it pertains to the prohibited grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act, case law and other relevant legislation.
The DTA workshop will be one of the six topics covered by the Joint Learning Program.
Participants at the Vancouver session
October 18, 2011
Networking Breakfast hosted by the Joint Learning Program National Capital Region
Linda Iezzi and Alex Roussakis, the Joint Learning Program (JLP) National Capital Region (NCR) Field Coordinators, would like to invite all JLP NCR facilitators and organizers to a breakfast which will be held on November 17 at the Holiday Inn hotel, located on 2 Montcalm Street, in Gatineau. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 10:30 a.m. If you plan to attend, please confirm your attendance no later than November 4 to Linda Iezzi at iezzil@psac-afpc.com or Alex Roussakis at roussaa@psac-afpc.com.
Correctionnal Services Canada Atlantic Meeting for Joint Learning Program Facilitators
On October 6, 2011, Joint Learning Program (JLP) facilitators from Correctionnal Services Canada (CSC) Atlantic gathered in Moncton, New Brunswick. Thérèse LeBlanc, CSC Atlantic Regional Deputy Commissioner, had an opportunity to recognize JLP facilitators from CSC and offer them a token of appreciation for their contributions to the success of the national memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CSC and the JLP in the region. Nicole Gaudet, Michael Wilson, Claudette Gallant, and Sonja Power were the recipients of certificates of recognition for their role as facilitators in the recent Creating a Harassment-free Workplace (HFW) Workshop Blitz. During this two-month initiative, 36 HFW workshops were delivered to 512 CSC union and employer representatives.
Chantal Rioux, the CSC Atlantic Anti-Harassment Coordinator, provided an update as to the "Next Phase in JLP!" with respect to the delivery of HFW workshops in the region in the months to come.
Graeme Dyck and Jackie Cormier, JLP Facilitators from CSC, co-facilitated a session to support the facilitators in their preparation and delivery of learning activities from day-two of the HFW kit. The second day of a two-day workshop brings together leaders from the union and the employer to evaluate current efforts to prevent and resolve harassment in the workplace and to develop action plans that reflect the mutual commitment of the parties to create healthy, harassment-free workplaces.
JLP Facilitators and CSC Atlantic Anti-Harassment Coordinator:
Front row (left to right):
Angelica Beauregard, Graeme Dyck, Chantal Rioux
Middle row (left to right):
Serge Hall, Nicole Gaudet, Jacqueline Cormier, Erika McCallum
Back row (left to right):
Shaun Benson, Adrienne DuGuay, Michael Wilson, Mike Hamper
JLP Facilitator Recipients of Certificate of Appreciation from CSC Atlantic:
Nicole Gaudet and Michael Wilson
The Joint Learning Program at the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees Triennial Convention
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) had a kiosk at the 15th Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UTCE) Triennial Convention hosted in Ottawa at the Chateau Laurier from September 24 to 27, 2011. Many UCTE members from across Canada visited the JLP kiosk and showed great interest in the JLP and the workshops that are offered.
Martin Mika (on the right), a facilitator from Ontario stopped by the kiosk.
Linda Iezzi (on the left) and Alex Roussakis, JLP National Capital Regional Field Coordinators, welcomed him.
The British Columbia and Yukon Region welcomes new facilitators
Karla Backer and Sherry Boudreau, Regional Field Coordinators for the Joint Learning Program (JLP) in British Columbia (BC) and Yukon, welcomed the following new JLP facilitators: Eric Schwartz, Randip Prihar, Carolina Marsh, Kelly Megyesi, Darryl Lal, Devesh Chikhlia, Catherine Blackstock, Fiona Evans, Karen Humphreys, Gina Ross, Vanessa Green, Jeanette Chang, Crystal Williamson, Theresa Gray, and Mark Konrad. Angela Decker and Kim Hogg participated also to the session as guests.
The BC and Yukon Region Facilitator Orientation Session was held from September 26 to 30, 2011, in Richmond. Participation in this orientation session consisted of individuals from organizations in the BC region with invited guests from Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. This orientation session was facilitated by Julie Ballantes (Canada Border Services Agency) and Rachel Besharah (JLP).
This facilitation group delivered a Respect Differences/Anti-Discrimination
learning activity.
The Joint Learning Program at the Canada Employment and Immigration Union Triennal Convention
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) Atlantic Region had a kiosk at the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) Triennial Convention hosted in Halifax on September 19 to 20, 2011. Many CEIU members from across Canada visited the kiosk expressing support and interest in the JLP.
An Orientation Session held in the Prairies
An orientation session under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), the Union of Solicitor General Employees and the Joint Learning Program (JLP) was held in the Prairies from September 12 to 16 in Saskatoon. By the end of the week, the 19 participants were provided with a strong foundation of facilitation skills and an overview of the JLP program and learning materials. Thus, Tracy Burton, Paul Daigneault, Colleen Dean, Donald Dupras, Stephen Fligg, Tammy Guthrie, Ron Kaban, Judy Lapohn, Sherrie Leslie, Melanie MacDonald, Stacey McDonald, Jo-Anne Moffatt, Debra Moyes, Kerris Ritchie, Sjana Sookermany, Joanne Starchuk, Cara Teichroeb, Jaymie Wunderlich and Agnes Zdrill, will have the opportunity to join the CSC-JLP pool of facilitators. Renee Auramenko and John Tremble were the facilitators.
This MOU includes the delivery of a one-day workshop on creating a harassment-free workplace to all CSC employees and training of the facilitators required for the initiative. The MOU was renewed and will be in effect during the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
The Joint Learning Program at the Public Service of Canada Interdepartmental Learning for Linguistic Duality Day
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) Atlantic Region made two 75-minute presentations, one in English and one in French, at the Public Service of Canada Interdepartmental Learning for Linguistic Duality Day held on September 8, 2011, in Halifax. This event was a showcase of learning opportunities for Nova Scotia public servants in both official languages.
The JLP Atlantic Regional Field Coordinators, Angela Leger and Wanda Thomas, and facilitator René Robichaud showcased the experiential nature of JLP workshops, the capacity to offer workshops in both official languages; as well as promote the JLP to the diverse community of practices in the Atlantic region.
The event was recommended for all federal employees based in Nova Scotia. Although all were welcome, certain topics were particularly relevant for supervisors and managers, front-line service agents and corporate services employees.
October 4, 2011
2011 Public Service Employee Survey
The Public Service Employee Survey has been extended until October 7. Take the time to fill it out. Your opinion matters! Statistics Canada will send you an invitation to complete the online survey, and you are strongly encouraged to participate. As of September 30, the participation rate was 63%.
October 4, 2011
Orientation Session in Montreal
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) is inviting members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and their managers which Treasury Board of Canada is the employers to join its team of facilitators. Individuals who want to be a candidate to become a JLP facilitator should participate in a five-day orientation session.
The Quebec Region will host one of these sessions from November 28 to December 2 in Montreal. To apply, please click on the link Registering for an orientation session on the JLP website no later than October 21.
For more information on facilitating at the JLP, visit the JLP website page Becoming a facilitator. For more information about the session in Montreal, please contact Carolle Lajoie or Manon Bouchard, Regional Coordinators, Quebec Region, JLP.
October 4, 2011
A joint learning program pilot project at Parks Canada well underway
A Joint Learning Program (JLP) pilot project for Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members and managers at Parks Canada will be holding its first series of workshops in the next few months.
A JLP pilot project was negotiated as part of the most recent collective agreement between PSAC and the Parks Canada Agency. Its aim is to test at Parks Canada the JLP model that is set up for members at Treasury Board of Canada and focuses on a modified version of the Union-Management Consultation (UMC) workshop developed by the PSAC-Treasury Board of Canada JLP.
Five facilitators – three from the union and two from the employer – have received the PSAC-Treasury Board of Canada JLP facilitator orientation and will be jointly delivering the UMC workshops. Eight workshops, adapted to the Parks Canada reality, will be delivered across the country to selected Union-Management Consultation Committees representing a good cross-section of the diversity of Parks Canada workplaces.
A PSAC-Parks Canada joint steering committee and a joint JLP working group, each made up of an equal number of management and union representatives, have been overseeing and implementing the pilot project.
Following the series of workshops, the working group will produce a report on the pilot project.
October 3, 2011
Memorandum of Understanding with the Correctional Service of Canada Renewed
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) recently renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and the Union of Solicitor General Employees.
The purpose of this agreement is to provide CSC staff a positive, healthy and respectful workplace. In this regard, the parties agreed to continue to offer all CSC employees and managers the JLP workshop on Creating a Harassment-Free Worplace. The agreement covers the period of the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Strategic partnerships allow a department to leverage JLP expertise and materials to provide important training to a large number of their employees. Strategic partnerships currently in effect address employment equity, the diverse workplace, union-management consultation, and the prevention and resolution of harassment. For more information, contact the JLP Regional Field Coordinators in your region.
September 16, 2011
The 2011 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign is underway
The 2011 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) is now underway! The campaign will run fromSeptember 12 until November 24, giving you the opportunity to be a star in someone’s life.
The Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign a charitable giving option developed exclusively for federal public servants. The annual GCWCC takes place in federal government workplaces across the country during the fall campaign period (September to December).
Through the GCWCC, public servants can support United Ways/Centraides, Healthpartners or any other registered Canadian charity of their choosing.
United Way/Centraide, a trusted community partner with a history of making wise investments, manages the campaign on behalf of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
September 14, 2011
Perspectives on Duty to Accommodate from the Joint Learning Program – A Canada School of Public Service Armchair Discussion
Sherry Boudreau and Karla Backer, Regional Field Coordinators from the Joint Learning Program, British Columbia/Yukon Region, explained how the Program can help to remove some of the mystery surrounding Duty to Accommodate during an Armchair Discussion of the Canada School of Public Service, held in Vancouver, on September 7, and on webcast. They described how the Program can provide you with the tools you need to better understand the key concepts related to Duty to Accommodate and help create a more welcoming environment for accommodation initiatives. 16 individuals participated to the session in Vancouver and sixty more registered to the webcast.
A learning activity
September 5, 2011
Joint Learning Program at the Union of Solicitor General Employees Triennial Convention
Joint Learning Program (JLP) British Columbia (BC)-Yukon (YT) had a kiosk at the 15th Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE) Triennial Convention hosted in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency from July 12 to 15, 2011. Many USGE members from across Canada visited the kiosk and expressed an interest in the JLP.
Sherry Boudreau, BC/YT JLP Regional Field Coordinator, welcomes Convention
participants at the JLP kiosk
September 1, 2011
Public Service Employee Survey
The Public Service Employee Survey has been conducted every three years since 1999. It provides employees the opportunity to anonymously voice their opinions on their leadership, workforce and work environment. It is conducted by Statistics Canada on behalf of the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer.
The survey results enable managers and employees to discuss the strengths and areas for improvement in people management at all levels of their organization. The results also feed into deputy heads’ performance assessments. This is an opportunity for the Joint Learning Program to offer its workshops to organizations that want to improve or maintain certain practices related to labor relations.
The 2011 Public Service Employee Survey will take place from August 29 to September 30, 2011. Take the time to fill it out and encourage your colleagues to do so. Your opinion matters!
August 30, 2011
The Joint Learning Program at the PSAC Atlantic Triennal Convention
Wanda Thomas and Angela Léger, the Joint Learning Program (JLP) Atlantic Regional Field Coordinators, would like to recognize the JLP Facilitator and Organizer presence at the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) Atlantic Triennial Convention held in St. John's, Newfoundland from June 23 to 26, 2011. There were over thirty JLP Facilitators who participated in this convention.
Among facilitators at the PSAC Atlantic Triennial Convention were
(from left to right and back to front) Melinda Scott, Stephanie Ehler,
Angela Léger, Keith Parsons, Jim Hondas, Donna Rodgers-Grouchy, Anne Little,
Wanda Thomas, Debi Buell, Anna Goguen, Beryl MacNeill and Sandy Harquail.
June 24, 2011
New cycle for the Joint Learning Program
A new cycle for the Joint Learning Program (JLP) began on June 21 at the same time as the new collective agreements for the EB, PA and SV groups went into effect.
Demands for workshops are increasing and interest for memoranda of understanding is also growing. In addition to managing its growth, the JLP is developing new learning opportunities for its clients, members of Public Service Alliance of Canada and their managers and supervisors. Consequently, in the coming months, the JLP will be launching its sixth workshop on the duty to accommodate.
With demands increasing, the JLP faces the challenge of offering more high-quality workshops with the same financial resources. The JLP financial guidelines have also been adjusted in this regard to frame the budgeting exercise.
For more information, please contact the regional field coordinators in your region.
June 20, 2011
New Regional Field Coordinator in the Atlantic
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) welcomes Wanda Thomas as the new union Regional Field Coordinator for the Atlantic region. Wanda was a Case Manager at Veterans Affairs Canada. She has been a JLP facilitator since 2007 and has co-facilitated for both the JLP Facilitator Orientation Sessions and the Public Service Alliance of Canada Atlantic School. She has had the opportunity to meet many JLP facilitators and looks forward to working with the JLP community. She began with the JLP on June 20, and can be reached by telephone at
902-721-5773 or by email at thomasw@psac-afpc.com.
Wanda replaces Lynn Jones which will retire on July 8, after 32 years with the Federal Pubic Service, the last five years of her career were spent with the JLP. The JLP congratulates Lynn on her retirement and wish her all the best with her future endeavours. Lynn will be missed by all of her friends at the JLP.
June 16, 2011
The Joint Learning Program is present at Public Service Alliance of Canada Regional Conventions
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) Regional Triennial Conventions are taking place and the Joint Learning Program is present with a booth set up by the regional coordinators.
The first conventions took place from May 13 to 15 in British Columbia and Ontario. The Quebec convention was held from May 27 to 29 while the National Capital Region one took place from June 3 to 5.
The Prairie Congress ran from June 10 to 12 and the North one will follow on June 17 The Atlantic Congress will be the last from June 23 to 26.
Between the PSAC,National Triennial Conventions, the seven regions each held a regional conference. Each regional conference has to elect its Regional Executive Vice-President (REVP) and its replacement REVP. The regional convention may also adopt resolutions for submission to the national convention.
June 15, 2011
Correctional Service Canada in Atlantic in the Middle of a Workshops Delivery Blitz
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Atlantic, the Union of the Solicitor General Employees, and the Joint Learning Program is in full swing to deliver 40 workshops on Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace (HFW) in two months to CSC employees in Atlantic. Sonja Power, Mike Wilson, Claudette Galant and Nicole Gaudet are the facilitators to deliver this achievment.
The MOU has been put in place to deliver the HFW workshop to all CSC employees in Atlantic. Strategic partnerships allow a department to leverage JLP expertise and materials to provide important training to a large number of their employees. Strategic partnerships currently in effect address employment equity, the diverse workplace, union-management consultation, and the prevention and resolution of harassment.
June 10, 2011
The Duty to Accomodate Workshop available soon
The soon to be released Joint Learning Program workshop on the Duty to Accommodate is starting its pilot phase. The first pilot session for Stakeholders will be June 13 and 14 in Ottawa.
This will be the first of four pilot sessions to be held around the country to test the content and material in the kit. The other sessions will be held in Montreal on June 28 and 29, in Halifax, on July 6 and 7, and in Vancouver on July 13 and 14. Nathalie Audet and Céline Préfontaine will facilitate these sessions. Based on the feedback received from the participants and the facilitators of the pilot sessions this draft will be adapted following the pilots.
The DTA workshop will be delivered as a one-day workshop. The target audience is Public Service Aliance of Canada members and their corresponding supervisors and managers. The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize employees and managers with the meaning of duty to accommodate, the legal framework as well as the benefits of workplace accommodation for all employees working in the public service.
This workshop will also examine myths and realities associated with workplace accommodation and will help to define Duty to Accommodate as it pertains to the prohibited grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act, case law and other relevant legislation.
The DTA workshop will be one of the six topics covered by the Joint Learning Program. The workshop should be launched during fall season.
June 10, 2011
Third Orientation Session of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Canada Border Services Agency, the Customs and Immigration Union and the Joint Learning Program
The third orientation session under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Customs and Immigration Union and the Joint Learning Program (JLP) was held May 9 to 13 in Ottawa.
By the end of the week, the 18 participants were provided with a strong foundation of facilitation skills and an overview of the JLP program and learning materials. Thus, Ghyslaine Hamel, Nancy Akerley, Bruce Roy, Annik Carrière, Djamel Bouhabel, Gabriel Duteau, Paula-Marie Beaudoin, Valérie-Anne Coté, Stefan Archambeault, Marc-André Charlebois, Marie-Josée Caron, Annie Rochon, Diane Plante, Chantal Rajotte, Yvon, Beaudoin and Sylvie Lee, will have the opportunity to join the CBSA-JLP pool of facilitators. Roger Vaillancourt and Marcia Vergara were the facilitators.
This MOU includes the delivery of a one day workshop on creating a harassment-free workplace for all Agency employees and training of the facilitators required for the initiative. The MOU was signed in May 2010 and will be in effect until 2016.
June 9, 2011
Canada Post Strike
Due to the Canada Post strike, the JLP will accept any travel claims via email friedayb@psac-afpc.com or by fax 1-613-560-9319. Please include copies of your receipts.
Delays may occur as a result of the strike, if you require immediate reimbursement, please contact Brenda Frieday at 1-613-560-2980 or via the email address above.
June 7 is the 1,500th workshop day
Today, the 1,500th Joint Learning Program (JLP) workshop is delivered. The workshops delivered today are:
- Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace (E), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa;
- Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace (F), Public Works and Government Services Canada, Matane;
- Union-Management Consultation (F), Veterans Affairs Canada, Quebec City;
- Respecting Differences/Anti-Discrimation (E), Service Canada, Vancouver
The JLP thanks the whole community for this milestone. The JLP's 3,000 facilitators, 3,000 organizers, 30, 000 participants and the 60 host organizations.
April 29, 2011
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Canada Border Services Agency, the Customs and Immigration Union and the Joint Learning Program is in full swing
The second orientation session under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Customs and Immigration Union and the Joint Learning Program (JLP) was held April 4 to 9 in Ottawa.
By the end of the week, the 20 participants were provided with a strong foundation of facilitation skills and an overview of the JLP program and learning materials. Thus, Allan Bezaire, Ashley Lopes, Beverley Pacheco, Colleen Tiernan, Debbie Drummond, Elise Butterworth, Gina Giessmann, Ian Cohen, Ingrid Oviedo, Joe Ryan, Kimberly Poirier, Michele Liddy-Brooks, Michelle McCrum, Raie Leith, Seigfred (Sigi) Due, Susan Hoyles, Tamara Lopez, Tanya Stewart, Terre Moon and Tyler Hanniman will have the opportunity to join the CBSA-JLP pool of facilitators.
This MOU includes the delivery of a one day workshop on creating a harassment-free workplace for all Agency employees and training of the facilitators required for the initiative. The MOU was signed in May 2010 and will be in effect until 2016.
April 21, 2011
Joint Learning Program Atlantic Region Welcomes New Facilitators
Lynn Jones and Angela Léger, Joint Learning Program (JLP) Atlantic Regional Field Coordinators, welcome to the following new JLP facilitators: Isaac Armstrong, Shaun Benson, Meghan Churchill, Sarah Clift, Sheila Crotty, Alain Duguay, Heather Hannifan, Debbie Hines-Solsman, Deirdre Kulanek, Peter Marsman, Jeannine McNeil, Caroline Morais Gregan, Melissa Morash, Pam Rushton, Monique Thériault, and Roger Walsh.
The Atlantic Region’s Facilitator Orientation Session was held from April 11 to 15, 2011, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Participation in this orientation session consisted of individuals from the following departments and Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) components: Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Services Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Department of National Defence, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Veterans Affairs Canada, Customs and Immigration Union, Government Services Union, National, Union of National Defence Employees, and Union of Solicitor General Employees.
Sarah Clift and Heather Hannifan, a co-facilitation team,
preparing to deliver a learning activity.
Alain Duguay, Monique Thériault and Peter Marsman
The JLP Atlantic Region wishes success to Geraldine Shears and Denis St-Onge, participants from Parks Canada and PSAC National component, respectively, as they deliver workshops within the Parks Canada JLP pilot.
March 25, 2011
Message from the Ontario and Eastern Arctic Region on the 1,000th Workshop
On January 18, 2011, we hosted an Open House at 4900 Yonge Street in Toronto to celebrate the milestone of the Joint Learning Program (JLP) 1,000th workshop! We could not have achieved this milestone without the dedicated efforts of our facilitators, tireless planning efforts by our union and employer organizers and the participants who share their experiences with their fellow public servants and have helped spread the JLP message.
From left to right; Romeo Jackson, Sharon DeSouza, Christina Prozes
and Karen Alexander
To say thank you and to promote further interest in the JLP, we invited past organizers, participants, facilitators and employees are 4900 Yonge to join us for refreshments and learn more about the JLP. We were honoured to have Sharon DeSouza of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and Christina Prozes of the Ontario Federal Council on hand to assist with the cake cutting. Throughout the Open House, participants were able to mingle with JLP staff and bring back information to share with their union representatives, managers and fellow employees in hopes of helping more workplaces.
March 21, 2011
Memorandum of Understanding between the Canada Border Services Agency, the Customs and Immigration Union and the Joint Learning Program.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) and the Joint Learning Program (JLP) was implemented on February 28 during the Agency’s first facilitator orientation session. Camille Therriault-Power, Vice-President of Human Resources, CBSA, and Ron Moran, National President, CIU, were on hand to support the initiative and speak with participants. Lauralee Larose, Manager, Labour Relations Program, CBSA, as well as JLP co-directors Mark Pecek and Denis Trottier, opened the session by welcoming participants.
Camille Thériault-Power and Ron Moran
By the end of the week, the 19 participants were provided with strong foundation of facilitation skills and an overview of the JLP program and learning materials. Thus, Robin Campbell, Tina Cyr, William Dionne, Chantal-Shawn Harriman, Mandy Hodge, Sandra Kearns, Pete MacGregor, Rhonda Macklin, Woycheshin, Robert Mancini, Tyson Newman, Corinne Reilly, Logan Rutter, Lyne Scott, Lynn Smith-Doiron, Micheline Steele, Brad Valentine, Caroline Walker and Laurie Walker will have the opportunity to join the CBSA-JLP pool of facilitators.
Orientation Session Facilitators
Marg McPhedron-Axford and Susan Giampietri
This MOU includes the delivery of a workshop on creating a harassment-free workplace for all Agency employees and training of the facilitators required for the initiative. The MOU was signed in May 2010 and will be in effect until 2016.
The CBSA MOU is the latest strategic partnership negotiated by the JLP. Strategic partnerships allow a department to leverage JLP expertise and materials to provide important training to a large number of their employees. Strategic partnerships currently in effect address employment equity, the diverse workplace, union-management consultation, and the prevention and resolution of harassment. For more information, contact the JLP Regional Field Coordinators in your region.
March 3, 2011
Exemplary Implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding
Engaged and committed to providing Passport Canada Ontario Operations Office employees with training on the prevention and resolution of harassment in the workplace, Passport Canada Ontario Region management and the Public Service Alliance of Canada National Component, Ontario, jointly embarked on a venture to deliver the Joint Learning Program Anti-Harassment workshop to all employees in the region.
Read the story...
March 1, 2011
Launch of the new Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace Kit
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) announces that the Anti-Harassment kit has been updated under the title Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace. This new document will be used to facilitate the workshop by March 1, 2011.
The goals of the revision are:
- To update content;
- Improve the learning approach in certain activities;
- Clearly identify core activities;
- Separate Day 1 and Day 2 activities;
- Ensure that roles and responsibilities in harassment complaint process are addressed in all deliveries of this workshop;
- Streamline the kit.
For now, only electronic copies that can be found in the facilitators’ Section of the JLP website are available. Paper copies presented in a binder identified to the kit will be distributed in the coming weeks.
JLP will undertake a broader campaign in the coming weeks to raise awareness of the new kit and generate interest in the workshop.
January 14, 2011
Successful Year for the Joint Learning Program in 2010
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) had a very busy year in 2010. Twelve Orientation sessions were held from coast to coast and as a result the JLP welcomed 194 new facilitators. Clinics were held in different regions supporting 38 facilitators in their delivery of the Respecting Differences/Anti-Discrimination kit.
Other exciting projects and initiatives occurred in 2010. In April the new JLP website was launched. As well the Program achieved a monumental milestone by delivering its 1000th workshop. Celebrations occurred in the regions and in June Public Service employees, managers and the JLP community were invited to mark the milestone with a breakfast held at the Public Service Alliance of Canada Headquarters in Ottawa.
The JLP is proud to be green! Committing to be more environmentally friendly, in November the JLP modified the workshop box to a workshop envelope. Included was an updated promotional pamphlet and the new JLP “clip”. Finally, the renewal of the Joint Learning Program until June 2014 is one of the highlights of the agreements reached by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada.
The upcoming year shows no signs of slowing down. The JLP is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). These partnerships are integral to the overall objectives of the JLP to promote labour relations in the workplace.
The JLP is also looking forward to the launch of the recently updated Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace kit (formally called the Anti-Harassment kit) and a brand new workshop, Duty to Accommodate. Please keep checking the JLP website for the latest updates on these projects.
With several Orientation sessions planned for 2011 we look forward to welcoming more facilitators into our JLP community. Best wishes in the New Year!
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