JLP Welcomes New Facilitators to the Program

“JLP facilitation allowed me to network with others across the country and build on my own skills in this regard. It was fun, engaging and I would do it again!”

— Kara Bye

A warm welcome to sixteen new JLP facilitators!

Employees from eight different federal departments and agencies from the Ontario-Nunavut, Prairies-Northwest Territories and British Columbia-Yukon regions participated in the five-day JLP Facilitator Orientation Session. This session was held virtually from February 14th to 24th, 2022.

The participants experienced activities from the Anti-Racism: Let’s Talk! discussion session included in the Empowering Conversations series. The group also prepared for, and practiced facilitating, an activity from this same discussion session. Throughout the five days together, the group embodied the JLP tag line Learning and Growing Together as they embarked on their facilitation journey. Participant Wylie Diegel, of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, shared that, “the opportunity to "learn and grow" with a passionate group of diverse people has helped me to become a better manager, a better facilitator and if nothing I hope a better person.”

On the last day, four participants (Laura Jones, Winnie Jung, Amy Stoik and Carolyn Sampson) organized and facilitated a group grad activity that highlighted some memorable moments of the time spent together. The Regional Field Coordinators from the three represented regions as well as the Co-Directors, Catherine Gilbert and Roxanne Lépine, attended the graduation and closing of the session. The learning event was co-facilitated by the JLP Program Officers, Rachel Besharah and Nathalie Duquette and moderated by Désirée Yaxley, Program Delivery Administrator.

“The JLP facilitator orientation program challenged me to think and learn in ways I hadn't thought possible. It also introduced me to an amazing new network of colleagues across Canada. It was exhausting, enriching, and very rewarding. I'm really looking forward to my journey as a new JLP facilitator!”

— Macklin McFadyen Hill

“Life-changing! ”

— Landon Owen

The JLP is proud to welcome the latest cohort of facilitators to the JLP family!

Facilitators in Zoom videoconference

Top Row (L to R): Rachel Besharah, Nathalie Duquette, Amy Stoik, Nicole Samimi
2nd Row: Carolyn Sampson, Craig Kremer, Winnie Jung, Macklin McFadyen Hill
3rd Row: Nadia Graham, Robert MacDonald, Tammy Morgado, Laura Jones
4th Row: Sena Paradis, Wylie Diegel, Pam Cypher, Landon Owen
5th Row: Glenn Hurd, Kara Bye

“This is one of the best orientation sessions I've experienced in my career overall. The JLP facilitators model how to create a community of understanding, respect, safer learning and connection. I feel better prepared to facilitate discussions around Anti-racism, Mental Health and Understanding the Collective Agreement. I don't know it all, but I know where to find the information and can tap into the fantastic people who support us. I am looking forward to contributing to creating a more psychologically safe workplace and growing as a facilitator.”

— Pam Cypher