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IPAC YEG NEW PUBLIC SERVANTS fresh FOCUS OCT. 2013 ISSUE 1

YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

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This is the October 2013 issue of the Fresh Focus Newsletter. Fresh Focus is published by the New Public Servants (NPS) Committee of the IPAC Edmonton.

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Page 1: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

ipac yeg new public servants

fresh focusoct. 2013issue 1

Page 2: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YE G NEW PUBL IC SERVANT S NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013 2

MEssAGE fRoM THE cHAIRHeather ChappleChair, New Public Servants

Twitter@yegnps

[email protected]

On behalf of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and the IPAC Edmonton Regional Group New Public Servants (NPS) Committee, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2013 - 2014 program year.

This year, I take on the role of NPS Chair from the competent and talented James Runge. I look forward to working with our wonderful committee to deliver the same exciting and high-quality events you have come to expect from this group. We have a number of unique initiatives this year, including the speed networking event held on September 26th; building a pracademic network through IPAC IMPACT; an informal evening of trivia at our Holiday Social; the 2014 National Conference; and of course, our IPAC NPS Recognition Event.

In addition to an exciting slate of programs, we are also changing our approach to our recognition awards. We will be doing a monthly call for nominations for both the Award of Excellence and the Emerging Excellence Award, which gives you more opportunities to nominate those new public servants that are doing an incredible job all around you.

I hope some of you were able to attend our 10th Annual IPAC New Public Servants Recognition Dinner in June of 2013. The dinner feature many exciting elements, including the launch of a new Award of Emerging Excellence, an inspiring keynote speech from Dr. Kimberely Amirault-Ryan, and a record number of attendees. For me, the most exciting part of dinner was the buzz in the room - people were truly networking with each other, building conversations around the keynote’s theme of “Performing to Your Full Potential”, and appreciating each other’s company.

In a time where we are consistently being asked to collaborate, innovate and deliver more with less, it becomes increasingly important for all of us to take the time to get to know our fellow public servants across all levels of government. The more we can understand each other’s goals, the better equipped we are to build common outcomes, establish critical connections, and ultimately deliver better services for our clients - the public.

IPAC NPS promises to offer these opportunities to you through the 2013 - 2014 year and I invite you to take advantage of them, whatever your interest might be.

Heather [email protected]

New Public Servants Committee Members 2013-2014

ChairHeather Chapple

Vice-ChairCarla Jeanne Johnson

Programs CoordinatorJoel Bokenfohr

Communications CoordinatorKai So

Awards CoordinatorAdam Clarke

Membership CoordinatorJessica Duvoid

Past ChairJames Runge

Members-at-LargeMen Yi LeongClaire TunneyKate Reynolds

Page 3: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YEG NEW PUBL IC SERVANTS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20133

A CONVERSATION WITH DaviD MoRhaRt

on the beautiful morning of August 20, 2013, IPAC NPS had the opportunity to speak with Deputy MInister David Morhart of the Government of Alberta’s (GoA) Ministry

of Enterprise and Advanced Education. The DM was quick to welcome the committee members with a gracious and easy manner, making them feel at home in his comfortable office.

The conversation began smoothly in a place of common groundas Mohart had attend the IPAC NPS Awards dinner in the Springonly a few months earlier. He took the moment to offer supportto IPAC and suggestions for maintaining momentum throughoutthe year, as well as promoting the public service. It comes as nosurprise that the DM is passionate about the public service, andis clear about recognizing the invaluable work those in theservice perform.

Morhart has a solid financial background, and had worked in different capacities in this field. However, he was presented with an exciting and challenging opportunity to restructure the BC ambulance service and took it. He went on to the front lines to learn the business from the ground up, and in doing so, was able to develop leadership skills in a new way, and gain expertise in a field very different from his own.

He encourages new public servants to take on such projects that will stretch them out of their comfort zone. “Think about what inspires you,” he said with convinction, “get involved, get outside the box, try some diverse roles and offer project or team leaders your support (sic)”.

Morhart also acknowledged that it is sometimes difficult for new public servants to speak up and get involved. However, he notes that movements like Reaching our Full Potential (ROFP) in the Alberta Public Service are beginning to break down those barriers. He conceded that authority will always exist, but a new culture of interaction and communication is being created. Leaders at every

level have the means to contribute to the lives of Albertans. While a lot of our risk aversion stems from concerns about bad press, ROFP is about taking risks and trying to do things differently. Morhart points out that these kinds of risks can be managed with good information, that we can learn from both sucesses and failures.

The conversation also covered another large initiative in the GoA - Results-based Budgeting (RBB). Through this process many of us in the GoA are learning about where we add value to the organization and where we can become more effective and efficient to increase our contributions. Morhart sees RBB

aRe you new to the goa?IPAC NPS group will be hosting a table at the GoA Orientation Session on november 5 at the Shaw Conference center.

Come check us out and learn how you can get involved.

as an oppportunity for those in the public service to see our place in the bigger picture.

RBB reflects a shifting culture towards delivering and measuring meaningful outcomes. For new public servants in particular, RBB provides an opportunity for more latitude to move into different projects and gain a broader understanding of the work of the public service as a whole, to become more involved. Morhart believes that processes like RBB “should give us more tools for asking questions about efficiency and effectiveness (sic)”.

Through these initiatives, and in all aspects of our work, we have the opportunity to build pride in the public service. As Morthart noted, public perceptions of government as an efficient and effective organization are critical to our success.

Thank you, Deputy Minister Morhart, for your time and insights.

n Carla Jeanne Johnson

Think about what inspires you, get involved, and get outside the box, try some diverse roles and offer project or team leaders your support.

“DaviD MoRhaRtDeputy Minister, Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education

A CoNVerSAtioN with...

Page 4: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YE G NEW PUBL IC SERVANT S NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013 4

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS Recognition DinneR JuNE 2013

Friday, June 7, 2013 marked the 10th Annual New Public Servants recognition Dinner. The dinner is an exciting annual event that recognizes outstanding contributions made by new public servants across all levels of government. This year more than 500 attendees came together for an evening of networking, conversation and good food.

New PubLiC SerVANtS

Recognition DinneR

Page 5: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YEG NEW PUBL IC SERVANTS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20135

t he dinner was hosted at the Westin Hotel in Edmonton, and included an inspiring speech on “Performing to Your Full Potential” by keynote

speaker, Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan. Dr. Amirault-Ryan is well-known performance consultant in professional sport who has worked for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Canadian Women’s Hockey Team and the Canadian Olympic Team. Her keynote was followed by an informal Fireside Chat hosted by edmontonoilers.com head writer, Ryan Dittrick.

The dinner centered on the announcement of the award winners for the Award of Excellence and the Award for Emerging Excellence. Both awards are sponsored by the IPAC Edmonton Regional Group Executive Committee.

Award of Excellence

The Award of Excellence is intended to recognize achievement and showcase emerging talent in the public service.

The winner was Alec Stratford. Alec is a Community Capacity Builder with the City of Edmonton’s Neighborhood Empowerment Team. He was recognized for his thoughtful, meaningful and ethical work, and for consistently raising the bar to find new and creative ways to approach complex problems.

Award of Emerging Excellence

The Award for Emerging Excellence in the Public Services is intended to recognize and distinguish a new public servant who has shown outstanding performance in their position.

The winner was Jeremy Adamson. Jeremy is a Traffic Demand Forecasting Engineer with Alberta Transportation. He was recognized for his leadership and collaboration skills. He has published three papers and is committed to volunteering in the community.

n Jessica Duvoid

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS Recognition DinneR JuNE 2013

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO ALL OUR NOMINEESWe are proud to continue to represent and recognize such outstanding accomplishments in our public service.

Award of Excellence

Craig Olson Deborah Andrews

Award of Emerging Excellence

Kristin Ward Diaz Salvatore Cucchiara Shaughnessy Fulawka Tessia WilliamsMychele Joyce Pouyesh SabouriJennifer Beyer Justin Abraham

Know someone you’d like to nominate for the 2013-14 excellence or emerging excellence Award?

The IPAC Edmonton New Public Servants Committee is changing up the way we do our awards to make it easier for you to nominate that outstanding new public servant in your office! For more info, click here.

All photos credit of Rachel Foley Photography www.rachelfoleyphotography.com

Page 6: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YE G NEW PUBL IC SERVANT S NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013 6

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS speeD netwoRking SEPT 2013

new public servants 2nd annual speed networking event

on Thursday, September 26th, the 2013 - 2014 IPAC NPS

Edmonton programming year launched with our NPS Speed

Networking kick-off at the Pint downtown.

Powered by great conversation and delicious food, the event

brought together over 65 new public servants, senior managers

and leaders from all three levels of government and academia.

The event gave attendees the opportunity to build new networks

and gain a better understanding of the incredible diversity that

exists within the public service.

Lana Lougheed, Chair of the IPAC Edmonton Regional Group and

Heather Chapple, Chair of the New Public Servants Committee

began the evening with a few words of welcome, followed by

the main event. For the speed networking session, new public

servants rotated every 5 minutes (for a total of 30 minutes) in a

line of conversation with senior managers and leaders. After door

prizes were awarded, guests continued to mingle and many of the

conversations continued late into the night.

NPS is very grateful to the many senior leaders and managers

who were in attendance, including IPAC Edmonton Regional

Group’s Executive. We were very fortunate to also have wonderful

representation from Alberta’s Executive Council, Ms. Kimberley

Armstrong, as well as the academic presence of Dr. Lois Harder.

Thank you everyone who joined us in making this evening such

a success. We look forward to seeing you at our next IPAC NPS

event!

n Claire Tunney and Joel Bokenfohr

Page 7: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YEG NEW PUBL IC SERVANTS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20137

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS tRavels 2013

Building good global governance: The Role of Public Administration in the Post-2015 Millennium Development Goal Agenda

the 2013 united Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (uN-CEPA) brought academic

observers together for participatory discussions on the “Post-2015” Millennium Development Goal (MDG) agenda. Delegates included the CEPA Chair, Dr. Zarrouk (Morocco), Ms. Saner (united Kingdom), Mr. Hao (China), Ms. Armstrong (Canada/uN-DESA), Mr. Oquist (Nicaragua), and several other practitioners and academics. The diversity in representation reflects the importance of the uN as a space where member states have an equal voice; and resulted in a range of opinions and expertise regarding the future of public administration. Good governance was highlighted as a solution to complex development problems, as “good public administration is the ‘missing link’ that furthers and supports development goals in the post 2015 world” – T. Stelzer (ECOSOC). It includes enhanced competence at all levels of government in accountability, citizen engagement, transparency, efficiency and democratic principles. While the united Nations plays a key role in supporting these processes, many delegates emphasized the importance of locally driven solutions. Achieving locally driven solutions requires meaningful citizen engagement, a process which can be challenging given the multi-layered systems of power and relationships that underpin many societies. Indeed, “without good citizen engagement, problems cannot be understood nor solved holistically” - Prof. Khan (School of Oriental and African Studies). Therefore governments must continually explore new methods of engagement in order to develop innovative, flexible and relevant solutions to increasingly complex matters of public policy.One strategy discussed was the use of ICT (information and communications technology) and e-governance to enable access to a

broad spectrum of citizens. Several discussions were held around ways of furthering open government as a method of sharing best practices across member states and supporting the use of relevant data to assess outcomes. However, “e-Government is not only about computers and ICTs, but about a holistic vision to support positive transformation in public administration frameworks” – W. Fust (Switzerland).

Reflecting afterwards, it was clear that while there can be no singular solution for good governance, building common strategies that can be locally adapted is important in achieving development outcomes. There will be challenges, as issues of gender, power structures and “the tension between calls for innovation and the risk adverse culture in public service” (M. Edwards) remain. However, public servants must face these challenges with a commitment to building strong, accountable systems of public administration on a global scale through forums like uN-CEPA.

n Heather Chapple

Full papers from the conference can be accessed at:

www.unpan.org/DPADM/CEPA/12thSession/tabid/1544/Default.aspx

A summary of tweets from the iPAC observers can be found at:

storify.com/chapple/ipac-s-new-public-servant-in-new-york

Page 8: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YE G NEW PUBL IC SERVANT S NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013 8

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS @ ipac national confeRence MontReal AuG 2013

65th annual ipac national conferenceRe-inventing Public AdministrationThe 65th Annual IPAC National Conference was held in

Montreal from August 18 to 21 this year. Public servants from

all orders of government and academia attended “Reinventing

Public Administration”, a conference that hosted excellent

keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking and

hospitality that highlighted Montreal’s cosmopolitan character.

The IPAC International pre-conference program began with

a panel discussion on transparency and accountability in the

public sector. One of the panelists, Huguette Labelle, Chair of

Transparency International, spoke about the cost of corruption

and how corruption affects citizens by denying them access to

public services, access to resources in some countries. Labelle

warned that the next frontier in the corruption of the public

sector will be in local government.

Jean St-Gelais, Secretary General and Clerk of the Executive

Council of the Government of Quebec, started the conference

with his keynote on the importance of taxes in a democracy

and a plea for the public service. He spoke about how it is easy

for public servants to hide behind processes, the need for good

teams, good people, and good processes in the public sector.

Walter Wouters, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to

Cabinet, Government of Canada, spoke about innovation in

government. He highlighted the federal government’s Blueprint

2020 plan and further emphasized the need for the public

sector to engage with the global community. He spoke about

the need for the public sector to work with non-governmental

groups to gather and analyze data in order to engage society.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration and how

collaboration is just as important as innovation in government.

The highlight of the conference for me was Kevin Page, former

Parliamentary Budget Officer. Page spoke on the need for

change in the public sector and shared his initial impressions of

Blueprint 2020. Page cautioned the audience that although the

public sector is good at developing a values and ethics code,

we, as public servants, need to live them.

Overall, I really enjoyed the IPAC National Conference and the

opportunity to connect with public servants and academics

from across Canada, the united States and numerous other

countries. I would encourage everyone to attend future IPAC

conferences. The 2014 conference will be held in Edmonton for

your convenience!

n Kai So

Page 9: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YEG NEW PUBL IC SERVANTS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20139

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS ipac eDMonton Regional gRoup 2013

IPAC Edmonton is committed to developing a stronger “pracademic” culture in Canada, by building a network of practitioners and academics to discuss the most challenging issues facing the public service.

As part of this commitment, IPAC Edmonton has lauched an “IPAC Impact” initiative, consisting of two main components:

1. The IPAC Impact Blog (ipacimpact.blogspot.com) is based on the “3 + 3 = 300” format, challenging contributors to:

2. A series of “Café Pracademique” sessions combine brown-bag lunches, pay-your-own breakfasts, and traditional coffeehouse discussions. Pracademics will gather to hear leading academics and practitioners speak about the real-life implications of their research and policy work.

All sessions will build on the six (6) themes of the 2014 IPAC National Conference. Keep an eye on your IPAC emails for invites and more information.

3 3 300iDeNtiFy DiSPeL iN

things everyone should know about the public sector

issue at hand

myths or misconceptions about that issue

words or less

+ =

oXygen presents competency connections

Thursday, November 7, 20138:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Room 201, Canada PlaceConference Centre (Central Elevators)9700 Jasper Avenue NW

A one-day training event that highlights select Treasury Board Secretariat Leadership and GoA Compentencies that will allow participants to practice using these competencies in a fun and interactive way.

To register, please click here.

Page 10: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YE G NEW PUBL IC SERVANT S NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013 10

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS awaRD noMinations 2013 - 2014

know someone you’d like to nominate for an award?Edmonton NPS is calling for nominations for the 2013-14 awards season, and we’re making it easier for you to do it.

Watch your inboxes for a MoNthLy CALL For NoMiNAtioNS for our two awards:

Each month, we will be seeking nominations under a different competency:

Nominees will be featured regularly in our newsletter, which is a wonderful opportunity for expo-sure for new public servants. Nominations will be open online at:

Nominations close C.O.B on March 31st, 2014. The awards are sponsored by the IPAC Edmonton Regional Group Executive Committee, and award winners will be announced at the IPAC New Public Servants Awards event in 2014.

We know there are many outstanding New Public Servants working with us every day. This is a great opportunity to recognize our best and brightest while celebrating the achievements they bring to a thriving public service.

TheStrategic Thinker

The Relationship Builder

The Innovator/Creator

award of emerging excellence

The Award for Emerging Excellence is intended to recognize and distinguish a new employee who has shown outstanding performance in their position.

(nominees must have no more than two years of professional work experience)

award of excellence

The Award of Excellence is intended to recognize achievement and showcase talent in the public service.

(nominees must have no more than five years of work experience in the public service)

www.ipac.ca/edmonton/NewProfessionals

Results-Oriented Rock Star

November 2013 December 2013 January 2014 February 2014

Page 11: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YEG NEW PUBL IC SERVANTS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 201311

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS events calenDaR 2013

upcoMing

EvEnTs

october

17THE NEW DIGITAL PuBLIC SERVANT

5:30PM - 7:30 PMGOVERNMENT HOuSE

12845 - 102 AVENuE NW

For registration and more info, please visit:

www.ipac.ca/edmonton/registration-oct17

noveMber

7COMPETENCY CONNECTIONS

8:00 AM - 4:30 PMROOM 201, CANADA PLACE

CONFERENCE CENTRE

For registration and more info, please visit:

w w w. e v e n t b r i t e . c a /event/8657106639/ noveMber

26&27NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL FuTuREAIIM WEST & GOA hosts

INFO MGMT. CONFERENCE 2013CHATEAu LACOMBE

For registration and more info, please visit:

www.rimp.gov.ab.ca/index.cfm?page=confer-ence/index.html

noveMber

5NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS

INFO BOOTH @ GOA EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION

come visit us at the Shaw Conference Centre

june

1-466TH ANNuAL IPAC NATIONAL

CONFERENCEIGNITING TRANSFORMATIVE

SOLuTIONS

website coming in November

deceMber

TBANEW PuBLIC SERVANTS

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

watch your inbox or visit our website to learn how you can get involved

Page 12: YEGNPS Fresh Focus Newsletter Oct13

YE G NEW PUBL IC SERVANT S NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013 12

NEW PuBLIC SERVANTS ipac eDMonton Regional gRoup MeMBeRship 2013

Becoming amemBer

The Institute of Public Adminsitration of Canada (IPAC) is the premier organization in Canada dedicated to excellence in the public service. Through publications, conferences, knowledge of networks and awards, our association contributes to building stronger public services across the country and around the world.

Members of the Edmonton Regional Group develop and deliver a variety of topical events throughout the year: networking sessions with guest speakers and panels to awards that recognize individuals in the region who have made and continue to make significant contributions in the field of public administration. Other benefits include:

• invitations to national and local iPAC events: the place to meet and share ideas with your public service colleagues;

• Access to Public Servants without borders: a secure, cloud-enabed collaboration and social media site, connecting public service employees around the world;

• reduced fees for iPAC events;• Announcements about public service job opportunities locally,

nationally, and internationally;• Subscription to Canadian Public Administration, IPAC’s quarterly

journal; and• Subscription to iPAC’s e-mail newsletter.

Are you interested in volunteering at our next yeg new public servants (nps) event?Contact heather Chapple at [email protected] or Carla Jeanne Johnson at [email protected] about working with this great team of new public servants.