Newsletter

National Capital Region Public Service Alliance of Canada Triennial Convention
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) was represented by the Regional Field Coordinators (RFC) of the National Capital Region (NCR), Linda Iezzi (Union) and Alex Roussakis(Employer) at the NCR Public Service Alliance of Canada Triennial Convention. The JLP had a booth on May 9 with many of the attendees coming by to pick-up information and to inquire about the JLP workshops and how to become a facilitator.

In the afternoon, the RFC made a presentation on the upcoming Mental Health in the Workplace workshop and encourage those in attendance to consider applying to become facilitators as the NCR region will be holding an Orientation Session the week of December 8, 2014.

At the end of the presentation, the RFC recognized Louise Blouin, a Union facilitator who has been a facilitator since 2010. She has co-facilitated six workshops and has been an active supporter of the Joint Learning Program.


From left to right, Linda Iezzi, Louise Blouin and Alex Roussakis

The JLP will attend upcoming events including PSAC Regional Conventions:

  • APEX Convention, June 3 and 4 – National Capital Region
  • PSAC Triennial Ontario Regional Convention, June 5 to 7 2014 – Ontario and Nunavut Region
  • PSAC Triennial Quebec Regional Convention, June 6 to 8 - Quebec Region
  • PSAC Triennial Atlantic Regional Convention, June 20 to 22 – Atlantic Region
  • PSAC Triennial Regional Prairies Convention, June 27 to 29 - Prairies and Northwest Territories Region
  • Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, July 20 to 23 - British Columbia and Yukon Region
  • Union of National Employees, August 10 to 15 - British Columbia and Yukon Region
  • National Health Union Convention, August 11 to 13, Prairies and Northwest Territories Region
  • Agriculture Union Convention, August 13 to 15 - Prairies and Northwest Territories Region
  • Union of Environment Workers Convention, August 26 to 28 – Atlantic Region
  • Canada Employment and Immigration Union Convention, September 12 to 16 – National Capital Region
  • National Joint Council Conference, September 17 and 18 – National Capital Region
  • Government Services Union, September 23 to 25 – National Capital Region
  • Customs and Immigration Union Convention, October 3 to 5 – National Capital Region
  • Union of Veterans’ Affairs Employees Convention, October 4 to 6 - National Capital Region

 

Launch of the New Mental Health in the Workplace Kit
The Joint Learning Program reminds that the new Mental Health in the Workplace kit will be launched on June 9th.

This workshop reflects the joint commitment of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the other participating unions to build awareness about mental health. It recognizes that inclusive and healthy workplaces require proactive approaches that engage all members of the workforce. This workshop is one of seven joint learning initiatives to improve workplace relations.

The purpose of this two-day workshop is to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace and to equip individual employees with the knowledge and skills they need to proactively and effectively support a psychologically safe and healthy workplace.

For departments that will be unable to schedule this workshop for two days, a one-day agenda is provided. The purpose of this one-day workshop would be to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace and the factors required to effectively support a psychologically safe and healthy workplace.

 

Memorandum of Understanding with Correctional Service Canada in Quebec
The Joint Learning Program (JLP) recently signed an agreement with Correctional Service Canada (CSC), Quebec Region, the Union of the Solicitor General’s Employees and the Professional Institute of the Public Service.

The purpose of this agreement is to provide CSC employees with a positive, healthy and respectful workplace. The parties agreed to deliver 15 JLP’s workshops on duty to accommodate to some 300 CSC employees and managers. The agreement covers the period of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015.

Strategic partnerships allow departments to benefit from JLP expertise and material in order to offer important training to many of their employees. Strategic partnerships are still active today in the areas of employment equity, workplace diversity, union-management consultation, and harassment prevention and resolution. For more information, contact the regional coordinators for the JLP in your region.

 


National Aboriginal History Month
In June, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal History Month, an opportunity to honor the heritage, contributions and cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons.

National Aboriginal History Month provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Aboriginal communities and their promise for the future.

Celebrating National Aboriginal History Month in June is an important tribute to the heritage and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.