POLAR XPRESS – February 8, 2021

FROM THE TOP

Prime Minister issues supplemental mandate letters

On January 15, 2021, Northern Affairs Minister Vandal, to whom POLAR reports, received a supplementary mandate letter from the Prime Minister, which provides further direction on the Government of Canada’s priorities in light of the ongoing health crisis. This supplemental letter builds on the priorities outlined in the previous letter from December 2019. 

In his letter, the Prime Minister emphasizes the four priorities outlined in the Speech from the Throne and the recent Economic Update: protecting public health; ensuring a strong economic recovery; promoting a cleaner environment; and, standing up for fairness and equality. The Prime Minister reminds Minister Vandal of the ongoing importance of reconciliation. He also emphasizes work to advance clean growth in the face of climate change, and evidence-based decision making supported by gender-based analysis plus (GBA+).

The Prime Minister then directs Minister Vandal to collaborate with Indigenous partners and other Ministers on specific priorities including:

• Addressing food insecurity in Canada, including through co-developed programs; 
• Closing the infrastructure gap, including with respect to affordable housing and climate resilient infrastructure in northern communities; and,
• Supporting territorial planning for hydroelectricity projects and other forms of renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar) and to invest in renewable, sustainable and affordable sources of energy.

In alignment with these mandate letter priorities, POLAR’s President has outlined the organizational priorities of strengthening POLAR’s relationships with Indigenous partners and implementing POLAR’s Inuit Employment Plan. The President’s priorities are further outlined in her Message in the 2021-22 Departmental Plan, which will be made available on POLAR’s website in the coming weeks.

Read the full text of the supplementary letter here: https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters/2021/01/15/minister-northern-affairs-mandate-letter-supplementary-mandate-letter

Consider reviewing other mandate letters that frame the priorities of POLAR’s key federal partners such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations. You can find all the current mandate letters here: https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters

Bell Let’s Talk Day 2021 results

Canadians and people around the world set new records for engagement in the mental health conversation on Bell Let's Talk Day 2021, sharing 159,173,435 messages of support and driving a record high in new mental health funding by Bell.

• Total talk, text and social media interactions increased 3.1% over last year, reflecting a heightened focus on mental health as we all confront the impacts of COVID-19
• #BellLetsTalk was once again the top Twitter trend in Canada and worldwide
• At 5 cents per message, Bell is donating an additional $7,958,671.75 to mental health; Bell's total funding commitment now stands at $121,373,806.75, on track to the $155 million target

New Canada School of Public Service events

Elder Talk: History and Contributions of the Métis in Canada

Join CSPS for a discussion on the past and present issues facing Métis People in Canada with preeminent Métis leader Tony Belcourt. Mr. Belcourt will share his experiences in securing Métis rights for future generations and removing barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples.

Date and time: February 15, 2021 | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: February 15, 2021, 10:00 am (ET)
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Location: This event will be delivered virtually. A link to the live broadcast will be provided to registered participants.
Audience: All public servants at all levels
Register for webcast

Please note, prior to registering for an event, you must request permission from your supervisor.

POLAR’S PEOPLE

Ian Hogg co-authors new paper on Antarctic ecosystems

POLAR biologist Ian Hogg has co-authored a recent paper, “Antarctic ecosystems in transition – life between stresses and opportunities”, that appears in Biological Reviews, which is published by the Cambridge Philosophical Society.

From 2010 to 2020 scientists have made huge strides in understanding Antarctic ecological processes, especially how organisms react to climate change and how evolution has equipped them to live in extreme polar conditions. In a changing climate, these adaptations can determine whether a species survives or goes extinct. Antarctic marine and terrestrial ecosystems – some geographically isolated from the rest of the world and globally unique, and others with surprisingly close links to adjacent habitats – are under environmental stress and are subject to change. Ian and his colleagues argue that, for these reasons, it is essential to include results from Antarctic studies in all assessments of global biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles.

Congratulations are in order!

Ian Hogg received an exciting piece of mail this past week! Upon opening the parcel, he discovered his US Antarctica Service Medal. The medal, established by the United States Congress in 1960, is awarded to an individual who participates in a U.S. Antarctic expedition. Ian received it for work he did in 2018.

Ian Hogg with Antarctic Service Medal

Congratulations, Ian, on receiving your well-deserved Antarctica Service Medal!

LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE

Inuktut word of the week

The Inuktut word of the week is nimiq | ᓂᒥᖅ : It means “hair elastic”.

Pronounce it like this: knee-mick

Listen to the pronunciation here:

Are you ready to Talk the Talk?

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UPDATES

Key outcomes from Executive Team Meeting (ETM)

Here are the key outcomes from the February 3, 2021, ETM:

• The President introduced the meeting and noted that this ETM will serve as the first meeting of the Strategic Human Resources Board.  These meetings will be held monthly and will provide an opportunity for managers to discuss People Management issues, including Human Resources policies and processes.
• The Manager of Human Resources, Päivi Soucy, walked the leadership team through the main HR policies and processes applicable to POLAR.
• An update on the status of Performance Agreements was provided, and the upcoming year-end process for Performance Assessments was discussed, including the introduction of a review committee to ensure a standard approach to performance discussions with employees.
• A commitment was made to have completed all year-end discussions with employees no later than April 15^th.

WORKPLACE NOTICES

Reminder: new internal processes have been launched

Two internal processes with POLAR have been launched for the Ottawa office.

• Executive Director, Corporate Services (EX-02)
• Executive Assistant (AS-04)

These positions have been shared on POLAR’s official LinkedIn profile. Staff are encouraged to like and share these processes with their networks.

18/18 Perfect Score! You’re an Emperor Penguin

15/18 Nearly there! You’re a King Penguin

10/18 More than half! You’re a Royal Penguin

9/18 or less. You did your best! You’re a Northern Rockhopper.