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- POLAR's people
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From the top
An exciting week for POLAR!
Last week was a very exciting one for POLAR that included the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), United Kingdom Research and Innovation, National Research Council Canada, Parks Canada Agency, and Fonds de recherche du Québec (Nature and technologies, Health, Society and culture) to co-develop and implement the United Kingdom-Canada Inuit Nunangat and Arctic Region Research Program.
Over the weekend of May 8 and 9, the 3rd Annual Arctic Science Ministerial was held in Japan. POLAR attended virtually as a part of the Canadian Delegation headed by the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs. Joining the minister as a part of the Canadian delegation was Dr. Mona Nemer, the Government of Canada’s Chief Science Advisor and Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. POLAR led the coordination of Canada’s participation in the Ministerial and advocated for the participation of Indigenous organizations while promoting Indigenous self-determination in research.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) News release: United Kingdom-Canada Inuit Nunangat and Arctic Region Research Programme will support Inuit self-determination in research
Arctic Science Ministerial News release: Canada promotes Arctic science collaboration and Indigenous research priorities at meeting of international science Ministers
Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC)
The Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) engages federal public service employees and retirees in a combined effort to raise funds and donate time for those in need. The annual GCWCC takes place in federal workplaces across the country during the fall campaign period of September to December.
POLAR is looking for two motivated individuals, one from Ottawa and one from Cambridge Bay to become the team leads for the GCWCC campaign. These leads will promote the campaign within the agency, identify and support related activities, with the help of additional volunteers. If you are interested in participating in the overall campaign, you can join as a volunteer!
In addition, the GCWCC Youth Council also is looking for new members to make a difference in your community. By joining you will have the opportunity to develop relationships and meaningful connections with senior government officials, include this experience on your resume and make a real impact in your community.
If you are interested in being a lead for the GCWCC campaign or joining the Youth Council, speak with your manager to have your name submitted by May 19.
National AccessAbility Week 2021
National AccessAbility Week 2021 is fast approaching and it is a time to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities! In collaboration with the Canada School of Public Service, the Office of Public Service Accessibility at Treasury Board Secretariat is hosting a virtual event to mark the occasion on June 1, 2021 titled Disability Inclusion: Leaving no one behind.
Join public servants in celebrating the anniversary of Nothing Without Us, the Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service and to hear from public servants, leaders, and distinguished guests who are working together to build an inclusive Canada for persons with disabilities. This year’s program will include discussions on allyship and removing barriers to accessibility through diverse perspectives and lived experiences so that we can all do our part in creating a diverse, inclusive and accessible public service.
Date and time: June 1, 2021 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: May 31, 2021, 10:00 am (ET)
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages. American Sign Language and langue des signes québécoise interpretation. Communication access real-time translation (CART) services will be provided.
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.
Budget 2021
By Emma Arsenault , Planning Analyst, Planning and Reporting
Budget 2021 is big and ambitious. It contains both short-term financial supports to address the immediate impacts of COVID-19, as well as measures to strengthen Canadian societies and environments in the long-term. Have a look at Budget 2021.
There are encouraging investments in northern research, skills development, and climate change action that clearly reflect the focus of our organization’s work. Below are a few examples of how POLAR’s activity aligns with Budget 2021 commitments:
| Theme | Budget 2021 Commitments | POLAR 2021–22 Work Plan activities |
|---|---|---|
| Advancing clean energy and technology |
Example: $36M over three years for community-led projects through CIRNA’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative |
|
| Improving baseline environmental data and ties to human health |
Example: $27M over five years to Statistics Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada for a new ‘Census of the Environment’ |
|
| Centering education and skills development |
Example: $709M over five years to Mitacs to create 85,000 work-integrated learning placements |
|
| Enabling informed decision-making |
Example: $50M over five years to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to renew dedicated consultation and policy development funding to Representative organizations |
|
As a small organization with a broad mandate, POLAR must work in collaboration with others to achieve our goals. Reviewing priority-setting documents, like the Minister’s mandate letters or budgets, is an important way for POLAR to build awareness of other federal initiatives and government priorities. With this awareness comes greater potential for POLAR to proactively identify partnership opportunities and communicate our added value effectively. Understanding the Government of Canada’s fiscal and policy frameworks should support our work to achieve the activities outlined in our 2020-21 Work Plan—it can help us to brief POLAR’s management to support decision-making and to prioritize our day-to-day work.
Canada School of Public Service
Communicating with Indigenous Peoples During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Communications has played a pivotal role in Canada's COVID-19 response to minimize the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic on Indigenous Peoples. The Communications Branch at Indigenous Services Canada responded by mobilizing employees across all areas to advise Indigenous Peoples and equip First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, youth and Elders with effective communications products and tools.
Date and time: May 20, 2021 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: May 20, 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.
The New Economy Series: The Economics of Attention
Our work, relationships, communities, and education are mediated by an expanding digital sphere. With so much data and information surrounding us, our attention is scarce, and the ability to capture it is lucrative.
Date and time: May 25, 2021 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: May 25, 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
Employee profiles
Still haven’t submitted your profile? Don’t worry, you’ve still got time! The Employee Profile questions are available fordownload, once completed please send it back with your photo attached to the communications inbox.
Janine Angohiatok
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Surname: Angohiatok
Given name: Janine
Works here: Cambridge Bay
On staff since: 2020
Date of issue: 2021-05-17
Passport number: 8679835186
Department: Knowledge Management and Engagement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Name | Janine Angohiatok |
| Job title | Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator |
| Your department | Knowledge Management & Engagement |
| What year did you start working for POLAR? | January 13, 2020 (but I started as an AS-01) |
| Where are you based? | Cambridge Bay |
| How is your work contributing to POLAR’s priorities? | I hope to incorporate the importance and knowledge of Indigenous Knowledge Holders in Cambridge Bay, and across the North! |
| What inspired you to join POLAR? | It was my dream to work at POLAR since I was in grade 8! |
| What hobbies do you have? | Hunting, camping, fishing, travelling our land via snowmobile/ATV/boat/truck with my two kids. |
| Share something interesting and unexpected about yourself | I love to sew all sorts of outdoor clothing as well as snowmobile racing. |
Manuel De Sousa
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Surname: De Sousa
Given name: Manuel
Works here: Ottawa
On staff since: 2019
Date of issue: 2021-05-17
Passport number: 34435428768
Department: Finance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Name | Manuel De Sousa |
| Job title | Financial Assistant |
| Your department | Finance |
| What year did you start working for POLAR? | September 2019 |
| Where are you based? | Ottawa |
| How is your work contributing to POLAR’s priorities? | In the Finance team, we contribute to advancing POLAR’s priorities by supporting our fellow colleagues, whether it be by setting up the commitment so the managers can track their budgets, by paying invoices so that the suppliers keep dealing with us or the grants/contributions are expedited quickly and efficiently. We also try to streamline the processes to make it somewhat less challenging to navigate the maze that can be NJC Directives. |
| Before joining POLAR, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve held? | Prior to working with POLAR, I was a Sales consultant for Chevrolet and Cadillac from June 2014 to September 2019. During these 5 years, I had the chance to specialise in trucks, then luxury cars and finally in electric vehicles. I had the chance to test drive pre-production models and even do racetrack performance tests of several models, including a hill climb test with different off-road trucks. |
| Share something interesting and unexpected about yourself + If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? | It does not show a lot (because my mother is Franco-Ontarian), but I am of Portuguese descent (my father’s side). It’s no wonder then that I love Bacalhau so much (Bacalhau being the Portuguese word for cod fish). I had the chance to visit Portugal for 2 months back in 2012. I sampled over 29 recipes--and loved them all. The most common ways I cook Bacalhau is grilled on the BBQ or Baclhau com natas (In a creamy sauce with potatoes, onions and garlic, topped with black olives https://easyportugueserecipes.com/bacalhau-com-natas/). |
| Are you a dog person or a cat person? What is your favourite breed? | I am VERY allergic to cats, yet I have 2 rescued cats at home, which help me (and my wife) cope with isolation, thanks to their Purr therapy-- and yes, that is a thing: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180724-the-complicated-truth-about-...). |
Learning and performance
Communications tip of the week!
Taking a screenshot
On a Mac computer
There are two options when taking a screenshot on a mac. There is (1) taking a screenshot of the entire screen or (2) taking a screenshot of a specific section of the screen.
Entire screen: On your keyboard use the shortcut Shift + Command + 3 to capture the entire screen. By default, the photo will be saved as a .png file on your desktop.
Specific: To capture just a specific section of the screen, on your keyboard use the shortcut Shift + Command + 4 to launch the cross-hair. Click and drag the cross-hair to cover the area on the screen to carputer then release. By default, the photo will be saved as a .png file on your desktop.
On a Windows computer
There is a handy program on windows called Snip & Sketch that allows the user to take a specific screenshot. To open the program, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Windows Key + S to launch a small toolbar at the top of the screen which allows you to choose what to capture.
On an iPhone
The method used to take a screenshot on an iPhone depends on if there is a home button or not.
For devices with a home button,
- hold down the sleep/wake button and press the home button to take a screenshot. It will then appear in your camera roll.
For a device with no home button (iPhone X, 11 and 12),
- hold down the sleep/wake button and the volume up button at the same time to take a screenshot. The image will show up at the bottom of your screen, you can click and edit the image or swipe it to the left to save it into your camera roll.
Inuktut word of the week
The Inuktuk word of the week is: hiqinnaaqtuq | ᓯᕿᓐᓈᖅᑐᖅ . It means, "it's sunny".
Pronounce it like this: hee-qeen-nuhq-toq
Listen to the pronunciation here:
Have a word you would like to see in Inuktut? Send us an email: polarxpresspolaire@polar.gc.ca.
Are you ready to Talk the Talk?
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Talk the Talk
Graphic shows two people giving a high five
With flying colours
In context: I passed the examination with a very high score. I succeeded with flying colours.
Workplace notices
A coffee break with Office 365
Are you out of your element when using Office 365, or simply want to learn more efficient ways to use it? IT Manager, Logan Carisse will be hosting a bi-weekly teams meeting on all things Office 365! Learn valuable, how to’s, tips and tricks for using the application and bring your questions for on the spot answers.
Date and time: May 20, 2021 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (ET)
Language: English
Meeting link: Click here to join the meeting
Join POLAR’s Office 365 discussion group on Yammer. This group will help you stay up to date on Office 365 discussion topics and share your knowledge with others.
A new word search puzzle!
Human presence has a relatively short history in Antarctica and is often temporary. Visitors—some of them Canadian—have explored the continent and made scientific and other discoveries. The map of Antarctica commemorates some of their achievements and contributions. Today’s puzzle features Antarctic ice and water place names that have a Canadian connection.
