POLAR XPRESS – February 21, 2020

FROM THE TOP

POLAR in the news

Click on the headlines below to read the recent articles mentioning POLAR:

Arctic Council - The Arctic Remote Energy Networks Academy (ARENA) Program Seeks Renewable Energy Enthusiasts (February 19, 2020)

Nunavut News Online - Tea Talk: Visit the home of the CHARS (February 9, 2020)

Regard sur l’Arctique - Une communauté de l’Arctique canadien fait le point sur une route menacée par les changements climatiques (FR) (January 29, 2020)

Antarctic research: Why it matters and how POLAR is involved

Part 2: Why does the Antarctic matter? Fostering international cooperation in a shifting geopolitical environment

POLAR has a mandate to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge about the circumpolar regions, including the Antarctic. International cooperation and governance in both the Arctic and Antarctic grew out of a long history of scientific activity in these regions. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by countries around the world with the idea that Antarctica would be used for peaceful purposes only. To this day, science remains the foundation of constructive collaboration in the polar regions and, in an era of global climate change and ever-shifting geopolitical relations, offers a platform for collective understanding and action on pressing environmental issues.

Science is the main source of international activity for global governance of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, as contracting parties to the Antarctic Treaty are required to demonstrate its interest by conducting substantial scientific activity in the region. Canada does not currently have a dedicated national Antarctic research program or its own Antarctic research station and is a non-consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty. This means that Canada cannot vote on Antarctic governance and management decisions, although it is still subject to the implementation of those decisions. This is why it is important for POLAR to make sure that Canada stays actively involved in the Antarctic research community. POLAR can leverage the CHARS campus by inviting international scientists to conduct research in the Canadian Arctic while increasing opportunities for Canadian researchers to access other countries’ Antarctic research stations. In doing so, POLAR can also advance Canada’s science diplomacy by strengthening foreign relations through scientific cooperation.

POLAR’S PEOPLE

The 21st annual Kitikmeot Tradeshow

The Kitikmeot Tradeshow, held annually in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, provides meaningful connections opportunities between professionals from business, industry and government sectors as well as regulatory agencies and Inuit organizations. This year’s event, held from February 10-12, 2020 at the Kiilinik High School, was highlighted by dynamic presentations, trade show exhibits and social gatherings designed to create and support networking opportunities and expand inter-region trade and economic activity.

Thanks to POLAR staff for their amazing teamwork and support throughout the event!

POLAR employees Melanie Bissonnette and Chanese Nakoyak from Human Resources tending to the POLAR booth to provide information and answer questions about job opportunities within the organization.
POLAR employees Melanie Bissonnette and Chanese Nakoyak from Human Resources tending to the POLAR booth to provide information and answer questions about job opportunities within the organization.
 
POLAR president David J. Scott hosting a youth meeting to discuss career opportunities at POLAR and possible career streams.
POLAR president David J. Scott hosting a youth meeting to discuss career opportunities at POLAR and possible career streams.
 
POLAR president David J. Scott presenting on POLAR’s programming and providing updates on research that has been done to date.
POLAR president David J. Scott presenting on POLAR’s programming and providing updates on research that has been done to date.
 

The Sivuninnut Pivaallirniq Traveling Career Fair

On February 2nd, the annual Traveling Career Fair began its travels through Nunavut with 14 participants. The group started the fair in Igloolik, followed by Hall Beach and ended their tour in Cape Dorset. The purpose of the Traveling Career Fair is to bring organizations together to share occupations that are available locally and territorially, as well as the employment requirements for those positions. POLAR employee Chanese Nakoyak with the Human Resources team in Cambridge Bay attended the event to provide important information as to the skills and education required to become an employee at POLAR.

Thank you Chanese for all your hard work!

Last day in Cape Dorset
Last day in Cape Dorset
 
Chanese in Cape Dorset, Nunavut at the Sam Pudlat Elementary School
Chanese in Cape Dorset, Nunavut at the Sam Pudlat Elementary School
 
Chanese speaking to high school students in Cape Dorset
Chanese speaking to high school students in Cape Dorset
 

POLAR’s Social Committee

Friday skate in Ottawa

Every Friday, join your coworkers for a lunch-time skate on the Rideau Canal or the Rink of Dreams (located in front of City Hall).

Meeting time will be at noon (12:00 p.m.) in the reception area. Skating tips will be given to those who need them! For more information, please visit Marie-Eve in the Communications cubical.

LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE

Inuinnaqtun/Inuktitut word of the week

The Inuinnaqtun/Inuktitut word of the week is: Inuit qaujimajatuqangit. It means: Inuit Knowledge (IQ)

It is pronounced: ee-noo-eet qa-oo-yee-ma-ya-too-qang-eet

Listen to the pronunciation here:

Are you ready to Talk the Talk?

Talk the Talk

GCcampus Upcoming Events

Spotlight on ACCESSibility: Communications

Do your communications approaches, tools and practices meet Government of Canada accessibility requirements under the new Accessible Canada Act? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the experts, who will help you ensure that your communications not only meet, but even exceed what is required under the Act.

February 25, 2020 | Ottawa | Webcast

You can register to the in-person meeting or webcast here. Please discuss with your supervisor for approval before proceeding.

UPDATES

Key outcomes from Senior Management Committee

Here are the key outcomes and decisions deriving from the February 20 Senior Management Committee meeting:

  • Committee members discussed upcoming events and activities related to planning for the upcoming 2020-21 fiscal year.
  • SMC also reviewed the draft agenda for the March 24-25, 2020, Board of Directors Meeting.

POLAR Events Calendar

You will find below the latest version of the POLAR events calendar, including upcoming events and conferences for your information.

Note: The calendar is subject to change. Any travel has to be pre-approved by Directors (and above for international destinations).

Please send any calendar updates or additions to Jerry Kallada at jerry.kallada@polar.gc.ca

POLAR events calendar: February 20, 2020

WORKPLACE NOTICES

Survey Monkey reminder

January 2020 marked the one-year anniversary of the POLAR XPRESS, Polar Knowledge Canada’s bi-weekly internal newsletter and we – the POLAR Communications team – would like to know your thoughts! This seven-question survey will touch on all areas of the POLAR XPRESS newsletter, from frequency to likes and dislikes. Your feedback is important to us. By taking part in this 5-minute survey, we can learn how to improve future editions of the POLAR XPRESS.

The survey closes on Friday, February 28, 2020.

Click here for the survey.

Kitchen Safety

Employees are reminded that safe practices must be followed when using the small appliances in the office kitchenette. Specifically, heat-producing electrical products such as the toaster oven must not be left unattended when in use, and must be both turned off and unplugged when not in use.

Thank you for keeping our workplace safe.