- FROM THE TOP
- Looking After Your Mind and Body in 2021
- New Canada School of Public Service events
- POLAR’S PEOPLE
- A modified Christmas Parade in Cambridge Bay
- LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE
- Inuktut word of the week
- Are you ready to Talk the Talk?
- UPDATES
- Key outcomes from Executive Team Meeting (ETM)
- WORKPLACE NOTICES
- COVID-19: Province-wide Lockdown in Ontario
FROM THE TOP
Looking After Your Mind and Body in 2021
LifeSpeak has released new resources on health and well-being this year. Precautions and restrictions are still in place due to COVID-19, and many people are finding winter under these conditions more difficult than the summer was. It is incredibly important to focus on your well-being, both mentally and physically especially during the cold dark winter. The tips and tricks shared in these posts can be applied to your day-to-day life.
- 11 Ways to Add More Movement to Your Day
- Guided Meditation for Beginners
- 6 Steps to a Better Night's Sleep
To access LifeSpeak, whether you are using a computer, a tablet or a smartphone, simply log on to the following address: canada.lifespeak.com, select Access Through Group Account and enter the Client Password: canada
New Canada School of Public Service events
The Trust Series: The Role of the Public Service in Building and Promoting Trust
Upholding the public's trust in democratic institutions has long been a pillar of the public service in Canada. But in an age of disinformation, where a single tweet has the potential to undermine an urgent health directive or call into question the results of an election, governments around the world face new challenges in safeguarding this trust.
Date and time: January 19, 2021 | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: January 18, 2021, 4:00 pm (ET)
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages
Location: This event will be delivered virtually. A link to the live broadcast will be provided upon registration.
Audience: All public servants at all levels
Register for webcast
Government of Canada Bell Let's Talk Day 2021
When it comes to mental health in federal workplaces, whether you are working from home or on site, every action counts—big or small. This is especially true in the context of COVID-19. On this Bell Let's Talk Day, join the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace, the Canada School of Public Service, the Federal Youth Network and your colleagues across Canada for a national conversation on mental health, diversity and inclusion.
Date and time: January 28, 2021 | 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: January 27, 2021, 10:00 am (ET)
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages. American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise interpretation 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 to request permission from your supervisor.
POLAR’S PEOPLE
A modified Christmas Parade in Cambridge Bay
Christmas activities in Cambridge Bay were different this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The Christmas Parade became a drive-by event!
POLAR’s Cambridge Bay staff came together to create an incredible Christmas float to drive in the parade, taking 2nd place in the contest. Congratulations! Check out the pictures below.
LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE
Inuktut word of the week
The Inuktut word of the week is: kakivak: fish spear
Pronounce it like this: kuh-key-vuck
Listen to the pronunciation here:
Are you ready to Talk the Talk?
UPDATES
Key outcomes from Executive Team Meeting (ETM)
Here are the key outcomes and decisions from the January 6, 2021, ETM:
- The President spoke about how she would like to clarify the function of ETM, by developing Terms of Reference for the committee and defining the role of the committee and its members. She views the committee as an advisory and information sharing body, rather than an approval body. She would like to use the committee to have monthly discussions on Finance, as well as Strategic HR issues.
- The Committee discussed the launch of the drafting of the work plan for 2021-22. The work plan will be the guiding document for POLAR’s plans for the year, that will be tied to individual managers’ accountabilities and performance agreements. The work plan will be synthesized into a product that will be submitted for the approval of the Board of Directors in March 2021.
WORKPLACE NOTICES
COVID-19: Province-wide Lockdown in Ontario
Based on the latest data, COVID-19 cases have unfortunately been on the rise in Ontario. Beginning December 26, 2020, Ontario entered a provincewide lockdown. For Ottawa, the lockdown will last 28 days, ending on January 23, 2021. For the health and safety of all POLAR staff, the office is to remain closed until the lockdown has ended and it is deemed safe to return to the workplace. Should entry to the office be required for a work related issue, a supervisor's approval is required. As a reminder:
- Communicate regularly with your manager
- Advise your manager should there be any changes in your health
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your manager. This can be a stressful time for all. If you are noticing symptoms of anxiety or distress during self-isolation, below are helpful resources that can assist you in managing your mental health.
Ottawa Public Health – Mental Health and COVID-19
Canadian Mental Health Association – COVID-19 and Mental Health
Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or 1-800-268-7708