POLAR XPRESS – January 24, 2020

FROM THE TOP

POLAR in the news

Click on the media headline below to read an article mentioning POLAR:

Nunatsiaq News - 2019 was the year of the apology in Nunavut (January 2, 2020)

Bell Let’s Talk Day January 29

As a part of Bell Media’s #BellLetsTalk campaign, millions around the globe have opened up conversations around mental illness to combat stigma around those suffering from depression, O.C.D, anxiety and more.

This initiative is meant to promote public discussions about mental health while raising money to donate to mental health initiatives throughout Canada. Where often times mental health has been silenced, now millions are speaking out. Social media platforms have been an open area for discussion about personal struggles, mental illness and anxieties from individuals around the world using #BellLetsTalk.

Mental health is the leading cause of workplace disability in Canada and represents 15% of Canada’s burden of disease. POLAR encourages all employees to help break the stigma on mental health in the workplace by providing access to various resources. Visit canada.lifespeak.com, an employee well-being platform which includes videos, podcast and helpful tips. Simply select Access Through Group Account and enter the Client Password: canada

On January 29, Bell will donate 5¢ to Canadian mental health programs for each tweet using the #BellLetsTalk, every text message sent and every mobile call made by a Bell customer. To learn more visit: https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/

New Minister of Northern Affairs

Dan Vandal is an Aboriginal Metis born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was first elected to Parliament in 2015 representing the riding of Saint Boniface & Saint Vital in Winnipeg, Manitoba and served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services from August 2018 to September 2019. Vandal was appointed as Minister of Northern Affairs by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 20, 2019. He is known as someone who is always giving back to his community and has a long record of service in the Saint Boniface area by facilitating Indigenous programs and services. At the City of Winnipeg, he served as Deputy Mayor and was a tireless advocate for urban renewal and for better public spaces and vibrant neighborhoods across the city. He also helped develop Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Nunavik’s Makivik Corporation both welcomed Vandal’s appointment. Makivik president Charlie Watt said he was looking forward to meeting Vandal and discussing housing, climate change, and other priorities of Nunavik communities.

On December 13, 2019, the Prime Minister released ministerial mandate letters, welcoming both new and returning cabinet ministers. Vandal’s letter includes obligations to work with the Minister of Natural Resources to monitor and identify any additional assistance the Polar Continental Shelf Program may require to respond to a growing demand. It also mandates him to work with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other ministers as necessary to implement the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework to create a future where Northern and Arctic people are thriving, strong and safe.

To learn more, you can read about Minister Vandal here and his complete mandate letter here.

POLAR’S PEOPLE

Return of the sun pot-luck

On January 13, the Cambridge Bay team came together and organized the Return of the Sun pot-luck. Staff had the opportunity to meet new co-workers and enjoy some home cooked meals in the multi-use space while watching the sun appear for the first time since the end of November. After a month without sunlight, it was greatly appreciated by all who attended!

The International Visitor Leadership Program

On January 19, Ottawa office member Gloria Song will be departing for the US to attend the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This is a professional exchange program run by the U.S. Department of State, where current and emerging foreign leaders meet with their American counterparts in their fields to enhance international bilateral relationships, through short-term visits to the United States. Rather than applying to the program, participants are selected by being nominated by U.S. embassy staff.

Gloria Song is attending in her capacity as the lead for POLAR’s international engagement. She will be traveling with four other Canadian delegates as part of the “Shared Responsibility for National Security in an Era of Global Innovation” project to Washington DC and four other US cities to discuss balancing open collaborative research and national security interests.

We wish Gloria the best of luck on this exciting adventure!

POLAR’s Social Committee

Friday skate in Ottawa

Every Friday beginning on January 31, join your coworkers for a lunch-time skate on the Rideau Canal (once the Laurier access is open) or the Rink of Dreams (located in front of City Hall). Meeting time will be at noon (12 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 - anik | ᐊᓂᒃ

The Inuinnaqtun/Inuktitut word of the week is: anik. It means: The brother of a woman or girl.

It is pronounced: a-neek

Listen to the pronunciation here:

Are you ready to Talk the Talk?

UPDATES

Key outcome from Senior Management Committee

Here are the key outcome and decisions deriving from the January 13 Senior Management Committee meeting:

• The Senior Management Committee met to discuss flexible work arrangements, including telework.

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: January 23, 2020

WORKPLACE NOTICES

The office fridge battle

Ah the refrigerator, the communal space for all staff that just makes life easier for everyone. As we all appreciate bringing snacks, lunches, milk for coffee and so on with us to work, having a fridge makes it that much simpler. It goes without saying that having access to a fridge in the workplace is a luxury and a convenience. However, the age old question becomes: who is responsible for keeping it clean and odor free? Short answer: everyone. Keep reading for some simple guidelines on keeping the fridge everyone’s friend at the office.

1. Organize: the secret to a happy fridge is organization
   • A roll of masking tape and marker will be available next to the refrigerator for staff to label their contents within
   • For small snack items, staff are encouraged to bring a small basket (with their name on it) to contain multiple items
   • If there are communal items brought by other staff be sure to label “communal” to ease any confusion
2. Clean: regularly clear out refrigerator items
   • Know when to keep it or toss it. This not only applies to the individual who placed the item in the fridge but to all staff using it. If you notice an item in the refrigerator that needs to go take the initiative to toss it. A good rule of thumb: if it’s starting to grow, it’s time for it to go.
   • Prepare ahead of time, especially if travel is in your near future. Make sure to clear out any containers or food items of yours in the fridge prior to leaving on a trip. This will eliminate the risk of items spoiling while you are away.
3. Etiquette:
   • Please be mindful that the fridge is a communal space
   • Do not take items that are not yours unless permission has been granted
   • Make sure to label the items you do not intend to share
   • If a spill happens, clean it up right away
   • Try not to leave open containers in the refrigerator
   • Don’t hog the space – leave room for others