POLAR XPRESS – July 13, 2020

FROM THE TOP

Understanding anti-Black racism and how to be an ally

Join the Canada School of Public Service for a panel discussion on anti-Black racism, notably how to address it and how to be an ally. Bill Matthews, Deputy Minister Ally for the UN Decade for People of African Descent, will deliver the opening remarks. The subject matter experts will address the historical Black experience in Canada and talk about current experiences within the federal public service and how you can make a difference. Register here.

Date and time: July 14, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages
Location: Available across Canada by webcast
Audience: All public servants at all levels

Elder talk on the COVID-19 pandemic and the new realities

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the way we work, communicate and ensure well-being in Canada. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, measures such as self-isolation and physical distancing have been necessary. What impacts do these measures have on our Indigenous Elders in terms of their ceremonies and the healing they provide to federal employees and the public? What insights can Elders offer to help us all adapt to the new realities? Learn more during this fascinating talk! Register here.

Date and time: July 21, 2020 | French: 10:00 am to 10:45 am (ET) | English: 11:00 am to 11:45 am (ET)
Language: French | English
Location: Available across Canada by webcast
Audience: All public servants

2020 Elections

Each year elections are held at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels. As a federal public service employee, you have the right to engage in political activities as long as they do not impair, or are not perceived as impairing, your ability to perform your duties in a politically impartial manner.

In order to help you make informed decisions on participating in political activities, here are links to resources from the Public Service Commission (PSC) that provide guidance and tools on matters including:

• Becoming a candidate: Before you become a candidate, you must first request and obtain permission and, if applicable, leave without pay, from the PSC. Go to this site and watch the video on the candidacy request process.
• Participating in political activities by supporting or opposing a candidate or a political party: Inform yourself by watching this video, using the self-assessment tools, and the Guidance document for participating in non-candidacy political activities.
• Allegations of improper political activity: Anyone can submit an allegation to the Public Service Commission (PSC) of improper political activities by federal public servants.

If, after viewing these materials, you still have questions, please contact your manager or visit the PSC’s Political Activities Website.

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring a professional and non-partisan public service.

POLAR’S PEOPLE

Cambridge Bay clean-up

Cambridge Bay held a volunteer-run town cleanup on June 30. Inspired by this, POLAR staff organized their own cleanup of the area around the CHARS campus. Thank you to all who participated!

 

 

LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE

A new learning tool with the Canada School of Public Service

Acknowledging Indigenous traditional territory is essential to reconciliation. Not only does it recognize the nation that is responsible for preserving a territory, but it is also a symbol of peace. This Canada School of Public Service resource provides you with ideas and tips on how to acknowledge Indigenous territories before meetings. Check it out!

Circumpolar videos

These videos have been hand-picked by the POLAR Communications team to bring interesting knowledge about the regions and its people. Happy viewing!

Meet Molly of Denali

Molly of Denali showcases the life and adventures of 10-year-old Molly Mabray, a Gwich'in / Koyukon / Dena'ina Athabascan girl who lives in the rural Alaskan town of Qyah with her family. Molly and her family run the Denali Trading Post, serving the locals, tourists, trekkers and scientists who pass through. Joined by friends Tooey and Trini and her dog Suki, Molly explores the beautiful surroundings and rich Indigenous culture that is home.

This animated series, produced by CBC and the US public broadcaster, PBS, included Indigenous voices in all aspects of production, both in front of the microphone and behind it. Molly of Denali also introduces audiences to informational text curriculum, a literacy concept in which texts such as maps, tables, books, websites, stories and more are used to convey information.

Watch Molly of Denali here:
https://gem.cbc.ca/season/molly-of-denali/season-1/b267fb73-c570-41d6-a66c-095073881f60

Avati

Avati is the kid’s science show from Nunavut’s popular TV comedy series Qanurli. In this episode, learn to trap small animals and birds with scientist Billy Naittuq, who is “smart…so smart!”. Billy is played by Nunavut actor Miali Buscemi.

Watch Avati here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL3pgxCFgoo

For a taste of Qanurli’s style of humour, watch this short episode: So you think you can jig?

Inuinnaqtun/Inuktitut word of the week

The Inuinnaqtun/Inuktitut word of the week Qablunaatitut. It means: the English language

It is pronounced: qa-bloo-na-tee-toot

Listen to the pronunciations here:

Are you ready to Talk the Talk?

UPDATES

Key outcomes from Senior Management Committee

Here are the key outcomes and decisions from the July 8, 2020, Senior Management Committee discussions:

• SMC discussed next steps following the Board of Directors resolution on the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP). POLAR will explore aligning the Board’s request to provide options to modernize the NSTP with the requirement for an evaluation of our transfer payments program.
• SMC reviewed the proposed rationale for the reprofile request for a portion of POLAR’s G&C funds. POLAR will submit the draft rationale to Treasury Board Secretariat for their comments, and will continue to refine the total amount of funding that we will seek to reprofile. The final submission must be approved by POLAR’s Board of Directors and submitted to TBS by July 31.

POLAR Events Calendar

You will find below the latest version of the POLAR events calendar for your information.

All travel is currently postponed until further notice.

Please send any calendar updates or additions to Tehjae Tsukada at tehjae.tsukada@polar-polaire.gc.ca.

POLAR events calendar: July 10, 2020

WORKPLACE NOTICES

Best practices for virtual teams

Working in virtual teams (also described as dispersed, distributed, or remote teams) is becoming increasingly prevalent in today's workforce. While there are many benefits to working virtually, team members may sometimes feel disconnected, isolated, and frustrated by unclear communication processes and technological challenges.

By popular demand, the Canada School of Public Service is rebroadcasting the first learning event in the series which focuses on identifying best practices, tips, and tools for working in a virtual team, or leading one. Register here!

Date and time: July 29, 2020 |1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)
Language: Bilingual with interpretation in both official languages
Location: Available across Canada by webcast
Audience: All public servants at all levels