Annual Conference 2023

2023 ANNUAL
CONFERENCE

September 13^th - 15^th, 2023

The Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre 101 Lyon St. N., Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9

Join us as leaders from across Canada gather in the nation’s capital to hear from Canadian and global experts on how to tackle the most pressing public sector issues. Speakers and topics are sure to challenge conventional thinking.

Public Administration Amid Social Upheaval

IPAC’s Annual Conference in Ottawa will focus on the key role of public administration in a time of instability and social change. The actions of government are more important now than ever.

The conference will address key issues such as the housing crisis, AI & Chat GPT, digital government, mental health, municipal innovation, energy transition, diversity, and immigration. An Indigenous-led session will provide you with knowledge, practical skills, strategies, and insights to build successful and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Employee engagement in the post-pandemic world is certain to be a popular topic.

The United States Ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen, will address the conference, as will Montréal City Manager, Serge Lamontagne, winner of IPAC’s top honour, the Vanier Medal.

We are pleased to note that this will be a fully in-person event.

	Day 2: Thursday, September 14th Venue: The Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre
7:15 a.m.	Registration
7:30 a.m.	Breakfast
8:30 a.m.	Opening Remarks
8:45 a.m.	Relations across the Border: Reflections from the US Ambassador to Canada Join us on September 14 to hear US Ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen, provide an insider’s look at Canada-US relations and global affairs. Having logged over 5,000 miles of travel across Canada, Ambassador Cohen will share his impressions of Canada and Canadians with our audience. He will also discuss the formidable challenges faced by governments as crises escalate around the world, from natural disasters to immigration and the war in Ukraine. Speaker: David L. Cohen, United States Ambassador to Canada Moderator: Kimberley Goode, Chief Communications and Social Impact Officer, BMO
9:45 a.m.	Awards Presentation - Mental Health Sponsored by Speaker: Roee Ben-Eli, Director of Strategic Programs, Virtual Care, TELUS Health
10:05 a.m.	Break
10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions	Spaces of Transition - The Future of Working with and for Indigenous Peoples Many levels of government in Canada are committed to respectful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples and communities are transforming as their inherent rights are recognized, and governance is reclaimed and restored. The panel of Indigenous experts will provide you with knowledge, practical skills, strategies, and insights to build successful and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and advance conversations on rights, reconciliation, and capacity. The panelists will discuss common challenges and recommend strategies to support these transitions from their lived experiences. Sponsored by Speakers: Susanne Thiessen, Assistant Professor and Academic Undergraduate Advisor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria Satsan Herb George, Founder and President, the Centre for First Nations Governance Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada Moderator: Dean Janvier, Partner, Audit & Assurance, Indigenous Lead, Deloitte Canada
10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions	Leaning In & Leaning Out: Exploring the courage to lead and bravely set boundaries. Perceptions of inadequate experience or insufficient competencies can prevent people from advancing their careers. In addition to the impostor syndrome that holds managers back, the decision to pursue a management path has become increasingly complicated as work demands can exceed compensation benefits. This session offers middle managers concepts from positive psychology in order to challenge limiting self-beliefs and reconnect to their purpose at work. Additionally, participants will practice techniques designed to develop greater awareness of their own boundaries, preferences, and values and importantly, how to communicate these needs in professional settings. These skills and resulting confidence will allow participants to advocate for more resources. Join us in this workshop to learn how to say no to unattainable demands, bring your voice to the table, and embrace your capacity to make better managerial decisions. Sponsored by Speakers: Dr. Ellen Choi, Assistant Professor, Human Resource Management/Organizational Behaviour, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer, TELUS Health
11:30 a.m.	Break
12:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions	Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Navigating the Path Forward Join the "Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Navigating the Path Forward'' panel for both a big picture inter-connected strategy perspective and a dive into the vital topics to make sustainable progress in building a workforce, at all levels, that reflects Canada. The case for change is simple: it is both the smart thing to do - attract talent and bring out the best in them to better serve clients and Canadians - and the right thing to do - live our values. Distinguished voices will share learnings, including tackling the challenges of developing a comprehensive strategy and accountabilities, the role of leaders, inclusive leadership and talent strategies, building a culture of inclusion and belonging, and dismantling racism. Discover practical approaches, practices and tools that you can take into your organizations. Whether you're a senior leader, manager, advocate, hr professional, learner, or change agent, this panel equips you with fresh perspectives and tangible ideas to contribute to a world that values every individual and supports people in unlocking their full potential. Speakers: Charlene Theodore, Chief Inclusion Officer, McCarthy Tétrault Jahanzaib Ansari, CEO, Knockri Rebecca Tascona, Head, B2C Platform Strategy & Operations, North American Personal & Business Banking and Wealth, Technology & Operations, BMO Financial Group Simon Kennedy, Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Moderator: Zabeen Hirji, Strategic Advisor, Private and Public Sector
12:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions	Post Pandemic Challenges and Opportunities for a More Resilient and Effective Public Sector Is it back to the future or a brave new world? Join Michael Wernick, former Clerk of the Privy Council, and Adam Ali, Partner, MNP Consulting, as they share emerging trends to tell a story about the future of the public sector workforce. Will the notable resilience of the public sector create opportunities for new creative energy in the workplace and better work-life balance? What are the key drivers shaping the future of the public service, and how can managers harness these drivers to implement change? This session will reveal what some departments are doing and how you can seize similar momentum. You’ll learn about tools that enable middle managers and teams, such as M365 suite. What is workplace culture’s next step to align with resilience, innovation, and inclusion? This session will help you lead the way. Speakers: Michael Wernick, Senior Strategic Advisor, MNP Digital, the Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, University of Ottawa Mary Larson, Partner, People and Strategy Practice, Cultural Transformation, MNP Philippe Thompson, CFO Indigenous Services Canada Moderator: Adam Ali, Partner, MNP’s Digital Advisory Practice
1:45 p.m.	Break
2:10 p.m. Breakout Sessions	Working across government, industry, and the financial sector to meet our net zero ambitions National and sub-national governments and the world’s largest corporations representing 85% of global emissions and financial institutions representing trillions of dollars investment have responded to the Paris Agreement, 2030 and Net Zero Goals have been set, and the clock is ticking. Canada’s 2023 Emission Reduction Plan and the FY2024 budget illustrates the ambition to capitalize on and lead in this generational opportunity. However, with 7 years to 2030 while emissions have reduced significantly in some areas of the economy, overall emissions remain largely stagnant and significant progress must be made in a short timeframe. Industry and financial institutions are struggling with the day to business realities and a complex portfolio of national, provincial and municipal regulations, tax and financial tools aimed at pricing carbon pollution, incentivizing investment and abatement while maintaining competitiveness. Our expert panel will provide a informed view point on how to enable industry and the supply of financing required to ensure we accelerate on our unique energy, economic and decarbonization pathway. Sponsored by Speakers: Monica Gattinger, Director, Institute for Science, Society and Policy, University of Ottawa Paul Rochon, Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Government of Canada Moderator: Nicole Wang, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, Deloitte Canada
	No water cooler - how do we connect Join us for an informative panel discussion entitled “No water cooler - how do we connect”, on the topic of workforce planning and management in the public sector. As we navigate the post-pandemic era, public sector organizations must adapt to changing workforce needs while continuing to provide essential services to their constituents. We will explore strategies for dealing with current workforce stressors including remote work, recruiting and retaining talent and engaging with your current workforce recognizing the unique requirements and complexity of the public sector workforce. Our panel of industry experts will also share insights on how to maximize employee satisfaction and productivity to boost engagement and retention. Additionally, we will discuss best practices for assessing employee performance and implementing training where needed to help ensure a skilled and capable workforce. You’ll hear from experts, including: Gianluca Cairo, Vice President of Public Sector Operations & Strategy, Ceridian Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from our panel of experts as they share their knowledge, strategies, and practical insights for building a resilient public sector workforce that can meet the demands of the future. Join us to gain valuable insights that can help your organization thrive in today's rapidly changing environment. Sponsored by Speakers: Shereen Benzvy Miller, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Next Generation HR and Pay, Shared Services Canada / Government of Canada Charlene Janvier, Director Strategies and Services, Respectful and Inclusive Workplaces, Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) Mark Schaan, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Moderator: Gianluca Cairo, Vice President, Public Sector, Operations & Strategy, Ceridian
	Fostering mental health and wellbeing is an employer imperative…Public Sector employers have an impactful opportunity to lead the way Young Canadians—our next generation of leaders—are burning out at work, and the unchecked stress is contributing to a national mental health epidemic which costs the country more than $200B annually. About 40% of Canadian workers aged 18 to 24 years are at a mental health “breaking point.” By the time they reach age 40, half will have experienced some form of mental illness. Employers across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors have the opportunity—and imperative—to address this crisis by creating workplace cultures that prioritize mental wellbeing as a key performance driver, with embedded systems which proactively enable their employees and leaders to thrive. Workplace wellbeing drives employee engagement, productivity, and performance—but organizations will need to change their practices and cultures to unleash it. Top-performing employers we’ve talked to have a shared goal: to become the organization that everyone wants to join. These are the steps to begin that journey: Make mental health and wellbeing a strategic business priority Develop Generative Leaders Build employee resilience Provide structured support. Join BCG’s Canadian Public Sector Leaders Gen Bonin and Janice Horne as they present their highly impactful research and engage a diverse and highly esteemed panel of public sector leaders in an honest discussion about the journey they and their organizations are on to become the organization that everyone wants to join and thrive within. Sponsored by Speakers: Genevieve Bonin, Managing Director & Partner, Public Sector Leader, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Dr. Bill Howatt, Founder and President, Howatt Human, Resources Consulting Commodore Jacques Olivier, Director General Professional Conduct and Development, Canadian Armed Forces Moderator: Janice Horne, Managing Director & Partner, Public Sector Leader, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
3:10 p.m.	Break
3:35 p.m.	Awards Presentation - Emerging Leaders Sponsored by Speakers: Dean Janvier, Partner, Audit & Assurance, Indigenous Lead, Deloitte Canada
3:55 p.m.	Unlocking the power of generative AI: Igniting transformation in government and beyond Almost a year since generative AI swept to the forefront of technology innovation, hear from experts as they unpack the transformative potential it holds. Discover how government can seize the opportunity to supercharge itself and its workforce, and how policy makers can play a critical role in catalyzing innovation in businesses. Sponsored by Speakers: Daniel Korn, Americas Director of AI Policy and Partnerships, Microsoft Joel Blit, Associate Professor, Economics, University of Waterloo Dominique Payette, Senior Privacy Counsel, RBC Bianca Wylie, Partner, Digital Public Moderator: Aaron Pereira, Managing Director, Client Partnerships, Watspeed, University of Waterloo
4:55 p.m.	Closing Day Remarks

	Day 3: Friday, September 15th Venue: The Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre
7:15 a.m.	Registration
7:30 a.m.	Breakfast
8:30 a.m.	Welcome Remarks
8:45 a.m.	Housing in Canada: Is the dream gone forever? With the federal government offering no programs to stimulate supply, and only limited financial incentives, are current and future generations of young people simply out of luck? Where will new Canadians live? What happened to the co-op movement and rent-to-income sponsored housing and rentals? Why can’t Canadian housing policy emulate that of Europe? Is innovative housing policy a remnant of the past, and if so, why? And what short-term solutions might be possible? Join us for a provocative session on the current housing dead-end and what we can collectively do about it. Sponsored by Speakers: Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist, Deloitte Canada Marlene Coffey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) Linda McQuaig, Journalist and Best-Selling Author/ Moderator: Martin Joyce, Partner, Social Care Leader, Deloitte Canada
9:45 a.m.	Awards Presentation - Establish Leaders Sponsored by Speakers: Dean Janvier, Partner, Audit & Assurance, Indigenous Lead, Deloitte Canada
10:00 a.m.	Break
10:20 a.m. Breakout Sessions	Are we all ready for 500,000 newcomers a year? Canada is targeting 500,00+ newcomers arriving in the country this year with these numbers forecasted to grow going forward. Given current demographics, Canada’s net GDP growth is dependent on successful immigration programs. Alongside economic immigration, UNHCR predicts that irregular migration and refugee numbers will continue to rise, and Canada’s legacy of humanitarian response and resettlement provides an opportunity for these newcomers to become part of our Canadian fabric and contribute economically and socially. Are we all ready to play our role and deliver on this national priority and opportunity – across all levels of government, not for profits, and the private sector? Join this panel discussion to explore what governments, NGOs, and private sector need to do to position Canada for improved economic, social, cultural, and integration outcomes of newcomers. This will include exploring the intersectionality of immigration and the labour force and how positive outcomes are dependent on integrated readiness that includes housing and affordability, climate change, transportation and infrastructure, education, future of work, and future of skills. Perhaps most critically, we will challenge our panelists on how we transcend jurisdictions to create the connections and exceptional integration outcomes. Sponsored by Speakers: Catrina Tapley, Retired Deputy Minister, Government of Canada Samina Sami, Chief Executive Officer, COSTI Kareem El-Assal, Director of Policy & Digital Strategy, CanadaVisa Moderator: Shannon Kot, Partner, Canadian Federal Immigration, Deloitte Canada
	Title: Developing Impactful Social Policies with Community, for Community Meaningful community engagement and the inclusion of equity-deserving communities and individuals with lived experience are essential components in the development and implementation of effective social policies that truly serve the needs of the community. Join our panel discussion as experts from diverse sectors, including healthcare, the environment and education, share insights, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations on how to engage and involve equity-deserving communities in the policy-making process. We will explore the significance of adopting a collaborative approach to designing and delivering services, ensuring that community voices are at the forefront. When engagement lacks a genuine and inclusive process, it not only risks alienating communities but also undermines the trust and confidence in public institutions. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how involving those with lived experience and marginalized communities can lead to more effective, equitable, and impactful social policies that empower communities and drive positive change. Sponsored by Speakers: Hanna Ziada, Director, Indigenous, French Language and Priority Populations, Ministry of Health, Ontario Public Service Augy Jones, Principal, Nova Scotia Community College, Akerley Campus Dr. Amy Shawanda, Assistant Professor and Researcher, Indigenous Health, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University Moderator: Matthew Rios, Principal, Davis Pier
	PIVOT TOGETHER: A new opportunity to strengthen Canadian cities The pandemic has changed the cities across our country with digitization, remote work and increasing challenges to equality and the environment. Transformation of our communities and lifestyle is imminent. We must embark on new visions for diverse, resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities. And we must work quickly to ensure the least amount of disruption, and the optimal use of our collective resources and opportunities. The pandemic also showed us how we can work together to get things done, effectively and quickly. It changed the way we interacted across sectors, within levels of government and forced us to prioritize progress over perfection. We were able to course correct with data-based decision making. Communication and trust were critical tools as we aligned our objectives. Today, we must contemplate how to leverage our strengths and our newfound skills to achieve our collective goals. During the last three years, businesses, citizens, and governments all had to pivot. Now is the time to build on this momentum to pivot together. And create the best version of our cities and our country. For the next generation. We have a unique opportunity to be changemakers. This panel will explore how governments, business and community leaders can work together as good neighbours to optimize opportunities and accelerate downtown transformations in metro areas for the greatest positive impact on our national community and economy. Learn from leaders and elected officials from various levels of government about how we can leverage the lessons of the last few years to propel our cities forward. Sponsored by Speakers: Honourable Mona Fortier, MP, Ottawa-Vanier Honourable Greg Fergus, MP, Hull-Aylmer, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Treasury Board Serge Lamontagne, Le directeur général, Ville de Montréal Mark Garner, Executive Director, Calgary Downtown Association Moderator: Mary Rowe, President & CEO, Canadian Urban Institute
11:20 a.m.	Break
11:40 a.m.	Awards Presentation - Innovation Speaker: Arun Thangaraj, Deputy Minister, Transport Canada, Honorary Conference Co-Chair
12:05 p.m.	Closing Keynote Speaker: John F.G. Hannaford, the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet Moderator: Zabeen Hirji, Strategic Advisor, Private and Public Sector, Former Chief Human Resources Officer, RBC
1:05 p.m.	Closing Remarks of Conference
1:45 p.m.	GUIDED TOUR OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. This optional conference experience is offered to you as a conference participant at no additional charge. Join us for a tour of the new House of Commons chamber located in West Block before or after the conference: · English tour – Friday, September 15, 1:45pm departure from the Delta Ottawa and 3:15pm return. Maximum 24 participants. · French tour – Friday, September 15, 1:45pm departure from the Delta Ottawa and 3:15pm return. Maximum 24 participants. Registration VISITE GUIDÉE DE LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES. Cette expérience facultative vous est offerte en tant que participant à la conférence sans frais supplémentaires. Rejoignez-nous pour une visite de la nouvelle chambre de la Chambre des communes située dans l'édifice de l'Ouest avant ou après la conférence : · Visite en anglais - vendredi 15 septembre, départ à 13 h 45 du Delta Ottawa et retour à 15 h 15. Maximum 24 participants. · Visite en français - vendredi 15 septembre, départ à 13 h 45 du Delta Ottawa et retour à 15 h 15. Maximum 24 participants. Inscription

Public Administration Amid Social Upheaval

Co-Chairs

Janice Baker

Arun Thangaraj

Keynote Speakers

We are pleased to announce our keynote speakers.

David L. Cohen

John F.G. Hannaford

Speakers

Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell

James Gordon

Serge Lamontagne

Valerie Gideon

Susanne Thiessen

Satsan (Herb George)

Dawn Desjardins

Dr. Ellen Choi

Augy Jones

Monica Gattinger

Michael Wernick

Dr. Matthew Chow

Jahanzaib Ansari

Catrina Tapley

Commodore Jacques Olivier

Shereen Benzvy Miller

Dr. Bill Howatt

Genevieve Bonin

Kareem El-Assal

Marlene Coffey

Hanna Ziada

Samina Sami

Cristina Pombo Rivera

Dr. Amy Shawanda

Daniel Korn

Charlene Janvier

Mark Garner

Mark Schaan

Dominique Payette

Linda McQuaig

Joël Blit

Mary Larson

Charlene Theodore

Philippe Thompson

Rebecca Tascona

Deputy Minister Kennedy

The Honourable Mona Fortier

Aaron Pereira

Greg Fergus

Conference MC

Charles Béraud

Moderators

Dean Janvier

Martin Joyce

Shannon Kot

Matthew Rios

Janice Horne

Nicole Wang

Zabeen Hirji

Gianluca Cairo

Mary Rowe

Bianca Wylie

Kimberley Goode

Adam Ali

Honorary Co-Chairs

Christiane Fox

Denise Allyson Cole

About IPAC

TOPICS

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In-Person Attendance

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Accommodation

The Delta Hotel, Ottawa City Centre

Ottawa Tourism

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