Bernadette Fernandes 🍁🇵🇹

I attended WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo's annual TechHorizons conference yesterday with Canada School of Public Service | École de la fonction publique du Canada. Amongst the many interesting topics and guest speakers was Francis Bilodeau from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada | Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada talking about responsible use of AI. https://lnkd.in/eDkEvQwN One of the key messages from a panelist in the financial sector that stuck with me the most was that "imagination is missing" - #AI requires a rethink of ways of working and not just a focus on being bigger, faster, and more productive in what you do today.

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Looking to learn more on how to harness government support to accelerate the growth of your #CdnBusiness? We’ve got you covered! Join us Thursday, July 25th for this free webinar. #innovation #businessdevelopment #entrepreneur

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🗓️ On March 21, I met some wonderful people who are working to diversify the federal government’s supply chain. The Office of the Procurement Ombud | Bureau de l'ombud de l'approvisionnement held an afternoon of information sessions and mentoring in Ottawa for diverse business owners who are seeking to sell to the federal government. I was invited as a member of the Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). Gratefully, I had the opportunity to chat with A.J. Stewart, the Operations Manager, Supplier Diversity, for the CGLCC. After numerous years of working on federal applications, YellowTree Grant Services, Inc. now offers services to government departments and foundations to improve their application processes. As many of you have experienced, federal applications are extremely complex and often pose barriers to those who wish to apply. YellowTree Funder Services include: ▪️Funding Framework Review - assesses current organizational/departmental granting priorities to determine if they are well-aligned with current organizational Strategic Plans as well as community needs. ▪️Grant Access Review - a DEI survey and analysis to determine the ability of diverse organizations to access the organization’s funding. ▪️Grant Submission Assessment - reviews the application processes, timelines, application guides, applications and grant submission platform/portals to identify any barriers prohibiting equitable access. ▪️Environmental Scan - identifies other funders contributing to the same funding priorities in Canada and provides an analysis of funding overlap and/or funding gaps. As a non-profit leader, what barriers have you experienced in applying for federal funds? #nonprofit #grantwriting #canada #fundraising

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As I settle into my new role as CEO of OECM, one thing is clear: innovation is the driving force behind meaningful progress in Ontario’s public sector. To stay ahead of evolving needs, we must constantly seek out new ways to enhance the way we deliver services, improve efficiencies, and create value for the communities we serve.    OECM’s Sector Success Sharing (SSS) initiative is all about fostering collaboration, learning from best practices, and sharing innovative solutions across the public sector. It’s an opportunity for sector leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and leverage collective knowledge to tackle specific challenges their institutions and organizations face.     To date, this program has supported over 50 projects, ranging from leadership and mentorship programs for school boards to sustainable procurement frameworks for colleges, accessibility standards implementation for universities, and strategic financial planning workshops for municipalities—all aimed at enhancing service delivery, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across these sectors.    By prioritizing initiatives like SSS, we’re empowering our partners, helping them make smarter decisions, and creating greater impact. I look forward to continuing to build on this spirit of collaboration and driving positive change that resonates throughout Ontario’s broader public sector.    To learn more about how OECM’s SSS initiative is making a difference within the Education sector, I invite you to explore this update here: bit.ly/48njFAp #InnovationLeadership #SectorSuccessSharing #OECM #Collaboration #onted #PublicSectorExcellence #ContinuousImprovement #OntarioInnovation 

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Interesting session tomorrow starting at 9:30am Eastern: "In recent years there has been significant discussion of the “migration infrastructure”, notably the networks, institutions and organizations that mediate migration trajectories. There has also been critical analysis of the economies of migration control that have emerged around borders, both territorial and digital ones, and the private interests behind them. Less attention has been paid though to the sector that has emerged around migrant reception. This workshop takes a radical critical approach on to examining these concerns, looking at how provision of local migrant services, whether in border areas, or locations of settlement, give rise to a migrant “integration business”. This business becomes part of local economies, while resting on structures of inequality, displacement, dispossession and unequal capital accumulation, and deepening these processes. The workshop is organized into two panels. The first focuses on the local aspects of this migration industry in both border areas and settlement locations, critically analyzing the ways locals, settled migrants and recently arrived asylum seekers, refugees or migrants become entangled in forms of service provision that extract capital and constitute multi-scalar processes of governance. The second panel expands this critical perspective by engaging with the broader policy and political discourses on migration and development. Contributors to both panels seek to unmask the processes of capital accumulation that underlie the regulation of mobility, territory, social life and political subjectivities."

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Empowering Entrepreneurs: Partnering with Public Services and Procurement Canada | Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada and Procurement Assistance Canada for Economic Growth In today's economy, teaming up with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) is a game-changer for entrepreneurs. PAC guides businesses through the federal bidding process, unlocking opportunities in the government supply chain. Understanding federal procurement isn't just about landing contracts—it's about driving community-level economic growth. PAC equips entrepreneurs to compete effectively, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Partnering with PAC and mastering federal bidding isn't just good for individual businesses. It's a catalyst for resilient economies, diversifying revenue streams, and spurring overall prosperity. Visit them at BOOTH 507-508 at Afro World Expo. June 1-2, 2024 www.afroworldexpo.ca

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Looking for a Sunday read? Council of Canadian Innovators | Conseil canadien des innovateurs Director of Policy and Research Laurent Carbonneau has written something SMART: it's a real triple word score. The Innovation Game: What Scrabble Can Teach Us About Prosperity in Canada. It's time to shift our perspective on how we grow innovation and economic development in Canada. For those counting: SMART on a triple word score is 21 points. Well done, Laurent! https://lnkd.in/gH8qMxjZ

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Interesting new report from the The Conference Board of Canada and Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures. They find that "While PSIs appear to do relatively well in preparing graduates to meet industry demands, there may be skills gaps to be addressed" and that "PSIs and employers wishing to collaborate should consider a reciprocal dialogue: PSIs have an important role to play in meeting industry demands, but employers also can learn from PSIs about skills that could be beneficial to their industry in the future." This is where workforce intermediaries, such as Mitacs, can play an important role. Mitacs's Skills for Innovation work, written by Daniel Munro and Creig Lamb from Shift Insights, has helped shed some light on some of the gaps that exist, not just at the job application and program stage, but after post-secondary talent has actually worked in industry - giving real on the ground evidence. https://lnkd.in/gYQxMfug While that initial dataset was too small to go do sector level analysis, continued data collection means that is more feasible in future. This kind of data creates an opportunity for policy makers to use insights like these from workforce intermediaries more strategically to help shape Canada's talent pipeline in a more informed way, providing a further evidence base to inform the 'reciprocal dialogue' that the Conference Board's report recommends. Jeffrey Carey, PhD, Daniel Munro, Mitacs, The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University

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Laboratories Canada: Strengthening science for the future Led by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) since 2018, Laboratories Canada is a long-term strategy focused on the redesign and modernization needs of our labs to support current and future science. Learn more about out how Laboratories Canada is strengthening science for the future

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🌎 MSCAdvocacy recently launched its mission in Canada at the Canada-Europe Partnership Forum in Ottawa, engaging with key stakeholders from the international education sectors of both regions. The forum focused on strengthening Canada-Europe partnerships in higher education, especially following Canada’s recent association with #HorizonEurope Pillar Two. Key discussions highlighted the significant role of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (#MSCA) and other funding opportunities like Erasmus Plus, European Research Council (ERC), and Eureka Network. As Johanna Füllmann, our country liaison officer, stated, “Awareness of Horizon Europe in Canada is skyrocketing, paving the way for closer collaboration between Canadian and EU researchers.” The potential of MSCA as a bottom-up approach for establishing doctoral and postdoctoral networks and staff exchanges is immense. Many larger universities are already recognising this opportunity, particularly through the co-funding mechanism established with Mitacs. Our team has been actively promoting these initiatives through discussions across major cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. A highlight was the reception hosted by the Alberta Bureau for International Education (ABIE) on 4 November in Ottawa, which celebrated Canada’s diverse culinary offerings and featured a traditional hoop dance by an Algonquin dancer—underscoring the importance of indigenous perspectives in research. The event provided MSCAdvocacy with valuable opportunities to indulge with numerous stakeholders in the Canadian science and education sectors. The mission included insightful visits and bilateral talks at various locations, such as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Art Smith Aero Centre in Calgary, the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), and the University of Alberta International Office in Edmonton. A meeting with aerospace researcher Carlo Antonini, a three-time MSCA grant fellow based in Toronto, underscored that MSCA offers a solid source for scientists to excel in their specific fields of interest, as it is open to all research topics. We look forward to fostering innovation and collaboration between Canadian and European researchers! #ResearchCollaboration #EUfunded

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This week, I invested in myself and my organization by completing the Change Practitioner Certification Program from Prosci. I’m thrilled to bring new energy and tools to my work! While I’ve been practicing change management in an unstructured way for some time, diving deep into the theory and methodology—and applying it immediately to a current initiative—has taken my competency to a new level. Here are my top takeaways that can help you be more effective: -An intentional approach to change management ensures initiatives achieve their ultimate outcomes. True change is rooted in shifts in people’s mindsets and behaviors as they interact with tools, systems, and processes. This is what excites me so much about our work on digital competencies in the GC. -A project can be on time, on budget, and within scope, but still fail to meet its goals. Defining success by tracking adoption speed, utilization rate, and proficiency levels is key—no tool is useful if it's not adopted and used effectively. -Change management is a leadership competency at any level. It provides a toolkit to enhance your leadership capability. -Resistance to change is normal. Anticipating and addressing it, using strategies like the ADKAR model, is essential—this approach is already proving useful in both my work and personal life. Not a joke, but my husband literally signed up for the gym this week and we’ve been adjusting our schedules to make it stick and it’s working. -Effective communication is crucial. Messages from CEOs about vision and the anchor reasons for change and personal messages from people managers about individual impacts are most effective. -Strong sponsors are the top factor for project success. Establishing and coaching sponsors pays off. To learn more, here is a fantastic primer: https://lnkd.in/gvMB8hjk It was fantastic to experience this journey with a diverse group of colleagues and under the great teaching of Anjen McLean. Kudos to everyone—I’m excited to see where your journeys take you! Lena Ross Jennifer Cruz-Datuin Terry Gent Saira Suleman Robert Harris, GISP, ENP Jon A. To my experienced colleagues, I’d love to hear your best lessons learned in applying change management in your work. Also sharing the comprehensive playbook from Amanda Bernardo if you're looking for support to start up your practice: https://lnkd.in/g_CdD8gC #changemanagement #leadership #GCdigital #continuouslearning

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Have you heard? 2024 is the Year of Procurement and at the Council of Canadian Innovators | Conseil canadien des innovateurs we're continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver services, strengthen the public sector and grow the innovation economy here in Canada. ⬇ 👉 Next week, join us on September 10 at 10 am ET for the launch of "Building Winners: Strategic Procurement in the Age of Innovation." Our panel of experts will be discussing how public sector procurement can be the most powerful driver of economic growth and innovation. Register: https://lnkd.in/d7E6Ry5e 👉 Today, catch the latest Mooseworks by Laurent Carbonneau where he explores how procurement is Canada's untapped tool for smart, industrial policy: https://lnkd.in/dbNt7cai. 👉 And if you missed it, last week Michelle Ehinlaiye and I penned out thoughts about the government's proposed, legislated procurement targets for SMEs and innovative firms. Read more about how we can grow our domestic firms with a smart approach: https://lnkd.in/dtw_qAVC.

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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada | Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada is hosting a panel at #CSPC2024! In a period of enhanced interconnectedness, and in the face of persistent and shared global-level challenges, science diplomacy emerges as a crucial tool for fostering international cooperation and relationships. This panel, featuring Daan du Toit, Heide Hackmann, Nipun Vats, Pontsho Maruping and paul dufour, will explore how the interplay between scientific collaboration and diplomatic efforts can be harnessed to address global challenges and strengthen international ties. The discussion will include: defining science diplomacy; its challenges and opportunities and showcasing the bilateral science, technology, and innovation relationship between Canada and South Africa, and opportunities moving forward. The session will offer practical insights for scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and anyone interested in the role of science in global diplomacy. WWW.CSPC2024.CA #CdnSci #CdnInnovation University of Ottawa

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Important and crucial investments as AI continues to advance.

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Join this webinar on May 16th to learn about the amazing work Data For Good Saskatchewan did for us to further our efforts in Saskatchewan!

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🌟 Join us in Ottawa from October 24 - 26🌟 The theme for the 2024 IAP2 North American Conference (NAC), "Building Together: The Role of #CommunityEngagement in Shaping the Future," resonates deeply with the mission of public engagement professionals. Here's why you should mark your calendars for this essential event: 🤝 Recognizing Collaborative Efforts: Our theme emphasizes the dynamic nature of shaping the future through collaboration, making this event essential for professionals eager to make a positive impact on their communities. 📚 Diverse Learning Opportunities: Explore innovative strategies, best practices, and tools for fostering inclusive decision-making processes through interactive sessions and workshops. 🤝 Networking and Partnership: Connect with industry leaders and innovators, cultivate partnerships, and engage in meaningful conversations that transcend organizational boundaries. 🛠️ Equipping for Change: Gain practical guidance and insights into emerging trends and innovative approaches in community engagement to drive positive change within your communities. 💡 Inspiration and Practical Insights: Learn from success stories, keynote speeches, and case studies, gaining practical frameworks for replicating successes and overcoming challenges. 🌍 Bridging National Insights with Local Actions: Enrich your perspectives with diverse approaches adaptable to community-specific needs and aspirations, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in addressing unique community challenges. 🤝 Joining a Movement for Change: Become part of a community committed to shaping tomorrow's societies through collective engagement, advocacy, and shared learning. By attending the 2024 IAP2 NAC, you're not just joining a professional event; you're becoming part of a community of change-makers dedicated to building a brighter future together. Let's build the future, together. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eebuHypF #2024IAP2NAC #PublicParticipation

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Conestoga’s Michelle Chrétien, vice president, Research & Innovation, played a significant role in the December 2024 Report of the Standing Committee on Science and Research, which examines the distribution of federal government funding among Canada's post-secondary institutions. The report includes 13 recommendations aimed at increasing research funding for colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, CCTTs, TACs and polytechnics through the College and Community Innovation Program. The report reveals that while the federal government spends approximately $4.5 billion annually to support research at post-secondary institutions, a significant portion is awarded to universities, with colleges receiving only 2.9% of the total funding from the three major granting agencies. As one of 33 witnesses invited to testify, Michelle highlighted the economic and social impact of Conestoga's collaborative research approach, benefiting both students and research partners. Michelle advocated for equal allocation of federal research funding for colleges to enhance their research capacity and significantly shape the future of research in Canada. Read the full report: https://ow.ly/qJ9M50Uuqw0

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