2009

Leadership Award Winners

Alberta	Michel Sigouin	Service Canada
British Columbia	Etienne Laliberté	Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Manitoba	Gerry Schellenberg	Canada Revenue Agency
National Capital Region	Gabriel Bergeron	Health Canada
Newfoundland & Labrador	Len LeRiche	Public Safety Canada
New Brunswick	Mike McCluskey and Pat Gallivan	Canada Border Services Agency
Nova Scotia	David Eisenhaur	Department of National Defense
Ontario	Karen Henderson	Service Canada
Prince Edward Island	Claudette Thériault	Veterans Affairs Canada
Quebec	Organizing Committee of the Quebec Federal Council Professional Development Forum 2007
Saskatchewan	R.B. (Rob) Kelln	Canadian Revenue Agency
Yukon Region	Daniel G. Lindsey	Environment Canada

2008 Mike Nurse Leadership Award Winner

Richard V. Crowe

Client Services Director

Public Works and Government Services Canada - Nova Scotia

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Alberta - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Michel Sigouin
Service Canada

Michel is the Regional Director of Public Safety Canada and is this year's award recipient for Alberta. According to his staff, Michel is a leader and a strong manager. As a member of the Alberta Federal Council, Michel consistently looks for ways to meaningfully engage the federal family in Public Safety led initiatives and GoC corporate activities.

His leadership strengths allowed for the development of several initiatives including a Regional Emergency Management Strategy and Framework, the Regional Operational Reserve, and the accommodations project for the new Alberta Regional Office and coordination centre. Michel has always fostered a team-based approach in his office and recently supported the development of an office Charter. He empowers his employees to use their skills and initiatives in not only their respective areas of responsibility but also supports the cross pollination of ideas and effort to accomplish the objectives of his office.

In 2007, Michel was elected Co-Chair of the Alberta Federal Council and he has also served as the Official Languages Champion for the AFC.

British Columbia - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Etienne Laliberté
Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Etienne Laliberté with the Conservation and Protection Branch (C&P) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the Leadership award recipient for British Columbia. His willingness to take the initiative to solve problems and be a part of the solution has made a lasting and significant contribution to renewing the culture within Conservation and Protection Branch. His actions have helped develop a renewed culture of trust and support between staff, management and the union.

He developed a staffing process within the new PSEA to successfully fill 39 Fisheries Officers position within the Pacific Region without a single complaint being referred to the Public Service Staffing Tribunal. He also created a tips and best practices manual that was broadly distributed throughout the government to share what was learned. These ideas demonstrate commitment, initiative and innovation.

Etienne was also instrumental in establishing and directing C&P's self-directed Leadership Initiative to give C&P members ownership in identifying problems in the organization and devising and implementing solutions.

Etienne has gone above and beyond the requirements of his job and has shared his learning's for the betterment of the Public Service as a whole.

Manitoba - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Gerry Schellenberg
Canada Revenue Agency

As a manager at the Winnipeg Tax Centre (WTC), Gerry had a vision of creating a culture of innovation by engaging employees at all levels in problem solving through exploring new perspectives. He developed the working group, Innovation Enablers, to develop innovative thinkers by learning the various techniques used in fostering a culture of creativity within an organization. He has invited other divisions within the WTC and other federal departments such as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Industry Canada and Social Development Canada to join the group.

He has a drive and determination to promote innovative thinking and has worked tirelessly to establish this as a culture, not only in the local organization, but also horizontally across other government departments. Gerry willingly shares his passion for innovation to all those in his workplace and engages horizontally with managers from other government departments through his involvement with the NMC- Manitoba Region.

His passion and attitudes have influenced many in the organization to embrace innovation and creativity as an effective means of problem solving.

New Brunswick - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Mike McCluskey and Pat Gallivan
Canada Border Services Agency

The team of Mike McCluskey and Pat Gallivan of the Canada Border Services Agency is the award recipient for New Brunswick.

In 2007, Pat and Mike worked on a draft mentorship program- over and above their significant workload- in which they coached, mentored, motivated and supported 14 employees through a variety of management acting assignments/learning events. This program has made a difference throughout the entire district because all offices had or will have, at one time or another, an acting superintendent who was a part of this program.

Both Pat and Mike were extremely supportive and gave a lot of positive feedback that helped to instill confidence in the people newly acquainted to management regime. Both of these individuals are highly motivated, have a strong will to help others, and have the necessary interpersonal skills to be able to provide advice and expertise to help others in difficult situations. They worked extremely hard and through their own initiative and natural abilities shaped a very successful and necessary program. Their camaraderie and commitment was and continues to be a strong model for others to follow.

National Capital Region - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Gabriel Bergeron
Health Canada

Gabriel Bergeron is a Director with Health Canada and he has played a significant role in managing an important culture change within HR.

After going through an 8-month pilot, the HPFB Human Resources Services Unit has implemented a new way of serving clients in the HR-staffing discipline. During this time of change, Gabriel was successful in building strong partnerships with clients as well as establishing networks with various stakeholders from other HR disciplines.

His openness to new and creative ideas is appreciated by all and has strengthened staff engagement. Gabriel established a committee comprised of employees at various levels to help identify issues that arose throughout the pilot project and to empower them to find solutions.

He has provided the tools needed by staff to become and stay highly effective and has provided an environment that fosters change and where employees are empowered to explore new ways of doing things.

Newfoundland and Labrador - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Len LeRiche
Public Safety Canada

Len LeRiche works as Regional Director at Public Safety Canada and is the Award Recipient for Newfoundland and Labrador. He has worked for the Federal Public Service for 34 years.

Len has been a champion in building and promoting emergency management protocols and networks in this Province, including a Regional Emergency Management Coordinating Committee (REMCC) and the Regional Operational Reserve (ROR). He currently serves as Co-Chair of the NL Federal Council's Security Sub-Committee and he is a member of the International Emergency Managers Group.

During the 9/11 crisis, Len provided a coordinating role here in this province through engaging federal response agencies to take action and assist with the thousands of stranded passengers from international flights. As well, he recently played a coordinating role in the major search and rescue exercise, Ocean Guardian III, working closely with 30+ groups in a positive, persistent approach.

Len is the President of the Lifesaving Society - Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter and has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross in the United States following the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

Len is described as a consummate professional who pours his heart and soul into nurturing the vital networks that he leads, providing effective leadership and stewardship to the emergency preparedness community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nova Scotia - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

David Eisenhaur
Department of National Defense

The Award recipient for Nova Scotia, David Eisenhaur, is the Human Resources Business Manager for the Maritime Forces Atlantic in Halifax (MARLANT)

David has been the catalyst for instituting strategic and often unconventional HR efforts that have positioned MARLANT ahead of their time. With his direct involvement in the past six years with civilian Workforce Renewal at the Maritime Forces Atlantic in Halifax, David's contribution has led to some remarkable achievements on the HR front.

He initiated discussion with the Province of Nova Scotia that eventually led to an alliance with the NS Dept of Education with the aim of matching jobs at MARLANT with students at the secondary and post-secondary schools. The partnership for Workforce Renewal between MARLANT and the province has been a complete success, accelerating intake of new recruits and new apprentices which MARLANT is facing a high vacancy rate and rising retirement rate during a period of skills shortages in the public and private sector. The dept. is considering adopting MARLANT's model for apprenticeship based programs.

David is committed to testing new HR frontiers and is a role model for his relentless drive for HR modernization.

Ontario - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Karen Henderson
Service Canada

Karen is a Service Delivery Manager with Service Canada in the Kitchener and Mid Ontario Region who truly makes a difference in the public service.

Karen's demonstrated ability to lead has flourished amongst her staff. She is professional, efficient and effective when managing the in-person service operations. Some of her achievements include leading a team that effectively served a retail boating industry that accounts for approximately 25% of Ontario's Pleasure Craft License requests. She further played an integral role in the development of one of four initial Service Canada Passport Receiving Agent Pilot Sites.

She is determined to cultivate a positive team environment to achieve the successes for which she strives. She has provided leadership to a team responsible for the development of six scheduled outreach locations within the Kitchener and Mid-Ontario service area; provides leadership to an Outreach team that successfully brings Service Canada service offering to rural and remote locations across the service area and works in partnership with rural and community events and festivals to increase awareness of and access to Service Canada Offerings to citizens and communities.

Prince Edward Island - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Claudette Thériault
Veterans Affairs Canada

Claudette is employed with Veterans Affairs Canada as Director, Special Projects. Claudette has demonstrated her exceptional skill in putting in place and leading effective teams for the organization of several major overseas commemorative events for VAC.

Claudette was responsible for the planning and management of the largest commemorative event ever organized by the Government of Canada outside the country, the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Dedication of the Restored Canadian National Vimy Memorial, held in France in April 2007. Her performance represented exemplary leadership and project management. She created a team of extraordinary people from VAC and developed collaborative partnerships with DND, RCMP, Parks Canada, DFAIT and others.

Throughout the project, Claudette provided tremendous personal leadership to all team members, chaired meetings, developed relationships and provided the glue that held the team together even at the most challenging times. She has repeatedly demonstrated her capacity to engage others in carrying out the mandate of the Department.

Quebec - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Anne Drouin
Representing members of the Organizing Committee of the Quebec Federal Council Professional Development Forum 2007

The recipients for Quebec are members of the Organizing Committee of the Quebec Federal Council Professional Development Forum 2007.

Members of this team include: Michelle Babin, Lucie Bélanger, Lise Beniot, Marylynn Brisebois, Nathalie, Chaperon, Marie-Claude Collette, Marc, Delisle, Anne Drouin, Sandra Duchesne, Ginette Fourner, René Gendron, Louise Morissette, Suzanne Perron, Dorothy Pierre-Louis, Johanne Rousseau, Johanne Ruel, Estelle Simard, Estelle Simard, Chantal Tourigny, Denis Tremblay, Martine Tremblay, Michel Trépanier, Nathalie Turgeon.

The objectives of the Quebec Federal Council's (QFC) Professional Development Forum was to gain a better understanding of the perceptions and expectations of Canadians and rediscover our public service through the eyes of others, such as citizens, parliamentarians and the media and to think about how we can best direct our activities. The QFC, through its Forum, could not have attained this objective without the support, efforts and commitment of all members of this team. The group has unquestionably contributed to the emergence of a culture of renewal in the public service.

The event brought together over 550 participants, managers at all levels, including the new generation of managers, and HR professionals. The Forum was a great success, with a satisfaction rate of 97.5%. It was a perfect example of how to motivate people to explore new perspectives and ways of doing things. The Organizing Committees' efforts made the Forum an opportunity for developing competencies through the sharing of best practices, learning tools and knowledge to create change and identify solutions.

Saskatchewan - 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

R.B. (Rob) Kelln
Canadian Revenue Agency

Rob is an enthusiastic manager and leader at Canada Revenue Agency who brings a positive attitude to any challenge put before him. He understands the importance that each person brings to the organization regardless of the role that each of us plays.

With the need to hire employees comes the need for a retention policy that works. Rob is involved in and supportive of an environment that encourages coaching and mentoring, empowering employees to be the best they can be and is always looking for opportunities to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of people around him. Rob has been very active in seeking out learning opportunities that support the work of current and prospective first line managers.

He is actively involved in the identification of potential future managers through the Saskatoon Leadership Development Program and provides solid mentorship of being a manager. He seeks out learning opportunities that support the management community such as events sponsored by the National Managers’ Community – Saskatchewan Region and Federal Council. He also participated on the organizing committee of the first Prairie Region Managers' Learning Form held in November in Winnipeg.

Yukon Region 2008 NMC Leadership Award Winner

Daniel G. Lindsey
Environment Canada

Daniel works for the Environmental Protection Operations Division of Environment Canada. He is a visionary who has a real knack for seeing the big picture. Daniel recognizes the value of keen younger workers and conscientiously works to provide them with the opportunity to advance and to develop their capabilities and skills within the public service.

He is supportive of new ideas and ways of achieving results and is very supportive of networking and relationship building. He believes in his employees and co-workers and in building a solid team. He guides others in an open and positive manner, and this helps with translation of innovation and knowledge in an evolutionary fashion through the various program units. He is very enthusiastic in empowering, coaching, mentoring, motivating and supporting his employees whenever possible. Daniel's positive attitude throughout these times of change has been very valuable in maintaining the interest and motivation of employees in working for Environment Canada. His open door policy is appreciated by all staff.

2008 Mike Nurse NMC Leadership Award Winner

Richard V. Crowe
Client Services Director, Public Works and Government Services Canada - Nova Scotia

Richard Crowe was a founding member of the Nova Scotia Managers' Network (today known as the NMC- Nova Scotia Region) and served as its chair for 9 years. He has also been the Nova Scotia representative for the NMCC since its inception. His willingness to accept the mantle and responsibility of leader for 9 years and to devote countless hours in advancing the cause of managers in Nova Scotia speaks volumes of his commitment and passion for this work. As a result of his contribution, Richard received the NMC Leadership Award in 2004.

Under his leadership, the Nova Scotia Managers' Network gained a sense of identity and possibility, new committees were established and sponsored learning and network events began to be held.

With Richard at the helm, he continued to recruit talented managers to assist with various aspects of growing the community. Membership grew, learning events became more sophisticated and numerous and a true business plan that contained elements devoted to events, communication, membership and finance was created. As Chair of the NSMN Executive he led the initiative that saw the establishment of the NS Managers' Council.

Building on the success he enjoyed in Nova Scotia, he took the leap to become the first Chair of the National Managers' Community Council, a position he held for 3 years.

He arrived at a critical moment in the NMC's history. There was uncertainty about funding and how the NMC was going to continue. In 2006 and 2007, Richard worked hard to shape the Council's work and gain the attention of managers' potential partners and the most senior levels of government to the NMC. Under Richards's leadership, the NMC Business Case was developed and many influential people were engaged to promote the cause. He was also involved in the production of the NMC's first governance document. Richard has played an important role in the last two years to ensure the NMC would be able to survive and thrive into the future.

His support towards the development and commitment to the NMC has made a significant national impact that has positively affected managers throughout the federal public service across Canada.

In all Richard has invested himself heart and soul into this work for almost 10 years. He has been a visionary, a builder, a leader, an influencer and a friend to so many of his fellow managers. His energy, drive and willingness to go the extra mile has stemmed from his passionate belief in the value of his fellow managers, the incredible potential the NMC represents to both its constituents and the Government of Canada, and the pure joy he derives from serving others. He has helped build a legacy and through his involvement that will continue to support managers for years to come.