Day 2 - Wednesday, October 26, 2022
► Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Peoples in the Public Sector
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Meet the Co-Champions representing diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous peoples through a panel discussion providing an overview of EDI student and employment programs.
Moderator: Julia Leary, Career Advisor, Experiential Learning Hub, University of Guelph
Panel Members:
Reginald Parsons, Manager, Indigenous Relations and Social Science and Policy Sector, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Reg is a proud Inuk (Nunatsiavut Beneficiary) and Newfoundlander, he is a 60s Scoop thriver who is keen to learn and contribute toward reconciliation. He currently works Public Services and Procurement Canada as the Manager for Indigenous Relations in the Science and Policy Sector. Previously he was at Employment and Social Development Canada where he was very involved in the department’s reconciliation efforts as a policy analyst, Indigenous Employees’ Circle National Chair and Atlantic Indigenous Perspectives Co-Champion. He has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Master of Science in Forestry. He also worked at Natural Resources Canada where he worked with Indigenous communities on how Indigenous knowledge is passed on, project development/opportunity identification, and in the administration of grants and contributions. He has been married to his wife Pam for over 24 years and they have two sons, Noah (22) and Luke (17).On the weekend Reg can be found mountain biking or doing renovations. He does his best to “Be the change you want to see in the World” (Ghandi) and to Make it happen!
Nicholas Christie, Champion, LGBTQ2+ Network and Executive Director, Future of Work, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Nicholas is the Executive Director, Future of Work at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Nicholas joined the CFIA as a laboratory analyst in the Dartmouth Laboratory in 2008 then moved on to supporting inspectors in the Atlantic Area before moving to the National Capitol Region in 2015 to help develop a new software platform for the Agency. Currently he is working to develop a modern hybrid work model for the CFIA as its employees reintegrate into the workplace after adopting remote work during the pandemic. In addition to this role, Nicholas is the 2SLGBTQIA+ Network champion where he seeks to help create brave and courageous dialogue on how we can ensure that the public service is as inclusive as possible.Outside work, you will find Nicholas travelling, looking for a great new restaurant, or simply relaxing with his dogs and his husband at home in Brockville.
Nejla Azima, Co-champion, Women’s Circle and District Veterinarian, Burnaby Animal Health, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Currently working as District Veterinarian (BC Animal Health), Dr. Nejla Azima has been with CFIA since 2015 in various roles including veterinary inspector and foreign animal disease veterinarian. In addition to her DVM she holds a B.Sc. honors degree from the U of G in Biological Sciences and Statistics. Although she always knew she wanted to become a veterinarian, it was her experience backpacking through East Asia for eight months with an NGO (facilitating workshops on conflict resolution through personal integrity, with the motto that “change begins with me”) that solidified her conviction to pursue a career in the regulatory public sector - practicing her principles implementing policy. Throughout her career in CFIA Dr. Azima has been selected to sit on various committees and working groups on national, area and regional levels such as the National Veterinary Community Steering Committee (NVCSC), Emergency Responders Network, as well as the Equity & Diversity’s Women’s Circle network.
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► Supporting Work-life Balance for Employees in the Public Service
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn about Mental Health and Wellness programs in the Government in support of a work-life balance.
Moderator: Sasha Simek, Senior Human Resources Advisor Consultant, Corporate Staffing and Recruitment, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Panel Members:
Lindsay Hazel, Wellness Officer, Workplace Health and Diversity, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Lindsay began working as a student in the Federal Public Service in 2019 at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency within the HR branch. In 2022, she began her current role supporting the CFIA's Mental Health and Wellness Team. She graduated from Carleton University with a BA in Psychology and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Counselling and Spirituality at St. Paul University.
Danielle Scott, Mental Health and Wellness Program Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Danielle has been a Federal Public Servant with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for almost 8 years. She has worked in various branches of the Agency but has found her home working in Human Resources. She is currently a Mental Health and Wellness Program Officer leading the Agency’s Peer Support Program.