In about two weeks, APEX will be holding its 2017 Symposium on the theme of Celebrating Leadership, Innovation and Diversity.

Attendees of the two-day event will have the opportunity to participate in sessions and workshops and hear keynote addresses from prominent leaders like the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Canada’s 26th Governor General, Michael Wernick, Clerk of the Privy Council Office and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage among others.

APEX will also use the symposium to highlight management excellence and leadership of federal public service executives through its awards of excellence which are presented to those who have made uniquely important contributions in the areas of Leadership; Career Contribution; Partnership; Innovation; Healthy Workplace; Community Contribution and Public Service Citation.

The APEX Awards of Excellence are open to all current executives in the public service except for Deputy Heads who are appointed by the Prime Minister. Since being established in 1984, APEX had built and sustained an excellent reputation as the recognized voice for executives, and as a valuable resource for the Canadian public service.

APEX recently announced the 2017 winners of the awards of excellence which will be presented to the recipients during its gala dinner to be held on June 7.

Here are the winners:

Leadership Award

Mr. George Green, Vice-president, retired, Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Parks Canada, for his exceptional leadership of people which contributed to the success of several projects such as Parks Canada’s efforts in Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; as well his dedication to mentorship, coaching and diversity has contributed significantly to a positive workplace.

Career Contribution Award

Mr. Guy Baron, Director General, retired, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Labour Program, Employment and Social Development Canada, for an outstanding 30-year long public service career and for being a recognized leader in the field of mediation and conflict resolution.

Healthy Workplace Award

Ms. Nancy Chahwan, Deputy Commissioner, Canada Revenue Agency, for her commitment and dedication to workplace wellness and, in particular, to mental health while working at the Treasury Board Secretariat where her efforts for creating a climate of respect was recognized at all levels.

Partnership Award

Ms. Megan Kennedy, Director General, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Oversight, Employment and Social Development Canada, for her ability to build and maintain strong partnerships which led to the success of various projects related to the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security business transformation.

Innovation Award

Ms. Debora Turner, Director, Agency Logistics and Administrative Services, Canada Revenue Agency, for her innovative approach in the creation of the new state-of-the-art tax-related paper records storage model at the CRA.

Community Contribution Award

Ms. Sharon Squire, Deputy Veterans Ombudsman and Executive Director, Veterans Affairs Canada for her long-standing commitment and exceptional contributions as a volunteer in a number of organizations at the community, national and international levels.

Public Service Citation

The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, for leaving an indelible mark on Canada and on its Public Service as a journalist, novelist, television personality, publisher, public servant, and Governor General, and this, through undertakings such as boosting pride in the Canadian Forces, drawing national attention to Northern Canada, exploring Canadian culture and working closely with Indigenous communities.

The event will feature seven sessions on topics ranging from diversity and inclusiveness, recruiting and retaining indigenous talent, managing multiple generations, changes in our political landscape, keys to success in service delivery, workplace wellness, and shaping the federal agenda. The two interactive workshops will focus on tackling ethical dilemmas daily and the design lab in action addressing what would a boxless public service look like.

The 2017 APEX Symposium will take place on June 7-8 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. If you would like to learn more or register, go here.