Success Through Strong Relationships Highlighted at Canadian Real Property Operations Group Command Team Council
November 14, 2023 - Defence Stories
By: Major Daniel Felipe Cruz
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CF RP Ops GP L4 CTC Participants
From 17 to 19 October 2023, the Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group (CF RP Ops Gp) held a formation Level-4 Command Team Council (CTC) at the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) in Toronto, ON.
The aim of the conference was to enable facilitated discussions and professional development for the formation’s L4 Command Teams, focused on the central theme of “Building Relationships”. Participants included CF RP Ops Gp HQ staff (L2), Real Property Unit Command Teams and staff (L3), and Real Property Unit Detachment / Section Command Teams (L4). Pivotal to the success of the conference was the participation of special guests – who shared their unique perspectives on the importance of relationship building to enable operational success for the formation. These special guests included Rob Chambers – ADM(IE), Lieutenant-General Carignan – Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture, Major-General Gros-Jean – COS(IE), Colonel Guiney – 4th Canadian Division Support Group Commander, Tracy Fleck – Director General Indigenous Affairs, Janice Nunney – Defence Construction Canada Regional Operations Manager, and Mona Simcoe – Union of National Defence Employees Vice President for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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CF RP Ops Gp Comd Presenting Command Coins to Neelima Deshmukh (Left) and Maj Dave Larrett (Right) for Organizing a Successful CTC
As the face of ADM(IE) at the base / unit level across Canada, CF RP Ops Gp employs a diverse team of 2600 civilians and 300 military personnel to achieve its mandate. RP Ops Detachments and Sections are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Department of National Defence’s Real Property portfolio, and the delivery of infrastructure services directly to users. Tactical levelRP Ops personnel are responsive to the local installation commander, ensuring a robust client focus and RP support to the operational and program needs of the supported units and organizations. These tasks are facilitated through strong relationships with the supported commander, supported organizations, employees and their union representatives, Defence Construction Canada, Public Service and Procurement Canada, and local and Indigenous communities. Moreover, L4 Command Teams are responsible for fostering a work environment / atmosphere of respect, dignity, and inclusion. This creates strong relationships with RP Ops employees and builds strong teams, well suited to continue operating and maintaining the portfolio to meet the operational needs of Canadian Armed Forces.
The CTC was hosted by Real Property Operations Unit Ontario and concluded the evening of 19 October with a mess dinner. This was the first time the formation has gathered in person since 2019. The CTC was a resounding success as it allowed CF RP Ops Gp Comd, HQ staff, and senior leadership to capture key lessons learned from Fiscal Year 23/24 and provide guidance on new and ongoing initiatives within the department. The stimulating and positive discussions that took place throughout the three days, highlighted the significance of building relationships. Strong relationships, both internal and external, will ensure the formation achieves operational success with a modern, flexible, and resilient workforce that is adapted to deliver on the Defence Real Property Portfolio Strategy.