Virtual Shout-Outs – Bulletin #41
August 06, 2024 - Defence Stories
July is heating up and so is this round of Virtual Shout-Outs!
"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessaryt."
– Margaret Cousins
Do you know of a co-worker who deserves a special shout-out or are you looking for a way to recognize someone who has made an impact, big or small? Virtual Shout-Outs are a quick and easy way for you to publicly recognize a colleague, or team of colleagues, for a job well done.
Here’s how to submit a Virtual Shout-out:
- Email your shout-outs to the Corporate Awards and Recognition Secretariat, and
- Provide the email(s) of the person(s) being recognized.
- Shout-outs are collected on an ongoing basis.
Note that shout-out recipients will be given the option to “opt out” of having their message displayed on the Bulletin Board (accessible only on the National Defence network) on the Maple Leaf and the Defence Team intranet, and submissions can remain anonymous.
Don’t delay! Virtually shout-out your hard-working colleagues today!
Capt. Worthington and I are worked on a solicitation for accommodations with an extremely tight turnaround (less than 2 months), and I can say with full confidence that I would not have been assured in our ability to award a contract had it not been for Capt. Worthington’s responsiveness and hard work. Procurement is not something that falls within her general duties, but I never would have known that to be the case, as she supported me at every phase of the solicitation with lightening-fast results. Working with her has been a dream and I am so appreciative of her efforts.
– Kayla Shabsove
I would like to send a big thank you, to you Leslie Coehlho Arruada and Chantale Paradis for the outstanding work you both have done in creating the new automated On/Offboarding process for DGMEPM. Your attention to detail and dedication to this project have been evident throughout the development and implementation phases. The automated system not only saves valuable time but also reduces the margin for error, thereby improving the overall experience for everyone involved. Your innovative approach and diligent efforts have significantly streamlined our operations, enhancing efficiency and ensuring a smooth transition for new hires and departing employees. Your contributions are highly valued. Thank you again for your exceptional work. It is truly appreciated.
– Karen Gray
Shout-out to the D Mar P 2 Capital Procurement Officers, Nadine Baril, Rebecca Brake, Dianne Montgomery, Janoe Potvin, Dalton Sicard and Tara Hynes.
You are all the unsung heroes of our section, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these projects come to life, keep on track and deliver. Your dedication, expertise, and willingness to support each other is truly something to be seen. You are always giving it your all. I have witnessed countless times your exceptional ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing circumstances, effortlessly shifting focus to address emerging client or management priorities time and time again. You’re the glue that holds these projects together, thank you for your super sticky skills. Keep up the fantastic work – you are seen, appreciated and valued by your project teams and your own team!
– The D Mar P 2 – Capital Project Team
“This shout out recognises the outstanding achievements of the Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) team from Communicable Disease Control, Medical Intelligence, and Occupational and Environmental Health: Dr Steve Schofield, LCdr Jeffrey Lee (retired), Marie-Christine Lamontagne (now of PHAC), Dr Diane Lu, MWO Kylie Torney (retired), LCdr Ernie Ebert, Maj Jason McHarg, LCdr Ali Burton, Lt(N) Ricardo Escobedo Bonilla, Cdr Brent Jones, MWO Tonya Pugh, MWO Heidi Schmude and Dr Pierre-Luc Drouin (of DRDC CORA).
Their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in 2023-24 – an extraordinary circumstance by any definition – has established a robust public health framework, ensuring the Defence Team's enduring resilience for future emergencies.
As the pandemic waned in 2023-24, global surveillance networks scaled back. Recognizing the continued threat that COVID-19 and other diseases will continue to pose, the team developed innovative methods to estimate the ongoing impact of these illnesses, despite limited data. They created maps reflecting the prevalence of various respiratory illnesses, calculators to predict the range of potential outbreaks, and operating procedures that ensure leaders make scientifically-sound decisions that protect individual and population health. These tools continue to be crucial for decision-makers; with the addition of new and emerging viruses, they provide a realistic understanding of risks and ensure mission readiness.
The Defence Team operates globally and therefore faces global health threats. The team's deep understanding of military operations and acceptable risk levels led to a flexible approach that balanced essential activities with necessary precautions. This adaptability extended to 2023-24, as they addressed the rising threat of other respiratory illnesses like measles. Rapid decision support to leaders, including how best to carry out case finding, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation, allowed missions to continue safely. For example, recommending a stricter approach to quarantine averted a potential measles outbreak in an isolated location. These efforts, coupled with the broader CFHS initiatives, result in lower illness and hospitalization rates among Canadian Forces members compared to their civilian and international counterparts across a range of diseases.
Maintaining public trust in preventive measures during a protracted pandemic posed a significant challenge across the public health community. Within National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, the team addressed this by creating a flexible framework of control measures. As the COVID-19 emergency subsided, they oversaw the relaxation of specific measures, leading in 2023-24 to an indefinite baseline adaptable posture that will safeguard the Defence Team against future outbreaks. This includes guidance on masking adaptable to both droplet and airborne illnesses, and leading the culture change of empowering and normalizing leaders at all levels to leverage simple measures like staying home whilst sick, that will reduce the risk of the workplace itself being a risk factor for infection.
The team's exceptional efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic's final chapter in 2023-24 leave a lasting legacy. They have established a robust public health framework, ensuring the Defence Team's continued safety and operational readiness. Their unwavering dedication, not yet recognized by any honours or awards, directly contributes to the health of the Forces and the nation at large. For their exemplary service, this team is highly deserving of a shout out.”
– Cdr/capt Vincent Beswick-Escanlar
“On June 19 the Financial Community Development team hosted its first NCR Interchange event. The NCR Interchange Program sponsored by ACFO, takes a group of CTs who live and work outside of the National Capital Region to Ottawa-Gatineau to help them better understand the realities and challenges of working in a national headquarters or central agency. The participants visited NDHQ for a 1-day event where the financial complexity of DND was showcased, while also providing a glimpse at the culture and strong relationship between the CAF and civilians within our L0.
The Financial Community Development team would like to extend a big virtual shout-out to all the volunteers who were generous with their time. Their contributions were invaluable in helping make this event a resounding success.
Speed mentoring volunteers: Imran Ahmad, Carla Strain, Suzanne Birt, Glenn Tannahill, Anna S., William Marsden, Erica McParlan, and Nancy Anderson.
Job shadowing volunteers from ADM(Fin)/Director Financial Policy (DFP): Anna Marinelli, Robert Dupras, Edmund Chan, Jason Smits, Gordon McDonald, and Michelle Martin.
Job shadowing volunteers from ADM(Fin)/Director General Costing Investment Planning and Approvals (DGCIPA): Rene Snider.
Job shadowing volunteers from ADM(RS)/Director General Audit (DGA): Erica McParlan and Ivana Simovic.
Thank you again for your contribution in making our first NCR Interchange a success.
– The FCD Team
The CPO2 Seaman congratulates the entire SHO team for their excellent work carried out on a member's file for everything related to administration concerns about the binary system. For my part as HR Manager here at HMCS CAR, I also highlight their excellent work in everything that concerns their communication and not only administration but all their work.
– WO/Adj Marc-André Champagne
HR Connect RH would like to recognize Leigh Godin for her passionate leadership shown since her arrival to DND in March 2024 as the Operations Manager. Her ability to empower her team makes her a truly impactful leader who has quickly gained the respect of her team. We are thankful to Leigh and wanted to recognize her contributions.
– HR Connect Management Team
I would like to give a shout out to Lindsay MacDonald on ADM(Pol)’s Domains & Technology team. She did a fabulous job managing the climate and security file on her own while I was on language training. She ensured that nothing fell through the cracks and that I could easily pick things back up upon my return. So grateful for all you do Lindsay!
– Jamie Emmett
I would like to give a shout-out to Aly Elbanna for his exemplary work and outstanding teamwork. I worked with Aly on a complex procurement that required a lot of review pre-solicitation. The bidders had a higher than usual number of questions as well, and I was thankful that Aly was so very responsive as a Business Owner, as it allowed us to update them in a timely manner. Aly recently joined us from another government organization, but he is so flexible and adaptable, I would have thought he had been with DND for years! Aly is extremely positive and considerate, even during periods of high pressure, and he sets a great example for respect in the workplace. We all have our occasional burdens, stresses, or deadlines in our roles, and it is easy to let it get the best of us, but I really admired the way in which Aly was able to rise above. I will strive to maintain those good vibes when I feel like I am deep in the pressure cooker; it really does have a positive impact on those around you!
– Kayla Shabsove
We wanted to give a shout-out to Celeste Lalonde in appreciation for her support to DG DEM while the EA was on extended sick leave. Her selflessness and dedication to the DEM Exec Team helped keep the boat afloat! She is always looking to improve her skillsets and expand her knowledge through liaison with local SMEs. Celeste’s keenness is refreshing and her desire for continuous improvement is admirable. Again, “Thank-you Celeste! Your efforts gave peace of mind during a difficult time.”
– DG DEM Office