2024 Public Service Award of Excellence

Lisa Dyer

Lisa Dyer, formerly based in Yellowknife, was the Director General of the Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) at the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). With over 30 years of experience working in Northern Canada, she shaped regulatory and environmental assessment frameworks for major projects. Under her leadership, NPMO streamlined federal input, improved transparency, and ensured compliance with Impact Assessment requirements while supporting Indigenous and Northern community interests. She strengthened stakeholder relationships, guided industry proponents, and advanced Indigenous engagement in decision making. Through cooperation agreements and mentoring, Lisa fostered sustainable resource development and long-term economic benefits, positioning CanNor’s Yellowknife office as a leader in responsible Northern development.

Stefan Matiation

Stefan Matiation is recognized for exceptional leadership in advancing the resolution of specific claims at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Since 2021, he has championed innovative approaches, including a streamlined framework for Agricultural Benefit Claims. In 2024–25, his leadership contributed to the settlement of 35 Agricultural Benefit Claims totalling $5.2 billion and 30 specific claims totalling $1.6 billion. His commitment to fairness, transparency, and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities has fostered trust and collaboration. Stefan’s work has significantly advanced reconciliation and justice, setting a new benchmark for excellence in public service and making a lasting impact on communities across the country.

Dr. Priti Wanjara

Dr. Priti Wanjara is a globally recognized leader in metallurgy, advanced welding technologies, and additive manufacturing whose innovations have advanced aerospace, defence, and other industries. Her research with the National Research Council in joining challenging materials and metal 3D printing has set new standards for quality, efficiency, and sustainability, reducing waste and environmental impact. She collaborates with major partners such as Airbus, Bombardier, Siemens, NATO, and government departments. A dedicated mentor and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, she advances metallurgical engineering while cultivating future innovators. Her work continues to shape advanced manufacturing worldwide, delivering transformative solutions with lasting technological and environmental benefits.

The Federal Youth Network

The Federal Youth Network (FYN) is a small but mighty team working together across Canada to deliver a profound impact to over 20,000 learners per year in building the future capacity of the public service. They do this through virtual conferences like Career Boot Camp and at 24 in-person learning days hosted across Canada in 2024. They leverage new technology platforms and equipment while developing learning content in-house to ensure it’s current and applicable to their learners. The FYN exemplifies public service excellence—driving innovation, career development and community to make the Government of Canada an employer of choice for the next generation.

• Tammy Cruikshanks
• Hayley Ellis
• Khadeja Elsibai
• Yangwei Xiong
• Guillaume Koffi
• Gabriel Alfaro Aranda
• Alexa Iachelli
• Justine Reynolds
• Joshua Frame
• Priyanka Sharma
• Karl Alary

Service Canada’s Canadian Dental Care Plan Client Experience (CDCP CX) Team

The Canadian Dental Care Plan Client Experience Team was a multi-disciplinary team that together transformed how government services are designed and delivered. Their innovative, client-centered approach enabled the successful launch of one of Canada’s largest benefits, helping the initial cohort of 1.9 million seniors access dental care. By embedding usability testing, service blueprints, and plain language into every stage of development, they improved accessibility for clients and reduced call centre demand—saving time and resources. Their work resulted in an 87% self-serve rate, avoiding 710,000 calls for assistance, and inspired a cultural shift toward human-centered design within Service Canada. This team set a new benchmark for excellence, proving that public services can be both efficient and deeply responsive to client needs.

• Kelly Ouellette
• Kaitlyn McEachran
• Patrycja Drzymala
• Hong Nguyen
• An Pham
• Keira Mawby
• Sébastien Comeau
• Nicholas Ly
• Chantale Caron
• Hiwot Adhanom
• Jennifer Hohmann Wood
• Frank Basham
• Thomas Hoy
• Catherine Fitzpatrick
• Guillaume Liddle

The Canadian Forces Cancer and Mortality (CFCAMS) Project Team

The Canadian Forces Cancer and Mortality Study (CFCAMS) Team, a collaboration between Veterans Affairs Canada and National Defence, has demonstrated excellence in public service through groundbreaking research on cancer in military personnel and Veterans. Their Cancer Incidence Study, spanning over 40 years and over 230,000 individuals, provides vital insights into long-term health impacts, including gender-specific outcomes. Recognized with the 2024 Banting Award, their work informs national health priorities and policy decisions. The CFCAMS model is now a prototype for future research, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on the health of Canada’s military and Veteran communities.

• Andrea Jones
• Amy Hall
• Daniel Cousineau-Short
• Chrissi Galanakis
• Deborah Weiss

Canadian Dental Care Plan Team

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Team is a testament to public service excellence. A joint effort of five federal departments led by Health Canada, it drew tirelessly on its highly skilled collective experience to push the boundaries of what is possible to help the government deliver on its plan to make oral health care more accessible and affordable for millions of Canadians. Despite an ambitious timeline, it designed and delivered the largest new social program any Canadian government has launched in recent history in record time, while ensuring a smooth roll-out and positive service experience for CDCP users.

• Lynne Rene de Cotret
• Marika Nadeau
• Brad Martens
• Lindy VanAmburg
• François Nadeau
• Tammy Belanger
• Malcom Saravanamuttoo
• Kathleen Walford
• Scott Doidge
• Dominic Laporte
• Patrick Kelly
• Ricky Laforge
• Christopher Bowen
• Sarah Lawley

Rachel Bleskie

Rachel Bleskie is an expert and respected leader in the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada’s Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (EEDI)

and official languages programs. She mobilizes staff across the agency, leads inclusive events, and promotes diversity through innovative initiatives. Known for her professionalism, integrity, and transparency, she consults thoughtfully and protects confidentiality. Rachel is a role model for excellence, collaboration, and dedication, supporting senior champions and mentoring new employees. Her bilingualism and cross-sector engagement further highlight her commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Her efforts have earned praise from executives and a formal award nomination, reflecting her outstanding contributions to FINTRAC’s culture and values.

Émilie Breton

Émilie Breton regularly exemplifies all the qualities sought from a young leader within the public service. She has stepped up as the sole female defensive tactics instructor at the Canada Border Services College (CBSA) College. She advocates for improvements in service delivery and consistently acts as a role model to other instructors and recruits, despite her relatively young age. She is a constant voice in the GBA+ space, never shying away from providing her perspective in a thought-provoking, constructive manner. In addition, Émilie has spearheaded multiple initiatives in the workplace, with a laser focus on wellness and well-being, benefiting CBSA College employees and the wider community, with an emphasis on the public service charity campaign. Émilie is always prepared to take on a new challenge and is widely perceived as an agent of change among her peers.

Natasha Klink

Since joining Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in 2019, Natasha Klink has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in emergency management. In 2024, she established the Emergency Coordination Centre, a single-window model that transformed ISC’s information flow and coordination during crises. She manages an outstanding team recognized for its cohesion, efficiency, and dedication. Natasha also created a departmental surge capacity inventory and expanded Incident Command System training, strengthening preparedness and collaboration across the department. Her foresight and professionalism have inspired colleagues and enhanced ISC’s national emergency response. Natasha embodies excellence and commitment, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Mélissa Andrée Roy

As a Senior Business Expertise Manager at Service Canada, Mélissa Roy exemplifies innovative and collaborative leadership. Within months of stepping into her new role, she successfully mobilized and guided her virtual team in developing high-performing tools within a creative and supportive environment. In parallel with co-leading the Atlantic Leadership Forum, Mélissa continued to foster a positive, healthy, and inclusive workplace. She constantly drives organizational success by empowering others to believe in their potential. Her strategic thinking, strong work ethic, authentic respect and gratitude for others, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a standout leader across the federal public service.

AAFC’s Young Professionals Network

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is the gold standard of employee networks. Their commitment to excellence is evident, inspiring young professionals across the organization to try new things, develop new skills, and expand their networks. Through diverse events, such as the International Women’s Day panel and farm tours, they have fostered professional growth and collaboration at AAFC, hosting more than 20 no-cost programs that support the knowledge and skills development for all employees. Their forward-thinking approach ensures timely, relevant events. By delivering meaningful experiences, YPN continues to inspire and support emerging leaders at AAFC—all on a voluntary basis!

• Gina Cupello
• Cedric Gigoux
• Sonya Hughes
• Haydn Jackson
• Mariah Johnson
• Emma Joiner
• Eric Knott
• Austin Mowat
• Paige Percy
• Hayley Provost
• Karen Van Staveren

National School Food Program Negotiation Team

In Canada, 28% of children live in households that experience food insecurity. When children have access to healthy food, they are set up to succeed. School food programs reduce hunger, improve health and learning outcomes. Budget 2024 announced the creation of a National School Food Program, providing $1 billion over five years to expand and enhance programs in collaboration with other partners. This could feed up to 400,000 children annually and save families with two school-aged kids about $800 a year. By December 2024, five agreements had been signed, building towards three-year agreements signed with provinces and territories.

• Kaitlin Blackhall
• Nuala Bobowski
• Caroline Cantin
• Misha Celentano
• Thomas Clarke
• Briaunna Coburn
• Katelyn Colonnier
• Amelie Giroux
• An Brian Huynh
• Carrington Knight
• Charlie-Elizabeth Nadeau
• William MacMinn
• Kaitlyn Posselwhite
• Vinussa Rameshshanker
• Mirali Watson

Project Border NEXUS

Project Border NEXUS was initiated to carry out emergency coordination and leadership on the RCMP’s development and implementation of initiatives under Canada’s Border Plan. A team of five called Project Border NEXUS worked relentlessly to provide vital coordination between operational teams and subject matter experts, while providing strategic recommendations on policy matters related to border security to the RCMP Commissioner and senior management. The team ensured timely and up-to-date information flow between multiple decision makers within the Public Safety portfolio as they worked to uphold the Government of Canada commitment of keeping Canada safe and secure in collaboration with domestic and international partners.

• Jennifer Ann Castronero
• Austin Cole
• Annabelle Gagnon- Barnes
• Dana Leedy
• Janelle Mercier

Canada’s Black Justice Strategy Team

Guided by the Ministerial priority to establish Canada’s Black Justice Strategy (CBJS), this team undertook foundational work that required leading multidisciplinary and specialized initiatives in collaboration with 13 partner departments and agencies, and Justice Canada. Despite limited resources, the small CBJS Team overcame constraints and tight timelines, while educating stakeholders on systemic discrimination and anti-Black racism in the criminal justice system. With change management mindsets, they gathered and analyzed information, proposed reforms, supported the external Steering Group on Canada’s Black Justice Strategy and promoted access to justice. Through engagements with 12 B3 Community Based Organizations (Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving), they built trust and advanced a people-centered approach, making big strides toward transformative change.

• Corinne Adelakoun
• Jessica Belmontes
• Ahlem Benyoucef
• Claire Farid
• Kimberly Fong Flores
• Lisa Hitch
• Sophia Hullin
• Diana Kagabo
• Magali Mukunzi
• Rolandia Okoudjou
• Raïmi Babatoundé Osseni
• Martine St-Louis

Darlene Mulcahey, Canada Border Services Agency

Darlene Mulcahey is nominated for this award for her development and implementation of the My Menopause at Work (MMAW) virtual GC Collab network. MMAW’s mission is to create a menopause-inclusive workplace for everyone. In creating MMAW, Darlene’s vision was to join forces (employers, employees and unions alike) to foster a healthy work environment where menopause is understood and supported. Since its launch on October 18, 2023, MMAW’s membership has now reached over 2,100 from across the country and has received endorsement from a few key Deputy Ministers and other senior executives. Darlene was featured on CBC National News and in the Menopause Foundation of Canada report—as the MMAW founder, she helps to publish a newsletter called Meno-Info and has partnered with other groups such as the Infinity Network, CBSA Women’s Advisory Committee, and the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace for events. Through MMAW, Darlene is leading the way to demystify and normalize menopause in the workplace, thereby helping the public service become more inclusive and bring about a culture change around this normal stage of life.

Rachel S., PhD, Communications Security Establishment

Rachel S. is a leader in Canada’s national security community. She designed the “Mitigating Implicit Bias in National Security” course, which she teaches quarterly at the PCO and the Communications Security Establishment Canada, fostering cultural change across government. Rachel has also strengthened Canada’s cybersecurity preparedness, leading national threat assessments and briefing senior decisionmakers. She has represented Canada internationally, including by training NATO cyber analysts. As a champion for workplace equity, Rachel co-founded a women’s support network at CSE. Her dedication to operational excellence, inclusivity, and public service values has had a lasting impact across multiple agencies.

Annie Turner, Statistics Canada

Annie Turner has been honoured with this prestigious award for her exceptional leadership and commitment to inclusion and reconciliation at Statistics Canada. As the driving force of the Directive on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Statistics and the Indigenous Statistical Capacity Data Initiative, she has advanced ethical data practices and cultural awareness across the public service. Her work has empowered over 1,600 employees and strengthened respectful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations, and governments. By ensuring Indigenous data aligns with ethical governance, Annie has fostered integrity, collaboration, and lasting impact—embodying the values of courage, wisdom, and compassion.

Kathy Lusk, Employment and Social Development Canada

Kathy Lusk has distinguished herself as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through her achievements in transforming the public service in the Atlantic region. As Lead of the Building Black Leaders Program and Champion of the Diverse Leadership Development Program, Kathy has mobilized equity-seeking communities and fostered inclusive leadership. She facilitated respectful discussions on DEI, creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to breaking barriers embody the core values of the public sector.

Office of Indigenous Initiatives

This team made extraordinary contributions by launching a program that hires Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals formerly federally incarcerated. The initiative removes barriers to employment while creating meaningful opportunities for training, career development, and long-term growth. Team members have demonstrated strong leadership in fostering respectful and inclusive workplaces. At the heart of the program are mentorship, bilingual learning, Sharing Circles, Indigenous cultural practices and ongoing support throughout each participant’s journey. Working with federal departments, Indigenous Elders, Healing Lodges, and Correctional Service partners, the team developed a culturally informed hiring process that upholds public sector values while advancing diversity and reconciliation. Their work has broken down systemic barriers, promoted inclusivity, and sparked lasting cultural change.

• Andrew Caldwell
• Chev John Mason Cheechoo
• Julie Bouthillier
• Holly Johnstone
• Julie Lalonde
• Lynne E. Lariviere
• Jane Luhtasaari
• Steven Maracle
• Patrick N. Mvudi
• Noodloo Pishuktie
• Valerie Thomas

IT Accessibility Strategy Team, Employment and Social Development Canada

The TAP pilot project (Targeted Accessibility Partnership Team) embodies the core public service values of Respect for People, Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion. By addressing accessibility barriers in communication materials, the project demonstrates a profound commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive work environment while improving service delivery to Canadians. By increasing awareness, delivering coaching, and building capacity, TAP is not only enhancing the quality and accessibility of materials but also building a lasting foundation of knowledge and skills among employees. This project’s innovative strategy of collaboration, capacity building, and systemic improvement has already begun to reshape workplace practices at Employment and Social Development Canada.

• Manuel Brassard
• Larry Bowden
• Brendan Carroll
• Jean-Michel Dorais
• Alexis Van Den Hoogen

Paulette Barry

Ms. Barry served as a public service employee for over 40 years, working with Corrections Canada and the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police before retiring in 2025. Throughout her career, she was instrumental in successfully completing numerous projects and she played pivotal roles in developing processes that improved efficiency and accuracy, resulting in increased productivity and efficient use of resources. Ms. Barry was keen to help co-workers and quick to notice when a colleague appeared overwhelmed and needing support. Many supervisors describe Paulette as the "consummate professional," often taking on undesirable tasks, striving to do her best and completing any task she is faced with.

Dr. Cyd Courchesne

Dr. Cyd Courchesne has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her 40-year career in military and public service. She served over 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Medical Officer, advancing diversity and inclusion. At Veterans Affairs Canada, she expanded Operational Stress Injury clinics, launched two Centres of Excellence, and introduced tools like CROMIS and the Veterans’ health and well-being assessment. Her contributions improved care delivery and advanced research in chronic pain and mental health. A tireless advocate for equity, she champions women and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Her integrity, vision, and commitment to Veteran well-being make her a deserving Award recipient.

Ralph Allen Eldridge

Ralph Eldridge has dedicated over 53 years to the Canadian Coast Guard, exemplifying dedication and professionalism. Since 1996, he has served as Principal Lightkeeper at Machias Seal Island, maintaining one of Canada’s most remote and vital light stations with exceptional care. Beginning his career in 1971, Ralph safeguarded Canadian waterways at numerous stations, including 17 years on Partridge Island and 8 years at Green’s Point, adapting seamlessly through automation and technological change. A respected leader and steward, he is known for his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to service. Ralph’s legacy stands as a shining example of lifelong devotion to public service and Canada’s maritime safety.

Sean Patrick Stone

Sean Stone is being recognized for his 34 years of exceptional public service. His achievements include major contraband seizures, notably six tonnes of hashish in a joint RCMP/Coast Guard/National Defence operation and over 50 kg of cocaine. He served on the front lines during 9/11, pioneered commercial targeting abroad under the Canada-US Joint Targeting Initiative, and helped establish the National Targeting Centre in 2010. During the Opioid Crisis, he led enforcement on fentanyl interception. Sean has trained hundreds of officers worldwide and earned multiple President’s Awards, commanding respect across the Canada Border Services Agency.