You (Government of Canada Heads of Communications) are in a very interesting and challenging world these days. You are very much involved in the engagement with Canadians. We used to think of, and talk about communications as how governments talk to Canadians or get their message across. However, this has increasingly become a two-way conversation, a very interactive, iterative conversation with Canadians, whether it is a broader public or a targeted micro initiative.
On Wednesday, October 10th, Government of Canada officials will host a media technical briefing related to the legalization of cannabis. The briefing will be for background information only and is not for attribution.
On Friday, October 5th, Government of Canada officials will host two media technical briefings related to the legalization of cannabis. The briefings will be for background information only and are not for attribution.
Today’s award is the preeminent recognition of exceptional work in the Public Service of Canada. That makes it pretty special, because, as you know, the Public Service of Canada is an exceptional public service by any number of measures.
We only have to look at what is happening around the world to have hope on the road ahead. In corporate offices, in schools, in courts, in legislatures – our work and our stories are changing the world for the better. When we imagine a more loving world for us, when we assert our dignity against all risks, we move mountains.
We have much to be proud of and many successes to build on. In 2017, Canada’s Public Service was ranked as the most effective public service in the world.
I want to thank you for where you have come from and what you have done. I want to challenge you to continue that legacy into the future, to always pursue excellence in your analysis, evidence in your advice, to challenge your own assumptions about the way the world works or what is going on out there. You have specialized expertise in some areas that nobody else in town has, and you have partners all around the public service that have deep expertise and networks and connections. Learning how to collaborate with other organizations and teams is the secret sauce of public service these days.
