As an up-and-coming public relations practitioner, I looked forward to a co-op position where I could use the creative abilities that I have been developing for the past two years at Mount Saint Vincent University. I wanted the opportunity to work with an organization with a strong reputation that would prove to be an invaluable experience in the forming stage of my career.
When the question was asked, "Where would you like do your first work-term?" I usually answered 'I am not really that picky'. Government was not on the top of my list tho. But after the summer of 2007 I now know that government is something I want to pursue in the future.
My position with the government was very unique. I worked with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation as their Event Coordinator planning their 6th Charity Golf Tournament. I was responsible for soliciting companies for sponsorships, prize donations and registrations. I also looked after putting together a golf committee, communicating with the golf course and working with the graphic designer to create the golf collateral.
The tournament took place on August 22nd at the Granite Springs Golf Course. It was an absolute beautiful day (thank God, I guess the prayer beads on the clothes line helped). We raised twenty five thousand dollars for Habitat for Humanity.
Working with the government allowed me to get involved in many things, whether it was volunteering for a Habitat Build Day or volunteering at another golf tournament. The office was very welcoming and very helpful. As this was the 6th year for the tournament everyone in the office had been involved one way or another before so they were always their when I needed a hand.
For anyone who has second thoughts about government I suggest you give that a second thought because I sure did and I am glad I did. I loved my job and I would do it again. Not only was it a learning experience but it allowed me the chance to develop relationships that will play an important role in my near future.
Kalyn Cotton
Kalyn is currently in her 3rd year at MSVU. She is in the process of applying for jobs for her second co-op term, and hoping to do another term with the government. In the future she would love to be an event planner for the government or a non-profit organization.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Biographies of our Guest Speakers and Communications Experts
Glenn Chamberlain
Regional Director, Regional Communications (N.S.)
Treasury Board Secretariat
Glenn Chamberlain is the Regional Director of the Government of Canada Regional Communications Office in Halifax, part of the Treasury Board Secretariat. He honed his communications skills as a Public Affairs Officer with the Canadian Forces over 21 year military career, serving across the country and internationally telling the stories of Canada’s sailors, soldiers and airmen. In 1998, just after helping coordinate the media relations effort related to the crash of SwissAir Flight 111, he headed to Bosnia for a tour as lead spokesperson for NATO forces in Sarajevo. Following his retirement as Senior Public Affairs Officer for the Navy in Halifax, he became a proud public servant, serving with Justice Canada, Communications Canada, the Privy Council Office, and now the Treasury Board Secretariat. Glenn is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, and he got married this summer, honeymooning in France. He is the father of three.
Ryan Demings – Bridged Student
Communications Officer
Canada Revenue Agency
Ryan Demings is currently employed as a Communications Officer with Canada Revenue Agency – Atlantic Regional Office. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University. Originally from Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Ryan currently resides in Halifax.
Richard Gauthier
Communications Coordinator, Parliamentary Affairs/Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Richard is currently Communications Coordinator for Parliamentary Affairs and Media Relations with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), a federal government regional development agency headquartered in Moncton. Richard has held similar Communications positions with VIA Rail Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in both Toronto and Halifax over the past twenty years.
A native of Ottawa and a graduate of Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism program, Richard began his first career as a broadcast journalist for a small, private radio station in Moncton – the French language equivalent of WKRP.
He quickly realized that working on the other side of the microphone in Public Relations would offer more challenging and hopefully lucrative career possibilities. Joining VIA Rail Canada’s public affairs team in Toronto in the late 1990’s, he was quickly introduced to the world of special events planning and management, internal communications, community and stakeholder relations, media relations and lots of crisis management.
Over the past decade, Richard has worked primarily in issues management, parliamentary affairs and media relations with ACOA.
And he still hasn’t given up his love of sports broadcasting having produced and hosted a weekly cable television sports show as well as weekend duties as public address announcer for both stock-car racing and junior hockey in the Moncton area.
Richard and his wife Denise are also busy parents of three school-aged children.
Pamela Gautreau
Acting Communications Manager, Atlantic Region
Parks Canada
Pamela Gautreau has been working in the public relations field for more than twenty years. Following studies towards a business degree, Pamela discovered her true calling while working as an office clerk in the Public Affairs Office with a municipal government. Next it was off to MSVU to complete a PR degree; while there, Pamela was the student representative for IABC and, in her final year, was co-president of the Student’s PR Society.
Although not in the coop program (optional at the time), Pamela was able to land summer jobs in her field. However, she considers that one of her best investments was a summer French immersion program at Laval, where she gained a beginners’ knowledge of French and a thirst for learning the language.
After receiving her Public Relations degree, Pamela secured a number of temporary positions with Parks Canada before being hired as Visitor Activities Specialist, managing the commemorations program for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in the Atlantic Region. In this job, Pamela was able to work closely with local communities to celebrate examples of Canada’s most significant stories. Several years later, Pamela moved with Parks Canada to New Brunswick, where she was responsible for marketing that province’s national parks and national historic sites while working collaboratively with various levels of government and community groups.
A husband and two children later, Pamela took a leave of absence and moved to Walnut Creek, California, where she served as a volunteer on the Board of the city’s longest running cooperative preschool and as hospitality coordinator for Walnut Creek Elementary. After five years, her family returned to Nova Scotia, and following short stints at Statistics Canada and Service Canada, Pamela rejoined Parks Canada where she is now working in a term position as the Communications Manager for the Atlantic Region.
David Jennings
Communications Officer
National Research Council of Canada, Institute for Marine Biosciences
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Mr. Jennings was taken by his parents at an early age to India, as they were missionaries for the United Church of Canada. Raised in both the Himalaya Mountains and the plains of central India, he had a private Christian boarding-school education before returning to Canada to pursue (while never quite catching) his university education at Mount Allison, where United Church preacher’s kids got a $100 discount from their tuition.
His continuing education included a diploma in broadcast announcing from NSIT, a trade he put to work in a practical way in the broadcast industry and in his communications career.
Work life has included stints with Katimavik, Canada World Youth, as a newsman on CHNS Radio in Halifax, and CHSJ Radio and TV in Saint John, NB, managing two natural foods retail outlets (Sackville, NB and Halifax), and serving as a communications professional with various Government of Canada departments such as:
Statistics Canada,
Public Works Canada,
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, including
The Canadian Coast Guard, and
The National Research Council..
Through the years his work has been recognized for his excellence in the management of front-line issues through his work with media and community organizations, with two Deputy Minister Commendations (“MV Estai” and Hurricane Juan) and a Merit Award (Media Relations Training), in addition to a Certificate of Appreciation for his work in keeping Canadians up-to-date on the whereabouts and activities of the CCGS Sir William Alexander as she plied the Gulf of Mexico to help support the US recovery from Hurricane Katrina, which resulted in the ship’s mission being cited as one of the top ten news events of 1995 in the yearly wrap-up issue of the Globe and Mail!.
Mr. Jennings was also instrumental, along with fellow CafeComm 2007 presenter Scott Verret, in developing DFO Maritime Region’s own media training module, the implementation of which has greatly improved the department’s ability to connect with its clients and partners through the utilization of everyday relationship building and accurate news media coverage. The results of this training initiative have been shown as s significantly improved media profile for the Department, compared to its traditional role as one of the most unpopular, and misunderstood, departments amongst stakeholders and Canadians at large.
Issues management, both behind-the-scenes and on the frontlines, has been a major part of Mr. Jennings’s career with the GOC. Public affairs and corporate communications staff are tasked to support the development of, and reinforce decisions and policy approaches to, such issues as resource sharing and conservation that are almost guaranteed to be unpopular with someone in the fishing community, a group that has ready access to media outlets and know how to attract attention when they need it!
This is particularly the case with DFO, the only government agencies that prevents people from taking money out of the water with nets and hook and line. Issues in DFO’s bailiwick can also include; small craft harbours and divestiture of wharves, lighthouses, search and rescue, international fish stock management, security, fisheries enforcement, the seal hunt, resource management and many others.
Mr. Jennings’s other interests include: record (LP) collecting, live musical performance, photography, motorcycles and old-fashioned analog stereo equipment, tennis, and slo-pitch softball. He speaks English, French, Hindi/Urdu and Bahasa Malaysia.
Suzie Keténé
Communications Officer, Communications Atlantic
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Kathy Lusk
Senior Officer, Specialized Recruiting Programs
Public Service Commission
Kathy has worked for the Public Service Commission for five years, three of which were spent managing the Post-Secondary Recruitment program nationally. She is now the Sr. Officer, Specialized Recruitment and Special Projects for the Atlantic region.
Chastity McKinnon
Communications Manager/Program Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Chastity has worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region for over seven years and is currently the Acting Senior Communications Advisor.
In this role she has a variety of responsibilities including media relations, media monitoring, communications planning, and human resources management. In 2000, Chastity joined DFO as the Manager of Internal Communications. She has also worked as the regional Communications Manager for Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, the Communications Manager for the Species at Risk Program and a Program Advisor to the Species at Risk Program.
Chastity’s government communications career began with her first work term with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. She also has experience working in a communications capacity with Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Environment Canada and the NS provincial government.
Chastity graduated from MSVU’s Public Relations degree program in 1999 and is currently working part-time on her Masters in Public Administration at Dalhousie University.
Aundrea Morrison
Programs and Resourcing Advisor
Public Service Commission
Aundrea has been with the Public Service Commission for appropriately 1 year. She has a several years experience in staffing and recruitment and now works as a Resourcing Advisor in Specialized Recruitment Programs, where she advised departments, students, and the general public on employment and recruitment programs.
Jennifer Morrison
Senior Communications Advisor
Canada Border Service Agency
Over the last 19 years, Jennifer has held a variety of positions in the federal public service. Jennifer is currently with the Canada Border Services Agency - Atlantic Region as a Senior Communications Advisor.
Jennifer began her career with Canada Customs as a customs officer and program officer. In 1997 she joined the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency as a Communications Advisor performing a variety of communications functions including managing several communications projects. She also worked as a Senior Communications Advisor for Environment Canada.
Jennifer graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax with a Bachelor of Public Relations Degree, and is a member of the Nova Scotia Federal Communications Council.
Melanie Reasbeck – Bridged Student
Communications Officer, Program Communications
Canada Border Service Agency
Melanie Reasbeck is a recent graduate of the BPR program at Mount Saint Vincent University. Although raised in rural Ontario, she has been living and working professionally in Ottawa for about 10 years, with a three-year hiatus in Halifax for school. In her early thirties and mostly married, Melanie developed a savvy for public relations, writing and current events after working for a national not-for-profit organization promoting recreation opportunities and healthy living for Canadians. She also holds a diploma in Business Administration (Marketing). When not sitting in front of her computer, Melanie enjoys the outdoor life, and romps with an international medieval recreation society, the Society for Creative Anachronism (www.sca.org).
Judith Scrimger
Chair, Public Relations Department
Mount Saint Vincent University
Judith Scrimger, an accredited member of the Canadian Public Relations Society, is associate professor of public relations and department chair at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has taught a wide range of subjects including interpersonal and organizational communication, media relations, public speaking, public relations management, and writing. Her research interests include gender and public relations management, communications in the health care setting, and media coverage of controversial issues. She has worked in both print and broadcast journalism and public relations in the area of internationanal development. She has conducted workshops in media relations for both federal government departments and for not-for-profit organizations and has been an invited speaker at national and international conferences.
Elizabeth Seymour
Executive Director
Communications Community Office
Elizabeth Seymour has worked in various government communications jobs for the past 25 years. She is currently the Executive Director of the Communications Community Office which is the functional community office that works on behalf of the over 3,000 communicators in the federal government.
Karen Shewbridge
Group Leader, Information Services
Defence Research and Development Canada
Karen Shewbridge has been Group Leader Information Services at Defence R&D Canada-Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic) for four years. DRDC Atlantic is one of seven research centres operated by Defence R&D Canada, an Agency of the Department of National Defence. DRDC Atlantic does all the research for the Canadian Navy on both coasts and has world-leading expertise in antisubmarine warfare, mine and torpedo defence, air and naval platform technology, maritime information systems, emerging materials and signature management.
Karen is responsible for all internal/external strategic communications advice, planning and implementation as well as media relations. She is also responsible for the management and operation of the Research Library, Graphics Services and the Central Registry Records Management system. She manages all communications and public relations at DRDC Atlantic’s main site in Dartmouth, N.S. as well as sites at Esquimalt, B.C., Ottawa and the Halifax dockyard lab. She is the first point of contact for all media inquiries and coaches senior managers, spokespersons and subject matter experts prior to media interviews. She also acts as spokesperson as required and is responsible for all media planning and analysis, press conferences and communications support to regional, national and international scientific research and sea trials. Karen advises on all classified and sensitive media issues including effects of sonar on marine mammals, and DRDC submarine accident investigation and repair work. She oversees development and content management of the Internet website and also created and developed DRDC Atlantic’s dynamic, interactive Oracle portal-based Intranet website ‘echo’.
Prior to working at DRDC and with the federal government, Karen was Director of Communications for the Healthcare Corporation of St. John’s, the largest health board in Newfoundland and Labrador responsible for all hospitals in the St. John’s area. She was also Director of Communications with the St. John’s Nursing Home Board and Information Officer (Research) with Memorial University, the largest university in Atlantic Canada.
Before moving into a career in Public Relations, Karen worked in both private and public radio and television as a Broadcast Journalist for twelve years, primarily in News and Current Affairs as reporter, news anchor, morning show host, producer, line-up editor and writer. She also wrote a regular book review for several years for The Telegram daily newspaper.
In addition to her career as a journalist and communications professional, Karen’s passion is the theatre. She worked for a time professionally and was nominated in 2004 for an ACTRA award for Outstanding Performance Female in the small independent film The Cab Driver.
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Nova Scotia)
Covering city hall debates on public housing was the last place Alex Smith thought he’d wind up when he naively strolled into the offices of a community newspaper to volunteer the services of a good friend. Nearly 30 years, and many tens of thousands of words, later he’s still trying to get it right.
Along the way he’s been a small part of some great regional and national stories - the Atlantic Film Festival, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canada Council for the Arts, the International Centre for Ocean Development.
He’s also had the chance to help other people tell their stories here at home and around the world. One of his greatest thrills as a freelancer with CBC was signing off with the words – “For Radio Canada International, I’m Alex Smith In Halifax.” – and wondering how our Nova Scotia stories were being received in other parts of the world.
As he drove by the big shortwave towers on New Brunswick’s Tantramar Marshes earlier this week, he dreamed of those days he made words that skipped across oceans and continents.
Alex is currently the Director, Communications and Outreach for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Nova Scotia office and the Chair of the Student Networking Café’s Coordinating Committee.
Jon Stone
Regional Communications Advisor
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jon Stone began his career as a communicator at the age of 18 the moment he stepped off the back of a live blue whale trapped in ice off the coast of Newfoundland. The urge to tell the story resulted in him having the very first front page story on the very first edition of the Bedford-Sackville news which eventually grew into today’s Daily News.
Working as a part-time reporter for the Chronicle Herald while attending Mount Saint Vincent before the days of the formalized public relations program there, he created his own “co-op” education program. After the Mount he worked for a number of years as a journalist with local media including the Halifax Herald, the Dartmouth Free Press, CHNS Radio and CBC. He joined the Government of Canada in 1982 and has worked in progressively more responsible positions in several federal departments and agencies.
He currently is the Regional Director, Communications for Citizenship and Immigration Canada in the Atlantic Region.
Scott Verret
Regional Communications Advisor, Atlantic Region
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Scott Verret first began his service with the federal government at 16 years old as a member of the army reserve in his home town of Middleton in 1978. In 1980, just before his 18th birthday, he joined the regular force to train as a naval officer. Following training in various classes of ships, he earned his Bridge Watchkeeping qualification and Certificate of Competency aboard HMCS Athabaskan in 1985.
Upon leaving the Navy in 1986, he began studies at Mount Saint Vincent University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Public Relations. During his two years at the Mount, he played for the Mystics basketball team and worked as an editor for the Picaro student newspaper. He graduated in 1988 on the Dean’s List.
After graduation he pursued employment with both private and non-profit organizations before taking a position as a civilian public affairs specialist at the Navy’s headquarters in Halifax in 1991. He spent five years at Maritime Command Headquarters involved in various duties, including internal and external communications, strategic planning, media relations and stakeholder relations.
During this period, Scott put his uniform back on to serve as a naval officer with HMCS Scotian naval reserve division in Halifax. Later, in 1999, he left operations and became a military public affairs officer to support outreach activities. He retired from the Armed Forces in 2004.
In 1995, during the government’s Program Review, a decision was taken to move the Navy’s headquarters to Ottawa and Scott accepted a deployment offer to be Atlantic Regional public affairs manager for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, looking after media and community relations activities.
Only a year later, he accepted a promotional assignment to be Communications Manager for the Canadian Coast Guard in the Maritimes. The assignment later became a permanent appointment. With the Coast Guard, Scott participated in numerous emergency response exercises and was the primary Coast Guard communicator following the crash of Swissair 111 in 1998.
Following a promotion in 2001, he became Team Leader for the Communications Branch at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, managing a team of communications professionals serving the various operational branches of DFO. He also coordinated business planning and performance management for the Communications Branch.
In 2002, Scott accepted an opportunity to join the RCMP as a civilian member and help coordinate communications activities across the Atlantic Region. In his current role, he reports to the RCMP’s Deputy Commissioner for Atlantic Canada and serves as Communications advisor on the regional executive team.
A total of 23 years working in the federal government has given Scott the opportunity to see much of Canada from Vancouver Island to Sable Island, Resolute Bay to northern Labrador, and many cities in between, not to mention occasional trips overseas. However, Scott has been fortunate to have served almost entirely in his native province and now calls Fall River home with his wife and young daughter.
Gary Warnock
Director, Conferences and Special Events
Canada School of Public Service
Gary Warnock has been a federal public servant for his entire career. Now in his 21st year, Gary has worked in a number of departments on both the East and West Coasts of Canada and is now based in Ottawa.
He began as a co-op student with the then Department of Communications in 1986 in Vancouver and became a full-fledged public servant in 1987 when he became that Department’s first regional Public Affairs Assistant. Since then, he has worked with Industry Canada and its previous incarnations (Regional Industrial Expansion and Industry, Science and Technology Canada) at increasing levels of responsibility, finishing as Regional Public Affairs and Marketing Advisor before moving to Health Canada to become their Senior Communications Advisor in 1999.
In 2000, Gary moved from the West Coast to the East Coast to open the newly-formed regional bureau of the Canada Information Office (CIO) as its Regional Director, staying through its transformation into Communication Canada, before moving to Ottawa with that organization in 2003. When Communication Canada was disbanded in 2004, something Gary had absolutely nothing to do with, he went on assignment to the Communications Community Office as Manager of Regional Liaison and Coordinator of the 2005 Government of Canada Communicators Conference. Just before the Conference, however, he was called back to his home department of Treasury Board Secretariat to assume responsibilities as Director of Communications Policy and Federal Identity Program.
Having covered a lot of ground in his first two years in Ottawa, Gary has finally settled into a position that draws on his passions and skills long enough to actually achieve something substantial. In December, 2005, he joined the Canada School of Public Service as its Director of Conferences and Special Events where he leads a creative and dynamic team of professional event designers and planners in bringing a range of large- and medium-scale learning events to fellow public servants across the country.
Gary remains committed to his chosen profession of public service communicator and vows never to lose his regional perspective, despite living and working in Ottawa.
Wendy Williams
Communications Manager/Special Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Wendy has worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region for over seven years and is the Communications Manager, Internal Communications/Senior Advisor, Integrated Risk Management.
Her career began managing a project to improve communication between the fishing industry and DFO. In 2000, Wendy joined DFO and was responsible for external communications and media relations for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch. Much of her time was spent working on issues related to the aboriginal fisheries and fisheries enforcement. In 2006, Wendy shifted focus and took over the internal communications file. She is also working on the development of an integrated risk management program for DFO.
Wendy graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario with a Master of Arts in Canadian Studies.
Debbie Windsor
Chair, Nova Scotia Federal Council
Vice President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Deborah Windsor is Vice-President (Nova Scotia) for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Ms. Windsor has over 25 years of government experience, including ACOA and the provincial departments of Finance and Energy. She joined ACOA in 1988 and has occupied the positions of Director General, Programs and Operations; Director General, Economic Development; Director, Federal-Provincial Relations; Director, Corporate Services, and Director, Programs.
Ms. Windsor plays a leading role in the economic development of the province. She assists in fulfilling the Agency’s mandate to improve the economy of Atlantic Canada, promoting leading-edge innovation and sustainable communities. Ms. Windsor is committed to building strong partnerships among governments, businesses, educational and research institutions, and communities. She serves as Chair of the Nova Scotia Federal Council, which is an organization that brings together all the senior federal officials in Nova Scotia to collaborate on policies and services of common interest to Canadians. Ms. Windsor co-chairs, with the Province of Nova Scotia, federal-provincial committees on economic development, innovation, prosperity and productivity, and infrastructure.
Born in Cape Breton, Ms. Windsor obtained a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry from Dalhousie University and pursued graduate studies in statistical analysis. She is an active leader in her community serving on a number of volunteer boards, including President of Banook Canoe Club; Secretary, Dartmouth Whalers Swim Club; NovaKnowledge and the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development.
Ms. Windsor has four children and, with her family, lives in Dartmouth.
Regional Director, Regional Communications (N.S.)
Treasury Board Secretariat
Glenn Chamberlain is the Regional Director of the Government of Canada Regional Communications Office in Halifax, part of the Treasury Board Secretariat. He honed his communications skills as a Public Affairs Officer with the Canadian Forces over 21 year military career, serving across the country and internationally telling the stories of Canada’s sailors, soldiers and airmen. In 1998, just after helping coordinate the media relations effort related to the crash of SwissAir Flight 111, he headed to Bosnia for a tour as lead spokesperson for NATO forces in Sarajevo. Following his retirement as Senior Public Affairs Officer for the Navy in Halifax, he became a proud public servant, serving with Justice Canada, Communications Canada, the Privy Council Office, and now the Treasury Board Secretariat. Glenn is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, and he got married this summer, honeymooning in France. He is the father of three.
Ryan Demings – Bridged Student
Communications Officer
Canada Revenue Agency
Ryan Demings is currently employed as a Communications Officer with Canada Revenue Agency – Atlantic Regional Office. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University. Originally from Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Ryan currently resides in Halifax.
Richard Gauthier
Communications Coordinator, Parliamentary Affairs/Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Richard is currently Communications Coordinator for Parliamentary Affairs and Media Relations with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), a federal government regional development agency headquartered in Moncton. Richard has held similar Communications positions with VIA Rail Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in both Toronto and Halifax over the past twenty years.
A native of Ottawa and a graduate of Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism program, Richard began his first career as a broadcast journalist for a small, private radio station in Moncton – the French language equivalent of WKRP.
He quickly realized that working on the other side of the microphone in Public Relations would offer more challenging and hopefully lucrative career possibilities. Joining VIA Rail Canada’s public affairs team in Toronto in the late 1990’s, he was quickly introduced to the world of special events planning and management, internal communications, community and stakeholder relations, media relations and lots of crisis management.
Over the past decade, Richard has worked primarily in issues management, parliamentary affairs and media relations with ACOA.
And he still hasn’t given up his love of sports broadcasting having produced and hosted a weekly cable television sports show as well as weekend duties as public address announcer for both stock-car racing and junior hockey in the Moncton area.
Richard and his wife Denise are also busy parents of three school-aged children.
Pamela Gautreau
Acting Communications Manager, Atlantic Region
Parks Canada
Pamela Gautreau has been working in the public relations field for more than twenty years. Following studies towards a business degree, Pamela discovered her true calling while working as an office clerk in the Public Affairs Office with a municipal government. Next it was off to MSVU to complete a PR degree; while there, Pamela was the student representative for IABC and, in her final year, was co-president of the Student’s PR Society.
Although not in the coop program (optional at the time), Pamela was able to land summer jobs in her field. However, she considers that one of her best investments was a summer French immersion program at Laval, where she gained a beginners’ knowledge of French and a thirst for learning the language.
After receiving her Public Relations degree, Pamela secured a number of temporary positions with Parks Canada before being hired as Visitor Activities Specialist, managing the commemorations program for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in the Atlantic Region. In this job, Pamela was able to work closely with local communities to celebrate examples of Canada’s most significant stories. Several years later, Pamela moved with Parks Canada to New Brunswick, where she was responsible for marketing that province’s national parks and national historic sites while working collaboratively with various levels of government and community groups.
A husband and two children later, Pamela took a leave of absence and moved to Walnut Creek, California, where she served as a volunteer on the Board of the city’s longest running cooperative preschool and as hospitality coordinator for Walnut Creek Elementary. After five years, her family returned to Nova Scotia, and following short stints at Statistics Canada and Service Canada, Pamela rejoined Parks Canada where she is now working in a term position as the Communications Manager for the Atlantic Region.
David Jennings
Communications Officer
National Research Council of Canada, Institute for Marine Biosciences
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Mr. Jennings was taken by his parents at an early age to India, as they were missionaries for the United Church of Canada. Raised in both the Himalaya Mountains and the plains of central India, he had a private Christian boarding-school education before returning to Canada to pursue (while never quite catching) his university education at Mount Allison, where United Church preacher’s kids got a $100 discount from their tuition.
His continuing education included a diploma in broadcast announcing from NSIT, a trade he put to work in a practical way in the broadcast industry and in his communications career.
Work life has included stints with Katimavik, Canada World Youth, as a newsman on CHNS Radio in Halifax, and CHSJ Radio and TV in Saint John, NB, managing two natural foods retail outlets (Sackville, NB and Halifax), and serving as a communications professional with various Government of Canada departments such as:
Statistics Canada,
Public Works Canada,
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, including
The Canadian Coast Guard, and
The National Research Council..
Through the years his work has been recognized for his excellence in the management of front-line issues through his work with media and community organizations, with two Deputy Minister Commendations (“MV Estai” and Hurricane Juan) and a Merit Award (Media Relations Training), in addition to a Certificate of Appreciation for his work in keeping Canadians up-to-date on the whereabouts and activities of the CCGS Sir William Alexander as she plied the Gulf of Mexico to help support the US recovery from Hurricane Katrina, which resulted in the ship’s mission being cited as one of the top ten news events of 1995 in the yearly wrap-up issue of the Globe and Mail!.
Mr. Jennings was also instrumental, along with fellow CafeComm 2007 presenter Scott Verret, in developing DFO Maritime Region’s own media training module, the implementation of which has greatly improved the department’s ability to connect with its clients and partners through the utilization of everyday relationship building and accurate news media coverage. The results of this training initiative have been shown as s significantly improved media profile for the Department, compared to its traditional role as one of the most unpopular, and misunderstood, departments amongst stakeholders and Canadians at large.
Issues management, both behind-the-scenes and on the frontlines, has been a major part of Mr. Jennings’s career with the GOC. Public affairs and corporate communications staff are tasked to support the development of, and reinforce decisions and policy approaches to, such issues as resource sharing and conservation that are almost guaranteed to be unpopular with someone in the fishing community, a group that has ready access to media outlets and know how to attract attention when they need it!
This is particularly the case with DFO, the only government agencies that prevents people from taking money out of the water with nets and hook and line. Issues in DFO’s bailiwick can also include; small craft harbours and divestiture of wharves, lighthouses, search and rescue, international fish stock management, security, fisheries enforcement, the seal hunt, resource management and many others.
Mr. Jennings’s other interests include: record (LP) collecting, live musical performance, photography, motorcycles and old-fashioned analog stereo equipment, tennis, and slo-pitch softball. He speaks English, French, Hindi/Urdu and Bahasa Malaysia.
Suzie Keténé
Communications Officer, Communications Atlantic
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Kathy Lusk
Senior Officer, Specialized Recruiting Programs
Public Service Commission
Kathy has worked for the Public Service Commission for five years, three of which were spent managing the Post-Secondary Recruitment program nationally. She is now the Sr. Officer, Specialized Recruitment and Special Projects for the Atlantic region.
Chastity McKinnon
Communications Manager/Program Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Chastity has worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region for over seven years and is currently the Acting Senior Communications Advisor.
In this role she has a variety of responsibilities including media relations, media monitoring, communications planning, and human resources management. In 2000, Chastity joined DFO as the Manager of Internal Communications. She has also worked as the regional Communications Manager for Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, the Communications Manager for the Species at Risk Program and a Program Advisor to the Species at Risk Program.
Chastity’s government communications career began with her first work term with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. She also has experience working in a communications capacity with Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Environment Canada and the NS provincial government.
Chastity graduated from MSVU’s Public Relations degree program in 1999 and is currently working part-time on her Masters in Public Administration at Dalhousie University.
Aundrea Morrison
Programs and Resourcing Advisor
Public Service Commission
Aundrea has been with the Public Service Commission for appropriately 1 year. She has a several years experience in staffing and recruitment and now works as a Resourcing Advisor in Specialized Recruitment Programs, where she advised departments, students, and the general public on employment and recruitment programs.
Jennifer Morrison
Senior Communications Advisor
Canada Border Service Agency
Over the last 19 years, Jennifer has held a variety of positions in the federal public service. Jennifer is currently with the Canada Border Services Agency - Atlantic Region as a Senior Communications Advisor.
Jennifer began her career with Canada Customs as a customs officer and program officer. In 1997 she joined the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency as a Communications Advisor performing a variety of communications functions including managing several communications projects. She also worked as a Senior Communications Advisor for Environment Canada.
Jennifer graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax with a Bachelor of Public Relations Degree, and is a member of the Nova Scotia Federal Communications Council.
Melanie Reasbeck – Bridged Student
Communications Officer, Program Communications
Canada Border Service Agency
Melanie Reasbeck is a recent graduate of the BPR program at Mount Saint Vincent University. Although raised in rural Ontario, she has been living and working professionally in Ottawa for about 10 years, with a three-year hiatus in Halifax for school. In her early thirties and mostly married, Melanie developed a savvy for public relations, writing and current events after working for a national not-for-profit organization promoting recreation opportunities and healthy living for Canadians. She also holds a diploma in Business Administration (Marketing). When not sitting in front of her computer, Melanie enjoys the outdoor life, and romps with an international medieval recreation society, the Society for Creative Anachronism (www.sca.org).
Judith Scrimger
Chair, Public Relations Department
Mount Saint Vincent University
Judith Scrimger, an accredited member of the Canadian Public Relations Society, is associate professor of public relations and department chair at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has taught a wide range of subjects including interpersonal and organizational communication, media relations, public speaking, public relations management, and writing. Her research interests include gender and public relations management, communications in the health care setting, and media coverage of controversial issues. She has worked in both print and broadcast journalism and public relations in the area of internationanal development. She has conducted workshops in media relations for both federal government departments and for not-for-profit organizations and has been an invited speaker at national and international conferences.
Elizabeth Seymour
Executive Director
Communications Community Office
Elizabeth Seymour has worked in various government communications jobs for the past 25 years. She is currently the Executive Director of the Communications Community Office which is the functional community office that works on behalf of the over 3,000 communicators in the federal government.
Karen Shewbridge
Group Leader, Information Services
Defence Research and Development Canada
Karen Shewbridge has been Group Leader Information Services at Defence R&D Canada-Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic) for four years. DRDC Atlantic is one of seven research centres operated by Defence R&D Canada, an Agency of the Department of National Defence. DRDC Atlantic does all the research for the Canadian Navy on both coasts and has world-leading expertise in antisubmarine warfare, mine and torpedo defence, air and naval platform technology, maritime information systems, emerging materials and signature management.
Karen is responsible for all internal/external strategic communications advice, planning and implementation as well as media relations. She is also responsible for the management and operation of the Research Library, Graphics Services and the Central Registry Records Management system. She manages all communications and public relations at DRDC Atlantic’s main site in Dartmouth, N.S. as well as sites at Esquimalt, B.C., Ottawa and the Halifax dockyard lab. She is the first point of contact for all media inquiries and coaches senior managers, spokespersons and subject matter experts prior to media interviews. She also acts as spokesperson as required and is responsible for all media planning and analysis, press conferences and communications support to regional, national and international scientific research and sea trials. Karen advises on all classified and sensitive media issues including effects of sonar on marine mammals, and DRDC submarine accident investigation and repair work. She oversees development and content management of the Internet website and also created and developed DRDC Atlantic’s dynamic, interactive Oracle portal-based Intranet website ‘echo’.
Prior to working at DRDC and with the federal government, Karen was Director of Communications for the Healthcare Corporation of St. John’s, the largest health board in Newfoundland and Labrador responsible for all hospitals in the St. John’s area. She was also Director of Communications with the St. John’s Nursing Home Board and Information Officer (Research) with Memorial University, the largest university in Atlantic Canada.
Before moving into a career in Public Relations, Karen worked in both private and public radio and television as a Broadcast Journalist for twelve years, primarily in News and Current Affairs as reporter, news anchor, morning show host, producer, line-up editor and writer. She also wrote a regular book review for several years for The Telegram daily newspaper.
In addition to her career as a journalist and communications professional, Karen’s passion is the theatre. She worked for a time professionally and was nominated in 2004 for an ACTRA award for Outstanding Performance Female in the small independent film The Cab Driver.
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Nova Scotia)
Covering city hall debates on public housing was the last place Alex Smith thought he’d wind up when he naively strolled into the offices of a community newspaper to volunteer the services of a good friend. Nearly 30 years, and many tens of thousands of words, later he’s still trying to get it right.
Along the way he’s been a small part of some great regional and national stories - the Atlantic Film Festival, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canada Council for the Arts, the International Centre for Ocean Development.
He’s also had the chance to help other people tell their stories here at home and around the world. One of his greatest thrills as a freelancer with CBC was signing off with the words – “For Radio Canada International, I’m Alex Smith In Halifax.” – and wondering how our Nova Scotia stories were being received in other parts of the world.
As he drove by the big shortwave towers on New Brunswick’s Tantramar Marshes earlier this week, he dreamed of those days he made words that skipped across oceans and continents.
Alex is currently the Director, Communications and Outreach for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Nova Scotia office and the Chair of the Student Networking Café’s Coordinating Committee.
Jon Stone
Regional Communications Advisor
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jon Stone began his career as a communicator at the age of 18 the moment he stepped off the back of a live blue whale trapped in ice off the coast of Newfoundland. The urge to tell the story resulted in him having the very first front page story on the very first edition of the Bedford-Sackville news which eventually grew into today’s Daily News.
Working as a part-time reporter for the Chronicle Herald while attending Mount Saint Vincent before the days of the formalized public relations program there, he created his own “co-op” education program. After the Mount he worked for a number of years as a journalist with local media including the Halifax Herald, the Dartmouth Free Press, CHNS Radio and CBC. He joined the Government of Canada in 1982 and has worked in progressively more responsible positions in several federal departments and agencies.
He currently is the Regional Director, Communications for Citizenship and Immigration Canada in the Atlantic Region.
Scott Verret
Regional Communications Advisor, Atlantic Region
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Scott Verret first began his service with the federal government at 16 years old as a member of the army reserve in his home town of Middleton in 1978. In 1980, just before his 18th birthday, he joined the regular force to train as a naval officer. Following training in various classes of ships, he earned his Bridge Watchkeeping qualification and Certificate of Competency aboard HMCS Athabaskan in 1985.
Upon leaving the Navy in 1986, he began studies at Mount Saint Vincent University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Public Relations. During his two years at the Mount, he played for the Mystics basketball team and worked as an editor for the Picaro student newspaper. He graduated in 1988 on the Dean’s List.
After graduation he pursued employment with both private and non-profit organizations before taking a position as a civilian public affairs specialist at the Navy’s headquarters in Halifax in 1991. He spent five years at Maritime Command Headquarters involved in various duties, including internal and external communications, strategic planning, media relations and stakeholder relations.
During this period, Scott put his uniform back on to serve as a naval officer with HMCS Scotian naval reserve division in Halifax. Later, in 1999, he left operations and became a military public affairs officer to support outreach activities. He retired from the Armed Forces in 2004.
In 1995, during the government’s Program Review, a decision was taken to move the Navy’s headquarters to Ottawa and Scott accepted a deployment offer to be Atlantic Regional public affairs manager for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, looking after media and community relations activities.
Only a year later, he accepted a promotional assignment to be Communications Manager for the Canadian Coast Guard in the Maritimes. The assignment later became a permanent appointment. With the Coast Guard, Scott participated in numerous emergency response exercises and was the primary Coast Guard communicator following the crash of Swissair 111 in 1998.
Following a promotion in 2001, he became Team Leader for the Communications Branch at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, managing a team of communications professionals serving the various operational branches of DFO. He also coordinated business planning and performance management for the Communications Branch.
In 2002, Scott accepted an opportunity to join the RCMP as a civilian member and help coordinate communications activities across the Atlantic Region. In his current role, he reports to the RCMP’s Deputy Commissioner for Atlantic Canada and serves as Communications advisor on the regional executive team.
A total of 23 years working in the federal government has given Scott the opportunity to see much of Canada from Vancouver Island to Sable Island, Resolute Bay to northern Labrador, and many cities in between, not to mention occasional trips overseas. However, Scott has been fortunate to have served almost entirely in his native province and now calls Fall River home with his wife and young daughter.
Gary Warnock
Director, Conferences and Special Events
Canada School of Public Service
Gary Warnock has been a federal public servant for his entire career. Now in his 21st year, Gary has worked in a number of departments on both the East and West Coasts of Canada and is now based in Ottawa.
He began as a co-op student with the then Department of Communications in 1986 in Vancouver and became a full-fledged public servant in 1987 when he became that Department’s first regional Public Affairs Assistant. Since then, he has worked with Industry Canada and its previous incarnations (Regional Industrial Expansion and Industry, Science and Technology Canada) at increasing levels of responsibility, finishing as Regional Public Affairs and Marketing Advisor before moving to Health Canada to become their Senior Communications Advisor in 1999.
In 2000, Gary moved from the West Coast to the East Coast to open the newly-formed regional bureau of the Canada Information Office (CIO) as its Regional Director, staying through its transformation into Communication Canada, before moving to Ottawa with that organization in 2003. When Communication Canada was disbanded in 2004, something Gary had absolutely nothing to do with, he went on assignment to the Communications Community Office as Manager of Regional Liaison and Coordinator of the 2005 Government of Canada Communicators Conference. Just before the Conference, however, he was called back to his home department of Treasury Board Secretariat to assume responsibilities as Director of Communications Policy and Federal Identity Program.
Having covered a lot of ground in his first two years in Ottawa, Gary has finally settled into a position that draws on his passions and skills long enough to actually achieve something substantial. In December, 2005, he joined the Canada School of Public Service as its Director of Conferences and Special Events where he leads a creative and dynamic team of professional event designers and planners in bringing a range of large- and medium-scale learning events to fellow public servants across the country.
Gary remains committed to his chosen profession of public service communicator and vows never to lose his regional perspective, despite living and working in Ottawa.
Wendy Williams
Communications Manager/Special Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Wendy has worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region for over seven years and is the Communications Manager, Internal Communications/Senior Advisor, Integrated Risk Management.
Her career began managing a project to improve communication between the fishing industry and DFO. In 2000, Wendy joined DFO and was responsible for external communications and media relations for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch. Much of her time was spent working on issues related to the aboriginal fisheries and fisheries enforcement. In 2006, Wendy shifted focus and took over the internal communications file. She is also working on the development of an integrated risk management program for DFO.
Wendy graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario with a Master of Arts in Canadian Studies.
Debbie Windsor
Chair, Nova Scotia Federal Council
Vice President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Deborah Windsor is Vice-President (Nova Scotia) for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Ms. Windsor has over 25 years of government experience, including ACOA and the provincial departments of Finance and Energy. She joined ACOA in 1988 and has occupied the positions of Director General, Programs and Operations; Director General, Economic Development; Director, Federal-Provincial Relations; Director, Corporate Services, and Director, Programs.
Ms. Windsor plays a leading role in the economic development of the province. She assists in fulfilling the Agency’s mandate to improve the economy of Atlantic Canada, promoting leading-edge innovation and sustainable communities. Ms. Windsor is committed to building strong partnerships among governments, businesses, educational and research institutions, and communities. She serves as Chair of the Nova Scotia Federal Council, which is an organization that brings together all the senior federal officials in Nova Scotia to collaborate on policies and services of common interest to Canadians. Ms. Windsor co-chairs, with the Province of Nova Scotia, federal-provincial committees on economic development, innovation, prosperity and productivity, and infrastructure.
Born in Cape Breton, Ms. Windsor obtained a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry from Dalhousie University and pursued graduate studies in statistical analysis. She is an active leader in her community serving on a number of volunteer boards, including President of Banook Canoe Club; Secretary, Dartmouth Whalers Swim Club; NovaKnowledge and the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development.
Ms. Windsor has four children and, with her family, lives in Dartmouth.
I have been reading this blog since September 17th and I really find it interesting that students and communicators across the country are sharing their experiences in government communications. Their comments are proof that communications in the federal government is an exciting and challenging field. As a Co-op and FSWEP student studying in Communications and Spanish at the University of Ottawa, I have also acquired some relevant experience in government. I have worked for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Communications Community Office (CCO), the National Vimy Memorial in France, which is part of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). I will, however, leave the detailed experience sharing to the communications experts.
Today I want to share with you my opinion of the Student Networking Café. Launched in August 2005 as a pilot project in the National Capital Region, the Student Networking Café is now one of the Communications Community Office's ongoing events. So far, it has attracted 300 participants who had the opportunity to learn about government communications and its different areas but they also had the opportunity to network with real communicators. In one case, a student who stayed in contact with one of the communications experts she had met at the event was bridged-in on his team!
I am so happy and proud that, for the first time, the Student Networking Café will be held in the Nova Scotia region. This is such a good opportunity for MSVU students to make contacts, get more information on a career path that they had possibly not previously envisioned, and make a few friends.
Having participated in the organization of a Student Networking Café on several occasions, I can assure you that it will not be a waste of time.
So please consider attending the Halifax Student Networking Café on October 12th. You never know what might come out of it...
Caroline Bergeron
Communications Assistant
Communications Community Office, Ottawa
Today I want to share with you my opinion of the Student Networking Café. Launched in August 2005 as a pilot project in the National Capital Region, the Student Networking Café is now one of the Communications Community Office's ongoing events. So far, it has attracted 300 participants who had the opportunity to learn about government communications and its different areas but they also had the opportunity to network with real communicators. In one case, a student who stayed in contact with one of the communications experts she had met at the event was bridged-in on his team!
I am so happy and proud that, for the first time, the Student Networking Café will be held in the Nova Scotia region. This is such a good opportunity for MSVU students to make contacts, get more information on a career path that they had possibly not previously envisioned, and make a few friends.
Having participated in the organization of a Student Networking Café on several occasions, I can assure you that it will not be a waste of time.
So please consider attending the Halifax Student Networking Café on October 12th. You never know what might come out of it...
Caroline Bergeron
Communications Assistant
Communications Community Office, Ottawa
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A former journalist and Communications Director in the healthcare sector, I came to the federal government with experience working in both the public and private sectors. One of the best things about joining the federal public service is the wide variety of career choices available to you within government, the chance to work anywhere across the country and the opportunity to have an impact on Canadians directly or indirectly depending on the area you have chosen.
I am currently with Defence R&D Canada- Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic), one of seven centres across the country involved in defence research. Our lab does all the Research and S&T for the Canadian Navy.
Our staff work with scientists around the world and our marine mammal detection discoveries and stealth technology stories have appeared most recently in NATURE magazine in the U.K., and the New York Times news wire.
Sometimes I wonder how I went from handling healthcare workers/doctors strikes to working with brilliant scientists, engineers and technologists on new defence research technologies like stealth buoys, underwater gliders, projects to detect underwater terrorists, mine and torpedo defence including remote mine hunting systems and marine mammal detection.
Instead of MRI’s and Emergency Room crises I now write about and videotape international sea trials using state-of-the-art stealth and sensor technology to fight smuggling and strengthen marine security and naval force protection against post 9/11 threats.
Another great aspect to working with the Government of Canada is that although you can be called upon to deal with crises and media outside of regular work hours, you are well-compensated and you usually have a schedule which allows you to indulge other passions and hobbies. My passion is theatre and the stage. I just completed the musical Nunsense at Dartmouth Players community theatre and am able to audition and do other projects as well as work fulltime and support a family.
Come join us October 12 and find out more about what you can expect, working with the federal public service.
Karen Shewbridge
Karen Shewbridge is Group Leader Information Services at DRDC Atlantic. Besides her Masters coursework, she has a Bachelor of Journalism and an Honours degree in French and Spanish. She has studied in France and Spain, worked in Paris and taught at both Memorial and Acadia universities. For the past twenty-three years she worked first as a Broadcast Journalist and after leaving CBC in 1996, became a Public Relations/Communications professional. Karen is a mother of two and has worked as a professional actress in film, stage and television.
I am currently with Defence R&D Canada- Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic), one of seven centres across the country involved in defence research. Our lab does all the Research and S&T for the Canadian Navy.
Our staff work with scientists around the world and our marine mammal detection discoveries and stealth technology stories have appeared most recently in NATURE magazine in the U.K., and the New York Times news wire.
Sometimes I wonder how I went from handling healthcare workers/doctors strikes to working with brilliant scientists, engineers and technologists on new defence research technologies like stealth buoys, underwater gliders, projects to detect underwater terrorists, mine and torpedo defence including remote mine hunting systems and marine mammal detection.
Instead of MRI’s and Emergency Room crises I now write about and videotape international sea trials using state-of-the-art stealth and sensor technology to fight smuggling and strengthen marine security and naval force protection against post 9/11 threats.
Another great aspect to working with the Government of Canada is that although you can be called upon to deal with crises and media outside of regular work hours, you are well-compensated and you usually have a schedule which allows you to indulge other passions and hobbies. My passion is theatre and the stage. I just completed the musical Nunsense at Dartmouth Players community theatre and am able to audition and do other projects as well as work fulltime and support a family.
Come join us October 12 and find out more about what you can expect, working with the federal public service.
Karen Shewbridge
Karen Shewbridge is Group Leader Information Services at DRDC Atlantic. Besides her Masters coursework, she has a Bachelor of Journalism and an Honours degree in French and Spanish. She has studied in France and Spain, worked in Paris and taught at both Memorial and Acadia universities. For the past twenty-three years she worked first as a Broadcast Journalist and after leaving CBC in 1996, became a Public Relations/Communications professional. Karen is a mother of two and has worked as a professional actress in film, stage and television.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Dear Nervous Co-op Student
Relax!! Trust me, government jobs aren’t as boring as you think!
Six months ago, I would not have imagined I’d be advocating employment with the federal government. At that time my interest was zero, as I knew nothing about government work. My perception completely changed when I completed my first PR co-op with Natural Resources Canada – Atlantic.
Previously, “gettin’ a great paying job with the Feds” was not on my radar. All I could imagine was a stuffy office building with limited creativity – luckily, there is no truth to that statement! Out of an interest in the job description, I applied and accepted a summer work term with NRCan’s regional office in Fredericton, NB.
I was surprised by the warm, inviting culture of NRCan and all other government agencies that I was in contact with this summer. There was never a time when I felt undervalued as a new employee. Every step of the way – whether writing, interviewing, brainstorming or designing – my work was always appreciated. New ideas are welcomed to spice up projects and old traditions are cherished. Government employees are truly passionate about their work and want to see capable post-secondary graduates bring strength to the public service.
As it is early in my career, I don’t know which sector of communications will become my final resting spot. What I do know, is a career as a public servant is an option I will not over-look again. I believe it is the people that shape a great workplace and speaking from experience, federal government departments are a great place to work!
Meaghan Philpott
Meaghan, who was born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, is in her 3rd year of the Public Relations program at The Mount. She will graduate with a BPR and Certificate in Marketing in May 2009. She currently resides in Halifax, but could be anywhere this winter semester as her co-op journey continues.
Six months ago, I would not have imagined I’d be advocating employment with the federal government. At that time my interest was zero, as I knew nothing about government work. My perception completely changed when I completed my first PR co-op with Natural Resources Canada – Atlantic.
Previously, “gettin’ a great paying job with the Feds” was not on my radar. All I could imagine was a stuffy office building with limited creativity – luckily, there is no truth to that statement! Out of an interest in the job description, I applied and accepted a summer work term with NRCan’s regional office in Fredericton, NB.
I was surprised by the warm, inviting culture of NRCan and all other government agencies that I was in contact with this summer. There was never a time when I felt undervalued as a new employee. Every step of the way – whether writing, interviewing, brainstorming or designing – my work was always appreciated. New ideas are welcomed to spice up projects and old traditions are cherished. Government employees are truly passionate about their work and want to see capable post-secondary graduates bring strength to the public service.
As it is early in my career, I don’t know which sector of communications will become my final resting spot. What I do know, is a career as a public servant is an option I will not over-look again. I believe it is the people that shape a great workplace and speaking from experience, federal government departments are a great place to work!
Meaghan Philpott
Meaghan, who was born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, is in her 3rd year of the Public Relations program at The Mount. She will graduate with a BPR and Certificate in Marketing in May 2009. She currently resides in Halifax, but could be anywhere this winter semester as her co-op journey continues.
Five Myths of Government of Canada Communications
I have been with the Feds for over four years now, and there has may-y-y-be been a few dull days during that entire time. Otherwise, it’s deadlines, creativity, team work, negotiations, and advising management on important strategic communications decisions.
#1 – Communications in the federal government must be bo-r-r-ring
Wrong, how can a communications job ever be boring? We are deadline and event-driven communications professionals who take care of our clients’ needs, advising them on best practices, timing, method of communications, strategic planning, you name it – there is always something exciting to plan.
#2 - Punch in at 8:30 and punch out at 4:30
Wrong, if you have a press release to issue for a certain date or an event to plan or an unforeseen communications crisis, you are the front line. That means working with your team until the job gets done.
#3 - The job is very routine and mundane
Wrong, some events are planned and a lot of events are unplanned. As government of Canada priorities arise and change, as communications professionals, we must find the most effective way to deliver those messages. There are a lot of extra-tight deadlines and adrenaline gushing days.
#4 – You are chained to your cubicle at all times
Wrong, in federal communications, there is a lot of opportunity for travel within your designated region, to Ottawa, and even across the country. If you are the point person for an off-site event, generally your professional duties are required on site.
#5 – Your chocolate consumption goes up once you join the feds
YES! Because any excuse to increase your chocolate consumption is good!
Suzie Keténé
Senior Communications Advisor
Atlantic & Nunavut Region
NRC-Industrial Research Assistance Program
#1 – Communications in the federal government must be bo-r-r-ring
Wrong, how can a communications job ever be boring? We are deadline and event-driven communications professionals who take care of our clients’ needs, advising them on best practices, timing, method of communications, strategic planning, you name it – there is always something exciting to plan.
#2 - Punch in at 8:30 and punch out at 4:30
Wrong, if you have a press release to issue for a certain date or an event to plan or an unforeseen communications crisis, you are the front line. That means working with your team until the job gets done.
#3 - The job is very routine and mundane
Wrong, some events are planned and a lot of events are unplanned. As government of Canada priorities arise and change, as communications professionals, we must find the most effective way to deliver those messages. There are a lot of extra-tight deadlines and adrenaline gushing days.
#4 – You are chained to your cubicle at all times
Wrong, in federal communications, there is a lot of opportunity for travel within your designated region, to Ottawa, and even across the country. If you are the point person for an off-site event, generally your professional duties are required on site.
#5 – Your chocolate consumption goes up once you join the feds
YES! Because any excuse to increase your chocolate consumption is good!
Suzie Keténé
Senior Communications Advisor
Atlantic & Nunavut Region
NRC-Industrial Research Assistance Program
Friday, October 5, 2007
A world of opportunities
My name is Laura Decker and I am a 3rd year Public Relations student at MSVU. During the summer of 2007 I had the opportunity to work with the communications team at the Canada Revenue Agency in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was a rewarding experience to work as a federal civil servant. This was my first co-op experience and the knowledge and confidence I gained during my time there will no doubt become the foundation of my career. I not only improved on my critical writing, editing and research skills but gained more confidence in my abilities. I always felt encouraged to contribute and be an active part of the team, regardless of the fact that I was a co-op student.
By working in a federal department you open up a world of opportunities for your career; not only through the contacts you can potentially make but also by the wide range of experiences that are offered in various federal departments. I have a previous degree in History with a minor in Political Science and working with the federal government offers the opportunity to pair my two degrees together. As a result, the prospect of being “bridged” into the federal civil service when I graduate is an exciting possibility.
Laura Decker
By working in a federal department you open up a world of opportunities for your career; not only through the contacts you can potentially make but also by the wide range of experiences that are offered in various federal departments. I have a previous degree in History with a minor in Political Science and working with the federal government offers the opportunity to pair my two degrees together. As a result, the prospect of being “bridged” into the federal civil service when I graduate is an exciting possibility.
Laura Decker
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Networking will often lead to your next career opportunity
Challenging, interesting and ever-changing are words that best describe the past two decades of my work experience on ‘career #3’, including the past 11 plus years as a federal public servant with the Communications team at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Prior to joining ACOA, I also had the opportunity to work in Communications and client service positions for 10 plus years with two federal Crown Corporations.
While that is what you might expect from someone from Ottawa whose parents were both career public servants, I definitely did not set out for a career in the Public Service. Even though I had enjoyed two summer positions working with the Canadian Government Office of Tourism and the Department of Health and Welfare, a career in the public service simply was not on my radar screen in the mid-1980’s.
Armed with a journalism degree from Carleton University, I set out on ‘career #1’ in broadcast journalism in Moncton, New Brunswick thanks in part to networking contacts I had cultivated during my last summer position with the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival. While very interesting and stimulating, private radio broadcasting did not provide me with any comfort level when it came to regularly ‘paying the bills’ and future plans that included starting a family. After two-and-a-half years of toiling in my first chosen career path, my lay-off notice came as somewhat of a shock but a blessing in disguise, as my father is fond of recalling.
After a few interviews for general reporter positions with other broadcasters, I came to the realization that it might be more stimulating and challenging to be on the other side of the microphone in Public Relations. My goal was to get some first-hand knowledge of my next employer’s customer base and eventually move into their Public Relations / Communications division. That’s how I started ‘career #2’ as a member of VIA Rail Canada’s on-board service team riding the rails between Moncton and Montreal. Two-and-a-half years of supervising all aspects of on-board service, dealing with irate customers, washing dishes and waiting tables has a way of providing you with exactly that kind of experience.
The combination of my on-board service experience and journalism training are what brought me to ‘career #3’ which began as a six-month maternity leave replacement as a communications officer with VIA Rail in Toronto. The following seven years in both Toronto and Halifax provided me with a wealth of ‘baptism-by-fire’ experiences in special events planning and management, internal communications, community relations, media relations and crisis management.
The opportunity to join the federal public service and ACOA came once again through some tourism industry networking I had developed at VIA Rail. My next and current career stop brought me back to Moncton as a communications officer with ACOA working primarily in the parliamentary affairs and media relations side of the Agency’s Communications team. As my wife is originally from the Moncton area, this new opportunity also fit in nicely with our plans to put down roots in a community in which we could renew both family and business relationships.
Over the past number of years, I have had to pleasure of working with seasoned Communications professionals on issues management, media relations and parliamentary affairs. I have also had the opportunity to work side-by-side with a number of aspiring Communication professionals from ‘the Mount’ through the co-op student program who have gone on to careers in both the public and private sectors. I look forward to sharing some of my experiences during the upcoming Student Networking Café on October 12th.
Richard Gauthier
---------------------------------------------------
Richard Gauthier works for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in Moncton. He has also worked for VIA Rail Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and as a radio and television broadcast journalist.
While that is what you might expect from someone from Ottawa whose parents were both career public servants, I definitely did not set out for a career in the Public Service. Even though I had enjoyed two summer positions working with the Canadian Government Office of Tourism and the Department of Health and Welfare, a career in the public service simply was not on my radar screen in the mid-1980’s.
Armed with a journalism degree from Carleton University, I set out on ‘career #1’ in broadcast journalism in Moncton, New Brunswick thanks in part to networking contacts I had cultivated during my last summer position with the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival. While very interesting and stimulating, private radio broadcasting did not provide me with any comfort level when it came to regularly ‘paying the bills’ and future plans that included starting a family. After two-and-a-half years of toiling in my first chosen career path, my lay-off notice came as somewhat of a shock but a blessing in disguise, as my father is fond of recalling.
After a few interviews for general reporter positions with other broadcasters, I came to the realization that it might be more stimulating and challenging to be on the other side of the microphone in Public Relations. My goal was to get some first-hand knowledge of my next employer’s customer base and eventually move into their Public Relations / Communications division. That’s how I started ‘career #2’ as a member of VIA Rail Canada’s on-board service team riding the rails between Moncton and Montreal. Two-and-a-half years of supervising all aspects of on-board service, dealing with irate customers, washing dishes and waiting tables has a way of providing you with exactly that kind of experience.
The combination of my on-board service experience and journalism training are what brought me to ‘career #3’ which began as a six-month maternity leave replacement as a communications officer with VIA Rail in Toronto. The following seven years in both Toronto and Halifax provided me with a wealth of ‘baptism-by-fire’ experiences in special events planning and management, internal communications, community relations, media relations and crisis management.
The opportunity to join the federal public service and ACOA came once again through some tourism industry networking I had developed at VIA Rail. My next and current career stop brought me back to Moncton as a communications officer with ACOA working primarily in the parliamentary affairs and media relations side of the Agency’s Communications team. As my wife is originally from the Moncton area, this new opportunity also fit in nicely with our plans to put down roots in a community in which we could renew both family and business relationships.
Over the past number of years, I have had to pleasure of working with seasoned Communications professionals on issues management, media relations and parliamentary affairs. I have also had the opportunity to work side-by-side with a number of aspiring Communication professionals from ‘the Mount’ through the co-op student program who have gone on to careers in both the public and private sectors. I look forward to sharing some of my experiences during the upcoming Student Networking Café on October 12th.
Richard Gauthier
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Richard Gauthier works for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in Moncton. He has also worked for VIA Rail Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and as a radio and television broadcast journalist.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Give Government a Chance
I remember my second year of the PR program. I was attending a co-op info session and a professor asked us who in the room planned on pursuing a career with the government. Only I and two other classmates raised a hand.
You often hear people say that a government job is boring tedious work. When I told someone that my next co-op was with the federal government I received many sympathetic sighs. I never understood the hesitation, or outright disapproval of this sector. It’s common, I know, but in my opinion, completely unjustified. My terms with the government have both been great experiences.
Two of my three co-ops were with the government (my second co-op was with the Law Commission of Canada and my third was with Veterans Affairs Canada). These two co-ops taught me a lot – I practiced what I had learned in my courses and broadened my skills to include tricks that just aren’t taught within the walls of a classroom. Sure, sometimes my work will take a couple of weeks to make it through the approval process, but I’m always busy with the next up-coming thing on my list!
I think the government is an exciting place to be right now. There are a lot of changes going on and communications is a highly valued function in any department. The support systems are fantastic, the salaries and benefits are great and the career opportunities post-graduation are pretty favourable. I finished my courses this past summer and I am now working with my last co-op employer, Veterans Affairs Canada in a contract position for the fall.
I think everyone has to rethink their stance on government jobs. Give it a try, and remember that any co-op is only what you make of it!
Melinda Miller
BPR 2007, Co-operative Education
Melinda Miller is a recent graduate of the BPR program. She hails from Greenwood, N.S., but currently calls Ottawa, ON her home. Melinda is presently a communications officer for the Atlantic Region’s Canada Remembers division of Veterans Affairs Canada. Melinda was selected for the EU-Canada Mobility project in her final year at MSVU. She spent six months in Vienna, Austria studying and interning with the United Nations. To read more about Melinda’s experiences read her personal blog: http://www.melindamiller.blogspot.com/.
You often hear people say that a government job is boring tedious work. When I told someone that my next co-op was with the federal government I received many sympathetic sighs. I never understood the hesitation, or outright disapproval of this sector. It’s common, I know, but in my opinion, completely unjustified. My terms with the government have both been great experiences.
Two of my three co-ops were with the government (my second co-op was with the Law Commission of Canada and my third was with Veterans Affairs Canada). These two co-ops taught me a lot – I practiced what I had learned in my courses and broadened my skills to include tricks that just aren’t taught within the walls of a classroom. Sure, sometimes my work will take a couple of weeks to make it through the approval process, but I’m always busy with the next up-coming thing on my list!
I think the government is an exciting place to be right now. There are a lot of changes going on and communications is a highly valued function in any department. The support systems are fantastic, the salaries and benefits are great and the career opportunities post-graduation are pretty favourable. I finished my courses this past summer and I am now working with my last co-op employer, Veterans Affairs Canada in a contract position for the fall.
I think everyone has to rethink their stance on government jobs. Give it a try, and remember that any co-op is only what you make of it!
Melinda Miller
BPR 2007, Co-operative Education
Melinda Miller is a recent graduate of the BPR program. She hails from Greenwood, N.S., but currently calls Ottawa, ON her home. Melinda is presently a communications officer for the Atlantic Region’s Canada Remembers division of Veterans Affairs Canada. Melinda was selected for the EU-Canada Mobility project in her final year at MSVU. She spent six months in Vienna, Austria studying and interning with the United Nations. To read more about Melinda’s experiences read her personal blog: http://www.melindamiller.blogspot.com/.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Become a bureaucrat, see the world
I'm fortunate. I have a good job with a comfortable paycheque and decent benefits, and I've been able to advance in my career. But I could probably have that anywhere.
However, as a public servant, I've had opportunities to see and do things that others haven't, and they aren't the kinds of things people think of when it comes to the federal government.
Yes, many of us work in cubicles aspiring to an office with real walls. Yes, we have to deal with sometimes cumbersome approval processes and know policies and procedures written by lawyers paid by the word. The stereotypes about life in the federal government do come from somewhere - I have to admit that - but it's only a small part of the picture and it's something you'll come across wherever you go.
But there are times when I'm grateful to work in the federal government and to have had opportunities to see and do some really interesting things. I'm currently with my fourth federal organization (fifth if you count the Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans separately). The others were DND (Navy), Citizenship and Immigration and currently the RCMP.
There are a few highlights that I can think of over the past 17 years - things I wouldn't have contemplated when I sat in Judith Scrimger's Writing and Reporting class 20 years ago.
Like having the chance to visit every province and one (so far) of our territories.
Like flying by helicopter to Sable Island for meetings about future federal involvement in managing activities on the island, and standing a few feet away from the horses that live there and walking by herds of seals sunning themselves on the beach.
Or the late August day I flew to Resolute Bay, where it was -21 Celsius and blowing snow, getting a tour of some of the research activity taking place in the very far north.
Or helping film commercials aboard a Coast Guard ship at sea.
Or meeting the first person born as a Canadian citizen.
Or meeting Ministers and the Prime Minister.
Or the whirlwind nine-day trip to our embassies in Europe (London, Lisbon, Bonn, Oslo and Stockholm) to review planned communications activities in support of a Team Canada trade mission during the International Year of the Ocean.
Or being called in the middle of the night to help respond to media calls when 229 people were killed in a plane crash near Peggy's Cove. Sometimes working during emergencies, using your communications expertise to try to support victims, communities and employees, can give you a feeling of really making a difference. So can having my mother call me to say she saw me on CNN.
Sure, there are days when I sit in front of my computer reading and writing stuff that can be pretty dry, sitting in meetings watching the clock and count down the days until vacation. Unfortunately it seems like that's what a lot of people hear about working in government.
But there are lots of times when I'm doing things I think are important, exciting and that make me appreciate this country and proud to be Canadian. Sounds corny, but it's true.
My career is far from over and I'm always looking forward to the opportunities that await.
Scott Verret
Scott is currently the senior communications advisor for the RCMP in Atlantic Canada. He graduated with a BPR from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1988.
However, as a public servant, I've had opportunities to see and do things that others haven't, and they aren't the kinds of things people think of when it comes to the federal government.
Yes, many of us work in cubicles aspiring to an office with real walls. Yes, we have to deal with sometimes cumbersome approval processes and know policies and procedures written by lawyers paid by the word. The stereotypes about life in the federal government do come from somewhere - I have to admit that - but it's only a small part of the picture and it's something you'll come across wherever you go.
But there are times when I'm grateful to work in the federal government and to have had opportunities to see and do some really interesting things. I'm currently with my fourth federal organization (fifth if you count the Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans separately). The others were DND (Navy), Citizenship and Immigration and currently the RCMP.
There are a few highlights that I can think of over the past 17 years - things I wouldn't have contemplated when I sat in Judith Scrimger's Writing and Reporting class 20 years ago.
Like having the chance to visit every province and one (so far) of our territories.
Like flying by helicopter to Sable Island for meetings about future federal involvement in managing activities on the island, and standing a few feet away from the horses that live there and walking by herds of seals sunning themselves on the beach.
Or the late August day I flew to Resolute Bay, where it was -21 Celsius and blowing snow, getting a tour of some of the research activity taking place in the very far north.
Or helping film commercials aboard a Coast Guard ship at sea.
Or meeting the first person born as a Canadian citizen.
Or meeting Ministers and the Prime Minister.
Or the whirlwind nine-day trip to our embassies in Europe (London, Lisbon, Bonn, Oslo and Stockholm) to review planned communications activities in support of a Team Canada trade mission during the International Year of the Ocean.
Or being called in the middle of the night to help respond to media calls when 229 people were killed in a plane crash near Peggy's Cove. Sometimes working during emergencies, using your communications expertise to try to support victims, communities and employees, can give you a feeling of really making a difference. So can having my mother call me to say she saw me on CNN.
Sure, there are days when I sit in front of my computer reading and writing stuff that can be pretty dry, sitting in meetings watching the clock and count down the days until vacation. Unfortunately it seems like that's what a lot of people hear about working in government.
But there are lots of times when I'm doing things I think are important, exciting and that make me appreciate this country and proud to be Canadian. Sounds corny, but it's true.
My career is far from over and I'm always looking forward to the opportunities that await.
Scott Verret
Scott is currently the senior communications advisor for the RCMP in Atlantic Canada. He graduated with a BPR from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1988.
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