Archived - Blueprint 2020 report: December 2016

Message from the Deputy Ministers

The ARCHIVED: Blueprint 2020 vision is one of a world-class Public Service equipped to serve Canada and Canadians now and into the future. The Government is committed to a public service that meets the needs and expectations of Canadians across the country. At Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), meeting the needs of today and tomorrow means working with Indigenous people on reconciliation and building relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, and cooperation and partnership.

A successful journey toward reconciliation is one where Indigenous teachings, culture, traditions and practices are embraced in the spirit of their contribution to the Canadian fabric. It is where governments, civil society, educational institutions, corporations, and non-Indigenous Canadians work in partnership with Indigenous people, forging new ways of achieving better results and a stronger country.

Pursuing this goal has us focusing our efforts on transforming operational practices to advance new and innovative initiatives, as well as working closely with partners and stakeholders, while continuing to carry out our day-to-day operations. This means we are not only doing things differently, we are doing things we've never done before. For example, we are working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to find better ways to achieve self-determination and co-develop policy. These initiatives, and others like them, are opening the door to a new kind of Canada where the Government and the public service are working in partnership with those they serve.

Part of INAC's renewal involves focusing on the people within the Department and the supports they need to undertake these innovative approaches. We are building capacity, including a special focus on Indigenous recruitment, in order to have a workforce that is culturally sensitive and representative of the Canadian population. To this end, we have a number of exciting and innovative recruitment efforts underway, in collaboration with the Public Service Commission and other departments.

An important aspect of supporting our employees is recognizing the importance of workplace well-being and promoting a healthy work environment; one where people have the opportunity they need to thrive and where they feel safe and supported in seeking help to address issues that affect their well-being. In this respect, work is well underway at INAC to develop a Mental Health and Workplace Well-being Strategy that takes into account Indigenous principles of respect and wellness. We're engaging employees through focus groups and an online survey on the existing challenges and finding ways to overcome them and create a healthier workplace.

INAC employees are on a new path, one where the principle of reconciliation has infused our work with a deeper sense of purpose. As we continue to work every day to build better relationships and find new ways of working, we are creating stronger communities and promoting economic growth. While acknowledging the mistakes of the past, we are building a better Canada.

"No relationship is more important to me and to Canada than the one with Indigenous Peoples. It is time for a renewed relationship."

Respectful workplaces

This year, we are working towards the development of our workplace well-being and mental health strategy, which will be informed by the suggestions of our employees and endorsement of our leadership.

Learn more about Respectful workplaces

Recruitment and onboarding

The Indigenous population in Canada is the fastest growing segment of the population, which represents an important opportunity for government departments to increase their efforts to attract and hire Indigenous employees.

Learn more about Recruitment

Other actions to renew the public service

At INAC, in the context of reconciliation, we are bringing more people around the table to develop innovative ways of working together to reach the best possible outcomes for all.

Learn more about Other actions to renew the public service

Blueprint 2020 video

At INAC, meeting the needs of today and tomorrow means working with Indigenous people on reconciliation and building relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, and cooperation and partnership.

ARCHIVED: Learn more about Blueprint 2020 video

Social media

We have increased our followers in the last two years by well over 35,000 people. Our messages are reaching three times more people than they were just two years ago!

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