Our Journey to Date, Our Journey Ahead
Disclaimer: The summaries and interpretations provided on this page are unofficial and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS).
Summary
- The symposium brought together approximately 12,000 public servants from across Canada to discuss values and ethics in federal public service
- Elder Verna McGregor provided Indigenous teachings emphasizing that all people share responsibility as caretakers of the earth and must consider the next seven generations in their decisions
- The meeting takes place on traditional unceded Algonquin territory at the confluence of rivers from four directions, symbolizing balance and traditional governance
- Indigenous teachings highlight that we are all connected through the four elements (earth, water, fire, air) and that public service is about serving the collective good
- The medicine wheel teachings represent balance between emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental aspects, with the spiritual component often missing in modern contexts
- Public servants hold “the highest honour to look after the good of the collective,” similar to the meaning of the eagle feather flying highest to the creator
- The Clerk of the Privy Council emphasized the genuine appetite for conversation about identity and role in society among public servants
- Over the past year, there has been a renewed focus on values and ethics discussions at every level of the public service
- The world is increasingly complex with troubling issues, but this presents opportunities for reflection and problem-solving
- Progress requires learning from each other, sharing best practices, and learning from failures
- Accountability and goal-setting are essential for making progress on values, ethics, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Actionable Advice
- Consider the impact of decisions on the next seven generations when making policy choices
- Maintain balance between emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental aspects in your work and change management approaches
- Include spiritual connection and reflection as part of professional development and decision-making processes
- Approach values and ethics discussions with dedication and enthusiasm at all levels of your organization
- Share best practices with colleagues across departments and agencies
- Learn from failures and situations that didn't go as hoped rather than avoiding difficult conversations
- Set specific goals for values and ethics initiatives and hold yourself and your organization accountable for progress
- Report back on progress for both values/ethics work and anti-racism, equity, and inclusion efforts
- Participate actively in ongoing conversations about values and ethics within your department or agency