Anchoring ourselves in a culture of care

Anchoring ourselves in a culture of care

Since the Government of Canada announced its Comprehensive Expenditure Review exercise and Parks Canada announced its Transformation initiative, I have heard colleagues from coast to coast to coast at all levels wonder about their future with the Agency, and express stress, uncertainty and anxiety about the changes underway and those to come. I have heard about the hard work and dedication required to support an exceptionally busy operational season with the Canada Strong initiative and the additional strain as Parks Canada team members await next steps related to change.

As we wait for further information about wide reaching decisions affecting the Agency, some team members are choosing to retire while others are planning to shift roles and responsibilities as new opportunities arise. Upon examining exit survey data I’m struck by a consistent theme. While many respondents shared ideas for improvement, the vast majority said they would recommend working at Parks Canada to their friends and family. One retiring colleague captured this sentiment perfectly, signing off with: “Parkie Forever”.

As I reflect on the stress and uncertainty alongside this deep pride and commitment to the organization, I’m aware that changes to how we meet our mandate might be especially hard, and that any changes in how we do our work could be heartbreaking for those who’ve given so much and feel passionately connected to their work, their colleagues, and the Agency. In other words, for some colleagues, the deep passion and commitment they bring to Parks Canada, and the close connection they feel to their work, may make this period of change especially difficult.

And yet, I continue to know that, individually and collectively, we will find our way through this period of change. This hope comes in large part from conversations with team members who experienced previous reduction exercises at Parks Canada. While they spoke honestly about the challenges and uncertainty they faced at the time, many also shared that those experiences eventually led to new opportunities, perspectives, and paths they could not have anticipated.

To move through this transition together, I encourage us to focus not only on what we do, but on how we do it. How we treat one another during times of change reflects who we are as individuals and as an organization. Now more than ever, we need to embed care for others and for ourselves in our choices, actions and words because we know that a healthy, nurturing and supportive environment helps us to adapt to change with more ease.

Now, more than ever, how we support each other matters.

Here are some tips to consider in supporting each other amid uncertainty:

• Consider the human impact of every decision: Who is affected, how they will be impacted and how we can support them?
• Communicate transparently and implement strategies that support ethical and inclusive outcomes
• Practice empathy in every interaction: Listen with curiosity and try to understand different perspectives and experiences
• Create spaces where divergent ideas and honest feedback are encouraged
• Be kind to yourself and one another: Everyone is going through something, and some more than others
• Give people the benefit of the doubt: Practice generous interpretation through believing people have good intentions even when you experience a negative impact
• Recognize your own value: You matter, your voice counts and you have valuable capacities and contributions, no matter your role or the outcome of the change underway
• Focus on possibilities, not just limitations

Now, as we collectively create a culture of care, please remember that the Office of the Ombud team is here to support you in an impartial manner. We hold an independent, impartial, informal and confidential space for all Parks Canada team members who need support navigating workplace challenges.   We offer confidential consultations, a review of the various options to address your concerns, coaching, facilitated discussions and mediations, group interventions, dynamic skill-building workshops and tools (see here for a description of our services). If you need support or would like to raise an issue, please reach out to our safe, judgement-free space. Our goal is to ensure you feel heard, respected, valued, and supported.

As we move through the months ahead, I’m thinking of us, our Parks Canada team. I wish for collective strength, caring, and steady support, as we navigate this period together.

As our slogan says, “When in doubt, please reach out”.

Warmest regards,

Marie-Josée Frenette, Ombud

Pronom: Elle | Pronouns: She/Her

Parcs Canada / Gouvernment du Canada  | Parks Canada / Government of Canada

873-353-9584

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