2. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." --Winston
Churchill
Aspiring Leaders Network Co-Chairs are receiving the Government of Canada Next
Generation Award with at the GCWCC Recognition Ceremony.
It was a distinct privilege to accept the Next Generation Award in recognition of
our efforts toward the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign - it
brought a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to a journey we began eight
months ago.
Despite never having piloted the United Way Seeing is Believing charity tour
project, Jean and I were lucky to be supported by Infrastructure Canada's strong
management commitment, as well as its vibrant and enthusiastic young
professionals, who participated in record numbers!
With their help, we were able to bring charity awareness to our department and
beyond: through our video, through word of our success, and through our
presentations at the GCWCC 2016 youth forum, where we shared our story with
other departments.
Thank you, everyone, for believing in giving. For believing in us.
Jack Diao and Jean Farley, Corporate Services Photo Credit: Carol Boeira
3. I am part of a small but mighty team. I love people and this job in
planning allows me to interact with people daily-forming
relationships, and learning from some of the best makes coming
to work every day exciting. The people at Infrastructure are a
small group with big hearts and even bigger compassion for their
work, I love being a part of that- and most importantly being a
part of a small community here at INFC helping Canadians.
Laurel Myers, Policy and Communications Branch
4. I am currently a program analyst at Infrastructure Canada (Operations) for the Atlantic region. I
have been with this department since 2009. I have had the opportunity support project
approvals and oversight for more than 500 projects across different programs. I enjoy learning
about the benefits these projects bring to the Atlantic communities. I have the opportunity to
work with provincial and municipal officials, which provides me with a good understanding of
regional issues, challenges and opportunities. As an analyst, I prepare different type of
documents to senior management on analyses and recommendations.
Besides my ongoing duties, I have the opportunity to share my strengths, knowledge and
experience by participating in interdepartmental initiatives and special projects.
As an innovator, I really enjoy being a member of the Interdepartmental Innovation Community
and we look for ideas and projects that could help the department to consider and implement
effective change. This provides great pleasure to my working days.
My objective when I join an organization is to leave a very positive legacy, INFC offers the
opportunity to demonstrate leadership.
I am able to build constructive and positive working relationships at all working levels and in
different divisions which is very challenging in larger departments. INFC offers an enthusiastic
working environment and I am looking to continue advancing my career at INFC.
Maria Montilva, Program Operations Branch
5. I find job satisfaction being a bridge engineer. Signature
bridges are really exciting structures – they form the focal
point of city skylines. You receive a postcard of a city, and
it will showcase their bridges. In the case of the Gordie
Howe International Bridge, it will be important for all of
Canada – potentially all of the U.S., even all of North
America. It’s very inspiring that I get to be part of this.
Russel Burrell, P. Eng., ing. Major Bridges Directorate,
POB
6. Returning to INFC after a short leave working in the private sector, I have
joined the new Canada Infrastructure Transition Office Team. Our team is
composed of 10 people who have different backgrounds and come from
other departments (Finance, TBS, INFC, and P3 Canada).
We are all working together to establish a new entity for the Government
of Canada which is both challenging and rewarding. I feel like I am part of
something bigger and contributing to the “Investing in Canada” in a
significant way.
Mélanie Rivest, Canada Infrastructure Bank Transition Office
7. I’ve been on the Ontario/National team in Communications for
the last two years, and I can definitely say that it has been a
rewarding experience. Personally, I’ve been able to make
lasting connections with my colleagues through exciting off-
site days, barbeques and even sports. Professionally, I’ve had
the opportunity to work on our department’s first live Twitter
chat, Canada 150 and the Smart Cities Challenge. As a young
professional, I’m very grateful that I’m part of a dynamic and
innovative team.
Riyadh Nazeralli, Policy and Communications
8. When the opportunity to work on northern files was
presented to me, I was excited. I knew so little about our
Territories; the climate and the challenges they face are
so unique, basic and unlike most in Canada.
Last year, I visited what was considered to be the most
decrepit correctional facility in our nation. I am proud of
the work we do here at INFC, which is helping to create
respect and well-being within the community. I look
forward to seeing what a difference this new facility
being funded by Canada will make for Nunavummiut.
Laura Robbins, Program Operations Branch
9. “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work
hard, at work worth doing.“ –T. Roosevelt
When I left a department of 20,000 in 2015 to join a team of 350 at
INFC, colleagues openly questioned my unconventional choice.
Yet, I found myself advising senior management in person, and
overseeing a budget of $100,000,000+ for the busiest bridge in Canada:
the New Champlain Corridor. In the last two years, I took on
responsibilities and learning opportunities which far outstripped
someone of equal level in bigger departments. I loved seeing more -
and doing more - in the public interest.
Much can be gained on the road less traveled -- you can do great
things in a small department. Here, I’m building a better future for all
Canadians, one day at a time.
Jack Diao, Corporate Services
10. I’ve been working in public affairs at INFC for a year and a
half and I absolutely love being here. There are so many
opportunities to try something different, I feel like I learn
something new every single day. One of my favourite
memories was the 2016 GCWCC All-Staff launch event
because I got to moderate a town hall with our Minister.
I’ve also built genuine friendships here and I’m grateful
that I’m able to call this place my home away from home.
Kristine Shadid, Policy and Communications
11. As an engineer, I have been involved in the
construction of highways, airports and buildings and I
met unforgettable people around the world. Over the
past 3 years, I have had the privilege of working on the
project to build a "Signature Bridge" for Montreal: the
New Champlain Bridge, which represents for me the
jewel in the crown of my professional career and allows
me to work with a skilled and dedicated team.
Nader Nagil, Ing., Major Bridges Directorate, POB
12. As a fairly new employee and considering the size of the department I was
surprised to see the significant amount of work that comes through the
office of Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services. The term that
comes to mind is “small but mighty”. Being in a small department, we are
privileged in so many ways; from a weekly stand-up meeting with the
Deputy Minister and the Associate Deputy Minister to the great
personalized service from HR and IM/IT just to name a few. These are not
seen in larger departments and the difference is striking. Although I am
still learning about the department I can already see how my day-to-day
responsibilities relate to the broader Infrastructure Canada mandate and
directly benefits Canadian, how great is that!
Rosanne Dubé, Corporate Services
