MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This masterclass will help participants make better use of evaluation criteria when buying professional services. Public sector organizations are asked to focus on “Outcome-based procurement”, yet many feel ill-equipped to review and propose effective evaluation criteria. Using recent examples and case studies, this interactive masterclass will engage participants in discussions of “Scope”, and “testing” evaluation criteria. We’ll discuss ways to integrate and leverage industry feedback as part of the process. This is a “must attend” for any level of procurement officer tasked with the procurement of professional services. Participants will leave this session with practical tips and considerations.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Martin Chénier, President, Procurement Alliance of Canada
Passionate about public sector procurement and driven by the Customer Service Experience, Martin Chénier is an award-winning business and people manager who spent the last two decades helping Industry and the Federal Government buy and sell professional services.  

Known as “PACman” within the procurement community, Martin is the President and Founder of The Procurement Alliance of Canada; a subscription-based service providing practical resources, webinars, advisory services, and self-directed learning material to public sector procurement professionals, their clients, and suppliers.  

Earlier in his career, Martin served two mandates as National Chair of Government Relations for the $15B Industry Association of Staffing Services; he was a Forty Under 40 recipient in 2008; winner of the Consumer’s Choice Award for Best Staffing Agency in Ottawa Gatineau; and Branch Manager of the Year for Outstanding Achievement and Service Excellence.  

He supports Public Sector organizations with practical knowledge transfer, coaching, and training services related to professional services procurement, and is an active Industry representative on Government committees and working groups.  

His speaking engagements focus on the “eye opener” experience of working alongside suppliers, clients, and public sector procurement folks with a goal of creating an optimal procurement experience.

MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

During this master class we will explore some change management tools and approaches that can help in overcoming organizational inertia and improve business transformation in your organizations. The focus will be on real approaches that have been tried and tested in practical situations and which generated the most sustainable and consistent results. The methodologies are easily transferable from project to project and organization to organization helping to align governance and oversight, policy, implementation and execution, validation and reporting.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Bronwynn Guymer, Section Head, DMPP 7, Materiel Policy and Procedures, Department of National Defence
Bronwynn Guymer is the Senior Policy Analyst for Materiel Management in DND and the CAF. She has extensive Materiel Management experience from operational front line units up to corporate oversight and coordination. She has completed the Certified Supply Chain Transformation Architect Training, is certified in Supply Chain Operations Reference Model and has led multiple change initiatives within DND.

Becky Ladouceur, Team Lead, Materiel Management Policy Development, Department of National Defence
Becky is the Team Lead for Materiel Management Policy Development, a position that requires a comprehensive knowledge of the integration between the different functional areas of the Defence Supply Chain. Her team conducts research and analysis before developing or amending policies in the Supply Administration Manual to support the business of the National Defence in Canada and abroad. Becky is part of the recently established Materiel Management Community Update initiative that serves to engage directly with members at all levels of the community in order to provide materiel management related information.

MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Do you ever get asked a question and can’t think of the answer quick enough? Do you sometimes catch yourself talking in circles? This Master Class will teach you how to take back control in situations where you’re unprepared and need to Think on Your Feet®. Participants will learn and practice core communication techniques to analyze, organize and present ideas quickly and effectively. Boost your ability in impromptu situations so you can confidently provide project updates, gain stakeholder buy-in or respond to questions clearly in the moment. This class will equip you with the tools you need to be a clear, concise and influential communicator!

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Kathryn Peterson, Certified Trainer, McLuhan & Davies Communications, Inc.
Kathyn Peterson holds a degree in psycho education and spent 14 years as an addictions’ counselor before transitioning to Training and Development field. Today she has led over 1,000 workshops around Europe and North America. She lectures at Concordia University and is a published author, with books on topics like understanding and finding strategies to deal with difficult personalities. As an Associate of McLuhan & Davies Communications, Inc. she teaches Think on Your Feet® and The Skilled Presenter™ across the Americas.

MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This master class on negotiated RFPs will cover (i) the legal considerations impacting the use of NRFPs in the federal public sector; (ii) practical considerations on how to draft NRFPs and properly manage group evaluations and contract award negotiations.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Paul Emanuelli, General Counsel and Managing Director, The Procurement Office
Paul Emanuelli is an internationally known author and procurement lawyer with over twenty-five years experience in public procurement. He is recognized by Who’s Who Legal as one of the top ten public procurement lawyers in the world and by the courts as an expert in public procurement industry practices.

His portfolio focuses on major procurement projects with an emphasis on technology and public infrastructure. He has in-depth experience advising public bodies on strategic governance in public purchasing and on negotiating high-profile major procurement projects.

Over the last 20 years, he has trained and presented to thousands of procurement professionals from hundreds of institutions across North America through The Procurement Office and in collaboration with leading industry organizations.

Before launching the Procurement Office, Paul practiced for over ten years as Crown Counsel with the Ontario Attorney General at Management Board Secretariat and Crown Law Office Civil, and headed the Government of Ontario’s Procurement Lawyers Group.

MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the surplus asset management process, focusing on divestment strategies, tools, and policies. It will guide you through the various stages of asset divestment, from understanding surplus and divestment frameworks to utilizing online resources and tools.

Key topics covered include the GCSurplus platform, a tool for managing surplus assets, and a step-by-step review of the divestment process. The presentation will also explore the different divestment options available, such as reuse, transfer, sale, donation, and conversion to waste, and offer insights into special cases that may require tailored approaches.

Additionally, we will discuss the importance of conducting cost-benefit analyses to make informed decisions, as well as building a robust divestment plan. Practical resources, including IT instructions, FAQs, and further support materials, will be provided in the annexes.

By the end of this session, participants will have a clear understanding of the surplus asset management process and the tools available to ensure effective and efficient divestment practices.

Chantal Akeson, Manager, GCSurplus, Receiver General and Pensions Branch (RGPB), Public Services and Procurement Canada
Chantal Akeson is the Business Management Division manager at GCSurplus. She has more than 20 years’ experience managing in the Government of Canada.  As a member of Public Services and Procurement Canada’s GCSurplus team, she is responsible for the development of divestment policies, donations, transfers, communications, finance and human resources. 

A strong proponent of the second-hand economy, Chantal is a passionate public servant who strives to help government colleagues find divestment solutions while considering environmental goals. She sees divestment as an opportunity for organizations and businesses to divert surplus assets from landfills while providing overall best value to Canadians.

Michael Tsoukanas, Operations Team Leader – NCR, GCSurplus, Receiver General and Pension Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Michael Tsoukanas is the Operations Team Lead at GCSurplus NCR in Ottawa, and currently oversees the day-to-day operations of the warehouse and staff. He started his career in the public service 18 years ago in procurement and transitioned to the Materiel Management function in 2015. He has held several roles within the MM function and enjoys helping clients evaluate and plan their divestment activities.

MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Recent studies have shown that 18% of IT solutions projects have cost overruns of above 50% and of those over budget projects, the cost overruns average 447%!  Procurement professionals play a key role in minimizing the risk of project failures by ensuring a robust procurement process is used when procuring an IT solution.

In this Masterclass we will review best practices in IT solutions procurement that help maximize success.  Specifically, we will look at 

• procurement planning, 
• commonly used strategies to enhance outcomes,
• RFP structure considerations and 
• contracting considerations unique to this sector.   

We will also hear from:

• a vendor expert panel who will provide a vendor perspective on federal government RFPs 
• a legal expert panel who will talk about the root cause of common project problems and what procurement professionals can do to avoid them.

Moderator:

Lise Patry, Partner, LXM Law LLP

Panelists:

• Vikas Bhardwaj, Associate Partner, Provincial and Local Public Sector Lead, Gartner Consulting
• Daniel Bourque, Associate General Counsel-Public Sector & Large Enterprise, Workday
• Tony Im, System Integration Specialist, Workday
• Todd Burke, Partner, Gowling WLG

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Lise Patry, Partner, LXM Law LLP
Ms. Patry is an Ottawa-based solicitor with over 25 years experience training and advising clients on procurement and contracting matters including federal and provincial governments and various organizations in the MASH sector. In addition to her legal practice, Lise assists organizations with the development of procurement policies, procedures and templates and develops training programs for The Procurement School, a BC-based procurement training organization that’s offered public procurement training across Canada for the last 40 years.

Vikas Bhardwaj, Associate Partner, Provincial and Local Public Sector Lead, Gartner Consulting
Mr. Bhardwaj has over two decades of experience in leading and supporting technology & business transformation programs. Mr. Bhardwaj recently held the global sourcing strategy KI lead and Canada sourcing and vendor ecosystem practice lead positions at Gartner consulting. Mr. Bhardwaj has supported numerous CIOs and senior business executives throughout the sourcing lifecycle, value for money assessments, negotiations advisory support, vendor evaluation & selection engagements and vendor management strategies. Mr. Bhardwaj is an active contributor to Gartner Research with many published notes on strategic sourcing and key IT initiatives.

Daniel Bourque, Associate General Counsel-Public Sector & Large Enterprise, Workday
Mr. Bourque is a senior lawyer at Workday that supports Workday’s sales team in those territories. As part of his work Dan reviews and advises on SaaS RFP/RFI/ITTs. He has extensive experience negotiating with all levels of government (federal, provincial, municipalities, higher education, school boards and health establishments) when they acquire SaaS solutions.

Tony Im, System Integration Specialist, Workday
Tony has been with Workday for 10 years focused on services strategy and helping customers achieve value with their projects. During his time at Workday, he has been delivering deployment strategies for Customers in Canada, the US and EMEA across all industry verticals.  Prior to Workday, he spent 20 years in leadership, selling and delivery roles within consulting for ERP solutions and SaaS spend management software.

Todd Burke, Partner, Gowling WLG
Mr. Burke is a senior partner with Gowling WLG practising complex commercial litigation across a variety of sectors. One of the areas of Todd’s focus is technology disputes including resolving disputes that arise in large scale technology implementations. Todd’s approach is one that focuses on finding win-win outcomes that allow all parties to achieve their goals. Having over thirty years of experience Todd has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Lexpert and Benchmark Litigation. He is also recognized as a stand-out lawyer by Thomson Reuters. Todd co-leads Gowling WLG’s International Arbitration group and is a member of the Firm’s six-member International Board.

MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Learn how to inspire, influence and motivate people to accomplish important goals – when you have no formal direct reporting authority over them. Managing people when they don’t report to you can be tough. How do you deliver feedback? How do you hold people accountable? How do you keep them on track? How do you arrive at consensus? How do you mediate conflict? In this highly interactive and practical workshop, you’ll get the skills and knowledge you need to help work colleagues perform at their best.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Dave Jones, Instructor, Performance Management Consultants
David is a dynamic consultant and instructor with extensive training, facilitation, key note speaking and coaching experience obtained by providing services for a diverse client base in North America and Europe. He is a strong experiential learning program designer who is certified in needs analysis and program evaluation methodologies. Participants in his workshops appreciate his empathy, humour, flexibility and energy. His clients report that he gets results: the sessions he designs, facilitates and manages on their behalf are positive, inspiring experiences that stimulate desired changes and outputs.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Learn how Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)’s Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance (OSIC) is taking action to safeguard the integrity of the federal procurement and real property systems. This session will cover the evolution of Canada’s suspension and debarment framework and provide clarity on the updated Ineligibility and Suspension Policy. The roles and responsibilities of OSIC and various stakeholders will be discussed, including the obligations of suppliers and procurement specialists and contracting authorities across the Government of Canada.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Mark Shenton, Manager of Policy and Outreach, Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance (OSIC) Departmental Oversight Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Mark Shenton is the manager of Policy and Outreach within the Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance (OSIC). His team is responsible for policy development, coordination, and strategic briefing materials to support key decisionmakers including the Registrar of Ineligibility and Suspension. His team also facilitates engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including federal departments and agencies who hold Memoranda of Understanding with PSPC to support administration of the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy.

Nandeau Wandji, A/Senior Manager, Integrity Verification Services, Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance, Departmental Oversight Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Nandeau Wandji is the Senior Manager of the Integrity Verification Services team (IVS) within OSIC. Her team is responsible for conducting integrity verifications for all procurement processes, standing offers, supply arrangements, contracts and other instruments  that are subject to the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy. Her team also conducts ongoing open source research to identify adverse information linked to the grounds for suspension and debarment listed in the Policy.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Are you ready to elevate your procurement skills and ensure your RFPs lead to successful results when engaging PSPC’s services? Join PSPC’s AP Learns team for an engaging, hands-on session designed to give you practical, real-world experience in crafting key procurement documents.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Andrew MacFarlane, Procurement Specialist, Professional Training and Development, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Andrew MacFarlane is an experienced procurement professional with a comprehensive background in corporate insurance and public sector procurement. From 2007 to 2018, Andrew worked as a Corporate Life and Health Insurance Broker in Alberta, where he managed the procurement of health and dental service contracts for hundreds of individuals across dozens of employers. His role involved navigating complex procurement processes, conducting extensive market research, developing and issuing RFPs, evaluating proposals, and managing contracts. During this time, he honed his procurement skills, developing tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of his clients.

Since 2011, Andrew has also served as a reserve officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he has held multiple roles, including Finance Officer, Food Services Officer, Logistics Officer, and Warehouse Manager. In these capacities, he has demonstrated expertise in material management, procurement, and leadership. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his completion of various leadership and senior instructor courses.

In 2021, Andrew transitioned to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), beginning as a Procurement Officer and then advancing to a Procurement Specialist. Now, he serves as a Procurement Team Leader, demonstrating his exceptional capabilities in the field. He has managed contracts and developed procurement strategies for a wide range of goods, services, and construction projects in the Atlantic Region. His strategic oversight included developing and implementing multi-million dollar, multi-year Regional Master Standing Offers (RMSOs) and Supply Arrangements (RMSAs) for various client departments such as DND, CSC, and DFO (CCG). Andrew’s leadership in this role resulted in significant cost savings and efficiency improvements, showcasing his ability to drive procurement excellence. Currently, Andrew leads a diverse team in the Professional Training and Development Division, focusing on advancing procurement capabilities through targeted training initiatives. His team delivers the “Procurement at a Glance” training program, which equips new procurement officers with the skills needed to meet federal government standards.

Christie Maki, Procurement Specialist, Professional Training and Development, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Christie Maki, a seasoned procurement professional, brings over ten years of dedicated service at PSPC to her role as Lead Trainer within the Professional Training and Development Division. With a wealth of hands-on experience from her tenure in the Western Region, Christie crafts and conducts training programs tailored to the distinct challenges faced by PSPC procurement staff. Her sessions are enriched by practical insights and real-world knowledge, enabling participants to delve deeper into the principles and practices of procurement. Christie’s unwavering commitment to training highlights her dedication to nurturing the growth of fellow procurement professionals, a field she passionately loves to teach.

Annie Fournier, Procurement Manager, Professional Training and Development, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Annie Fournier, a former teacher and long-time procurement professional, has been the manager of the Professional Training and Development Division at PSPC for the last two years. She began her career in the public service in 2001 and built a career rich in experiences in several departments and agencies before joining Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2014. Annie’s team is charged with the creation and implementation of training programs for the PG community at PSPC. Under her leadership, her team has put together several new initiatives to guide procurement officers through the complexities inherent to the procurement process. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and a profound desire to support her colleagues, Annie continually strives to provide invaluable resources that help them thrive in a dynamic environment.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

True Industry engagement is key to an efficient procurement process.

Evolution of technology and the Directive on Management of Procurement allow different – and pleasant – ways to engage with vendors. For example, how many times did you think that more interactions and less written exchanges would have been much more efficient? The principles of an Invitation to Refine (ITR) offer an opportunity to improve Canada’s transparency, build trust with vendors, and increase our capacity to harvest the best that Industry has to offer. These simple principles and tools can be used with most types of competitive solicitations and procurements processes.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Rachelle McGregor, Manager, Considerations in Agile Procurement, Shared Services Canada
Rachelle McGregor is a dedicated public servant with a solid track record of excellence in the field of procurement and public administration. With over a decade of experience, she has held key roles within various government agencies, including Environment Canada, CBSA, and SSC. Since 2010, Rachelle has actively contributed her expertise to the public sector, focusing on operational procurement and strategic sourcing. Her commitment to efficiency and effectiveness has led to successful outcomes in numerous procurement projects, ensuring optimal utilization of public resources.

Currently, Rachelle is the Manager of the Considerations in Agile Procurement Team at the Centre of Expertise in Agile and Innovative Procurement. In this role, she spearheads the implementation of agile methodologies in procurement processes, striving to enhance flexibility, adaptability, and innovation in government procurement. She is responsible for overseeing the ScaleUp project, which aims to streamline procurement practices and improve access for underrepresented groups to government contracting opportunities.

François Legris, Manager, Centre of Expertise in Agile and Innovative Procurement, Shared Services Canada
François Legris is a seasoned public procurement professional with 30 years of experience in the field. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he became a trusted authority in managing complex procurement processes and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Francois is currently the acting Director of the Center of Expertise in Agile and Innovative Procurement at Shared Services Canada (SSC). Prior to joining SSC, Francois worked at Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Maria Banos Y Rivas, Procurement Manager, Corporate Services Branch, Shared Services Canada
Maria is a results-driven procurement and supply chain management professional with 20 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors in domestic and international settings. Currently serving as a Procurement Manager within the Centre of Expertise in Agile and Innovative Procurement at Shared Services Canada (SSC), Maria has played an important role in advancing Agile Procurement initiatives, fostering innovation, and optimizing procurement processes. Prior to joining SSC, Maria worked at the Royal Canadian Mint and held strategic sourcing positions in private companies in Canada and Latin America.

Maria has successfully led high-profile procurement initiatives, including the development and deployment of the Agile Procurement Learning Initiative (APLI). Adept at communicating across cultural and linguistic barriers, Maria is committed to driving excellence in procurement practices while aligning with organizational and government objectives.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Moderator:

• Caroline Landry, Executive Director, Strategic Policy Sector, Procurement Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada

Panelists:

• Josée Doucet, Senior Director, GCSurplus, Public Services and Procurement Canada
• Christine Lamarche, Director General, Procurement, Materiel and Assets Management, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Melody Jeaurond, Director, Procurement Services, National Capital Commission (NCC)
• Martin Stein, Manager, Procurement and Contracting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
• Mathieu Lemieux, A/Senior Acquisitions Advisor, Contracting and Procurement Unit, Public Safety Canada

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Caroline Landry, Executive Director, Strategic Policy Sector, Procurement Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada 
Caroline Landry is a member of the CIPMM Board of Directors as well as the Chair of the CIPMM Mentorship Program. For her day job, Caroline is an Executive Director in the Strategic Policy Sector within the Procurement Branch at PSPC. She has over 24 years’ experience in the Government of Canada, with the last 16 years in various leadership roles in Procurement. She is passionate about all things procurement and is a strong advocate for our Procurement and Material Management Community.

Josée Doucet, Senior Director, GCSurplus, Public Services and Procurement Canada 
Josée Doucet joined the public service in 2009 following a full and rewarding career in the Canadian Armed Forces. She worked within the Department of National Defence as a Senior Policy Analyst and advisor in the area of Materiel Management and as a Senior Procurement Authority responsible for the management of a variety of contracts including Optimized Weapon System Management, Repair and Overhaul and Foreign Military Sales. Josée joined Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2014 as the manager responsible for the divestment of surplus controlled goods and specialized assets. Josée was appointed GCSurplus Senior Director in March 2020 and takes great pride in GCSurplus’s increased leadership role in Materiel Management.

Christine Lamarche, Director General, Procurement, Materiel and Assets Management, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Christine Lamarche is the Director General, Procurement, Materiel and Asset Management with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Christine joined the Public Service as an FSWEP student.  She has spent her career in procurement in various roles at Public Services and Procurement Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and is now working at the RCMP. Christine graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor’s degree in Administration.

Melody Jeaurond, Director, Procurement Services, National Capital Commission
Melody is a seasoned federal government procurement professional with over 20 years of experience. You may recognize her from her role with the former Certification Program from Treasury Board Secretariat, or her many previous roles with CIPMM, which include Vice-President (2016-19) and Chair of the National Workshop (2017-19).

Melody is currently Director, Procurement with the National Capital Commission (NCC). Prior to her role at the NCC, she was a Director at Public Services Procurement Canada (PSPC). At PSPC, she was responsible for the mandatory Professional Services Methods of Supply, their modernization, and the Centralized Professional Services System.

Melody is passionate about procurement, and the importance of continuing education for the federal procurement community. She is excited to participate as a panelist at the 2024 National Workshop. She looks forward to meeting new colleagues, as well as seeing some familiar faces!

Martin Stein, Manager, Procurement and Contracting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Mathieu Lemieux, A/Senior Acquisitions Advisor, Contracting and Procurement Unit, Public Safety Canada
Mathieu is currently a Senior Acquisitions Advisor with Public Safety’s Contracting and Procurement Unit. A Public Servant since 2012, Mathieu has worked in many departments including the Department of National Defence, Statistics Canada, the Department of Justice Canada, Transport Canada, and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Mathieu gained his experience in procurement as a client in the development of requirements in support of departmental programs and initiatives. A graduate of CIPMM Mentorship Program, Mathieu joined the operational procurement community in 2022. In his current role, he procures medium to high complexity professional services, research from academic institutions, and contracting in support of public-facing events.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Once your requirements are solid, it’s time to focus on evaluation criteria and technical evaluations—the key to selecting the contractor. You’ll:

🔎 Review and refine evaluation criteria to ensure clarity and fairness
📊 Evaluate example proposals, assessing mandatory and point-rated criteria
🎯 Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to ambiguity and challenges in the evaluation process

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Andrew MacFarlane, Procurement Specialist, Professional Training and Development, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Andrew MacFarlane is an experienced procurement professional with a comprehensive background in corporate insurance and public sector procurement. From 2007 to 2018, Andrew worked as a Corporate Life and Health Insurance Broker in Alberta, where he managed the procurement of health and dental service contracts for hundreds of individuals across dozens of employers. His role involved navigating complex procurement processes, conducting extensive market research, developing and issuing RFPs, evaluating proposals, and managing contracts. During this time, he honed his procurement skills, developing tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of his clients.

Since 2011, Andrew has also served as a reserve officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he has held multiple roles, including Finance Officer, Food Services Officer, Logistics Officer, and Warehouse Manager. In these capacities, he has demonstrated expertise in material management, procurement, and leadership. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his completion of various leadership and senior instructor courses.

In 2021, Andrew transitioned to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), beginning as a Procurement Officer and then advancing to a Procurement Specialist. Now, he serves as a Procurement Team Leader, demonstrating his exceptional capabilities in the field. He has managed contracts and developed procurement strategies for a wide range of goods, services, and construction projects in the Atlantic Region. His strategic oversight included developing and implementing multi-million dollar, multi-year Regional Master Standing Offers (RMSOs) and Supply Arrangements (RMSAs) for various client departments such as DND, CSC, and DFO (CCG). Andrew’s leadership in this role resulted in significant cost savings and efficiency improvements, showcasing his ability to drive procurement excellence. Currently, Andrew leads a diverse team in the Professional Training and Development Division, focusing on advancing procurement capabilities through targeted training initiatives. His team delivers the “Procurement at a Glance” training program, which equips new procurement officers with the skills needed to meet federal government standards.

Christie Maki, Procurement Specialist, Professional Training and Development, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Christie Maki, a seasoned procurement professional, brings over ten years of dedicated service at PSPC to her role as Lead Trainer within the Professional Training and Development Division. With a wealth of hands-on experience from her tenure in the Western Region, Christie crafts and conducts training programs tailored to the distinct challenges faced by PSPC procurement staff. Her sessions are enriched by practical insights and real-world knowledge, enabling participants to delve deeper into the principles and practices of procurement. Christie’s unwavering commitment to training highlights her dedication to nurturing the growth of fellow procurement professionals, a field she passionately loves to teach.

Annie Fournier, Procurement Manager, Professional Training and Development, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Annie Fournier, a former teacher and long-time procurement professional, has been the manager of the Professional Training and Development Division at PSPC for the last two years. She began her career in the public service in 2001 and built a career rich in experiences in several departments and agencies before joining Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2014. Annie’s team is charged with the creation and implementation of training programs for the PG community at PSPC. Under her leadership, her team has put together several new initiatives to guide procurement officers through the complexities inherent to the procurement process. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and a profound desire to support her colleagues, Annie continually strives to provide invaluable resources that help them thrive in a dynamic environment.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

This session will discuss what Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), as the central purchasing agent of the Government of Canada, is doing to promote ethical procurement, foster positive human and labour rights outcomes, and safeguard federal procurement supply chains. PSPC’s foundational and current activities in ethical procurement will be discussed as part of an ongoing and evolving public dialogue to enhance public procurement. The session will include case studies and discussions on current and upcoming ethical procurement requirements and resources.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Laura Unitt, Manager, Strategic Policy Sector, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Since she began working for the Government of Canada in 2005, Laura has worked for Employment and Social Development Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and most recently with Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Laura has been the manager of the Ethical Procurement Team since January 2022, and has been leading the team’s work to deliver on the department’s commitments under the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. Under Laura’s leadership, the team is developing: policy instruments to set out departmental human and labour rights expectations; tools and guidance documents for suppliers to foster compliance; ethical procurement best practices; and examining long-term approaches to identifying and mitigating the risks of forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking in federal procurement supply chains.

Patricia Carpentier, Policy Analyst, Strategic Policy Sector, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Patricia joined the Government of Canada in 2007 as an intern procurement officer at Public Services and Procurement Canada. She has spent most of her career in procurement at PSPC and has also worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Space Agency.

Patricia has over 15 years of experience as a federal government buyer. During her career as a buyer, she has worked on various special projects, such as the reception of Syrian refugees, the accommodations for asylum seekers in Lacolle, the carbon credit project for the G7. More recently, she was part of the pandemic response team for the procurement of personal protective equipment during COVID-19.

Patricia joined the Ethical Procurement Team in November 2022. With her procurement background, she provides significant support and guidance to the team in meeting its commitments under the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking and in identifying and mitigating the risks of forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking in federal procurement supply chains.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Learn in this second session to equip yourself with the essential skills and tools to turn your procurements into progress for Canada’s climate targets. Armed with an understanding of the fundamentals of moving to a circular economy and the critical role of procurement professionals, this session will use focus on the skillsets of procurement professionals which maximize positive impacts. Participants will benefit from case studies and examples with an assembled panel to understand why the circular economy and buying as a service are key.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Frances Edmonds, Head of Sustainable Impact, HP Canada
Frances Edmonds is the Head of Sustainable Impact at HP Canada, where she is responsible for business development and oversees Corporate Social Responsibility programs nationally. With a focus on sustainable procurement, Frances is driving meaningful change cross-sector that supports a more circular and sustainable economic future for Canada. With more than 30 years of experience, Frances is recognized as one of Canada’s top sustainability professionals having received two Clean 50 awards, is listed on the Canadian Women in the IT Channel Hall of Fame and has led HP to became the most sustainable technology company in Canada. 

Passionate about driving change through education, Frances has developed and implemented volunteer programs globally for HP. She is Vice Chair of the board of Learning for a Sustainable Future and serves as a consultant for customers and academic institutions on sustainability strategies. She also sits on the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada as well as having completed work on the Expert Panel on the Circular Economy in Canada as assembled by the Council of Canadian Academies. As seen on stages including Elevate and TEDx, Frances is both a guest lecturer and speaker on a wide range of topics including the circular economy. With a degree in Environmental Science from Bradford University (UK) and a post-graduate diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Frances is also a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP).

Dr. Bob Willard, Founder and Chief Sustainability Champion, Sustainability Advantage
Bob is a leading expert on sustainability justifications, sustainability reporting frameworks, and sustainable procurement. Over the last 23 years, he has given over 1,800 presentations, has authored six books and published two white papers. He provides six Master Slide Decks and over a dozen free, open-source tools and resources for sustainability champions and procurement professionals. 

For the last few years, Bob has focused on Sustainable Procurement and Net-Zero Procurement as market forces to mobilize businesses in the race to net-zero GHGs. He currently serves on the Circular Innovation Council board and the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) board – he co-developed the SPLC Navigator with SPLC staff. Bob is on the core faculty of the Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) Sustainable Procurement Fellowship program, is an Ambassador for the Sustainable Procurement Pledge, and is an Advisor to the Mission from MaRs – Net-Zero Procurement Mission. He teaches a 4-webinar ISSP course on Sustainable Procurement which provides guidance on how to use his free, open-source Sustainable Procurement Toolkit and Net-Zero Procurement Toolkit. 

Bob serves on the B Corp Standards Advisory Council and the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee. He was one of five inaugural inductees into the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) Hall of Fame in 2011, has received three Clean50 awards including a Lifetime Achievement award in 2023, and has earned six “Best for the World – Overall” and five “Best for the World – Community” awards since becoming a Certified B Corp in 2012. Sustainability Advantage was the first company to reach the highest Diamond tier of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge in 2023.

More information about Bob and his resources for sustainability champions can be found at www.sustainabilityadvantage.com.

DEEP DIVE SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Have you ever felt, despite your best efforts, your message was not landing with your audience? Teamwork and communication go hand-in-hand. But what do you do when there is a breakdown in or between teams? This goes beyond the ‘what’ of the message to ‘how’ it is relayed.

We have surveyed thousands of professionals and built a three-part model to adapt communication to any audience. You will learn the characteristics of each main communication style/preference, best practices for communicating 1:1 and to a group to take communication style/preference into consideration. This session will show you how to identify, adapt, and effectively engage with your listener.

INSTRUCTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES:

Susan Lynne, Master Trainer, McLuhan & Davies Communications, Inc.
For over 30 years, Susan Lynne has been training learners and coaching executives to be exceptional communicators. She has led over 2,000 workshops at Fortune 500 companies all over the world. She is a Master Trainer and is also responsible for developing and accrediting facilitators in the public and private sector on topics like communication and leadership skills. Susan has a diverse communications background and has held educational positions at Kodak Canada, Security Card Systems and Ontario Training Corporation. As a Master Trainer for McLuhan & Davies Communications, Inc. Susan teaches Think on Your Feet®, The Skilled Presenter™, Writing Dynamics™, Decoding Communications, Six Thinking Hats® and is an Executive Coach.