Amy MacLeod

https://lnkd.in/egdjyQX4 Transforming Canadian Government Policies with Lean Methodology: A Path to Efficiency and Effectiveness

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We're running a survey today on improving digital services. Could I take 30 seconds of your time to fill it out? I'll be at #AccelerateGov today too if you want to stop by and say hi.

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FYI: Strategic Update and Engagement Invitation on Canada’s Broadcasting Framework Modernization We are at a crucial juncture as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) embarks on a comprehensive modernization of Canada’s broadcasting framework. This significant initiative affects all entities interacting with the Canadian market, including traditional U.S. 4+1s television stations, former superstations, internet protocol streams, private and public Canadian broadcasters, broadcast and satellite distribution undertakings, and telecommunication services. Overview of Modernization Efforts: This transformative initiative is being implemented in three phases, aimed at effectively integrating traditional broadcasting with modern digital operations. Phase 1: Establishing the Foundations This foundational phase has set the regulatory groundwork necessary for future developments, including: The enactment of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11). Initial consultations on financial contributions from online streaming services, crucial for supporting Canadian and Indigenous content. Phase 2: Developing a New Regulatory Framework Key actions in this phase include: Ongoing consultations to modernize Indigenous broadcasting policies, enhancing the presence and accessibility of Indigenous narratives. Upcoming consultations on accessibility services such as closed captioning, which are set to impact content delivery standards across platforms. Upcoming Engagements: We encourage your participation in the consultations scheduled for the Summer and Fall of 2024. These sessions will focus on closed captioning and public interest participation, crucial for ensuring comprehensive accessibility and inclusivity in content delivery. Call to Action: Your participation and feedback are invaluable as these changes will influence operational standards, content criteria, and financial obligations for all broadcasters and content distributors in the Canadian market. Your engagement in these discussions is strongly recommended to ensure that your current and future interests are adequately represented, protected, and promoted. Phase 3: Implementing the Framework Scheduled to commence in late 2025, this final phase will enforce the developed policies, influencing contributions to the broadcasting system and operational conditions for all service providers. I am available to schedule a call to discuss what these changes may mean for your signals, streams, channels, and advertising offerings, particularly in transborder markets and network handoffs. This is a pivotal opportunity for you to shape Canada's dynamic new broadcasting and distribution environment. Learn More: Regulatory Plan to Modernize Canada’s Broadcasting Framework https://lnkd.in/expDPbWi

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Real question I received from a senior leader of a large Canadian enterprise this week: “Does having a crisis communications plan actually matter in a crisis?” It made me smile - crisis communications has been the bread and butter of my career. But I didn’t want to be flippant. So I decided I’d do a bit of research for him. Companies, especially large ones with big risk management departments, intellectually grasp the need for preparedness. After all, it’s just a matter of time before something somewhere in your business goes bad enough to cause a crisis. But what about quantitative proof? Turns out there is a significant amount of data that can show you whether it’s worthwhile or not to get a plan in place and, importantly, to test that plan from time to time. Here’s a few key stats: Firms with crisis management plans see 50% lower financial losses from a crisis compared to those without (Deloitte Crisis Management Survey 2022). Companies that manage crises effectively see their stock prices recover 20% faster than those that do not (Oxford Metrica, 2022). Organizations with crisis communications plans resolve crises 40% faster than those without (PwC Global Crisis Survey 2023). 60% of customers are more loyal to a brand that effectively communicates during a crisis (KPMG Global CEO Outlook 2022). Companies without crisis management plans can incur costs up to 4 times higher than those with plans in place (BCG Crisis Management Report 2023). 65% of stakeholders are more confident in a company's leadership if it has a robust crisis communications strategy (Accenture 2022). To me the verdict is and has always been simple: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

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Delivered a 60-min talk on crisis response to a post-secondary education conference in Toronto Tuesday. Number one takeaway: You can’t become great at crisis management once the crisis has started. You need to decide well in advance how your organization will respond and then train accordingly. 💡

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Want to know what we do over here at CSE? Check out our new Annual Report!

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We've become much more than an officer of information. Catch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/gn88eYzM Thanks to Jan Enns for hosting this episode!

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A must-attend for my supply chain network! Learn more about Canada's Bill S-211 and ensure you're compliant with the upcoming reporting obligations (deadline May 31!) on the prevention of forced and child labour. Looking forward to learning from you, William Pellerin!

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As part of your activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, consider reading and sharing this op-ed by Chief Raymond Powder of Fort McKay First Nation: https://lnkd.in/g6W9utZ9 Chief Powder is clear that while today is an important moment for reflection, that is just the starting point. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation must function as a call to action. Undertaking deliberate acts of economic reconciliation, upholding and respecting Treaty Rights, making necessary investments in First Nations housing and infrastructure and creating more long-term, predictable funding opportunities for First Nations are measurable, tangible actions for all orders of government to take that will move reconciliation forward, beyond Sept. 30.

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What I’m so struck by in all these stories about Bell Media Corus Entertainment and Rogers Communications is the role debt is playing in the gutting and consolidation of the sector. Correct me if I’m wrong, but all these companies have had protected oligopoly revenue streams from telecommunications and, to a much lesser extent, from broadcasting. That has given them a high margin, predictable cash flow for decades, and profit margins unheard of in most regular businesses (read the annual reports - 25 to 60 per cent!). How do you grow in that situation? You borrow more capital, based on you stellar cash flow. For those of us in the legacy side of the business it means cutbacks and, in the Corus situation, maybe liquidation just to feed the debt-fuelled growth engine. Content (and the consumer) are collateral damage. At a lunch with senior broadcast entrepreneur this week and he said the entire system in this country was based on the idea that a few large companies were the best way to protect us. “The crtc knows they screwed up,” he said glumly. https://lnkd.in/gggsXNsP

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#Connectivity is now essential, and keeping networks running in the face of #climateChange and other threats is a big challenge and opportunity for Canada. If you're interested in this stuff, I highly recommend this panel. Instead of the usual talking heads, it looks like some real serious thinkers. https://lnkd.in/gtCqxwms

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🚀 Speaker Spotlight for DDC 2024! We are excited to announce Dominic Parent, Chief Data Officer at Environment and Climate Change Canada, as one of our featured speakers at the 3rd Annual DAMA Days Canada Conference! 🌟 🎤 Session Topics: The New Chief Data Officer Blueprint & Learn from Canada's Chief Data Officers (Panel & Q&A) Dominic Parent brings over 15 years of experience in data management, analytics, business transformation, and finance to his role as Chief Data Officer for Environment and Climate Change Canada. As a certified CDMP professional and member of DAMA, Dominic is responsible for shaping the strategic direction and governance of data across his organization, ensuring that data quality, security, and accessibility remain at the forefront. His recent work focuses on integrating information and data management principles to maximize data value and ensure AI readiness within government. Dominic’s expertise in driving pragmatic data strategies helps organizations improve data maturity and operational efficiency. In his session, The New Chief Data Officer Blueprint, Dominic will dive into the evolving role of the CDO in government, exploring the new accountabilities and leadership models required for success in today’s digital landscape. This session will provide a clear understanding of how CDOs are reshaping the digital leadership model and offer practical insights into governance and enablement. Attendees will also learn how to align this new model across organizations of different sizes and navigate organizational challenges. Dominic will also join other top Chief Data Officers in the Learn from Canada's Chief Data Officers panel and Q&A, where they will discuss strategies for data governance, analytics, and AI adoption within their departments. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✨Understand the evolving role of the CDO and its impact on digital governance and enablement. ✨Gain insights into practical governance strategies and how to align CDO responsibilities across organizations. ✨Learn directly from Canada’s top Chief Data Officers about their data programs, AI strategies, and how they’re driving organizational transformation. Join Dominic and other top CDOs at DDC 2024 to learn how data is transforming government and business leadership! 🔥 📅 Event Details: October 31 & November 1, 2024 | Ottawa, ON 📍 Register Now to secure your spot at Canada’s leading data management event! 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gETdjiwE #DDC2024 #DataGovernance #ChiefDataOfficer #AIAdoption #DominicParent #GovernmentOfCanada #DigitalTransformation #EnvironmentAndClimateChange #OttawaEvents #NetworkingOpportunity

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30 years ago today, I started my first job in corporate communications. To put 30 years into context, Jean Chretien was Prime Minister, gas was 50 cents/litre and Pulp Fiction was in movie theatres. Waking up today, instead of thinking of the interesting things I've been able to do over the past 10,958 days (working in Walkerton during the E. coli crisis, hanging with Wayne Gretzky for a day, media training the founders of companies like Shopify and Gymshark) I found myself reflecting on a few pivotal moments. Looking back, I realize it was my decision to take the harder, scarier road in each of those situations that opened the path for the career I have today. So, to those of you just starting out, I hope you can find a bit of inspiration in the story below: Fall of 1990: I had applied to a dozen law schools. I was rejected by all but one. I was on a waiting list at the University of Windsor. The first week of Sept. came without an update. I borrowed the family car and made the 560 km drive to the university hoping to find my spot on the list. My grand gesture failed to impress the woman behind the desk at the law school, who told me to go away. I was despondent. I had no money, no confidence, no hope. I called my parents collect on a pay phone. My mom, feeling awful for me, offered up a crazy-sounding idea. She had heard the president of the university had gone to the same grade school as me in Sault Ste. Marie. Why not pop by his office to see if he had some words of wisdom? I know. It sounds ludicrous. But the alternative was getting in the car and driving back home as, in my mind, a 'loser'. I wandered to his office and told my story to a kind woman who must have been his EA. A few minutes later, a large wooden door swung open and 4 or 5 people in suits streamed out. A man gestured for me to come into his office. It was Ron Ianni, the school's president. All these years later, I still can't get over the fact that this extremely busy man broke up a meeting and then spent the next 45 minutes talking to a young man who wasn't even a student at his school. We had a wide-ranging talk. After getting to know me a bit, he said he didn't think I would enjoy being a lawyer. He asked about my childhood. About what I enjoyed doing. We got on to the topics of writing and storytelling. "I hear there's a good Journalism program at Western University just down the road," he said. "That sounds like the kind of thing you might actually enjoy." I left his office filled with hope. I drove straight to Western, registered for my 4th year (to get the Honors degree I'd need to apply to Journalism). The rest, as they say, is history. As embarrassed as I am to have imposed on this man's time, the lesson I take from this is that when the universe closes a door in your face, it's your obligation to look for a window to climb in. With a bit of intention, a bit of effort and the kindness of a few strangers along the way, you can change the course of your life.

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Public trust in government is essential for a healthy and functioning democracy. To remain strong and resilient, our democratic institutions need to build and maintain public trust. The Government of Canada Trust and Transparency Strategy sets out core principles, a whole-of-government vision, desired outcome, strategic objectives, and commitments to support federal government institutions in reinforcing public trust.

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Is clarity the casualty of an emphasis on design tools used to "create" creativity in modern design? In my program (Communications Design) Syracuse University the entire faculty are unified in our emphasise that clarity is paramount in design (Marc Stress, Rachel Aubrey, Meri Page and @rod martinez). If nothing else, be clear. While innovation is crucial, it should never come at the expense of comprehensibility. The Canadian Army's new logo serves as a stark reminder that pushing boundaries without purpose can lead to confusion rather than connection. Thanks for this post and insights @josh white. Our mantra in the classroom: is it clear, clever or cleverly clear (the gold ring) - innovative yet instantly understandable. Effective design balances creativity with clarity, respecting tradition while embracing modernity. It's our responsibility as designers to educate clients on this delicate balance, ensuring that every design decision serves the intended message and audience. This case highlights the importance of strategic thinking in design. It's not about being different for difference's sake, but about creating meaningful, clear communication that resonates with its audience. What are your thoughts on balancing innovation with clarity in design? How do you approach client education in your practice? #DesignClarity #StrategicCreativity #CommunicationsDesign

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NEW from ICTC-CTIC: How can Nova Scotia meet its net-zero goals? Allison Clark and Todd Legere spoke to 14 industry leaders to develop key recommendations: 💨 Nova Scotia already possesses many of the skills needed for offshore wind and hydrogen production, both high-potential growth areas for the province. By leveraging the transferable skill sets of workers in the naval sector, offshore oil and gas, and tidal energy, Nova Scotia can accelerate offshore wind energy and other ocean-based clean energy developments—and work-integrated learning (WIL) programs could be the solution. 🎓 Investments in clean energy training and workforce development initiatives are needed to address labour market challenges that currently constrain Nova Scotia’s ability to achieve a net-zero future. This should include continued investments from the province to ensure more training seats in high-demand trades programs. 🤝 Scaling clean energy projects in Nova Scotia will require collective action and collaboration between all government, industry, and community-based stakeholders, particularly in coastal communities impacted by marine renewable energy developments. ⛓️‍💥 Supply chain resiliency related to wind energy should be prioritized, as onshore and offshore wind will be the predominant sources of clean energy for Nova Scotia over the next decade. https://lnkd.in/gdZqVY-n

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I'm excited and so proud to have led a webinar on crisis communications with my co-conspirator Ben Murchison for University of Toronto - Victoria University alums last week. Turns out that after more than two decades of managing issues and putting out fires, I had something to say! And those principles and observations can also be applied to many of the challenges in our personal lives (may you never have to use them). I thought I was too busy to make presentations, so thanks to Vito Labate for the nudge (and a shout-out to Louise Yearwood for being a consummate professional and crackerjack moderator). Lesson learned: Make the time to share what you know. What good is experience if you can't pass it along?

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“Being a part of the #conversations that matter” is different than attempting to manipulate an outcome. As a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Public Affairs Association of Canada and the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC) hold #ethics, #integrity and #equity as core principles in the work I do and how my company is run. I do believe that you can be #effective and #successful while setting a higher standard for how we #lobby and #advocate. SWON Public Affairs

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I want to believe in the ability to turbo charge analysis and to find novel but true patterns in our knowledge. But human data is itself not “clean” so how can something built on that data be without our biases, prejudices, errors, politics, bigotry… I think we need far more checks and balances as Gen AI is a powerful but easily misled and misused beastie.

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