July 24: Twitter Update from the Deputy Minister Jody Thomas

Friday Update: our leadership is preparing for Monday’s special discussion on racism. This is the next step in a long-term, concerted effort to combat racism within the Defence Team.

#BZ to the numerous #DefenceTeam members who are preparing or contributing to presentations for this meeting. Meeting goals: consult, understand, communicate, and set conditions to develop meaningful solutions. 

It’s been a very difficult and stressful past few months and it’s important for all of us to unplug from work completely. Vacation is as much a mental health issue as anything.

Glad to see managers working with their teams to make sure employees can take vacation leave, but still keep the Defence Team work on track. Keep it up.

While we’re on the subject, it’s also important to remember that Leave 699 is for COVID-19 situations only. You can read more here: [https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/covid-19/employee-illness-leave.html#toc3]

Met an extraordinary and dedicated employee from @CanadianArmy—Esme Baily—this week, who reminded me that I needed to register for the @CanadaArmyRun. It’s virtual this year, so easy to be COVID-compliant. A great cause.

General Vance shared that he’ll be relinquishing command of the CAF in the coming months. After a life devoted to service and to Canada, he deserves all our thanks.

Lots going on but we need to stay vigilant about COVID and protective measures we all need to take. We’re starting to see an uptick in case in Canada. Not ok. Let’s all do our part, and keep each other safe. #WashYourHands #WearAMask 

Jody Thomas
@DMDND_SMMDN (external link)

This Twitter thread (external link) from Deptuy Minister Jody Thomas can be viewed in full on Twitter.