November 6: Update from Deputy Minister Jody Thomas on Twitter

Friday Update: “Apart but together at heart” is this year’s #NDWCC theme. It doesn’t simply reflect the COVID-related challenges we’re all facing. It also speaks to how our #DefenceTeam can pull together to achieve important goals.  

If you have the ability to give, please consider contributing to this year’s #NDWCC campaign. The deadline to set up payroll deductions for this year is 20 November. More here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/ndwcc-2020/news-messages-ndwcc-2020/every-dollar-counts.html

Updated guidance from OCHRO on the use of 699 takes effect November 9. We’ll continue to find workable solutions on a case-by-case basis. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/covid-19/employee-illness-leave.html

Managers have flexible options that allow for compassion, respect Collective Agreements, and ensure critical business continuity. Labour Relations should be involved in case-by-case decisions to ensure consistency across the department.

Speaking of consistency, please continue to observe all public health advice. #WashYourHands. #WearAMask. Observe physical distancing. This is particularly important as the cold weather moves in and we spend more time indoors.

On Thursday ADM (PA) wrote to all Defence Team Public Affairs staff. She unequivocally confirmed that Information Operations/Influence Activities have no place within the Public Affairs space. @CDS_Canada_CEMD and I fully support this direction.

We are now in Veterans Week. For many, this time of year can stir up difficult emotions. Be cognizant and understanding that some of our colleagues may not be feeling themselves. Be prepared to listen, and to support.

In-person remembrance ceremonies will be limited for this year because of COVID. Consider how you will safely observe 11 November. #WearYourUniform if you are a CAF member, watch coverage TV or online, or do something else meaningful for you.

This 11 November—apart as we are—we can still be united in our thanks for sacrifices of our #CAF families, friends and colleagues. So pause, reflect, and remember to say “thank you” for all they have done and are doing for us.

1/0 Friday Update: “Apart but together at heart” is this year’s #NDWCC theme. It doesn’t simply reflect the COVID-related challenges we’re all facing. It also speaks to how our #DefenceTeam can pull together to achieve important goals. 

2/0 If you have the ability to give, please consider contributing to this year’s #NDWCC campaign. The deadline to set up payroll deductions for this year is 20 November. More here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/ndwcc-2020/news-messages-ndwcc-2020/every-dollar-counts.html

3/0 Updated guidance from OCHRO on the use of 699 takes effect November 9. We’ll continue to find workable solutions on a case-by-case basis. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/covid-19/employee-illness-leave.html

4/0 Managers have flexible options that allow for compassion, respect Collective Agreements, and ensure critical business continuity. Labour Relations should be involved in case-by-case decisions to ensure consistency across the department.

5/0 Speaking of consistency, please continue to observe all public health advice. #WashYourHands. #WearAMask. Observe physical distancing. This is particularly important as the cold weather moves in and we spend more time indoors.

6/0 On Thursday ADM (PA) wrote to all Defence Team Public Affairs staff. She unequivocally confirmed that Information Operations/Influence Activities have no place within the Public Affairs space. @CDS_Canada_CEMD and I fully support this direction.

7/0 We are now in Veterans Week. For many, this time of year can stir up difficult emotions. Be cognizant and understanding that some of our colleagues may not be feeling themselves. Be prepared to listen, and to support.

8/0 In-person remembrance ceremonies will be limited for this year because of COVID. Consider how you will safely observe 11 November. #WearYourUniform if you are a CAF member, watch coverage TV or online, or do something else meaningful for you.

9/0 This 11 November—apart as we are—we can still be united in our thanks for sacrifices of our #CAF families, friends and colleagues. So pause, reflect, and remember to say “thank you” for all they have done and are doing for us.