Programme Cercle des jeunes leaders fédéral-provincial
Collaboration and knowledge transfer between federal and provincial government leaders is key to building a stronger executive rank within both levels of government. The program Cercle des jeunes leaders fédéral-provincial brings together executives from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec to explore the realities of senior level leadership positions, federal-provincial relations, and how to effectively tackle challenges faced by both levels of government. Participants will engage in a variety of learning activities, including group training, individual exercises, mentoring and networking.
This program runs in collaboration with the École nationale d'administration publique (National School of Public Administration) and is only offered in French.
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About the program
The program Cercle des jeunes leaders fédéral-provincial brings together executives from the Government of Canada (EX-1 and EX-2) and the Government of Quebec (levels 3 or 4). This unique network fosters the exchange of perspectives and the co-development of solutions to common challenges, strengthening leaders' ability to navigate a complex intergovernmental environment.
Objectives
The program's objectives are as follows:
- Understand the cultures and strategic priorities of those two levels of government.
- Share and apply collaborative best practices on key issues.
- Develop a sustainable federal-provincial network capable of adapting and responding to changing common challenges.
- Strengthen agile, strategic leadership that fosters inclusive, diverse and ethical environments and enables us to meet new challenges.
The program takes the form of two-day face-to-face meetings every four to six weeks, alternating between Quebec City and Ottawa, over a 12-month period including a summer break.
Themes
The program will address the following topics:
- Intergovernmental collaboration and strategic diplomacy
- Transformational leadership and modern public governance
- Influence and communication in a complex environment
- Emotional intelligence and empathic leadership
- Healthy organizational culture and sustainable inclusion
- Reconciliatory partnerships with Indigenous Peoples
- Innovation, digital transformation and responsible artificial intelligence
- Organizational agility and change management
- Climate resilience and energy transitions
- Anticipation and strategic crisis management
Learning activities
The program offers the following learning activities:
- Identifying the cohort's emblem (A Cercle des jeunes leaders fédéral-provincial tradition where each cohort selects one federal and one provincial leader who inspire them; the cohort is named in their honour.)
- Presentations and panels by federal and provincial senior management leaders, as well as academic speakers from a variety of backgrounds
- Training workshops and group exercises
- Networking activities
- Individual reflection exercises
- Collaborative research projects involving members of both levels of government
- Mentoring and 360° feedback coordinated and provided by the home organization (consult the Personnel Psychology Centre's 360° Feedback Instruments and Services)
Eligibility criteria
- Be recommended to the program by your deputy minister or assistant deputy minister
- Be an EX-01 or EX-02 and show significant promise for advancement
- Be at least 10 years from retirement
- Have at least 6 months of experience in roles involving federal, provincial and territorial interactions
- Have a CBC linguistic profile in French, or the ability to participate in a program that is exclusively in French
- Obtain approval from your department or agency to undertake the 360° feedback exercise and assume its costs (consult the Personnel Psychology Centre's 360° Feedback Instruments and Services)
The program requires a sustained commitment, as meetings are held every four to six weeks, alternating between in-person meetings in Quebec City and Ottawa.
Registration
Registration for the program is by nomination and only through a call for interest.
Testimonials
Here are some notable testimonials from participants in the last three cohorts:
Cohort 1 (2020–2021)
"It's a program that allows us to broaden our perspectives, as well as to reflect on topics that are extremely relevant to our roles as public service leaders and to the conduct of federal-provincial relations."
"The content is relevant to the current realities and issues I face as a director."
Cohort 2 (2023–2024)
"I'm convinced that there's an added richness in a federal-provincial version of the circle. I feel privileged to have had the chance to participate in that version of the circle, and so I hope it continues."
"I loved the federal-provincial component and developed a valuable network of colleagues. It was a privilege to benefit from so many tools (mentor, 360 feedback, workshops) and the expertise of top-notch speakers!"
Cohort 3 (2025–2026)
"Super great relationships and conversations that represent what we want to take place between federal and provincial governments."
Frequently asked questions
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