By Brigitte Smiley, Communications Manager, D Comm, CFPSA Ottawa,
(613) 996-6393, smiley.brigitte@cfpsa.com

The Human Resources (NPF/HR) National Conference was held March 15 to 21, 2003, in Cornwall, Ontario. The conference, organized by the Regional Managers HR (RMHRs), gave HR Managers (HRMs) from across Canada and Europe the opportunity to network and find out what's new in Employee Relationship Management, Human Rights, Employee Benefits, Succession Planning, Labour Relations Training and Development, Health and Safety, and many other HR programs and initiatives. The topics, atmosphere, and social activities, set the stage for productive networking discussions.

"The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving."
O.W. Holmes

From left to right: Melanie Gammon, HRM CFPSA/HQ; Anick Castonguay, HRM SISIP; and Julie de la Durantaye, HRIS Support Technician

Gérard Étienne, Vice-President HR, kicked off the conference that included guest speakers from various divisions of the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA). While John Geci, President and CEO, made the closing remarks.

"[The conference] brought us together as a group, allowed us to identify major issues we are facing, and promoted a collaborative problem-solving approach," said Joan Legris, HR Manager, CFB Kingston.

"Policies are many, Principles are few, Policies will change, Principles never do."
John C. Maxwell

Erika Tarnaske, HR Assistant Moose Jaw (left) and Susan Goddard, HRM Cold Lake

"I think that HR Managers went back with more understanding, knowing that there is a lot of work ahead and confident that they have a team behind them" concluded Jacynthe de Saint-Hilaire, Training & Development Manager who provided the logistics for this conference.

Photo Credit: Marion Grobb, Patrick Dimanche, Jacynthe de Saint-Hilaire