{"id":5038,"date":"2020-05-29T09:59:25","date_gmt":"2020-05-29T12:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tridentnewspaper.com\/?p=5038"},"modified":"2020-05-29T09:59:25","modified_gmt":"2020-05-29T12:59:25","slug":"message-cfb-halifax-base-commander","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tridentnewspaper.com\/fr\/message-cfb-halifax-base-commander\/","title":{"rendered":"A message from the CFB Halifax Base Commander"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Moving Forward: A message from the CFB Halifax Base Commander regarding work arrangements beyond May 31, 2020<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By Capt(N) David Mazur,<\/strong>
\nCommandante de la BFC Halifax<\/p>\n

A Community United<\/b><\/p>\n

We as Nova Scotians have been confronted with another tragic loss with the passing of Captain Jennifer Casey. A Halifax native, Captain Casey died in the line of duty during Operation INSPIRATION, which brought much joy to Canadians across the country while also inspiring them to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the entire Base, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to her family, her loved ones, the Royal Canadian Air Force community and her Snowbirds team. May Jennifer rest in peace, and may we all collectively grow stronger in the aftermath of this tragedy. I would also like to thank the Defence Team, and all Haligonians, who welcomed the motorcade that brought Captain Casey home. This outpouring of support was a wonderful sign of respect for a community in mourning.<\/p>\n

Over the past few weeks, with the arrival of spring and the easing of public health restrictions across the province, the Base has been fortunate to hold small, physically distant events in partnership with our friends and neighbours. We\u2019ve celebrated Indigenous Awareness Week with a special flag-raising ceremony; honoured our fallen American sisters and brothers-in-arms at Deadman\u2019s Island; celebrated Defence Team members\u2019 promotions; and witnessed generosity from the greater community, such as a donation of delicious meals from the Lebanese Festival to our CF Health Services Centre (Atlantic) medical personnel. Indeed, this has been a busy time\u2014a time to cultivate relationships in creative and innovative ways. Moving forward, we will keep organizing and sharing events on social media\u2014such as World Environment Day (June 5) and National Public Service Week (June 14\u201320)\u2014in such a way as to be as inclusive and active as possible during this time of social and physical distancing.<\/p>\n

Business Resumption Timeline<\/b><\/p>\n

Welcome to the end of Week 11 since this work-from-home posture began for many of you. Due to improving public health conditions across Nova Scotia and Canada, we will be moving toward an increase in business activity and operational output across the Base. This will mean increasing our physical presence in the workplace using a deliberate, phased approach. As the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) outlined in his <\/span>May 22 letter<\/span><\/a> on returning to the workplace, \u201cyour personal situations will vary depending upon your ability to secure childcare and protect those who may be vulnerable.\u201d He emphasized the importance of keeping your chain of command well informed of your needs. Echoing this directive, the Deputy Minister (DM)\u2019s <\/span>May 22 message<\/span><\/a> stipulated that business resumption will depend on a variety of factors. For the civilian workforce, resumption-of-business may be influenced by various factors, such as local public health conditions; the type of work you do as part of the Defence Team; your work location\u2019s readiness; whether your work needs to take place on DND\/CAF premises; your own health; and your personal situation (e.g. child care, caregiver responsibilities, access to public transportation, etc.). Your personal situations and these various factors will be vital to the planning process here on Base. Adaptability, patience and continuous communication\u2014with your chain of command, your team(s) and\/or supervisors\u2014will be key components to a successful return-to-work posture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping all of this in mind, CFB Halifax will be expanding its core services commencing Monday, June 1, 2020. <\/b>This transition will be done gradually with the goal of returning approximately 25% of our workforce to their normal work site, focusing heavily on the return of leadership and management in the first two weeks. While the Base has been operating throughout the pandemic, our current focus is on expanding our output to meet the demands of our lodger units. At this stage, all managers and supervisors will reach out to their individual members regarding their back-to-work plans, taking into account public safety and personal situational needs such as those mentioned in the CDS and DM messages referenced above. Remember, you also have a role in these enhanced communications, so ensure you inform your supervisor of your particular circumstances and concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Public Health Measures<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Your well-being is of utmost importance, which is why public health measures will be in place to ensure your health and safety as you return to the workplace. As we begin reintroducing a larger physical cohort of members onto the Base, your teams are preparing to welcome you back to a secure and supportive work environment while also expecting that everyone plays their part in ensuring that health and safety protocols are respected. The Base previously published a general, overarching <\/span>Business Resumption Plan<\/span><\/a>. However each Branch has been tasked with developing a Branch-level plan based on its specific needs, followed by a tactical workspace plan developed specifically for each building and work environment (this final level plan was undertaken by engaging JOSHE committees in the various work environments). In addition to these references, this <\/span>two-page brochure<\/span><\/a> has been developed by MARLANT Safety and Environment regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the workplace. At any time during this business-resumption process, please make sure you are well aware of your personal responsibilities in keeping your workplace environment a healthy and safe place and do not hesitate to bring any concerns or suggestions you may have to the attention of your respective supervisors. I thank you for your patience and flexibility as we move forward with this larger reintegration of the workforce on Base.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Return-to-Work Training\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Prior to returning to work, all Defence Team members are required to complete the Defence Learning Network (DLN)\u2019s COVID-19 Awareness Course. If this is not possible, the course should be completed immediately upon return to work. The DLN may be accessed from the <\/span>Defence Wide Area Network<\/span><\/a> or from the <\/span>Internet<\/span><\/a>. Furthermore, the Canadian School of Public Service has created an <\/span>online training series on virtual teams<\/span><\/a> for learners at all levels. All managers of civilian employees are expected to complete this course as soon as feasibly possible. While not mandatory for all employees, I highly encourage Defence Team members who will continue to work remotely for the time being to participate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>Other Recent Changes on Base<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>While certain establishments have recently reopened, such as the <\/span>Shearwater Yacht Club<\/span><\/a> et sur le <\/span>Hartlen Point Golf Club<\/span><\/a>, more will follow suit in the coming weeks, such as various CANEX locations. We will continue to keep you up-to-date with Base-specific news and information on our daily social media updates. As the season changes and Defence Team members start to take their PT periods outdoors\u2014with PSP notably offering outdoor workout classes on Base for live-in members\u2014remember that online workouts are still offered by our dedicated PSP instructors. And starting on June 1<\/span>st<\/span>, all noontime Work-Ins will be live-streamed from the <\/span>PSP Halifax Facebook Page<\/span><\/a>. There you can find a variety of workouts, cooking classes, music lessons, and much more to keep you busy. After over two months of keeping us physically fit, healthy and motivated online, I want to thank each and every PSP instructor and PSP\u2019s leadership for their hard work and drive in supporting our Defence Team during this trying time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>You Are Not Alone\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

For anyone suffering during this difficult time, remember that you are not alone. For CAF members, the Member Assistance Program (1-800-268-7708) and Family Information Line (1-800-866-4546) are available 24\/7. You can connect with a local Chaplain by calling 902-721-8660 (weekdays) and 902-427-7788 (evenings and weekends), or book an appointment with the mental health unit at the Base clinic at 902-721-8012. For DND members, the Employee Assistance Program (1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 *TTY\u2014for people with hearing impairments) is available 24\/7. For COVID-19-related mental health resources, click <\/span>ici<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving Forward<\/b><\/p>\n

Again, we are living in an unprecedented time. Times of crisis often translate into innovative ways of thinking, doing, interacting and seeing the world. This new reality is one we must adapt to as we maintain our operational readiness and continue serving Canada. This has been\u2014and will continue to be\u2014a learning curve for all of us, myself included. I thank you all for your support, patience and professionalism as we continue to overcome the challenges associated with this pandemic. Maintaining open lines of communications will be critical to our success as we implement this next stage of our business resumption plan. Let\u2019s keep moving forward, together.<\/p>\n

Stay safe, stay ready and stay well.<\/p>\n

Captain (Navy) David Mazur<\/p>\n

Commandant de la BFC Halifax<\/p>\n

Find the latest COVID-19 updates:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n