2024

Youth-Centred Mentorship: An innovative approach to mentorship matching

January 5, 2024By

By Joel Murphy (Cannexus24 GSEP Award winner)

Past research suggests that mentorship has a positive impact on both the employer and mentees (Ivey & Dupré, 2020). However, there are a lack of strategies, evidence, literature and models for how labour force attachment programs with a mentorship component can encourage organic and meaningful mentorship relationships within a formal program structure. The action of matching mentor and mentee represents a challenge and an area of needed research for organizations interested in supporting meaningful mentorship opportunities. Goosen (2009) bluntly advocates that the use of “forced pairing” leads to incompatibility. 

The Youth-Centred Mentorship Approach (Y-CMA) represents an innovative concept developed to address this challenge. 

Youth-Centred Mentorship Approach 

The Y-CMA is a strength-based developmental approach and is informed by three key theories: Self-determination theory, empowerment theory, and intersectionality and social location literature. The hypothesis of this approach is that to support the longevity and ongoing success of participants’ engagement with mentorship throughout their careers, labour force attachment programs must support participants to develop internal motivation and personal capacity to value and pursue mentorship relationships during and beyond the duration of the program. The Y-CMA is a framework that creates spaces where participants are empowered to develop their own understanding of mentorship (autonomy & relatedness), reflect and identify what they want from mentoring relationships (autonomy) and understand what actions to take to accomplish their identified mentorship goals (competence).  

The following is a quick breakdown of the eight steps within the Y-CMA. 

Step 1: Relationship building 

Foundational to the Y-CMA is the relatedness between participants and facilitators. This stage aims to create spaces where individuals can share about who they are, family of origin, cultural background, and any other topic which can help people get to know each other as unique individuals.  

Step 2: Module 1 – What is mentorship and why is it beneficial? 

This module is intended to help build understanding (capacity) around the potential impacts of mentorship and to emphasize the current desires and needs of participants (autonomy). 

Step 3: Module 2 – What do you look for in a mentor? 

Participants think critically about what type of mentor would help them accomplish the benefits they perceive (competency) as resulting from a mentorship relationship at this point in their life. 

Step 4: Mentor recruitment 

Career development professionals would then recruit mentors based on the insights from Step 3, while also encouraging participants to do the same. 

Step 5: Module 3 – How do you find a mentor and ask? 

This module focuses on finding a mentor, how to ask someone to be mentor and gives a snapshot of what mentorship “meetings” could be like (autonomy & competency). 

Step 6: Mentor meet and greet 

This activity is meant to act as an informal opportunity for participants and potential mentors to meet and interact with each other. Participants should be prepared to think critically and reflexively about the potential mentors they meet and consider which mentor they believe would be a good fit. 

Step 7: Mentor matching  

Following Step 6, participants will identify their top 3 mentors. They are then connected via online software (example: Mentor City) or email to further support their ability to affirm if it is a good match, based on their module training.  

Step 8: In-person mentor training 

This training is intended for both participants and confirmed mentors outlining organizational expectations, answering questions, and focusing on co-creating the expectations and intentions participants and mentors are setting for each other. During this time, facilitate some “get to know you” activities, discuss meeting rhythms and officially launch the mentorship relationship. 

Joel Murphy is a PhD Candidate in Educational Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia. His areas of research are youth career development, futures research, program design, all done within an engaged scholar approach. Joel also works as an Impact and Innovation officer at the Centre for Employment Innovation, located at St. Francis Xavier University. 

References 

Jacobson, D., & Mustafa, N. (2019). Social Identity Map: A Reflexivity Tool for Practicing Explicit Positionality in Critical Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. 

Blake-Beard, Stacy, Bayne, Melissa L, Crosby, Faye J, & Muller, Carol B. (2011). Matching by Race and Gender in Mentoring Relationships: Keeping our Eyes on the Prize. Journal of Social Issues, 67(3), 622-643. 

Dawson, Phillip. (2014). Beyond a Definition: Toward a Framework for Designing and Specifying Mentoring Models. Educational Researcher, 43(3), 137-145. 

Deci, E., Connell, J., & Ryan, R. (1989). Self-Determination in a Work Organization. Journal of Applied Psychology, 74(4), 580-590. 

Deci, E., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. (2001). Extrinsic Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation in Education: Reconsidered Once Again. Review of Educational Research, 71(1), 1-27. 

Goosen, X. (2009). The nature of mentorship in an industrial goods and services company. Acta Commercii, 9(1), 41–59. https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v9i1.93 

Ivey, G. W., & Dupré, K. E. (2022). Workplace Mentorship: A Critical Review. Journal of Career Development, 49(3), 714-729. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845320957737 

Lerner, R. M., Napolitano, C. M., Boyd, M. J., Mueller. M. K., Callina K. S. (2013) Mentoring and Positive Youth Development. In DuBois, D. L., & Karcher, M. (Eds.). Handbook of youth mentoring. SAGE Publications. 

Njeze, C., Bird-Naytowhow, K., Pearl, T., & Hatala, A. (2020). Intersectionality of Resilience: A Strengths-Based Case Study Approach With Indigenous Youth in an Urban Canadian Context. Qualitative Health Research, 30(13), 2001-2018. 

Messineo, L., Allegra, M., & Seta, L. (2019). Self-reported motivation for choosing nursing studies: A self-determination theory perspective. BMC Medical Education, 19(1), 192. 

Tafvelin, Susanne, & Stenling, Andreas. (2021). A Self-Determination Theory Perspective on Transfer of Leadership Training: The Role of Leader Motivation. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 28(1), 60-75. 

To, S., & Liu, X. (2021). Outcomes of Community-Based Youth Empowerment Programs Adopting Design Thinking: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Research on Social Work Practice, 31(7), 728-741. 

Zimmerman, M. (1995). Psychological empowerment: Issues and illustrations. American Journal of Community Psychology, 23(5), 581-599. 

 

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Group of diverse people discussingDecember

Graduate students win award to attend the Cannexus24 conference

December 18, 2023By

CERIC has announced the recipients of this year’s Graduate Student Award, providing support for five graduate students to virtually attend the Cannexus24 Canada’s Career Development Conference, January 29–31, 2024.

The recipients are:  

  • Jihène Hichri, PhD student, Education, Université du Québec à Montréal 
  • Joel Murphy, PhD candidate, Education,  Mount Saint Vincent University 
  • Amanda Assi, MA student, Counselling Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary 
  • Daniel Trudel, MA student, École de Counseling et d’orientation, Université de Laval 
  • Annie Gourde, PhD student, École de Counseling et d’orientation, Université de Laval 

The award, presented annually to select full-time graduate students studying career counselling or career development, provides free registration to virtual Cannexus and $1,000. The Cannexus conference promotes the exchange of information and explores innovative approaches in the areas of career counselling and career and workforce development. Student poster presentations will be available for viewing during the virtual conference.    

Eligibility for the award is based on participation in CERIC’s Graduate Student Engagement Program (GSEP), which includes the submission of a one-page article on a career development topic. Read the award-winning articles and all the thought-provoking submissions on CERIC’s GSEP Corner.  

GSEP encourages engagement of Canada’s full-time graduate students (master’s or PhD level) whose academic research is in career development or a related field. Interested in submitting your application to GSEP? The next cohort of the Graduate Student Engagement Program will open for applications in mid-2024. Check back soon! 

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2023

Unlocking potential: Toward a National Advocacy Campaign for career development in Canada

December 4, 2023By

Career development can have a tremendous positive impact on individuals, employers and the economy. Unfortunately, it is a significantly underused resource in Canada. To help unlock the transformative potential of career development, a group of interestholders representing a diverse cross-section of the field across Canada – with the support of CERIC and human-centred design firm Overlap Associates – is working to develop a National Advocacy Campaign.

The purpose of developing a National Advocacy Campaign is to increase the visibility, profile and impact of career development in order to improve the working lives of everyone in Canada and build a more prosperous economy and equitable society. As we reflect on a year of work moving toward this goal, we wanted to share this journey with the broader career development community and invite in more voices as we continue to develop this initiative together.

This community-led initiative is being advanced through the collective leadership of individuals from a variety of career development organizations and institutions across Canada: ASPECT BC, CACEE, CCDF, CERIC, Challenge Factory, Employment and Education Centre, First Work, John Howard Society, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Louis Riel School Division, ODEN, People for Education, SIEC, Skills for Change, The Neighbourbood Group and University of the Fraser Valley.

The idea to develop an advocacy campaign took root in CERIC’s Advocacy and Community Engagement Advisory Committee in 2022. The committee identified several opportunity areas for a campaign, which were refined at CERIC’s Cannexus conference in January 2023 through community consultation and a two-day design thinking workshop with 40 career development leaders. This led to the development of seven campaign prototypes for a potential future National Advocacy Campaign:

  • Join Me on My Journey
  • Endless Possibilities – Become Employable
  • Beyond Decent
  • CAREeRS
  • Path to Prosperity
  • Life Aesthetic
  • Career Web

This consultation also resulted in the creation of a Steering Committee and Working Group, which developed criteria for selecting a campaign prototype and interviewed interestholders to generate feedback on the campaign ideas. In October 2023, the Steering Committee selected the “Beyond Decent” campaign idea to further explore, based on an analysis of community feedback.

As the purpose of the National Advocacy Campaign is to increase the visibility, profile and impact of career development, we believe it is important for this initiative to involve, reflect and be embraced by Canada’s career development community. CERIC has engaged Overlap Associates to help integrate human-centred design – an iterative, collaborative approach to problem-solving – into the process of developing a National Advocacy Campaign. The “Beyond Decent” campaign idea will continue to evolve through the research and ideation phases, which will invite the collaboration of interestholders across the career development community in Canada.

We want to hear from you! Join our outreach list to stay informed, share your ideas and be a part of this transformative journey.

To explore the campaign prototypes, learn about the ongoing process for developing a National Advocacy Campaign and see who has been involved, visit our webpage, “A National Advocacy Campaign for Career Development in Canada.”

Have questions? Reach out to CERIC’S Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Sharon Ferriss, at sharon@ceric.ca.

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How to effectively support career transitions following a loss of meaning at work (IN FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES)

October 19, 2023By

PAST FREE WEBINAR

person    Co-Presenters

Élodie Chevallier, doctorate in education (UQAM)

Réginald Savard, professor (UQAM), career counsellor and psychotherapist

Alexandre Brien, professor of career counselling (UQAM)

Pawel Zaniewski, M.sc., career counsellor and doctoral student in education (UQAM)

calendar icon  Original date and time

Price

  • FREE webinar

Language

  • This webinar series was presented in French with English subtitles available on the recording.

Accessibility

  • This webinar offered AI-generated live captions available in multiple languages

English subtitles are available on the recording of this webinar.

Webinar overview

Loss of meaning at work is a growing source of motivation for career change, particularly when it follows a significant event.  A striking example of this is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has given rise to a phenomenon of “quiet quitting.” This has prompted organizations such as CERIC and UQAM (Université du Québec À Montréal) to address the issue by funding project research aimed at understanding how major upheaval affects the meaning that individuals derive from their work and their decisions to change careers. 

Indeed, given the events anticipated in the 21st century (climate events, climate-induced migration, pandemics…), it is essential to understand the factors underlying the loss of meaning at work, to analyze this process and to determine how to provide appropriate support. 

Why career professionals should get involved

This webinar will present key findings from CERIC research on meaning at work. Employment and career counselling professionals will gain a deeper understanding of this evolving field and acquire evidence-based knowledge to enhance their practice. By considering factors that impact meaning at work and understanding how it can be lost, professionals can better support clients facing professional malaise. This webinar will help participants identify dimensions of meaning at work to support clients in creating new career plans that align with their values, promoting lasting well-being and job satisfaction.

Key learning objectives

  • Learn about the dimensions and components of meaning at work 
  • Learn about the process of loss of meaning at work, leading to career transition
  • Help define a meaningful career plan

Overview of the research project

CERIC has funded a research project aimed at shedding light on how a career shock, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, influences the meaning of work and career change choices. As part of this project, a team from UQAM is seeking to better understand the career concerns of individuals since the start of the pandemic.

Learn more

CERIC webinars are hosted on the Zoom Events platform! Learn about it in our FAQ.

Elodie Chevallier

Élodie Chevallier holds a doctorate in education. Her research activities focus on meaning at work and career development. Since 2021, with a team from UQAM, she has been conducting research into understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the meaning given to work and career development. 

Réginald Savard

Réginald Savard is a professor at UQAM, Career Counsellor and psychotherapist whose research focuses on effectiveness and change in career counselling with orientation, integration and adaptation challenges, as well as on training and supervision. He offers a variety of clinical supervision activities in career counselling and psychotherapy.

Alexandre Brien

Alexandre Brien holds a doctorate in education from Université de Sherbrooke and a postdoc from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, and is a professor of career counselling at Université du Québec à Montréal.  Since 2022, he has been part of the research team seeking to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the meaning given to work. 

Pawel Zaniewski

Pawel Zaniewski, MSc, Career Counsellor, is a doctoral student in education at UQAM. He is working on the effectiveness of career counselling for people reintegrating into work following a common mental disorder episode. Since 2022, he has been part of the research team seeking to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the meaning given to work.

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2023

Explore the 100+ sessions: Program now available for hybrid Cannexus24 conference

October 4, 2023By

The Cannexus24 hybrid program has now been released for both the virtual edition and Ottawa-based in-person version of Canada’s largest Career Development Conference, taking place Jan. 29-31, 2024. The program includes more than 100 sessions which will empower you to drive change and collectively build a brighter future.

Cannexus brings together professionals across the career and workforce development ecosystem to explore research, policy and practice. The Cannexus24 program emphasizes the role of career development in changing individual lives and building a stronger future for Canada. Last year, our in-person conference drew nearly 1,000 delegates and our virtual conferences more than 1,000.

Incredible keynotes will inspire delegates: future of work expert Hamza Khan, Paralympic champion Chantal Petitclerc, University of South Australia’s Dr. Nancy Arthur and award-winning researcher on Indigenous youth Dr. Sean Lessard. Featuring top researchers, practitioners and thought leaders from across Canada and around the world (Candy Ho, Gray Poehnell, Mark Franklin, Sareena Hopkins, Lisa Taylor, Seanna Quressette, Graham Donald, JP Michel, Dave Redekopp, Tricia Berry, Josh Davies, Roberta Borgen (Neault), Mary McMahon, Trina Maher, Sonny Wong, Sarah Delicate, Yvonne Rodney, Deirdre Pickerell, Rich Feller and many more), here is just a sampling of the sessions on offer:

Virtual

  • Embracing Upskilling in an Uncertain Job Market
  • Coaching Clients on Salary Negotiation
  • Evidence-based Outcomes Realized in Broad Community Counselling Service
  • Fork Theory: A Multi-pronged Approach to Support Neurodivergent Networking
  • Advancing Skills Training for Black Youth: A Panel Discussion
  • How Trauma Affects Career Development and Work Life
  • What Gen Z Values and Why It Matters
  • Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence for CDPs!
  • Decolonial Approaches to Career Education: A Conversational Program
  • Growing Pains and Gains in Canada’s Intergenerational Workplaces

In-person

  • Mapping the Canadian Career Development Sector
  • What Indigenous Learners Need from Career Education
  • The Unconscious Conflicts Triggered by Our Clients’ Anxiety
  • Net Zero – Implications for Skills
  • Scaling Career Development in Higher Ed: Creating Faculty Career Champions
  • Building a Neuroinclusive Workforce
  • Meeting SME Talent Needs – Career Planning and Support
  • A JEDI Lens to Career Advice
  • ChatGPT and AI: Unlocking Potential, Amplifying Impact
  • Integration of Career and Mental Health Counselling
  • Essential LinkedIn Strategies for Optimizing Content at Every Career Level

Hybrid sessions act as bridges between the in-person and virtual conference, creating a shared Cannexus experience. In-person attendees also receive access to the virtual platform at the end of the conference. Both in-person and virtual attendees will have access to these recordings for three months.

Delegates can save by registering by the Early Bird deadline of Friday, Nov. 10. The cost during Early Bird is $340 for the virtual and $575 for the in-person conference. Members of groups of 5 or more save a further 25% off Early Bird rates as do members of 37 supporting organizations.

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2023

Report reveals 10 megatrends that will shape work and careers in 2040

October 3, 2023By

A new CERIC-funded report from Creative Futures Studio Inc. sheds light on 10 megatrends that will shape the future of work in Canada. The report, Career Development in 2040, digs into the trends that workers, employers – as well as those who advise them – need to understand to thrive in a labour market facing massive disruption. Based on an extensive literature review of as well as interviews with career development professionals (CDPs) and career services users, the report highlights 10 major trends: 

  1. Work Anywhere  
  2. AI & Automation  
  3. Living with Climate Change  
  4. Geopolitical Conflicts  
  5. Reconciling the Impacts of Colonialism  
  6. Economic Precarity  
  7. Globalization Under Pressure  
  8. Education, Disrupted  
  9. Declining Mental Health & Well-being  
  10. Generational Shifts  

The report also identifies microtrends within each area (32 in total), including the impact of the “green skills revolution” on new jobs creation, greater recognition of the skills of neurodivergent individuals, the increasing popularity of the “learn and earn” model of post-secondary education and how Gen Z’s values-driven approach to work will inform their leadership. 

The purpose of this report is to explore this range of complex changes that may influence career development and career services by 2040, to help CDPs better prepare. Looking forward to 2040, what might be the role of career developers? Will “careers” as they are currently conceptualized exist in the same way, or how might they evolve given current macro-level changes impacting jobs? The year 2040 was selected so that career developers can reasonably anticipate changes over the next 15-20 years and, at the same time, boldly imagine new paths forward. 

As the report outlines, we are living in a time of increased uncertainty. As a result, the needs of employers and workers are complex, uncertain and volatile, and by extension, so is the role of CDPs. Based on the major changes described in this report, careers may look very different in 2040. For example, an older workforce can mean new career services specifically designed for the unique needs of seasoned workers who may require age-related accommodations. Depending on how the 10 major changes in the report evolve over time, CDPs might need a range of new skills in the future, such as expanded digital skills that respond to emerging technologies; enhanced mental health interventions; coaching skills related to climate change and many more.  

For this report, over 600 secondary sources were studied over the course of two months in 2023, including traditional as well as non-traditional publications. Researchers also conducted interviews with career development practitioners from across Canada who were asked to reflect on changes they were observing in the field, and what it could mean for 15 years in the future. “Users” of career development services were also interviewed about their possible careers in 2040 and the types of supports they could need.   

Given the future-oriented focus of this report, it was created using a strategic foresight research approach called horizon scanning. Strategic foresight is a discipline rooted in the academic discipline of futures studies and provides structured and evidence-based methods for understanding our futures. Strategic foresight is not about predicting the future, but instead explores a range of possible futures that could unfold based on changes that can be observed today. Horizon scanning is the approach used to identify these changes, capturing broad social, technological, economic, environmental, political and values-based changes with the potential to impact the future.   

The report is the product of a Request for Proposals that CERIC released last year to explore how the changing nature of work will impact the concept of careers and the role and identity of career developers. Creative Futures was contracted to undertake this research project. Creative Futures Studio Inc., helps organizations to understand and apply strategic foresight and social innovation methods so they can make informed decisions about their future.  

 The next phase of this project will translate the megatrends into three possible scenarios and engage CDPs in a deeper exploration of the possible implications of these changes. In doing so, CDPs will collectively identify key skill requirements, and how services may need to evolve by 2040. The results of this work will be available in early 2024. 

Creative Futures co-founders Heather Russek and Jessica Thornton will present their findings at Cannexus, Canada’s Career Development Conference, being held Jan. 29-31, 2024, in Ottawa.    

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Decent Work on a Changing Planet: Practical Strategies for Developing a More Equitable World for Our Clients

September 26, 2023By

PAST FREE SIMULIVE* SERIES

person   Presenters

  • Trevor Lehmann, Career Consultant, University of Manitoba
  • Brian Malott, Indigenous Carer Consultant, Fanshawe College

calendar icon   Original date and time of the simulive series:

  • Wednesday, November 29, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 6, 2023

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET (Check your time zone)

Cost

  • FREE Simulive* Series

Language

  • This webinar was presented in English

* A simulive session is a pre-recorded session in which presenters join only for a live Q&A session towards the end, interacting with the audience through live chat.

Overview

The climate crisis not only creates new environmental, economic and societal problems, but exacerbates  pre-existing inequalities and inequities of our present world. To address this pressing issue, there is a growing demand for a just transition that can effectively tackle the evolving challenges of our changing world while leaving no one behind. 

A just transition requires that all individuals have access to decent work, regardless of their station in life. Presently some jobs are celebrated while others result in physical and emotional harm, leaving those workers disengaged from society and despairing.  

Career development professionals can play a key role in changing this narrative and working collectively towards a more sustainable future and a just transition. By advocating for and empowering clients to pursue decent work from their employers and their society, they can contribute to a more equitable future for all.  

Why Career Practitioners Should Attend

Career development professionals traditionally provide career management and self-exploration skills, helping the client better adapt to the social structures around them. There is also an acknowledgement of equity/diversity/inclusion, but rarely do we discuss how to empower client-centered change in employers.  

In the webinar series, we will discuss the intersections between decent work and climate/sustainability, and explore how these issues disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, including refugees, Indigenous communities and students – often the most affected by the rapidly changing dynamics of our world. This practical two-part webinar series will go through concrete strategies to empower clients through consciousness raising, negotiation skills and awareness of labour law, while fostering a collaboration between employers and employees.

Cross-cultural approaches will be highlighted along with real-life case examples of how CDPs can effectively support their clients to pursue decent work and improve the quality of their lives. This will involve the application of various social justice principles including those from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, in the work of career development professionals. 

By the end of the webinar series, participants will feel better equipped and will leave with a list of resources, strategies and techniques to create positive impacts in your clients’ lives amidst a changing planet.  

Webinar #1: Decent Work – Defining and developing a more equitable world

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
  • Defining decent work as a justice issue and how it relates to various theories 
  • Raising awareness among clients of inequities in employment 
  • Principles of labour and strategies for creating change within the workplace 
  • Considering a holistic approach to decent work from Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit 
  • Case studies in cross-cultural and Indigenous contexts 

Webinar #2: Decent Work - Practical tools for advancing equitable work for our clients

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
  • Framing our position and responsibilities as career practitioners 
  • Applying career theories to the TRC’s Calls to Action  
  • Ideas and conversational reframes to explore with clients 
  • Additional case studies in cross-cultural and Indigenous contexts 

CERIC webinars are hosted on the Zoom Events platform! Learn about it in our FAQ.

Trevor Lehmann (MEd, CCC) is President of the Climate-Informed Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Career Consultant with the University of Manitoba. You can read his open-access Imperfect Guide to Career and Climate and other writings at https://trevorlehmann.ca. 

Brian Malott (CHRL, BGS) is the Indigenous Carer Consultant with Fanshawe College and a Designing Your Life Certified Coach.  You can learn more at  chasingdreams.ca.

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2023

Meet CERIC’s Board and Committee Members for 2023/2024

September 6, 2023By

CERIC is delighted to welcome the members of its Board of Directors and Advisory Committees for the upcoming year. The volunteer Board guides CERIC in its mission as a national charitable organization to advance career development in Canada. Award-winning career development leader Candy Ho, returns for her second year as Chair of the Board. 

Reflecting a broad cross-section of leaders, the complete list of Board members for 2023/2024 includes: 

  • Candy Ho, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC (Chair)  
  • Meghan Lavallee, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Winnipeg, MB (Vice-chair)  
  • André Raymond, Laval University, Quebec City, QC (Past Chair)  
  • Sue Watts, Employment + Education Centre (EEC), Brockville, ON (Secretary/Treasurer)  
  • Tony Botelho, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC  
  • Keka DasGupta, Precision Marketing Group Inc, Toronto, ON  
  • Dinuka Gunaratne, Northeastern University, Vancouver, BC 
  • Darlene Hnatchuk, McGill University, Montreal, QC  
  • Valérie Roy, AXTRA, l’Alliance des centres-conseils en emploi, Montreal, QC
  • Rob Shea, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL  
  • Lisa Taylor, Challenge Factory, Toronto, ON  
  • Donald G. Lawson, The Counselling Foundation of Canada, Toronto, ON (Honorary Director – Ex-officio)  
  • Riz Ibrahim, The Counselling Foundation of Canada, Toronto, ON (Executive Officer – Ex-officio)  

Members of CERIC’s three Advisory Committees – Practical & Academic Research; Content & Learning; and Advocacy & Community Engagement – have been appointed by the Board for the next year. Members of these committees play an important role in implementing CERIC’s two strategic mandates: promoting career development as a priority for the public good, and building career development knowledge, mindsets and competencies. 

The focus of CERIC’s work is education and research in career counselling and career development that increases the economic and social well-being of people in Canada. This includes funding projects that produce innovative career development resources. CERIC also annually hosts Cannexus, Canada’s largest bilingual career development conference, publishes the country’s only peer-reviewed journal, Canadian Journal of Career Development, and runs the CareerWise / OrientAction content hubs.  

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2023

Four incredible keynotes to headline Cannexus conference

August 15, 2023By

A bestselling futurist, a Paralympic champion, a renowned career theorist and an award-winning Indigenous researcher will deliver keynotes at the hybrid Cannexus24 conference. Cannexus, Canada’s Career Development Conference, will take place Jan. 29-31, 2024, both online and in Ottawa. The largest bilingual conference in the country focused on innovative approaches in career and workforce development, the conference draws more than 2,000 attendees. 

Attendees at Cannexus24 will hear empowering talks from these four outstanding keynotes: 

Hamza Khan
Future of Work and People-first Leadership Expert | Bestselling Author
Brave New Work: The Change-Friendly Playbook for Navigating Non-Stop Transformation  

Khan is on a mission to help organizations achieve inclusive and sustainable growth by rehumanizing the workplace. He will help attendees navigate a fast-approaching future of work, an always-on “new abnormal” characterized by hybrid work, persistent technological disruption, and constantly shifting behaviours and expectations.  

Chantal Petitclerc
Paralympic Champion | World Record Holder
Sharing My Story 

The epitome of determination, perseverance and discipline, Petticlerc is the most successful wheelchair racer of all time, boasting multiple medals from all three of the world’s top athletic competitions. She uses her own story to illustrate the importance of perseverance, ambitious goals, vision and, especially, dreams.   

Dr. Nancy Arthur
Professor and Dean Research for UniSA Business, University of South Australia and Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary
Business as (Un)usual: Staying on Course During Turbulence and Trends 

Dr. Arthur’s teaching and research has focused on culture-infused career counselling, social justice advocacy, and career development for international students and workers. She will discuss the need for career development services to be proactive in shaping policies and practices in ways that support people to navigate new ways of working.  

Dr. Sean Lessard
Award-winning Professor, Writer and Researcher in Indigenous Youth
Bubbling Up: Empowering Indigenous Youth Through “Radical Advocacy” 

Dr. Lessard is Woodland Cree and is from Montreal Lake Cree Nation in Northern Saskatchewan Treaty 6 territory. In this keynote, he will reflect on his work alongside Indigenous youth both in and outside of schools. He is especially known for his design of graduation coach models, transition/career planning and “school at any place and at any time” approaches.  

Super Saver rates for the virtual conference start at $210 with special $50 rates for students. The in-person rates start at $390. Members of more than 30 supporting organizations receive 25% off of their registration. The 25% discount is also available for groups of 5 or more.  All delegates get access to the virtual recordings after the conference for three months. The Super Saver deadline is Sept. 8. 

Cannexus is presented by CERIC and supported by The Counselling Foundation of Canada and a broad network of partners. For more information on the conference and to register, visit  cannexus.ceric.ca.  

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