daniel mckillop

As a member of the Secretariat, which is comprised of colleagues from a broad range of departments, I provided strategic support and guidance at the national level to our Senior Associate Deputy Minister, our Assistant Deputy Minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council to help realize the Blueprint 2020 vision for transforming and modernizing the Public Service. In that capacity, I joined the Secretariat in the area of policy analysis and advice, and also provided speech writing, social media messaging, presentations before external audiences and internal to Government, and event planning. I also provided advice and support to deputy minister committees such as the Board of Management and Renewal, chaired by the Clerk of the Privy Council, and the Sub-Committee on Public Service Engagement and Workplace Culture, chaired by the Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development.

Worked on speeches, news releases, question-and-answer documents, social media communication, web content, media lines and key messages. Drafted and implemented communications plans for key initiatives and announcements, which included identifying specific goals, target audiences and outlining strategic considerations. For time-sensitive media calls, drafted media lines and worked closely with Media Relations Unit staff. Drafted the department’s official responses, which often involved quick research, strong time management skills, a firm grasp of complex policy, effectively writing in clear and plain language, as well as preparation in the anticipation of media calls on key subjects. Worked closely with the HRSDC advertising unit, as Account Executive.

Drafting media statements, news releases and backgrounders for the Prime Minister of Canada, as well as preparing other communications products for important announcements and events such as question-and-answer documents, spokespersons books and narratives for high-profile tech briefings. Reviewing the Prime Minister’s speeches on policy-related announcements and events, such as important economic initiatives, international visits, regional announcements and other key national messages and statements. Responding on very short notice to requests for communications and media products for the Prime Minister, often involving crises and other time-sensitive events which required the PM’s immediate attention. All news releases, statements and backgrounder products were released to Canadian media, and most were posted on the Prime Minister of Canada’s website. All communications products must be of the highest standard and quality, without factual or grammatical errors of any sort.

Supervising the work of numerous analysts, ensuring the team maintained a high quality and standard of work in news monitoring and media analysis. This included meeting strict and timely deadlines and fulfilling urgent and time-sensitive requests. Experience handling a variety of employee concerns and requests, as well as supervising and managing daily and weekly projects, and help with human resources matters such as scheduling and hiring. The Media Centre released daily and special analytical documents to more than 500 clients in various agencies, including the Prime Minister’s Office.

I work with partner organizations and stakeholders to help improve workplace health and safety in federally regulated sectors. I also work with federally regulated private sector employers to help ensure that all Canadians, particularly those from traditionally under-represented groups, gain meaningful employment. Provide strategic communications advice, tools and strategies to complex and sensitive issues. This includes providing support to senior management, for Ministerial announcements and media inquiries. Write and edit targeted communications products for various public and internal audiences, including speeches, news releases, social media messaging, and events involving the Minister of Labour. Provide public communications during labour disputes in federally regulated workplaces, including statements presented before Parliament. Provide marketing and creative advice, as well as other public and client-focused communications involving Labour, including web content.

Team Leader of a unit that drafts speeches and statements for senior management within the Agency, primarily the President and Executive Vice-President, for various internal and external engagements. As Team Leader, I am also responsible for supervising a team of translators. One of my central responsibilities has also been helping the CBSA realize Blueprint 2020, the Government-wide vision introduced by the Clerk of the Privy Council. The goal is building a modern work culture of innovation, employee engagement and continuous improvement, to serve cross-border travellers and traders more effectively. It also means working smarter and more efficiently by modernizing business systems and processes to make it easier for businesses to seize opportunities. Became a member of the Blueprint 2020 National Secretariat and Extended Team in May 2014.