March 31
Top 5 Papers from the Seventh Annual National Student Paper Competition
Top 5 Submissions from the Seventh Annual Student Paper Competition
The finalists (Top 5) and Grand Prize Winner(s) are selected through a formal adjudication process by a series of judges panels comprised of academics and public servants.
The winner of the Grand Prize for the Seventh Annual National Student Paper Competition was Eriole Zita Nonki Tadida from Université Laval for her paper “Les audits de cyber-sécurité au secour des organisations publiques” (Cybersecurity Audits in Support of Public Organizations).
The full paper can be accessed here in English and in French.
Les audits de cyber-sécurité au secours des organisations publiques (Cybersecurity Audits in Support of Public Organizations)
(Winner Paper)
Author: Eriole Zita Nonki Tadida, Université Laval, Québec
Abstract
The digital shift brings exposure of public organizations to new risks, as they manage sensitive information, virtual information and software increase the risk of cyber attacks. Control mechanisms must be modernized to ensure the security of sensitive information managed by these organizations. The auditing of cybersecurity provides a barrier to these intrusions by assessing the system’s vulnerabilities (access control, record reliability, server protection), addressing the weaknesses identified, verifying legal compliance and assuring governance bodies that the systems are helping to achieve the objectives of the department/agency. This paper explore why cybersecurity audits should go beyond general audit standards and adopt specialized IT standards, and how the government could invest more in training for internal auditors and audit committees to reduce the costs associated with lost data and reassure the public about the protection of their confidential information.
The full paper can be accessed here in English and in Français.
La marque de l’employeur et les affichages de postes : Vers l'amélioration des pratiques de recrutement au niveau fédéral canadien (Employer Branding And Job Postings: Improving Canadian Federal Recruitment Practices)
Author: Islam M. Ezzat, École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), Québec
Abstract
Public sector workplaces in Canada are experiencing challenges in attracting and retaining employees. Job postings could be an effective way for organizations to promote employer brand and improve federal recruitment practices. This paper explores how the design of job postings based on employer branding can improve federal recruitment practices. Based on a study on young job seekers in the Canada’s federal civil service, the paper recommends ten aspects to consider in designing public service job postings. Also, the employers should adopt artificial intelligence to make recruitment practices more efficient, effective and successful.
The full paper can be accessed here in English and in Français.
Plan d’action pour la santé durable : Agir par un virage vers l’avenir (Sustainable Health Action Plan: Acting by Turning to the Future)
Author: Nathalie Labrecque, Université Laval, Québec
Abstract
Ensuring safe and healthy communities is one of the thirteen goals of Federal Sustainable Development Strategy of Canada. Intervention settings that include decision-makers, parents, education and peer helpers show positive impacts. The paper proposes a sustainable health action plan framework along with the stages, associated tasks and a projected time schedule of two years. The framework has involved Department of Justice, Youth, Health Canada and other bodies or agencies form the three levels of government. The paper also outlines how the proposed framework will bring the expected benefits to the various intervention settings.
The full paper can be accessed here in English and in Français.
Food Insecurity in the Northern Indigenous Communities of Canada: Exploring the Principles of Bioethics and the Role of the State (L’insécurité alimentaire dans les communautés autochtones du Nord du Canada : Exploration des principes de la bioéthique et du rôle de l’État)
Author: Ankita Datar, McMaster University, Ontario
Abstract
Food insecurity and hunger are three times greater within Indigenous communities when compared with the average Canadian household. Current food programs aim to address the four pillars of food security, by improving availability, affordability, accessibility and utilization of food but are not aligned with the on-ground realities of rampant prevalence of poverty and hunger, both on and off-reserve. Climate change and hunting laws impose additional barriers further constraining food choices. This paper shows why It is crucial to understand the scope of challenges faced by Northern Indigenous communities to break the cycles of poverty and poor health. It reviews the ethicality of current food programs exploring their impacts on health outcomes, hunger, food instability and poverty in the Northern Indigenous Communities and makes some recommendations for a combined initiatives from federal, provincial and community-based levels, large-scale and commercial development of greenhouses to improve food sharing networks and inclusion of indigenous opinions and suggestions for program formulation, implementation and evaluation.
The full paper can be accessed here in English and in Français.
From Criminalization to Equality: How the Positive Space Campaign can Foster Inclusivity Within the Workplace (De la criminalisation à l’égalité : Comment la campagne Espace positif peut favoriser l’inclusivité au travail)
Author: Jeremy Dias and Andrea Piett, Carleton University, Ottawa
Abstract
Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) employees in the federal public service and military experience challenges resulting from workplace cultures of bullying and discrimination. Research has demonstrated that inclusive policies, supportive colleagues and managers, and efforts to create a sense of belonging significantly reduce discrimination and bullying, thus improving the climate for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. The paper examine how the federal public service could create a centralized committee comprised of public servants and community leaders that would be responsible for creating a government-wide framework for the Positive Space Initiative and increase awareness among public servants to create a workplace free of bullying and discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA+ employees.
The full paper can be accessed here in English and in Français.