The Path of Public Service

Host Katie Jensen goes behind the scenes of Ontario’s 911 and ambulance system with Marie LaRocque, a paramedic Communications Officer with 25 years of experiences, and Acting Superintendent, and Norm Robillard, a former advanced care Paramedic with 37 years of experience. Across two episodes, Marie and Norm discuss the evolution of Ontario’s emergency response system, as well as its shortcomings and strengths. They share the reality of what it’s like working in a system that is underfunded, understaffed, and with high rates of burnout, while still sharing the impact they’re proud to have made. They also make it clear that a sense of humour is necessary for a job in first response, as they share stories about some of their craziest, and most touching calls.

In this two‑part episode of Path of Public Service, host Katie Jensen presents an expansive portrait of Ontario’s second Poet Laureate, Matthew‑Ray “Testament” Jones, tracing both his personal evolution and his public impact. Together, this conversation explores how creative practice, cultural heritage, and service intersect and move from formative experiences and identity‑building to leadership, recognition, and responsibility. Across classrooms, communities, and performance spaces, Jones demonstrates how poetry operates as a tool for connection, care, and civic contribution. Through this two-part episode, we move from reflection to forward momentum, and close with a spoken‑word performance that anchors a philosophy of service in action, empathy, and collective healing.

In this two-part conversation, former Assistant Deputy Minister Barb Simmons reflects on her remarkable 30+ year journey through the Ontario Public Service. From her early internships just out of university to leading complex, multi-ministry policy initiatives, Barb traces how she built a career defined by curiosity, integrity, and a drive to expand opportunity. She discusses championing women’s economic empowerment, improving responses to gender-based violence, and supporting Indigenous women’s leadership, while navigating the ethical challenges and political shifts that shape public service work. Barb also opens up about burnout and recovery, parenting through family transitions, rediscovering creativity, and her passion for mentoring the next generation. This episode offers an intimate, inspiring look at a public servant committed to leaving lasting change.

In this two-part conversation, Fatouma Ahmed reflects on Canadian Islamic Heritage Month and shares the personal and professional journey that has shaped her path in public service. She reflects on growing up as a Black Muslim woman in Canada, the role of community and early influences in guiding her commitment to service, and how her lived experiences continue to ground her leadership and sense of purpose. Fatouma speaks candidly about resilience, authenticity, and the importance of representation in creating spaces of belonging. She shares lessons from navigating challenges in the public sector, the value of showing up fully in every space, and how identity and lived experience shape the way she approaches leadership and service. She also explores what it means to lead with integrity and responsibility, highlighting the power of allyship, the necessity of accessibility in both design and service delivery, and the ripple effect that comes from lifting others. Her reflections offer a compelling vision of leadership that is inclusive, accountable, and deeply rooted in faith, equity, and care for community.

In this two-part episode of The Path of Public Service, Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, lawyer, author, and former Deputy Minister in Ontario, reflects on a life devoted to public service and rooted in purpose, equity, and public impact. From his early recognition of privilege to his commitment to service and education, Chisanga shares how personal values, and a sense of duty shaped his journey across the public, private, and charitable sectors. With heartfelt stories, especially about the Masomo Education Foundation, he highlights the power of individual action in transforming lives and communities.

In this two-part episode, Eva Dusome (she/they), Senior Staff Development Officer at Solicitor General, Instructor with Six Nations Polytechnic, and 2021 recipient of the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, shares an inspiring and deeply personal journey through the intersecting worlds of corrections, identity, and systemic change. In part one, Eva reflects on their 19-year career in Ontario’s correctional system, recounting how chance attendance at an information session led to their passion for working with incarcerated populations. Eva explores how trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities contribute to criminalization, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation, reintegration, and humanizing support. In part two, Eva delves into their identity as a Two-Spirit, non-binary Anishinaabe person, and how Indigenous teachings, land-based wisdom, and authenticity inform their own personal approach to leadership and advocacy. Eva shares their experience navigating colonial structures, both personally and professionally, and offers powerful insights on mentorship, courage, and change-making. Throughout this powerful episode, Eva centers compassion, connection, and decolonization—challenging us to rethink justice and community through an Indigenous and queer lens.

Part 2 of this episode continues the conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling career in public service as a woman. It explores how having a meaningful life outside of work, like coaching or volunteering, can strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and bring a greater sense of purpose to the workplace. There's also a look at the importance of advocating for flexibility, and how making space for passions beyond the job can actually enhance performance and well-being. The discussion also dives into what contributes to happiness at work: confidence, autonomy, and a strong sense of purpose. Community and mentorship emerge as key themes, along with the idea that influence isn’t limited to those in senior roles, everyone, including junior employees, can help shape a healthier workplace. Drawing from both research and lived experience, the episode highlights how joy, connection, and purpose can help public servants not only succeed, but thrive.

In this two-part episode of “The Path of Public Service,” Cordelia Clarke Julien, Assistant Deputy Minister at Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, shares her inspiring journey through public service, highlighting her history of empowering communities and supporting women of colour in achieving economic independence. Nicknamed “Change-maker,” Cordelia knows change is possible anywhere. She discusses how her career has taken her across seven ministries, a trajectory driven by the need to find spaces where her potential to lead meaningful change was recognized. She explains how her leadership philosophy centers around the three main components of positivity, purpose, and people, emphasizing just how important putting in the effort to understand other perspectives really is. Reflecting on her Jamaican American heritage, Cordelia shares how her upbringing by strong women showed her the importance of life-long learning and resilience. Through personal anecdotes, Cordelia discusses the challenges of racial biases she has faced in her career, sharing stories of overcoming obstacles as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces, leading to a career of perseverance, empowerment, and creating lasting impact in public service. Listeners will be inspired by Cordelia’s overflowing optimism, humour, and practical advice.

In Part 2, Josh Hjartarson discusses the necessity of aligning accountability with authority in leadership roles. He advocates for integrated support systems that address not only housing but also mental health and addiction services. Highlighting successful social safety initiatives globally, he calls for a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including corporations. He encourages viewing social safety nets as investments rather than expenses and emphasizes the value of incorporating lived experiences in program design. Hjartarson's reflections underscore the rewarding nature of public service and the potential for meaningful societal impact through dedicated efforts to improve social support systems.

In part two of our conversation with Barbara Gray, the General Manager of Transportation Services for the City of Toronto, we dive into the intricacies of living alongside the policies she shapes. Barbara offers a firsthand account of the thrill and challenge of seeing local change unfold, sharing moments like witnessing a bustling CaféTO patio, a tangible result of her team's hard work.

In this episode, Deputy Minister Francis McRae shares a remarkable journey through her career, bridging both public and private sectors. Raised in a large family, she learned early the values of teamwork and independence, shaping her approach to leadership today. Francis underscores the importance of listening and continuous learning, offering insightful career advice rooted in her experiences. Highlighting public service as a noble career path, Francis emphasizes its transformative potential and the vital role of volunteering in giving back to communities. Her leadership at Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) exemplifies a commitment to advancing gender equality through collaborative efforts and evidence-based policy. She discusses the challenges faced and achievements made, including fostering a diverse workforce and navigating resource constraints. Throughout, Francis's narrative inspires us with her dedication to public service and the pursuit of meaningful societal impact. Her vision for the future underscores the ongoing fight against inequality, and advocating for positive change. This episode resonates with those passionate about making a difference, offering valuable insights into effective leadership and the enduring values of public service.

In this episode, Claudette Miller reflects on her career in Ontario's public sector, spanning from administrative assistant to corporate operations manager. She highlights perseverance, mentorship, and technological advancements, including her involvement in policy development like pay equity. Miller discusses her strategies from working in finance, and navigating organizational changes, and the importance of communication and resilience. She advises newcomers in public service on understanding organizational culture and seeking guidance. Additionally, she shares insights on maintaining work-life balance through volunteering, work, and study, emphasizing the importance of understanding workplace culture, developing trust, finding creative solutions within regulations, and the valuable lessons learned from her public service career, including her transition to retirement and continued influence in new pursuits, notably in ministry. Finally, she stresses the diverse nature of the Ontario Public Service and the significance of positivity and respect in fostering a supportive work environment.

In part 2 of our episode, host Katie Jensen digs deeper into Allan’s career journey and continuing work in retirement. Allan shares insights from his diverse roles across various ministries, from frontline worker to director, and his experiences in enforcement, compliance, and policy work. Through engaging anecdotes and valuable advice, Allan reflects on the importance of integrity, due diligence, and continuous learning in public service. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of serving the community, as Allan shares his transition into retirement and his new role in supply teaching. Tune in to discover the dedication and passion that drive Allan's commitment to public service and his valuable insights for aspiring professionals in the field.