Leadership development consultant coaching services for participants of the “From Mentorship to Sponsorship” program for executives in Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has launched an adapted version of the Mentorship Plus initiative called “From Mentorship to Sponsorship,” in response to the Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion and key studies focusing on the Black executive community in the federal public service. The program is designed to support executives at levels EX01 to EX03 who belong to employment equity and equity-seeking groups, currently focusing on Black and Indigenous executives, with plans to expand to include executives with disabilities, visible minorities, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. This initiative emphasizes leveraging group mentoring sessions led by Deputy Minister-level sponsors or other designated leads, facilitated by contracted leadership development consultants, alongside sponsorship relationships with senior ESDC executives. The goal is to help participants navigate career advancement, increase visibility within informal networks, and access developmental opportunities essential for executive skill-building. The contract calls for leadership development consultant services to support the preparation and facilitation of these group mentoring sessions on an as-needed basis. The work will be performed primarily in the National Capital Region and is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity among equity-seeking executives through structured mentorship and sponsorship approaches. The solicitation was posted in late February 2026, with responses due by the end of March 2026. The contracting authority for this initiative is Yves Cormier, reflecting the federal government’s continued commitment to fostering workplace equity and inclusion at senior levels within the public service.