Dr Kamkar is joining the Office of the Ombud, Mental Health at PSPC

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Katy Kamkar, ?clinical psychologist, to the newly established role of Associate Ombud for Mental Health and Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in the Ombud Office at Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Dr. Katy Kamkar Ph.D. C.Psych brings with her a range of experiences, including at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), where she served as a clinical psychologist. She is also an Assistant Professor (Associate Professor as of July 2023) in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, at the University of Toronto.?She demonstrates a great passion for healthy, equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces. Her extensive research, knowledge and expertise will support the establishment of our equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Katy shines as an expert in several forums, including before parliamentary committees on sensitive issues affecting mental health and offers her expert point of view during media interviews and discussion forums.

It is an honor and a privilege for me to work closely with Katy Kamkar, and the Diversity Networks that have come together under the Office of Ombud for Mental Health.

In this role, Katy will be responsible for providing strategic advice on the department’s planning and delivery of initiatives in support of the Deputy Minister’s commitments on equity, diversity and inclusion. Through her engagement with the Task Force on Anti-Racism, Workplace Culture and Equity and our 5 diversity networks, she will provide advice and guidance on equity, diversity and inclusion, drawing from the lived experiences of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) employees.

We will continue our efforts to create a safe space to address barriers to inclusion and continue to implement our vision presented in the ?Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and our response to the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service.

I am also proud that the Ombud Office continues to engage with high-level external diversity and inclusion experts, including Zabeen Hirji, Executive Advisor on the Future of Work and subject matter expert, to exchange on best practices and explore possible solutions that will pave the way for results.

PSPC is continuing to lead the way and deliver on its commitment to building a representative and inclusive workforce.?And the Ombud’s Office, Mental Health, is leading by example as we are representative of the diversity we have in the Canadian population, and are inclusive in our day to day approach.?I will make sure to profile all of our employees in the Ombud’s Annual Report.

Dr. Kamkar's arrival coincides with Mental Health Week this week and the Ombud's Office and the Department are organizing a series of events for its employees.

I am honored to welcome Dr. Kamkar to this unique position, and with cutting-edge expertise, to pursue our vision of a healthy, equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace.?PSPC is leading the way with the first position of Associate Ombud and Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Welcome Dr. Kamkar!

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