The Public Service Week Planning Committee is thrilled to launch the 2025 Public Service Week Calendar of Events. Our theme this year is Small Island, Big Pride!
2025 Employee Recognition Awards
2025 Public Service Week Scavenger Hunt
Public Service Week Scavenger Hunt Winners
2025 Small Island, Big Pride Challenge Card
Small Island, Big Pride Card Submissions
Small Island, Big Pride Winners
2025 Team Ice Breaker Conversation Starters
Networking Coffee Break: Youth and Those New to Government
Pictures from 2025 Public Service Week Events
Winners of Prize Draws
Congratulations to our prize draw winners! All prizes will be sent out via interoffice mail.
Public Service Week Donations in Support of BIPOC USHR
Thank you to everyone for your generous contributions, we have successfully raised $788.75 for BIPOC USHR. This achievement will significantly impact programs offered by BIPOC USHR. Together we are making a positive change in our community and we thank you for that.
Your Public Service Week Planning Committee.
A Thank You Message from BIPOC USHR
The BIPOC USHR would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Public Service Commission and the broader public service employees for your generous support during the Public Service Week.
Your donation will help us continue to build and deliver culturally relevant programming for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour across Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). These funds directly support initiatives that increase belonging, amplify community voices, and advocate for equity and justice on the Island.
Thank you for standing with us in solidarity and action.
— The BIPOC USHR Team
2025 Public Service Week Premier's Message
As we celebrate Public Service Week, I want to thank you for everything you do to keep our province moving forward and to support Islanders every day.
This year’s theme, Small Island, Big Pride, says it all. We may be a small province, but there is nothing small about the care, commitment, and pride you bring to your work.
Whether you are solving problems, helping others, or finding new ways to serve, you continue to show up with grit, heart, and teamwork. That spirit is what sets Islanders apart.
Thank you for all you do.
Hon. Rob Lantz
Premier of Prince Edward Island
Message from the Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees
This National Public Service Week, I want to thank our dedicated members and all public service workers across the province. Your commitment, skill, and tireless efforts keep our communities strong and our public service running smoothly. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, your work makes a real difference in the lives of Islanders every day. UPSE is proud to stand with you, advocate for you, and celebrate your vital role. Thank you for everything that you do!
Karen Jackson
UPSE President
We are excited to announce the 2025 Public Service Week calendar of events. This year’s theme, Small Island, Big Pride, is about celebrating the unique contributions and achievements of our community, highlighting the dedication and hard work of public service employees, and fostering a sense of unity and pride in our shared culture and accomplishments.
As we kick off another exciting Public Service Week, we invite you to join in the fun and refreshing activities designed to celebrate you.
Monday, June 16th
Time: 8:00 am
Premier’s message via video to all civil service employees. Click here to watch Premier Lantz’s video message.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 8:00 am
Duration: June 16 to June 23 at 4:00 pm
Event: Public Service Week Scavenger Hunt – participate at your own time!!
Scavenger Instructions: Submissions will be accepted via email psw@gov.pe.ca until end of workday Monday, June 23 for a chance to WIN great prizes!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 8:00 am
Duration: June 16 to June 20 at 4:00 pm
Event: Small Island, Big Pride Challenge – participate at your own time!!
Participation Instructions: Submissions will be accepted via email psw@gov.pe.ca until end of workday Friday, June 20 for a chance to WIN individual and team prizes!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 - Minute Wellness Walk – get out for a walk for a great stress release!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 17th
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Event: Animal Therapy with Lexie’s Hobby Farm and live music
Venue: Provincial Administration Building (PAB) Courtyard
Refreshment: ADL Ice cream Sandwiches will be served (lactose free options available)
*Monetary donations will be accepted in aid of BIPOC USHR
Special Guests:
Lexie’s Hobby Farm:
Lexie's Hobby Farm, located in the heart PEI, travels island wide to events, exhibitions, and much more. They travel with a miniature horse or donkey, a calf, goats, a pig(s) and rabbits.
Time: 11:30 am – 12:10 pm - Musician Barry O’Brien
Time: 12:10 pm – 1:00 pm - Music by Stephen Szwarc
****Please remember to sanitize your hands after spending quality time with the animals.
Hand sanitizers are strategically placed in the PAB Courtyard!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!! If it’s raining, walk indoors – we have lots of stairs!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 8:00 am
Event: Ice Breaker Conversations
Venue: Your Work Location
Purpose: Kick off your Wednesday with an exciting icebreaker activity designed to help you engage with your colleagues and teams, and spark some fun conversations! Whether you're new to the team or have been a government employee for a while, this is a great opportunity to connect and share a bit about yourself. We'll be using a series of conversation starters to break the ice. These prompts are meant to be respectful, lighthearted, and engaging, so feel free to be creative and have fun with your answers!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Event: Coffee Break for Youth and New Professional Network
Venue: Beaconsfield Historic House (Drawing Room), 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Join fellow colleagues from across the government who are early in their public service careers for coffee, games, and networking. As the public service prepares for the changing demographics of the workforce, it is important for young or new public service professionals to come together, connect, and discuss opportunities to continue upholding the guiding values of respect, integrity, accountability, and excellence. Whether you’re young, young at heart, or early in your public service career, we welcome you to join us for snacks, refreshments, and engaging discussions.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control the outdoor event has been canceled.
Event: Guided Forest Meditation at the Park
2024 Guided Meditation Video
Guest Practitioner: Alanna Stewart
Join us for a guided group meditation in a cozy spot at Victoria Park. Alanna Stewart, is a Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Practitioner and a Spiritual Coach. She is passionate about helping others to relax, be peaceful, to be their best selves and to shine!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!! If it’s raining, walk indoors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, June 19th
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Event: BBQ and Celebration of Public Service and Cultural Diversity
Venue: PAB Courtyard
Please note in the event of rain, this event will be held on Friday, June 20 at the same time
*Monetary donations will be accepted in aid of BIPOC USHR
Special Guests:
Mi’kmaq Knowledge Keeper: Julie Pellissier-Lush is a knowledge Keeper, Storyteller, Actor, Bestselling Author of My Mi’kmaq Mother, Poet, Singer, Dancer, Cultural Presenter and the former Poet Laureate of PEI. Julie will kick off the celebration by offering the Indigenous opening prayer for the Heartbeat of Epekwitk to acknowledge that the land we gather on is the ancestral land of the Mi’kmaq. A symbol of our friendship and respect for the Mi’kmaq as the Indigenous people of PEI.
Xclusiv Crew: Xclusiv Crew is a black-owned dance company based in Charlottetown, PE. The company was founded by Joe Dames in 2010 and has grown tremendously over the past decade. The company is now under the creative direction of both Joe and his wife, Dawn Dames. Since leaving the Bahamas together, Joe and Dawn have cemented themselves as vital members of the PEI dance community.
Over the years, they have set the bar quite high for the dance community and partnered with multiple dance studios, clothing brands, and local organizations. They both write, direct, and choreograph together on the island; their recent highlights are Street Fusion, Island Vibe, and Island Steps with the Charlottetown Festival and the 2023 Canada Games Opening Ceremony.
HavenWood Dancers: HavenWood Dancers of the Haven Wood Art Studio are members of the award-winning dance company troupe, Haven Wood Dancers, under the direction of Michelle Banks. They have performed and competed on and off the Island at numerous events and once captured highest mark for group dance at an event in Halifax. They will be performing a variety of styles of dance including Scottish and Irish dancing and novelty dance.
Vietnamese Folk Dancers: The Vietnamese community is proud to present a special cultural performance, called the Vietnamese Medley: “From North to South.” This musical Medley represents the three regions of Vietnam – North, Central, and South.
The performance begins with “Inh Lả Ơi,” a traditional folk song from the northern highlands, rich in melody and spirit. It is followed by “Thương Về Miền Trung,” a heartfelt ballad that expresses love and longing for Central Vietnam, a region known for its resilience and poetic beauty. We conclude with the lively and cheerful “Sài Gòn Đẹp Lắm,” celebrating the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City in the South.
Through these three songs, we invite you to experience the diversity, warmth, and spirit of Vietnam – from the mountains in the North, through the Central coast, to the bustling streets of the South.
Meet PEI: Susan Freeman and Kelley Gillis from MeetPEI will be joining to hand out yummy treats!
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..............................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 20th:
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Event: Relaxing Reiki/Hand and Neck Massage Session (10 mins. Max. per employee)
Venue: Famous Fresh Market (Cafeteria Meeting Room) - Basement of Sullivan Building
Please note limit of one treatment per person.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..................................................................................................................................................................
Activity: Last Day of submitting your Small Island, Big Pride Challenge Card via email (psw@gov.pe.ca) for a chance to WIN both individual and team prizes!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..................................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 23rd:
Activity: Last Day of submitting your Public Service Week Scavenger Hunt nominations via email (psw@gov.pe.ca) for a chance to WIN great prizes!
Happy Public Service Week!
2025 PSW Planning Committee
We are excited to announce the 2025 Public Service Week calendar of events. This year’s theme, Small Island, Big Pride, is about celebrating the unique contributions and achievements of our community, highlighting the dedication and hard work of public service employees, and fostering a sense of unity and pride in our shared culture and accomplishments.
As we kick off another exciting Public Service Week, we invite you to join in the fun and refreshing activities designed to celebrate you.
Monday, June 16th:
Time: 8:00 am Premier’s message via video to all civil service employees. Click here to watch Premier Lantz’s video message.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 8:00 am
Duration: June 16 to June 23 at 4:00 pm
Event: Public Service Week Scavenger Hunt – participate at your own time!!
Scavenger Instructions: Submissions will be accepted via email psw@gov.pe.ca until end of workday Monday, June 23 for a chance to WIN great prizes!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 8:00 am
Duration: June 16 to June 20 at 4:00 pm
Event: Small Island, Big Pride Challenge – participate at your own time!!
Participation Instructions: Submissions will be accepted via email psw@gov.pe.ca until end of workday Friday, June 20 for a chance to WIN individual and team prizes!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – get out for a walk for a great stress release!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 17th:
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Event: Animal Therapy with Whispering Hope Farm and acoustic music with Titus Raynor
Venue: Grassy area East Side of Access PEI Summerside Building between Access and
the Marina
Refreshment: Freezies (gluten free and vegan)
*Monetary donations will be accepted in aid of BIPOC USHR
Special Guests: Whispering Hope Farm
Whispering Hope Farm will bring a variety of animals such as miniature donkey, 2 baby lambs, goats, pig, and ducks.
****Please remember to sanitize your hands after spending quality time with the animals.
Hand sanitizers are provided!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 18th:
Time: 8:00 am
Event: Ice Breaker Conversations
Venue: Your Work Location
Purpose: Kick off your Wednesday with an exciting icebreaker activity designed to help you engage with your colleagues and teams, and spark some fun conversations! Whether you're new to the team or have been a government employee for a while, this is a great opportunity to connect and share a bit about yourself. We'll be using a series of conversation starters to break the ice. These prompts are meant to be respectful, lighthearted, and engaging, so feel free to be creative and have fun with your answers!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Event: Coffee Break for Youth and New Professional Network
Venue: Beaconsfield Historic House (Drawing Room), 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Join fellow colleagues from across the government who are early in their public service careers for coffee, games, and networking. As the public service prepares for the changing demographics of the workforce, it is important for young or new public service professionals to come together, connect, and discuss opportunities to continue upholding the guiding values of respect, integrity, accountability, and excellence. Whether you’re young, young at heart, or early in your public service career, we welcome you to join us for snacks, refreshments, and engaging discussions.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control this event has been canceled.
Event: Guided Forest Meditation at the Park
2024 Guided Meditation Video
Guest Practitioner: Alanna Stewart
Join us for a guided group meditation in a cozy spot at Victoria Park. Alanna Stewart, is a Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Practitioner and a Spiritual Coach. She is passionate about helping others to relax, be peaceful, to be their best selves and to shine!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!! If it’s raining, walk indoors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, June 19th:
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Event: BBQ and Celebration of Public Service and Cultural Diversity
Venue: Gazebo behind Holman Building
*Monetary donations will be accepted in aid of BIPOC USHR
Special Guests:
Kurk Benard: Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, Kurk Benard has been in country music for over three decades. Influenced by his father Ivan and uncle Lionel, Kurk’s passion for music started early.
Meet PEI: Donna Marie MacLeod and Sarah Essery from MeetPEI will be joining to hand out yummy treats!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 20th:
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Event: Relaxing Reiki/Hand and Neck Massage Session (10 mins. Max. per employee)
Venue: Holman Building
Registration: Register here, please note limit of one treatment per person
Guest Practitioner: Tannis Wood, RMT
Tannis Wood is an RMT graduate of Grant MacEwen University who loves working with all clients but has a passion for increasing a client’s range of motion and helping them live a life with less pain. Tannis is originally from Camrose, Alberta, but has called PEI home since the fall of 2018. Tannis is educated in a variety of modalities including trigger point therapy, fire cupping, myofascial release, sports massage, TMJ, deep tissue, pregnancy, therapeutic massage and relaxation massage.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Event: Smooth Yoga with Greg – no experience necessary; yoga mats provided
Venue: Holman Building, 3rd floor
Registration: Limited spots available, please register here
Guest Practitioner: Greg
Greg is a CanFitPro Group Fitness Specialist and 200hr certified yoga teacher from Summerside. Greg specializes in Hatha meets Vinyasa types of classes. Greg is looking forward to welcoming the public service staff of Summerside to celebrate Public Service Week by providing a fun and playful approach to fitness.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: Last Day of submitting your Small Island, Big Pride Challenge Card via email (psw@gov.pe.ca) for a chance to WIN both individual and team prizes!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................................................................................
Activity: 15 – Minute Wellness Walk – great stress release!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 23rd:
Activity: Last Day of submitting your Public Service Week Scavenger Hunt nominations via email (psw@gov.pe.ca) for a chance to WIN great prizes!
Happy Public Service Week!
2025 PSW Planning Committee