APEX is excited to welcome newly appointed executives to the community through the New Executive Pathway – an exclusive program designed to support the transition to the executive cadre and help new executives build their trusted network. This pathway will start with the New Executive Induction Forum. Hosted by APEX in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), the Forum is a unique opportunity to celebrate your entry into the executive ranks surrounded by peers and senior leaders.
Following the Induction Forum, new executives will be invited along the pathway to register for follow up events to support their transition into the executive cadre and build relationships with their new executive cohort peers.
Newly appointed executives who have been invited by APEX can register for one of the upcoming Forums below.
Pathway Step 1
New Executive Induction Forum
December 2, 2025
8:00 to 12:00 ET
In-person, Ottawa
March 12, 2026
13:00 to 15:00 ET
Virtual
June 9, 2026
8:00 to 12:00 ET
In-person, Ottawa
Pathway Step 2
APEX’s Guide for New Executives
January 21, 2026
13:00 to 15:00 ET
Virtual
April 15, 2026
13:00 to 15:00 ET
Virtual
September 16, 2026
13:00 to 15:00 ET
Virtual
November 18, 2026
13:00 to 15:00 ET
Virtual
Pathway Step 3
Group Session with Senior Leaders
May 2026
September 2026
December 2026
Pathway Step 4
Mentoring Program for New Executives
Who can attend the Induction Forum?
New executives appointed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, who have received a formal invitation from APEX, can register to attend one of the upcoming sessions at this time. Depending on demand and registration, we will then open up the sessions to other newly appointed executives part of the 2026 cohort (July 1 2025 to June 30 2026).
What can participants expect during the new Executive Induction Forum?
– Start the day with a networking breakfast alongside senior leaders.
– Connect with fellow new executive from across federal departments and agencies.
– Participate in interactive sessions and gain insight into leading effectively as a new executive.
Is there a cost?
The New Executive Induction Forums are free to attend. All sessions as part of the New Executive Onboarding Pathway will be free of charge.
When is the registration deadline?
Registration deadline for December 2 forum: November 24, 2025.
Registration deadline for March 12 forum: March 4, 2026.
Registration deadline for June 16 forum: June 1, 2026.
What is the New Ex Onboarding Pathway?
The complete APEX New EX Onboarding Pathway consists of three complementary offerings focused on key aspects of joining the executive cadre:
1. The new Executive Induction Forum;
2. A session focused on discussing elements of the APEX Guide for New Executives related to expectations and how to manage when things do not go as planned. Following their participation in a Forum, new executives will be invited to register for 1 of 4 virtual targeted sessions focused on discussing elements of the APEX Guide for New Executives, which will occur between January and November 2026.
3. A discussion session with former and/or current Deputies. Further details on the sessions with Deputies will follow.
We will also invite new executives to join the new APEX Mentorship Program.
Is a virtual option available?
Yes, the New Executive Induction Forum will be offered virtually on March 12, 2026. Following the Forum, new executives can continue the APEX New EX Onboarding Pathway virtually or register for in-person sessions.
Will in-person events be hosted outside of the National Capital Region (NCR)?
All in-person New EX Onboarding Pathway events are currently scheduled to take place in Ottawa. Should in-person regional events be announced, APEX will reach out to HR teams and regional executives.
Will senior leaders attend?
APEX, in partnership with the CSPS, is issuing invitations to senior leaders to participate, both as speakers and as participants during the networking breakfast. Attendance will depend on their availability.
Is there a registration limit?
In-person New Executive Induction Forums can accommodate a maximum of 150 participants. Registration is first come first served.
There is no limit on the number of participants for virtual sessions.
When will new executives appointed since July 1, 2025 be invited to join the New Executive Induction Forum?
Should you be a new executive appointed since July 1, 2025 please connect with Olivia Thibault at membership@apex.gc.ca so we can ensure they will be invited in the near future.
APEX plans to invite the next cohort of new executives (i.e. those appointed since July 1, 2025) to register for a New Executive Induction Forum in 2026 based on demand and registrations.
Pathway Step 1
New Executive Induction Forum
In-person Agenda
December 2, 2025
*Agenda is subject to change
8:00 – 8:45 ET
Networking Breakfast
Meet with other newly appointed executives to expand your network and mingle with Deputy Ministers and other senior leaders.
8:45 – 9:15 ET
Welcome to the Executive Cadre
Welcome and congratulations from APEX, CSPS and other senior leaders.
9:15 – 10:15 ET
Session 1 – Leading at the Executive Level: Shifting Mindsets
Explore the transition from senior manager to executive. You will hear from an experienced executive on their career path, highlights and transition to the executive cadre. Registrants will collaborate and work in groups during this session.
