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New Executives Pathway / Mentorship Program

Mentorship Program

Overview

Mentorship Program

In a context where executives must demonstrate transformational leadership, master technology, manage change, and mobilize their teams despite budget constraints and high expectations, the APEX Mentorship Program is a pivotal tool.

The Program, in its first year, offers new executives a safe space to discuss complex issues, benefit from practical advice, and expand their inter-organizational network. It is an essential component of APEX’s New Executive Pathway, a program designed to support the transition to the executive cadre and help new executives build a trusted professional network.

APEX’s Mentorship Program is based on a government-wide approach, unique in the federal government. The Program complements existing initiatives offered through other organizations and networks. Mentors, drawing on their experience, share strategic knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices, promoting resilience and preparedness among leaders. This program helps develop key skills—such as strategic thinking, risk management, and adaptability—while strengthening the culture of collaboration and inclusion essential for navigating a rapidly changing environment.

The APEX Mentorship Program is based on the four objectives found in the association’s 2025-2028 strategic plan:
– Create an inclusive and collaborative community
– Strengthen leadership and resilience
– Develop key management and leadership skills
– Promote diversity and inclusion

Who can participate?  

– Mentees: Executives appointed since July 1, 2024 who participated in the New Executive Induction Forum on December 2, 2025, will receive a personal invitation to participate in the Program. Please note that mentees must be or become members of APEX at the time of registration.

– Mentors: Experienced executives (EX-01 to EX-05) who wish to share their knowledge and support the next generation of executives in the federal public service may express their interest and access the registration questionnaire through members of APEX’s networks, including APEX ambassadors, employee and executive networks representing equity seeking communities, members of the APEX Board of Directors, and APEX executives. Please note that mentors must be or become members of APEX at the time of registration.

How it works  

For the first edition of the Program, APEX will match invited mentees with mentors recruited through APEX’s networks, as defined above. Subsequent editions of the Mentorship Program will take place in March 2026 and June 2026, after the second and third New Executive Induction Forums take place. This phased implementation approach aims to ensure the success of the Program and establish a solid foundation. It will allow APEX to consider extending the Program to other members of the executive community.

Mentees will receive a personalized match based on their goals and aspirations and APEX will support mentors and mentees throughout the program.  

Why participate? 

For mentees:
– A space for exchange and reflection with an experienced resource person  
– Advice and fresh perspectives  
– A better understanding of the executive role and improved effectiveness  
– A strengthened sense of professional identity within the executive community  
– Increased confidence and greater chances of success through the sharing of experiences  

For mentors:
– Contribute to the development of future leaders  
– Enhance their own leadership skills and benefit from diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences
– Give back and showcase their experience and learnings
– Strengthen their sense of belonging to the senior executive community
– Enjoy a space for mutual reflection and learning

Commitment 

The relationship generally lasts 12 months, with approximately 15 hours divided into:  
– 1 or 2 preliminary sessions to finalize the mentoring agreement 
– 10 one-hour individual sessions between April 2026 and March 2027 
– Participation in the launch, training, closing ceremony, and Program evaluation 
– Preparation for mentorship meetings 

Q&A

Mentorship Program – Q&A

Read the Q&A below or download it as a Word document.

Download the Q&A in English

Who can participate?

– Mentees: Executives appointed since July 1, 2024 who participated in the New Executive Induction Forum on December 2, 2025, will receive a personal invitation to participate in the Program. Please note that mentees must be members of APEX at the time of registration.

– Mentors: Experienced executives (EX-01 to EX-05) who wish to share their knowledge and support the next generation of executives in the federal public service may express their interest and access the registration questionnaire through members of APEX’s networks, including APEX ambassadors, employee and executive networks representing equity seeking communities, members of the APEX Board of Directors, and APEX executives. Please note that mentors must be or become members of APEX at the time of registration.

What level of professional experience is required to become a mentor?

APEX wishes to recruit mentors from all levels, from EX-01 to EX-05, who have a variety of experiences and expertise in order to best meet the needs, objectives, and aspirations of mentees. For example, a recently appointed executive might want to be mentored by someone who has recently joined the senior executive community, while another mentee might want to be paired with an executive who has several years of experience to better navigate the specific and complex challenges of executive leadership.

Why is the Mentorship Program only available to a small group of executives interested in becoming mentees?

For its first edition of the Program, APEX seeks mentees appointed since July 1, 2024 who participated in the December 2, 2025 New Executive Induction Forum. Subsequent editions of the Mentorship Program will take place in March 2026 and June 2026, after the second and third Induction Forums. This phased implementation approach aims to ensure the success of the Program and establish a solid foundation. It will allow APEX to consider extending the Program to other members of the executive community. 

How are mentees and mentors matched?

– After receiving the registration forms from mentees and mentors, APEX will propose a potential match for a mentoring relationship based on the information received from the mentee. An email will be sent to both participants, the mentor and the mentee, once the match has been made.   

– The mentee will then be responsible for contacting the mentor assigned to them. The team responsible for the Mentorship Program can suggest tools, provide advice, and propose topics of discussion to enrich the mentoring relationship. During their first meeting, the new partners will complete a mutual commitment form, which defines the parameters of the mentoring relationship and the mentee’s goals and objectives, which will determine the type of relationship that suits both parties best.  

What is the time commitment?

The relationship generally lasts 12 months, with approximately 15 hours divided into:

– 1 or 2 preliminary sessions to finalize the mentoring agreement.

– 10 one-hour individual sessions between April 2026 and March 2027.

– Participation in the launch, training, closing ceremony, and Program evaluation.

– Preparation for meetings mentorship.

A mentoring relationship offers the mentor and mentee the flexibility to set their own meeting schedule based on their availability. Usually, partners meet monthly for about an hour and may exchange a few emails, Microsoft Teams Messages, and phone calls from time to time.

Is mentorship confidential?

Yes. Communications between mentors and mentees are confidential, as stated in the agreement signed by both parties.

What is the difference between mentorship and coaching?

Mentorship is an ongoing relationship focused on the mentee’s professional development of their knowledge and their experiences. Based on the mentee’s strategic reflection, it aims to elevate the mentee’s professional confidence. Coaching focuses on performance and short-term tasks and helps the coachee to find their own answers to a problem, thanks to the coach’s support. 

How will the Mentorship Program be supported from a technological standpoint?

The mentoring program will be primarily supported by Microsoft Teams, which will act as the primary tool for virtual meetings, document sharing, and communication between mentors and mentees. If a participant requires an accommodation or prefers a different tool for accessibility or technical reasons, APEX will make every effort to provide a suitable solution and ensure an inclusive and effective experience. Mentors and mentees may also choose a different meeting format or communication tools if both participants agree. 

What are the main mentorship activities?

When a mentee is paired with a mentor, the mentor will generally:

– Meet with their mentee to discuss and determine the parameters of the relationship, including the objective and next goals, as well as the frequency and terms of their meetings. This discussion will lead the mentee and mentor to enter into a mentoring agreement before beginning to work together.

– Meet regularly (virtually or in person) with their mentee to help them clarify their career goals, strengths, and areas for improvement.

– Suggest training and development opportunities for the mentee to consider.

– Periodically provide the mentee with feedback and recommendations to support their development.

What should you do if the mentoring relationship is not working?

The goal of the Mentorship Program is to enable both parties, the mentee and the mentor, to establish satisfying relationships so that they can both fully benefit from the experience. The executive responsible for the APEX Mentorship Program will conduct periodic quality control checks to ensure that all participants’ expectations are being met. If either party is having difficulty establishing a mentoring relationship, they can contact the APEX Executive coordinating the Program at any time during the agreement.

What happens when the relationship ends?

When a mentoring relationship ends at the end of the fiscal year, both the mentee and mentor must participate in the evaluation. The responses help us evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the Mentorship Program and allow us to make changes, if necessary. Participants may wish to continue the mentoring relationship. In such cases, the Program team can assist participants in establishing a new mentorship agreement. If the relationship ends prematurely, participants will be offered a new match based on their expectations and needs. 

How can I apply to participate in the APEX Mentorship Program?

The registration forms for mentors and mentees are available by invitation.  

Who can I contact with further questions about the Program?

Connect with Martine Tanguay, APEX Executive, Mentorship Program, at martinet@apex.gc.ca.

Mentorship vs. Coaching

Differences between mentorship and other forms of individual professional support 

Coaching 
A coach – trained in support tools and techniques – helps a coachee find their own answers to a problem. The coach is not necessarily familiar with the coachee’s activities and aims to improve the coachee’s skills and performance.

Sponsorship
In this structured professional relationship, the sponsor – an influential person – actively uses their power, credibility, and network to support the career advancement of an employee, known as the protégé or sponsored person, to actively support their promotion or create professional opportunities for them.

Mentorship 
A mentor helps their mentee to advance their knowledge and experience and increase their confidence and comfort in their professional environment. Anchored in the mentee’s development goals, the mentoring relationship is based on a formal or informal agreement. A mentorship relationship has a fixed duration. The results of working with the mentor appear gradually.

Sources : D. Deffontaines, D. Cancellieri-Decroze, Le mentorat, mode d’emploi, Guide pratique pour mettre en place des programmes de mentorat efficaces, 2nd edition, Geresco, 2023.

M. Pujol, Sponsor and sponsorship : définition et exemples, Formations Continues, 21 November 2025.

Treasury Board Secretariat, Sponsorship, Government of Canada, 15 May 2025.

Contact Us

Martine Tanguay, APEX Executive, Mentorship Program

Martine brings extensive senior level leadership experience at both the regional and headquarters levels. She has led strategic and operational initiatives in key areas such as Indigenous affairs, social development, and health, and has significant experience in Indigenous and intergovernmental negotiations. Her expertise in mentorship programs and in managing complex government priorities is a valuable asset to APEX.

Throughout her career, Martine has demonstrated a strong commitment to people management and development. Recognized for her people centred leadership, she achieves sustainable results through innovation, collaboration, and partnership.

A strong advocate for workplace wellbeing, Martine places overall health and individual fulfillment at the core of her management approach. She actively supports employee growth by fostering inclusive, caring, and innovative work environments. A committed mentor, she has led numerous mentoring initiatives and holds teacher training in yoga and meditation. She is also a member of the Mentorat Québec network.

Contact Martine at: martinet@apex.gc.ca