I got it.

[One of Steph's rare postings]

I got it.

It isn't official yet, papers need to be signed (and signed, and initialled in 14 places, etc.) but I received word yesterday that CRA had agreed to a deal with Service Canada to let me go work for them.

From what I read in the e-mail (an incredibly long one), negotiations had been going on for a week between the two departments, to figure out who would pay for what, and how this would be completed, but they came to an agreement, which is all that matters. Now it just needs to be signed off on by the Assistant Commissioner of CRA and the Assistant Deputy Minister of Service Canada. (Ya, I know. Getting these high-ranking officials involved for little old me seems odd, but also quite nice to know my name is going to be on their desk! LOL)

The job itself is going to be an awesome growth position. I'll be working in the Official Languages directorate, focusing on improving service delivery in minority-language (Francophones outside of Quebec, Anglophones in Quebec) communities across Canada, and help coordinate Service Canada's involvement in community groups in those areas. I guess I made a good enough impression on the Director I met a few weeks ago that she understood how important an issue it is for me, and how much in-depth knowledge I have of the subject (made sure to mention it all, including the first-hand stuff I've seen when travelling). The group is made up of Project Officers and Analysts, so pretty high-level folks, and I'll be part of the Management Team for the Directorate. Quite the step up.

So what does this all mean? It means I'll be in a position that will be challenging, but also a job I'm passionate about, and one I'll be in for a long-time (at least that's what I'm anticipating). No more 1 year assignments (or moves). I'll actually be able to print business cards and use them before they're out-of-date. It also means some nice raises over the next 2 years, with a possibility of ending up in the PM-06 category, which is part of the Executive group.

This is a HUGE step. One I wasn't sure I could make happen, but one I kept hoping for. Now all the stars seem to have aligned themselves. Just need to finalize the paperwork to make it official.

Wow! :)