CANADALAND Man of Steel, Nation of Bloat
Feb 11, 2025
Michael Wernick, a former top public servant and current Jaroslowski Chair at the University of Ottawa, shares insights on Canada's expanding public sector. He questions if hiring 110,000 workers over the past decade has improved efficiency. Sam Konnert updates listeners on the political landscape, including the implications of Trump’s steel tariffs. They also discuss the pressing need for a fentanyl czar and the controversial appointment of Berger Datani to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, highlighting major issues facing Canada's governance.
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Recent Public Service Growth
- Most federal public service growth occurred in the last four years, resembling a hockey stick.
- This was partly due to pandemic-related hiring and addressing backlogs like the passport office.
Drivers of Growth
- Public service growth is tied to increased demand, with Canada's population growing by 4 million in 5 years.
- Some jobs, like border security, are labor-intensive, while others are automated.
Most Used Service
- Noor Azrieh guessed the CRA was the most used federal service.
- Michael Wernick corrected her, stating it's Environment Canada's weather service, highlighting its daily impact.