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.
The podcast discusses the substantial increase in federal public service positions over the last decade, questioning the efficiency and necessity of this growth amid budget constraints.
It highlights the urgent political challenges Canada faces, encouraging citizens to engage in discourse and support journalism that addresses the rise of far-right influences and the implications of upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Current Threats to Democracy and Economy
The episode delves into urgent threats facing Canada, such as the rising influence of the far-right, the implications of a potential Donald Trump presidency, and upcoming federal elections that could significantly impact the nation's future. It emphasizes that these issues are not abstract but are present, requiring immediate attention from citizens. The podcast underscores the importance of staying engaged with political developments, as these issues affect daily life and the stability of democracy. Acknowledging the increasing interest in political discourse, the episode encourages listeners to actively participate and support journalism that addresses these concerns.
Potential Job Cuts and Public Service Shakeup
Discussion centers on anticipated job cuts within the federal government, as suggested by a former top public servant, who indicates that a shakeup is overdue every decade. The conversation highlights that over 110,000 public service positions were added in the past ten years, raising questions about the rationale behind such growth. Cuts have already been announced, particularly at the Canada Revenue Agency and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as part of efforts to tighten budgets amidst record spending. The need for a strategic and mindful approach to public service management is emphasized, stressing that arbitrary cuts could harm essential services.
Public Service's Value and Performance
The podcast explores perceptions around the federal public service's size and efficiency, debating whether it's bloated or necessary. It mentions the significant role that public servants play in the economy, asserting that they contribute to overall productivity and community support. Comparisons are made between public and private sector accountability, arguing that effective public management should emulate best practices from the private sector. The conversation concludes with the assertion that the Canadian public service is recognized internationally as one of the best, despite occasional flaws that may draw public scrutiny.
The government hired 110,000 workers over the past 10 years, did we get 110,000 times more efficient? It doesn’t look like it, but veteran public servant Michael Wernick breaks it all down for Noor.
And, yes folks, we’re talking about tariffs again, because Donald Trump enacted a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, with NO exceptions. Plus, our nominations for Fentanyl Czar, and the defamation case against Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman, CIJA, and Ezra Levant.
Host: Noor Azrieh
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)
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