Quillette Podcast
Canadian Bureaucracy and Its Discontents
Nov 8, 2024
Nick Osmond-Jones, a former researcher at the Office of the Ombudsperson in British Columbia, discusses his resignation spurred by concerns over censorship and ideological pressures. He highlights the absurdities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Canadian public service. The conversation delves into the complexities of workplace sensitivity training, the implications of land acknowledgements, and the emotional burdens of performative allyship, revealing how these factors shape the dynamics of workplace interactions and investigative practices.
21:47
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Quick takeaways
- Nick Osmond-Jones discussed the shift towards DEI ideology in Canadian public services, leading to a more polarized and critical workplace culture.
- His experience during DEI training illustrated the challenges faced when questioning dominant narratives, emphasizing the prioritization of perceived offense over open dialogue.
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Experiences at the Ombudsperson's Office
Nick Osmond-Jones worked as an investigator for the Office of the Ombudsperson in British Columbia, addressing various complaints against public authorities. His role required him to investigate a wide array of issues, including complaints against state employees, health ministries, and regulatory bodies. The nature of complaints he handled ranged from consumer grievances regarding auto insurance to allegations of mistreatment in jails, which involved quickly adapting his knowledge to understand diverse services and contexts. Osmond-Jones found the job engaging because it constantly demanded research and critical thinking about the fairness of processes within these public organizations.
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