Hearts and minds: premiers’ mission won’t change Trump’s tack, but can still help Canada, say politicos
Economic measures like procurement bans and retaliatory tariffs can be used against the U.S., but a non-threatening approach would better resonate with Americans, says former Ontario deputy premier Dwight Duncan.
Efficiency reviews, higher CAF salaries, procurement czars: Liberal leadership hopefuls’ public service promises
Reaching two per cent of GDP on defence spending is a priority for some candidates, while others look to federal office space and counter-measures to U.S. tariffs.
‘Big Four’ consultants raked in over $220-million in federal contracts last year, despite plans to cut spending
Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux says 2024 spending on consultants seems ‘a bit high’ given the feds’ commitment to curbing its reliance on external contractors.
Feds eye March decision on replacing problem-plagued Phoenix payroll system
The government could replace the Phoenix payroll system in 2026-27, with officials deciding by March whether to greenlight the new Dayforce system depending on the outcome of testing.
Former top bureaucrat calls for major overhaul of the federal government
Ex-Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick argues that many of government structures are no longer fit for purpose.
Hiring IT contractors cost feds 22 per cent more than using public servants, PBO finds
Federal departments spent $2.66-billion on informatics services, including IT-related services, with more than half of the spending coming from five departments in 2022-23.
Procurement watchdog calls PSPC’s handling of interpreters’ contracts ‘unreasonable’
Ombud’s review of complaints says proposed changes would cut freelance interpreters’ number of billable hours, leading to less compensation for the same amount of work.
Procurement Canada spent $5.4-billion in 2023-24, but plans to shrink workforce in coming years
The department forecasts staffing will keep growing in the current year before declining by thousands of full-time equivalent roles in 2025-26.
Five big public service stories from 2024
Challenges like the deficit, threats from the incoming U.S. president, and strain on our federation will require the public service to adapt and be flexible.
Expanding AI in government operations, modernizing Service Canada sites among feds’ fiscal update’s public service-related measures
The Dec. 16 fall economic update offers no further details on planned savings tied to ‘natural attrition’ in the 2024 federal budget, but noted that effort ‘will begin showing results in 2025-26.’
