In response to rising concerns over lagging productivity within the public service, a dedicated working group has been established. This initiative, spearheaded by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, seeks to explore comprehensive strategies to improve service delivery across the entire public service, including Crown corporations. The study, expected to be presented to the president of the Treasury Board by the end of March, aims to incorporate international best practices in productivity measurement and application within Canada.
The study group, consisting of seven members, was initiated by former Treasury Board president Anita Anand last year. Among its members is Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, who emphasized the group’s broad focus.
"We haven’t carved out any one particular thing," – Bea Bruske.
Despite the comprehensive scope, Bruske clarified that the group is not examining remote work as part of its current agenda. This decision has sparked discussions, especially in light of recent comments by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. He suggested that while the location of work doesn't matter, public servants should be given clear assignments and monitored to ensure task completion.
The study group's mandate involves several planned meetings throughout the winter, having already convened twice. The members will delve into various issues and opportunities based on their expertise to enhance productivity and service delivery to Canadians.
Maria Gintova, an assistant professor at McMaster University's Department of Political Science, expressed concerns regarding the exclusion of remote work from the study's focus.
"I think it’s an integral component of any kind of productivity study or any kind of future human resource planning," – Maria Gintova.
She warned that ignoring strategic considerations regarding remote work could have negative repercussions.
"It’s happening, like it or not, and the lack of strategic consideration here will … come back and bite." – Maria Gintova.
The working group will investigate how productivity is measured in other countries and assess how these practices can be adapted for use in Canada. This approach underscores the group's commitment to finding innovative solutions for boosting productivity within public services. Bruske highlighted her role in ensuring that workers' perspectives are considered throughout the study.
"My role there is to make sure that workers’ voices aren’t being lost when we’re trying to find ways to improve public sector productivity." – Bea Bruske.
The group continues to gather insights and explore diverse strategies, aiming to deliver a comprehensive report by March’s end. As the study progresses, it remains crucial to balance traditional productivity measures with evolving work dynamics like remote work.
