Canada's Government Administration is Broken

Frontier Centre for Public Policy

Uncover the truth behind Canada’s government administration in our latest video, "Canada’s Government Administration is Broken: A Policy Roadmap by Dorothy Dobbie." Join us as we delve into the systemic issues plaguing public service, from political interference in candidate selection to the complexities of unionization and management hierarchies. Dorothy Dobbie outlines a compelling roadmap for reform, emphasizing the need for accountability, merit-based hiring, and a return to democratic processes within political parties.

Canada had one of the world’s most efficient and stable administrations. Career bureaucrats understood their roles and were dedicated and professional in their approach. They got their policy direction from their political masters and worked earnestly to find the best way to deliver good results. They took pride in doing their very best for their country, and this prompted excellence in their work.

Career public servants still exist. Their authority and opportunities for advancement have been increasingly usurped by the insertion of active and retiring political staffers, union rules that demand service to longevity in office over excellence, and identity politics, which imposes hiring quotas. The result is a top-heavy and unwieldy management system that does not work.

Download the report in PDF. (12 pages)

Read the press release.

The Frontier Centre for Public Policy (FCPP) is an independent Canadian public policy think tank. Founded in Winnipeg in 1997, the Frontier Centre received charitable status in 1999 and currently has offices in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Our research aims to analyze current affairs and public policies and develop effective and meaningful ideas for good governance and reform. We provide a platform for public debate and engage with the public through our numerous publications and events.