Good government is essential to Canada’s success.

Canada’s ability to advance and prosper is directly related to the performance and effectiveness of our governing institutions.

The government’s ambitious Building Canada Strong agenda is affected by an internal ‘capabilities gap’ to deliver in a timely, effective way.

This situation is not new. It has built up over time. But now, it is a deliberate barrier to success. It must be confronted head-on.

Good government builds democratic trust.

Good government underpins democratic legitimacy in Canada today. It is the basic building block of our democracy. Poor governing performance deepens social mistrust and contributes to political polarization.

Trust in our public institutions depends on how well they operate. They must deliver for Canadians to maintain that trust. A key governance priority must focus on building stronger performing institutions and capabilities that delivers for people.

Good government is one that adapts and changes to meet new circumstances.

Public sector transformation has long been recognized as needed. But politicians and public servants have been caught in cycles that inhibit change.

A polycrisis of one issue after another keeps decision-makers focused on meeting immediate needs and priorities at the expense of building longer-term capabilities. The pandemic is a recent example. Breaking out of that cycle is difficult when so many other demands pile up.

A risk-averse culture across government has been generated over the years. It has made government processes unduly complicated, time-consuming, and less accountable. It gets in the way of implementing needed change.

Changing how government works takes time. Political will and the always-impending electoral cycle hinder the dedicated, systemic reform efforts needed to bear fruit.

A new, modern public service model is required.

A modernized public service is one that is more agile, adaptive, innovative, accountable, and less risk-averse in getting things done faster. It is citizen-centred, actively focusing on delivering results for people and taxpayers.

Modernized government means a better-performing government. It is relentlessly focused on results and outcomes. It places more value on effective and efficient operational delivery. It supports public service productivity with tools and skills to deliver better. It actively focuses resources and effort on the things that matter most. It simplifies decision-making to move at the speed of need. It clarifies responsibilities and accountabilities across government, so they align.