The federal government is facing criticism after it decided to reject a core recommendation from a recent report that called for the collection of data on public service productivity. Observers argue that ignoring this advice undermines efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the federal bureaucracy.
Report Recommendations Quietly Dismissed
On December 12, the government quietly released a long-awaited report from a working group of experts tasked with studying public service productivity. The group provided 19 recommendations, with two specifically focused on improving the measurement of productivity. However, the Treasury Board Secretariat, led by President Shafqat Ali, dismissed these measurement proposals, stating it is focused on other priorities.
A spokesperson for the Treasury Board President noted that the government has started implementing some of the report's other recommendations. Critics, however, are questioning the logic of commissioning an expert report only to disregard its foundational advice on measurement.
Experts Express Confusion and Disappointment
The decision has left experts puzzled. Stephen Tapp, CEO and chief economist at the Centre for the Study of Living Standards, asked, "If we’re really not serious about measuring overall productivity, then why should we assume that productivity is going to improve?" Tapp, who has written on public sector productivity for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, pointed to countries like the United Kingdom, which have advanced their measurement of government outputs and outcomes.
David McLaughlin, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, highlighted Australia as another example. Australia's Productivity Commission provides ongoing reports and inquiries into government services. McLaughlin noted that while Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is taking some productivity issues seriously, the question remains whether its actions are sufficient for the scale of the challenge.
The Management Principle at Stake
The controversy touches on a fundamental business principle often attributed to management guru Peter Drucker: "You can’t manage what you don’t measure." By refusing to establish a framework for measuring productivity, observers argue the government is making it harder to manage and improve the public service's performance effectively.
McLaughlin emphasized the importance of having the right "machinery for governance" to drive public service adaptation. The government has stated its focus is on making the bureaucracy more efficient, but critics like McLaughlin stress that effectiveness is equally crucial and requires proper measurement to achieve.
The move has sparked a debate about the government's commitment to genuine public service reform and transparency in demonstrating value for taxpayer dollars.
