Well said, again. I agree with the vision part, but as we see from our southern neighbour, strategy and tactics are just as important in implementing the vision. Canada needs to do better.
You've gotta a piss me off way of getting to your point. LOL
I agree with the streamlining of ministries. We don't need that many in the Federal government especially with all the overlap. It's absurd. I certainly hope whoever is in government realizes we don't need that many departments.
A wise man once pointed out to me during a discussion about organizational structure and the need (or not) for mid level supervisory positions "If you create a desk, paperwork will inevitably be created to fill it".
We definitely could slim down. The existence of a department immediately creates the need to administer it, and it will inevitably define a purpose for itself - due to both the best of intentions and because those in charge need to justify their roles.
Wayne. I agree completely on term limits. In related, you may find this article of interest I wrote a bit over a year ago. "Dangerous Combo-No Term Limits and Excess Powers of a PM"
I’ve believed this for some time. Your rationale approximates my own such as why does S. Ontario need an Economic Development Minister? Why do any regions as that is what their Premiers and MPs are supposed to do. I have played the same game of what should a cabinet look like. My goal was 18, but I had trouble getting below 20.
A couple of points around what is now DND. One, your suggestion of placing CBSA has a couple of ramifications. A good result would be the de-integration of DND and the CAF. This should be abandoned asap as Generals should not be in ADM positions and civilians should not have direct control of anything military. Second, unless the Coast Guard mandate is changed they should remain with Oceans and Fisheries. They by mandate are not armed so the ‘Guard’ is really a misnomer. In my view the current CCG fleet should be turned over to Oceans and Fisheries and the small Coastal Defence Vessels in the Navy should be up armed and given to a true Coast Guard. While at it Search and Rescue should be given to the new Coast Guard. With those changes Defence and Border Security would be truly looking after our sovereignty.
Good feedback, Allen, thanks. Your suggestion of splitting and apportioning the coastal defense sounds reasonable. I suspect this will become more topical once we finally get a northern border defence established.
I'd put it under Provincial Relations, where I note "Intergovernmental". I tend to think of communities having more direct relationship with provincial rather than federal level, but agree there is also some connection to municipal.
I figured but just wanted to get your clarification. A lot of these areas overlap with municipalities and there is an importance of having that intergovernmental relationship with urban, rural and Indigenous communities.
For clarity, I am not proposing anything DOGE-like in this article. Rather, a smarter and more streamlined organization of our Depts upfront by a new administration, which is a normal process for each successive government.
Several weeks ago I did, however, write a full piece on De-Regulation that you can find below. I would still, however, caution that our approach is not DOGE-like as what I see in the US concerns me deeply for its press against the edges of democratic process, flouting of conflict of interest and much more - notwithstanding the spirit of the exercise is correct and worthwhile.
I contend that streamlining organization of departments at the outset of a new government is obvious low hanging fruit with a lot of positive knock-on benefits. Hopefully our next government will have the backbone to make some strides in that direction.
The Ministers at the Cabinet Table can and probably should have ‘Secretaries’ looking after their sub-departments, but not at the full decision making Cabinet Table.
If I recall correctly, Mulroney had 6 Ministers of State and 6 Secretaries of State functioning in more junior roles to his senior Ministers. But I believe they were all considered part of Cabinet and made for a rather stuffed group.
Well said, again. I agree with the vision part, but as we see from our southern neighbour, strategy and tactics are just as important in implementing the vision. Canada needs to do better.
Agreed Paul.
You've gotta a piss me off way of getting to your point. LOL
I agree with the streamlining of ministries. We don't need that many in the Federal government especially with all the overlap. It's absurd. I certainly hope whoever is in government realizes we don't need that many departments.
Thanks for the comment - and giving me a chuckle at your initial statement.
Makes sense to me! Common sense has gone by the wayside. Always enjoy your columns.
Thank you for the kind comment, Lucia.
A wise man once pointed out to me during a discussion about organizational structure and the need (or not) for mid level supervisory positions "If you create a desk, paperwork will inevitably be created to fill it".
We definitely could slim down. The existence of a department immediately creates the need to administer it, and it will inevitably define a purpose for itself - due to both the best of intentions and because those in charge need to justify their roles.
Wise advice, indeed. thanks for the comments Gord.
a couple more things.........two term limits and if the government is really bad like
the one we now have, a way of recall by vote before an election is called
Wayne. I agree completely on term limits. In related, you may find this article of interest I wrote a bit over a year ago. "Dangerous Combo-No Term Limits and Excess Powers of a PM"
https://pragmaticcanadian.substack.com/p/no-term-limits-but-excess-powers?r=2l9qgc
yes, forgot to mention the one about excess powers of the prime minister
I’ve believed this for some time. Your rationale approximates my own such as why does S. Ontario need an Economic Development Minister? Why do any regions as that is what their Premiers and MPs are supposed to do. I have played the same game of what should a cabinet look like. My goal was 18, but I had trouble getting below 20.
A couple of points around what is now DND. One, your suggestion of placing CBSA has a couple of ramifications. A good result would be the de-integration of DND and the CAF. This should be abandoned asap as Generals should not be in ADM positions and civilians should not have direct control of anything military. Second, unless the Coast Guard mandate is changed they should remain with Oceans and Fisheries. They by mandate are not armed so the ‘Guard’ is really a misnomer. In my view the current CCG fleet should be turned over to Oceans and Fisheries and the small Coastal Defence Vessels in the Navy should be up armed and given to a true Coast Guard. While at it Search and Rescue should be given to the new Coast Guard. With those changes Defence and Border Security would be truly looking after our sovereignty.
Good feedback, Allen, thanks. Your suggestion of splitting and apportioning the coastal defense sounds reasonable. I suspect this will become more topical once we finally get a northern border defence established.
Excellent piece. The overlap and obvious waste is terrifying - what kind of a stupid building are we making?
My one question is where you put "communities" because they do play a role in municipal affairs.
I'd put it under Provincial Relations, where I note "Intergovernmental". I tend to think of communities having more direct relationship with provincial rather than federal level, but agree there is also some connection to municipal.
I figured but just wanted to get your clarification. A lot of these areas overlap with municipalities and there is an importance of having that intergovernmental relationship with urban, rural and Indigenous communities.
a cabinet of around 24 or less and cut that accursed gold plated pension in half
getting a pension after six years is unconscionable...........seems like the pmo does
most of the work or at least they think they do
Well, I got my Cabinet down to 22.
even better but i did say 24 or less so we are close
Great editorial. Bring it on! We need a Canadian DOGE.
Thanks Roger.
For clarity, I am not proposing anything DOGE-like in this article. Rather, a smarter and more streamlined organization of our Depts upfront by a new administration, which is a normal process for each successive government.
Several weeks ago I did, however, write a full piece on De-Regulation that you can find below. I would still, however, caution that our approach is not DOGE-like as what I see in the US concerns me deeply for its press against the edges of democratic process, flouting of conflict of interest and much more - notwithstanding the spirit of the exercise is correct and worthwhile.
https://pragmaticcanadian.substack.com/p/can-de-regulation-fix-canada?r=2l9qgc
Seems to me, that rewarding your friends, supporters and financial backers is fundamental to politics. Don't see that ever changing.
I contend that streamlining organization of departments at the outset of a new government is obvious low hanging fruit with a lot of positive knock-on benefits. Hopefully our next government will have the backbone to make some strides in that direction.
The Ministers at the Cabinet Table can and probably should have ‘Secretaries’ looking after their sub-departments, but not at the full decision making Cabinet Table.
If I recall correctly, Mulroney had 6 Ministers of State and 6 Secretaries of State functioning in more junior roles to his senior Ministers. But I believe they were all considered part of Cabinet and made for a rather stuffed group.