Remarks for Wayne G. Wouters for the APEX Ceremony for the Recognition of Entry to the Executive Group Program
May 13, 2010
Thank you, Simon for that introduction.
I am very happy to be here tonight with all of you to help celebrate your entry into the executive cadre of the public service.
I would also like to thank Hanny (Toxopeus) and the entire APEX team, as well as the Canada School of Public Service, for organizing this day.
(I) The Importance of this Event
This event is an important step in your career.
I congratulate you on your promotion to the executive ranks of the public service.
I am a career public servant, I started with the province of Saskatchewan and later joined the Public Service of Canada.
I have been a public servant for over thirty years and I can’t imagine having a more rewarding career.
As new executives, you have an important role in the public service:
- People will look to you for guidance and direction;
- More so than in the past, you will facilitate the delivery of the Government of Canada’s priorities; and
- You will have a greater role in decision making.
In fulfilling these responsibilities, you will contribute considerably to the success of your organizations.
(II) The Importance of Leadership
From what I have observed, good leadership can make a tremendous difference in a workplace:
- It can inspire excellence;
- It can engender confidence; and
- It can empower the people around you.
Good leadership can nurture creativity and promote innovation. It can lead to remarkable results.
Leadership is about more than what you do --- it’s about how you do it.
I find that the best leaders:
- Lead by example;
- Instill and promote our values and ethics; and
- Emulate the leaders they admire.
Canada’s Public Service is recognized as being one of the most professional, competent and honest in the world.
(III) Our Current Environment and Challenges
As new executives, you play an important role in ensuring that the government meets its commitments and fulfills its priorities.
Although we have weathered the economic crisis that affected economies around the world, better than many others,
And despite the fact that we are well positioned going forward, and in better shape than other G-7 countries,
We are still in recovery mode.
The road ahead will be tough as we move to balance our budgets and simultaneously improve our levels of economic growth in Canada.
This approach will require careful management of resources and difficult choices over the near and medium-term.
The recent Speech from the Throne and 2010 budget have provided the roadmap for all of this:
- Departmental operating budgets are frozen;
- Strategic reviews are continuing; and
- A review of administrative services is underway.
We are in an era of restraint, but this should not be the sole factor driving the Public Service.
Times like these provide an opportunity to be more creative, to bring forward new ideas, and to work more efficiently and effectively.
I want to emphasize that our tight fiscal situation will not derail Public Service Renewal (PSR), it must continue to be a management priority.
(IV) Public Service Renewal
I am pleased to be able to note that we have seen measurable progress on all four pillars:
- Integrated planning;
- Recruitment;
- Employee development; and
- Workplace renewal.
Central to PSR.
This advancement will ensure that we are able to continue providing Canadians with excellent service and offering the best possible advice to the government.
While all four pillars are important, the one I am most interested in is workplace renewal. I would like to take a few minutes to discuss this with you.
As you know, the tools we use in our workplace facilitate our delivery of results for Canadians.
In a time of fiscal constraints, constantly evolving demographics and ever growing public expectations, we need to pay more attention to:
- How we work;
- The tools with work with; and
- The work that we are doing.
As new executives your role will be:
- To engage your colleagues, managers and employees; and
- To work with them to create innovative, creative and energized workplaces.
In which everyone can make a contribution and a difference.
(V) The Executive Role
As you embark on this new phase of your careers, there are three messages I would like to leave with you.
- Employees from all levels of experience will have more opportunities to shape and influence the Public Service;
- Seeking solutions to the challenges facing Canada through collaboration, creativity and innovation are becoming more common place; and
- We have no shortage of “sticky” issues for you to sink you teeth into, and along the way, improve the lives of Canadians.
Second, remember that empowering others empowers you.
- Enable those around you and especially those who report to you.
- Share your experiences, the good and the less so.
- This is how you will foster a risk aware and not risk adverse culture.
- It is okay to make mistakes, this is how we learn.
- Remember that employees stay with good managers. Notable turnover is the hallmark of an unhappy and unhealthy institution.
Third, foster a sense of community.
- Work horizontally, it is central to your job and will make you a better executive.
- Develop networks with peers, stakeholders and groups outside government. These will be critical when you need advice or an alternative view.
- Take on corporate responsibilities.
I enjoy public service and that’s why I chose it as a career. For me it continues to be an enriching experience.
I am proud of the Public Service and the incredible work that we do each and every day.
Always remember that you have the honour of serving Canadians and carry great responsibility during this exciting and challenging time.
You are also privileged as you have the faith, trust and confidence of Canadians and this is priceless.
Your entry into the executive ranks brings new ideas, attitudes and new approaches, which is a key quality of Public Service Renewal.
Your commitment is essential to ensure that we remain part of a strong, diverse and dynamic public service team geared to excellence.
I congratulate each of you tonight on your new roles and I offer my best wishes for the future.