Remarks for Wayne G. Wouters for the Public Policy Forum’s National Launch Event of the Ten Tough Jobs 2010 Report
October 19, 2010
Check against delivery
Good evening and thank you very much for inviting me to join you.
The Public Policy Forum today released their Ten Tough Jobs 2010 report, which profiles some of the very interesting and challenging positions at the senior levels of the Public Service.
As we all know, our work environments have changed considerably over the past decade.
When I first became an ADM at the Department of Finance in 1993, fax machines were “it” and we operated without the Internet. Blackberries simply did not exist.
This is unimaginable, even unsettling, in today’s 24/7/365 world.
The Public Service context in which we find ourselves today is therefore quite different.
One of the things that has remained constant, however, is the need for strong leadership - especially in the very demanding positions profiled in this report.
I’d like to take a few moments to share some thoughts with you tonight on leadership in the Public Service.
Achieving excellence in leading organizations and people comes from a combination of a genuine desire to make things better, an ability to reach out, consult and seek advice and a tendency to work with others and collaborate.
By all measures, in large part due to leaders such as those who are highlighted in the 10 Tough Jobs report, we are doing well.
Leaders must also be visionaries. They must be able to see the future and how the public service fits in it.
Whenever I have an opportunity, I emphasize the importance of workplace renewal and its critical role in creating a vibrant and modern workplace.
Leadership on this front will allow us to continue offering Canadians the excellent service they have grown accustomed to.
In a time of shrinking labour markets and increased competition for our talent pool, it will also ensure that we attract and retain high quality professionals to respond to the challenges we will face as a nation.
I am pleased to say that we are making very good progress in renewing the Public Service workforce, as this has been one of my priorities.
The 10 Tough Jobs report leaves the reader with the confidence that we are indeed in good hands. It confirms that we are nimble, adaptable, responsive and capable of working horizontally effectively and on short notice.
As we have demonstrated with the Economic Action Plan, the humanitarian response to the earthquake in Haiti, the Olympic and Paralympic games and the roll out of the H1N1 vaccine, we provide excellent policy advice, service delivery, and manage public service resources responsibly.
At the end of each day, there is a wonderful satisfaction that comes with getting the job done for Canadians.
I have said before that leaders are both born and made. We all have leadership potential.
I enjoy public service and that’s why I chose it as a career.
For me it continues to be a privileged and enriching experience.
The Government of Canada is a highly interesting and extremely challenging place to work.
I can personally attest to that, as does the report we are launching tonight.
The demands will only increase, and that’s why we must continually look to our strong leaders to fill these very challenging positions.
I look forward to the next edition to tell the story of public service leadership and how we have changed to meet emerging challenges and maintain our focus on excellence and relevance.
Thank you for inviting me to join you today.