Government by bureaucrats may be reality, but it cries out for reform

Since the PM admits that cabinet practised zero due diligence before handing half a billion dollars to WE Charity, and relied totally on the advice of bureaucrats, who were those bureaucrats, and exactly what investigation of this charity’s fitness for the job was undertaken? Make it public.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 18, 2020, speaking to reporters from the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. When the bureaucracy returned with the same recommendation, Mr. Trudeau followed it, even voted for it in cabinet. The program was endorsed by cabinet on May 22. It was so flawed, the whole thing lasted barely a week as a government program. It remains to be seen how long it will last as a 'scandal,' writes Michael Harris. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

August 10, 2020

HALIFAX—The late John Crosbie once told me that 90 per cent of government decisions were in fact made by the public service. At the time, I was writing a book about the epic collapse of the great northern cod stock off Newfoundland, and Crosbie was Brian Mulroney’s fisheries minister. I asked ...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy