The Institute on Governance

How to cut the public service? Smartly, compassionately, deeply - Institute on Governance By Allen Sutherland, President and CEO Published on November 6, 2025 in the Ottawa Citizen. Allen Sutherland: Workforce adjustments may test core...

READ: How to cut the public service? Smartly, compassionately, deeply.
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In his latest column, Allen Sutherland explores how massive public service cuts will challenge the very values that define Canada’s federal workforce — and why transparency and respect may matter more now than ever.

Cutting jobs is one thing. Doing it with compassion, fairness, and purpose — that’s the real test.

Why are some government workplaces better than others? Karl Salgo writes: The Ottawa Citizen Public Service ranking is evidence that the happiest public servants are in mission-driven workplaces.

READ: Why are some government workplaces better than others?

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In his latest column, Karl Salgo explains why smaller, mission-driven agencies top the rankings of federal workplaces, while large departments bogged down by bureaucracy fall behind. Purpose, not process, is what keeps public servants engaged.

The happiest public servants aren’t escaping work — they’re escaping red tape.

A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional facilitators, Omer Boudreau and Donald Burke, for their guidance and expertise throughout the program.

We’re inspired by your commitment to growth and excellence. Congratulations on this important milestone in your leadership path!

Congratulations to Cohort 24!🎓

The Institute on Governance proudly celebrates the achievements of the latest graduates of the Stepping Into the Executive Cadre Leadership Program. Your dedication to developing strong, values-driven leadership in public service is truly commendable.

Leaders face evolving governance challenges. The IOG offers tailored guidance to help teams manage complex mandates and transitions.

📩 Contact us at info@iog.ca or visit 🔗 iog.ca for more information.

Navigating Today's Modern Public Service - Institute on Governance 3 Hours Navigating Today's Modern Public Service Explore how today’s public service is evolving and what it means for your...

📅 Upcoming sessions:

Navigating Today’s Modern Public Service — November 25, 2025
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Values and Ethics in the Public Sector — November 28, 2025
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How Parliament Works — December 5, 2025
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💻 Online | ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (EST)

Ready to deepen your understanding of public policy and governance?

IOG’s new Policy & Governance webinar series explores how Canada’s public service works today — from navigating change and ethics to understanding Parliament’s role in shaping policy.

Sutherland: Karen Hogan sounded the alarm on CRA call centre troubles. We should listen. Auditor General Karen Hogan released a scathing report on CRA contact centre performance which uncovered 31-minute average wait times.

READ: Sutherland: Karen Hogan sounded the alarm on CRA call centre troubles. We should listen.

ottawacitizen.com/opinion/suth...

In his latest column, Allen Sutherland argues that Auditor General Karen Hogan’s report is a necessary wake-up call, reminding Ottawa that transparency and accountability are the foundation of good governance, not its burden.

The CRA’s call centre crisis isn’t just about long waits — it’s about trust.

Building the Nation of Canada – Part 1: Foundations and Infrastructure - Institute on Governance By Karl Salgo and Catherine Waters October 10, 2025 Since Confederation, Canadian leaders have been engaged in the ongoing and...

Building the Nation of Canada – Part 1: Foundations and Infrastructure
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Building the Nation of Canada – Part 2: Identity, Rights, and Reconciliation
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Prime Minister Mark Carney, Nation-Builder
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From railways to rights, from identity to reconciliation, and now to a renewed call for purpose under PM Mark Carney — our three-part series explores how every era redefines what it means to build, and rebuild, the Canadian nation.

Part 1 of our nation building series is here!

IOG’s approach to strategic planning combines evidence-based tools with collaborative facilitation to help organizations set direction, manage risk, and translate big ideas into actionable plans.

📩 Contact us at info@iog.ca or visit 🔗 iog.ca for more information.

Governance Knowledge Hub - Institute on Governance The IOG’s Governance Knowledge Hub is both a home for governance research and a place for governance dialogue. It offers a collaborative digital space for public sector governance practitioners, schol...

Discover it today: iog.ca/governance-k...

And don’t miss out—join our mailing list to get the latest articles and research delivered straight to your inbox.
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Whether you’re a policymaker, public servant, or simply passionate about good governance, the IOG Hub is your place to learn, reflect, and stay informed.

President's Corner: The Prime Minister Takes Manhattan - Institute on Governance By Allen Sutherland, President and CEO October 9, 2025 During a press conference at the United Nations on September 23, Prime...

READ: President’s Corner: The Prime Minister Takes Manhattan

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As trust in institutions falters, PM Mark Carney’s defence of the UN strikes a distinctly Canadian chord. In his latest President’s Corner, Allen Sutherland reflects on Carney’s call for pragmatism, hope — and a little Leonard Cohen — to restore faith in global governance.

Sutherland: Canada has a better model for cutting government than Trump’s shutdown theatrics U.S. President Donald Trump’s version of creative destruction should be a cautionary tale to those in charge of cutting budgets in Ottawa.

READ: Sutherland: Canada has a better model for cutting government than Trump’s shutdown theatrics
ottawacitizen.com/opinion/suth...

The U.S. shutdown may grab headlines, but it’s no model for reform. In his latest column, Allen Sutherland shows how Canada’s steadier, principled governance offers a smarter path to fiscal responsibility—one that builds institutions, not tears them down.

🔗 This Month’s Newsletter: eepurl.com/jpxNqM

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The latest edition of This Month in Good Governance is out now!

Explore timely insights, analysis, and updates from the IOG team on the evolving landscape of public governance in Canada.

Institute on Governance The IOG is Canada’s independent organization dedicated to advancing and applying good public governance.

📩 Contact us at info@iog.ca or visit 🔗 iog.ca for more information.

Our organizational governance assessments go beyond compliance. We look at mandates, policies, and structures as well as culture, communication, and decision-making to build custom, sustainable governance systems and solutions processes that balance compliance and culture.

Good governance starts with clarity. At the IOG, our advisory services help public-purpose organizations achieve mission success.

You can also explore our other half-day webinars on AI in the Public Sector, Digital Government, Design Thinking and Innovation Hubs, and Innovation and Experimentation.
👉 Learn more and register: iog.ca/courses