Commentary
Our dialogue underscored the necessity of a strategic approach to managing the government’s size, ensuring efficient operations, and upholding democratic accountability. This issue is pertinent to Canadians as the expansion of government in Canada continues to reach unprecedented levels, negatively impacting productivity, living standards, and overall quality of life.
The expanding state has also brought about a cultural shift, with some expecting the government to fulfill all needs, a notion that has proven unsustainable.
During our conversation, Mr. Manning emphasized the significant growth of the federal civil service in recent years. He highlighted the challenge this expansion poses for elected officials in controlling this vast bureaucratic machinery. His key argument centered on the necessity for a new government to have a solid plan in place to effectively manage and potentially reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy, ensuring its efficiency and alignment with the needs of Canadians.
One of his primary recommendations was a return to merit-based hiring. While acknowledging the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Mr. Manning stressed that competence and capability should be the fundamental criteria for hiring civil servants, prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery.
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Our conversation also touched on the potential benefits of privatization. Mr. Manning suggested that certain government functions could be more efficiently handled by the private sector. By outsourcing services that the private sector can deliver at a lower cost, the government could streamline its operations, focus on core responsibilities, reduce public spending, and enhance service delivery efficiency.
We delved into the issue of federal overreach into provincial jurisdictions and the importance of Ottawa prioritizing its own responsibilities, many of which are currently underperforming. By respecting provincial autonomy, the federal government could downsize its bureaucracy, empower local governments, and promote a more balanced and effective federation.
Mr. Manning stressed the significance of garnering public support for government downsizing, particularly in light of high taxation and affordability challenges faced by Canadians. Drawing from his experience with the Reform Party, he highlighted the importance of educating the public on fiscal responsibility to build support for controlling government size and spending.
Our discussion also highlighted the need for transparency and adherence to the rule of law to ensure government accountability. Mr. Manning raised concerns about Canada’s secretive approach to handling government documents, emphasizing the importance of greater transparency to facilitate accountability and historical research.
He recommended periodic reviews of government programs to assess their effectiveness and viability, advocating for accountability and the discontinuation of programs that no longer serve a purpose.
Mr. Manning encouraged voters to question candidates on their plans to reduce the federal civil service’s size and manage public spending effectively. By holding elected officials accountable, citizens can ensure that their concerns are addressed and that the government remains responsive to public needs.
As Canada grapples with fiscal challenges and public discontent, Mr. Manning’s insights serve as a timely reminder of the necessity of prudent governance and active citizenship.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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