Blueprint 2020 process is not an ‘empty vessel’

Re: Page calls for renewal of PS, Nov. 8.

I am writing to clarify some assertions made about Blueprint 2020 in this Citizen article. In my 30-plus years in public service, I’ve seen the complexity of our work increase, but the quality of the advice we provide has remained of the highest standard.

As a result of this increasing complexity, and with a changing world around us, six months ago we launched an engagement process for Blueprint 2020. This is a dialogue intended to create a vision for a world-class public service, which is equipped to serve Canada and Canadians into the future. This unprecedented process has engaged employees across the country — in all regions and at all levels. Never before have public servants been engaged so broadly, both in-person and online.

The assertion that the Blueprint 2020 exercise is an “empty vessel” flies in the face of the unparalleled levels of participation which we are witnessing. Ideas for a world-class public service are coming through direct engagement and through the use of social media — we are seeing groups of employees across departments, self-organize to crowd source solutions using new tools.

This is not only about exceptional levels of participation, but about public servants taking ownership of the process. While the dialogue is not complete, there is a range of themes that are generating solutions to unique challenges. These themes include a pronounced interest in better uses of new technologies and a desire to develop, pursue and practice innovative ideas.

Deputy heads are reaching out in person, through interactive town halls and other means to actively encourage new ideas. In addition, we’ve reached out to academics and stakeholders, and all Canadians are encouraged to contribute their ideas through my website www.clerk.gc.ca

To be effective, renewal requires culture change and therefore must take place from the ground up by empowering our employees. Our current challenges demand a networking leadership style, reflecting the Blueprint 2020 vision, not our traditional hierarchical system.

Everyone has a role to play. Changes, both large and small, can have a real impact. The willingness to take on this engagement so openly and transparently is a sign of the strength of our institution. This is not a top-down exercise but it is a two-way dialogue that allows public servants to contribute to their workplace.

What we’ve heard so far in the Blueprint 2020 process shows that public servants are immensely proud of the role they play in improving the lives of Canadians, and care passionately about the future of the public service and the country. An agile, efficient and responsive Public Service that delivers value for money is essential to the future of Canadians and supports sound governance of the country.

Guided by our shared public service values of respect for democracy and people, integrity and stewardship, the Blueprint 2020 process will provide us with a solid road map while upholding the tradition of excellence that is the hallmark of Canada’s Public Service.

WAYNE G. WOUTERS, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet