A smarter, leaner government will put people first

By MPP Toby Barrett

To The Haldimand Press

Over my years as an elected representative, one of the key frustrations I hear from people is with government wasteful spending coupled with inefficiencies and lack of results.

It is time to look at the public service and the broader public sector through a results-driven lens to find efficiencies, remove duplication, and maximize quality service.

Making government smarter is about embracing and implementing change, never operating under the assumption that the status quo is best, and looking towards innovation for potential solutions to challenges.

Recently, Treasury Board President Peter Bethenfalvy addressed the Economic Club of Canada with plans to transform and modernize the work of the Ontario government.

As he reiterated, the process and procedures of government have been operating largely unchanged and unchallenged. As businesses have modernized, updated and innovated, the business of government has lagged behind.

It is time to bring the language of business to the business of government.

We need a smart, fiscally sustainable governing system – a system that puts people at the centre and a plan that transforms the culture of government.