Federal Government Urged to Enhance Public Service Productivity

The federal government should take significant steps to enhance productivity within the public service, including the publication of annual reports on “underperforming” public servants. This recommendation comes from the Working Group on Public Service Productivity, which released a report on December 12, 2024, outlining 19 recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of government operations.

The report categorizes its recommendations into five key areas: measuring productivity in the public service, fostering a productive workforce, leveraging technology, reviewing government programming and spending, and refining internal structures and regulations. The group emphasized that a productive public service is essential for maintaining public trust in government institutions.

One of the report’s primary recommendations urges Statistics Canada to develop a “productivity measurement program” tailored for the public service. Additionally, it calls for individual agencies to establish productivity metrics for departments that provide direct services to Canadians. The report highlights the current lack of reliable data as a barrier to evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of government services.

“Without reliable data, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of government services or identify areas for improvement,” the report states. It asserts that implementing these recommendations would create a robust framework for measuring productivity, thereby enabling evidence-based decision-making and enhancing accountability.

To address performance issues, the task force suggests cultivating a culture of performance management within the public service. This includes implementing clear corrective actions for underperformance at all levels and conducting rigorous performance reviews before the conclusion of a one-year probationary period. Furthermore, the report recommends annual disclosures on the number of public servants dismissed for underperformance.

The report also encourages the federal government to facilitate the exchange of ideas and diversify management styles by promoting opportunities for public servants to gain experience in the private sector. Enhancing dialogue between government and other sectors is also recommended to foster innovation.

Investment in technology is a crucial aspect of enhancing productivity. The report advocates for the federal government to invest in artificial intelligence technologies, improve data management, and support small to medium-sized technology initiatives.

In reviewing government programming, the task force recommends regular assessments of programs to ensure their efficiency and alignment with federal responsibilities. The group was established by the President of the Treasury Board in fall 2024 to examine productivity in the public service and inform the government’s economic plan.

Despite these recommendations, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat announced it would not consider four key proposals, including the measurement of productivity across the public sector. The government indicated its ongoing efforts to support a skilled workforce, emphasizing transparency and accountability regarding misconduct within the public service.

While the government plans to continue initiatives related to technology and artificial intelligence, it has declined to appoint a senior official for overseeing government management or to establish an independent body for public service evaluation. The November 2025 Budget included commitments to modernize budgeting practices and streamline administrative policies, indicating a shift towards efficiency, albeit without full adoption of the task force’s recommendations.

The Working Group’s report presents a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing public service productivity, with the potential to significantly impact how government operates and interacts with citizens in Canada.