Will Michael Sabia really 'kick ass' in the public service?
'No man should be viceroy of India for whom the position is an honour,' the early Victorian historian and politician Thomas Macaulay reportedly said. A rough contemporary translation might be that really big jobs require impressive CVs.
Article content
Like the prime minister he will support, Canada's soon-to-be clerk of the Privy Council, Michael Sabia, can boast an awe-inspiring résumé of senior public and private sector jobs between which he is usually said to have moved 'seamlessly.' Common adjectives for Sabia include 'smart' and 'disruptive' (which in the private sector often means willing to cut jobs). Sabia's appointment from outside the ranks of the senior public service has been perceived as a bold (though not unprecedented) departure for a system that typically turns to the usual suspects. In the words of one supporter, the new clerk's mission in Ottawa will be to push the public service to advance Carney's priorities and 'kick its ass.'
Article content
Article content
Article content
Not every commentator has been as gleeful. Journalist Paul Wells notably declared himself a 'rare Cassandra' on Sabia, suggesting that his big-bang beginnings have sometimes ended in a dubious fizzle. Sabia's private sector work is beyond my ken, though I will note that perhaps his most celebrated success, the turnaround of the Caisse de Depot's fortunes following the financial debacle of 2008, was arguably consistent with the broad trends of the market,though he did steer that fund towards more international investment.
Article content
Of more immediate relevance were Sabia's recent and conspicuously brief stints as head of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (2020-2021) and as deputy minister of Finance (2021-2023) where he helped establish the Canada Growth Fund. Both the infrastructure bank and the growth fund involved leveraging private sector investment in ways Carney appears to favour, but neither has been a triumph. Sabia was reportedly frustrated at Finance, where he can hardly be blamed for the ballooning deficits of the COVID era, especially given the priorities of the then-prime minister and minister of Finance. But the experience is a reminder that no one walks on water.
Article content
Article content
In full disclosure, Sabia was my first director at Finance Canada and one of two people who interviewed me for the job. Based on that experience (however much he may have regretted it) and personal observation, I lean heavily towards assessing him as very smart. And there can be little doubt that he is committed to helping Carney advance his priorities, including spending less on government operations. I'm also told that they are on good personal terms. But how will these two work together? Both are used to being the smartest guy in the room (or thus perceived) and neither seems prostrate with modesty or undue gentleness.
Article content
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
28 minutes ago
- National Post
Mineros Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer
Article content MEDELLIN, Colombia — Mineros S.A. (TSX:MSA, MINEROS:CB) (' Mineros ' or the ' Company ') announces the departure of Alan Wancier, its Chief Financial Officer, effective June 20, 2025. Article content David Londoño, President and Chief Executive Officer said, 'I want to express my most sincere gratitude for Mr. Wancier's years of hard work and commitment to Mineros, starting in the finance group at our Hemco Property in Nicaragua. His service and leadership to the Company during the past 11 years have been invaluable and he has made many contributions to the development and evolution of Mineros. We wish him every future success.' Article content Sergio Alejandro Chavarria Munera, Mineros' Director of Finance, has agreed to act and will be appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer while a search is conducted for Mr. Wancier's replacement. Mr. Chavarria has held progressively more senior roles in finance with Mineros since 2018. Before joining Mineros, he was a Senior Audit Officer at Deloitte. Mr. Chavarria holds a Master of Business Administration from EAFIT University, and a degree in economics from the National University of Colombia. Article content ABOUT MINEROS S.A. Article content Mineros is a gold mining company headquartered in Medellin, Colombia. The Company has a diversified asset base, with relatively low-cost mines in Colombia and Nicaragua and a pipeline of development and exploration projects throughout the region. Article content The board of directors and management of Mineros have extensive experience in mining, corporate development, finance and sustainability. Mineros has a long track record of maximizing shareholder value and delivering solid annual dividends. For almost 50 years Mineros has operated with a focus on safety and sustainability at all its operations. Article content Mineros' common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'MSA', and on the Colombia Stock Exchange under the symbol 'MINEROS'. Article content Election of Directors – Electoral Quotient System Article content The Company has been granted an exemption from the individual voting and majority voting requirements applicable to listed issuers under Toronto Stock Exchange policies, on grounds that compliance with such requirements would constitute a breach of Colombian laws and regulations which require the directors to be elected on the basis of a slate of nominees proposed for election pursuant to an electoral quotient system. For further information, please see the Company's most recent annual information form, available on the Company's website at and from SEDAR+ at Article content This news release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as 'may', 'could', 'would', 'will', 'should', 'intend', 'target', 'plan', 'expect', 'budget', 'estimate', 'forecast', 'schedule', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'continue', 'potential', 'view' or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, the expected departure timeline and transition for the Chief Financial Officer position, any other statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future plans, intentions, levels of activity, results, performance or achievements. Article content Forward-looking information is based upon estimates and assumptions of management considering management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, the assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, social, economic, political, regulatory, competitive and other risks and uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking information. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Article content For further information of these and other risk factors, please see the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's annual information form dated March 25, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at Article content The Company cautions that the foregoing lists of important assumptions and factors are not exhaustive. Other events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking information contained herein. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Article content Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as and to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
Tories accuse PM of thinking about Brookfield's 'bottom line' with EV mandate
Carney's financial holdings continue to be sore spot after issues raised in Liberal leadership race, federal election Conservative MP Andrew Scheer, leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photo by Justin Tang / The Canadian Press OTTAWA — While Canada prepares to launch a decade-long ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles next year, the Conservatives are accusing the PM of having more on his mind than climate change. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account During question period on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of thinking more about the bottom line of his former employer in allowing his government to go ahead with the contentious Justin Trudeau-era policy. 'Canadians, autoworkers, Ford, GM — they all don't want the EV mandate, but the prime minister's intent on pushing it through,' Scheer said. 'Why? Well, right before becoming prime minister he was chair of Brookfield and he advocated for a ban on gas-powered cars. Brookfield is heavily invested in the EV supply chain. If this prime minister refuses to reveal his financial interests or self-admitted conflicts — isn't it true that this isn't about the environment, this is about the bottom line for Brookfield?' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Carney's financial holdings were a sore spot during his run at the Liberal leadership and subsequent federal election, lashing out at several reporters who asked him about it — repeatedly insisting that all of his publicly traded assets were placed in a blind trust. As of Dec. 31, disclosures by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission showed Carney held just under $7 million US in unexercised stock options in Brookfield Asset Management. RECOMMENDED VIDEO In response, AI Minister Evan Solomon completely ducked the questions about his party leader's portfolio, instead talking up his government's efforts to protect auto-sector jobs from leaving Canada and the investments made by Canada in automakers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We have invested in the auto sector, including the EV sector, to build good jobs in places like St. Thomas,' he said, referring to the Ontario city's $7-billion Volkswagen battery plant, which is under construction. 'This government will always invest in workers and make sure that the auto industry is growing, resilient and successful.' This was the second straight day the Conservatives hammered the government over EV mandates, which will require 100% of all new cars sold by 2025 to be electric. On Tuesday, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin accused the Tories of taking unfair aim at Canada's auto industry by demanding an end to the mandates, clearly unaware that Canada's auto industry is against the policy, which by next year will require 20% of new car sales to be EVs. In a news conference earlier this year, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association president Brian Kingston described the EV mandates as 'complete fantasy' and legislation dictating which cars Canadians can and cannot buy as a 'made-in-Canada policy failure.' bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume Read More NHL Canada Soccer Canada Toronto Maple Leafs
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Texas Businesses Tap IBN Technologies' Outsourcing Payroll Services to Reduce Manual Load
"Outsourcing Payroll Services [USA]" Texas companies embrace outsourcing payroll services to increase operational flexibility, maintain accurate payroll cycles, and support strategic growth planning. With reliable payroll processing, firms ensure compliance and strengthening control across evolving workforce models. Miami, Florida, 18 June 2025 - Business leaders are investing in process optimization as part of long-term growth plans. A major focus area is payroll management, where expectations around accuracy, timeliness, and scalability continue to grow. Companies are turning to proven strategies like outsourcing payroll services to reduce internal workloads and enable more efficient operations. Reliable systems that handle the payroll process for businesses have become essential to maintain consistency and support smooth workforce operations. Finance teams can now focus on high-impact initiatives while maintaining clarity in payroll operations. This change is bringing new solutions to the forefront—models built to support business goals without compromising control. Experts from IBN Technologies are offering outsourced payroll services across Texas, enabling finance teams to focus on strategy while relying on professional partners to handle payroll administration with accuracy, reliability, and a service-first approach. Looking for a strategy for your payroll process? Scaling Payroll Systems As more businesses grow across Texas, outdated payroll methods are proving unsustainable. Leaders are confronting daily challenges around compliance, cost, and reporting, prompting a shift in how payroll is approached, especially as the demand for both small business payroll and corporate payroll services increases. Manual payroll tasks increase turnaround times and risk Interstate compliance differences cause confusion In-house teams often miss specialized tax and filing skills Software limitations lead to data privacy issues Irregular payroll reports delay audit readiness Finance and HR roles become overstretched In-house payroll teams grow expensive as businesses expand Incomplete system integration slows monthly closings To overcome these challenges, companies are adopting smarter payroll workflows. Leading partners such as IBN Technologies deliver efficient, well-structured outsourcing models that match the pace of business growth across Texas, supporting accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll execution. Enhancing Workforce Compensation Delivery Organizations are increasingly adopting outsourced payroll models to create smoother internal workflows and ensure timely employee compensation. As teams seek clarity and structure in financial operations, customized payroll solutions are becoming key to managing growing administrative expectations. ✅ Full-service payroll processing enables timely salary distribution and transparent deduction handling ✅ Tax compliance is managed seamlessly at all levels, reducing filing complexities and keeping operations aligned ✅ Administrative support streamlines tasks and gives internal teams more time to focus on core initiatives ✅ Cross-border payroll options and currency compliance aid international workforce management ✅ Ongoing regulatory tracking ensures businesses meet legal requirements and avoid complications ✅ Service plans are tailored to suit small business payroll needs and enterprise-scale corporate payroll services ✅ Payroll data synchronizes with accounting and HR systems, improving oversight and consistency This shift toward streamlined payroll delivery enables business leaders to focus on value-generating operations while maintaining accurate financial records. Through trusted partnerships with providers like IBN Technologies, organizations benefit from structured, compliant, and scalable payroll outsourcing services tailored to today's evolving business dynamics. Strategic Gains from Payroll Experts Organizations adopting outsourced payroll services report stronger operational consistency and fewer regulatory setbacks. Experts point to providers like IBN Technologies as key partners in this efficiency-focused evolution. 95% report smoother year-end reporting and cleaner audits Companies typically reduce payroll spending by 20% or more with expert help The IBN Technologies team offers guided support built around clarity, scalability, and compliance. For companies looking to align operations with long-term growth goals, this route continues to provide measurable value. Ajay Mehta, CEO of IBN Technologies, explains, 'Efficient, reliable payroll isn't optional—it's foundational. Businesses rely on specialized support to ensure precision every step of the way.' Strengthening Growth Planning Firms across Texas are adopting a more strategic approach to managing finance functions, particularly payroll. As compensation models evolve with business complexity, leaders are exploring the benefits of outsourcing payroll services. This change is creating measurable improvements in both operational delivery and long-term planning. The externalization of payroll reduces friction in everyday tasks. Internal teams are able to focus on core roles while gaining the assurance that compliance and accuracy are maintained. Structured payroll processing supports smoother pay cycles, better forecasting, and improved transparency across departments. This is increasingly critical as Texas firms expand into new markets or adapt to shifting workforce patterns. Adopting outsourced payroll is not simply about cost; it's about smarter decision-making, process integrity, and resource optimization. The companies making this move are seeing enhanced coordination and fewer performance setbacks, especially in periods of growth or transition. Success in this area depends on strong partnerships. That's why businesses in Texas are turning to experienced Payroll service providers with a track record of results. IBN Technologies leads the way—serving customized outsourcing payroll services that align with both strategic goals and the day-to-day realities of growing businesses across the region. About IBN Technologies IBN Technologies LLC, an outsourcing specialist with 25 years of experience, serves clients across the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East, and India. Renowned for its expertise in RPA, Intelligent process automation includes AP Automation services like P2P, Q2C, and Record-to-Report. IBN Technologies provides solutions compliant with ISO 9001:2015, 27001:2022, CMMI-5, and GDPR standards. The company has established itself as a leading provider of IT, KPO, and BPO outsourcing services in finance and accounting, including CPAs, hedge funds, alternative investments, banking, travel, human resources, and retail industries. It offers customized solutions that drive AR efficiency and growth. Media Contact Company Name: IBN Technologies LLC Contact Person: Pradip Email: Send Email Phone: +1 844-644-8440 Address: 66, West Flagler Street Suite 900 Miami, FL, USA 33130 City: Miami State: Florida Country: United States Website:
