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Ottawa Citizen

Gearey: The public service needs honest discussion about the real world

At this year's APEX (Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada) Leadership Conference, executives from across the federal public service gathered under the banner of Building Trusted Connections to reflect on leadership. Article content 'Culture' took centre stage, with speakers such as global values expert David Allison, well-being guru Neil Pasricha, and Juno-nominated Peter Katz, who emphasized that behaviours executives elevate become culture, and over time they become legacy. Article content Article content Article content As engaging as the sessions were, there was a noticeable absence of discussion about the external forces reshaping the work of the federal public service. Article content The leadership conference offers prime ground for meaningful dialogue with a highly engaged audience. I personally look at the summit as a barometer for where leadership's attention should be focused in the year ahead: what's put on the table is just as telling as what's left off. Article content Culture matters, but when it comes at the expense of outward awareness, it loses its lustre. I couldn't reconcile the general content of the conference with the absence of substantive discussion on the intensifying geopolitical instability; the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence; or the ramifications of what's happening to diversity and inclusion south of the border. Article content Geopolitical turmoil is pressing on our public service; Canada is navigating the consequences of a more protectionist United States, increased cyber threats, supply-chain fragility and the growing complexity of national security and economic priorities. Article content Article content The effects of conflict, economic instability, disinformation campaigns and shifting global alliances don't stay in foreign affairs briefings. They affect procurement, immigration, trade, cybersecurity, communications and much more. A candid lecture at APEX from someone working at the intersection of these global forces could have helped public servants think critically about how external realities are already influencing their work. Are such conversations reserved for only a select few? Are they too politically sensitive, or are we underestimating the public service's ability — and responsibility — as a whole to be part of them? Article content