Michael Wernick on Canada's response to COVID-19

Michael Wernick on Canada's response to COVID-19

Author: Canadian Government Executive June 19, 2020 Duration: 32:03

In this episode, Lori Turnbull, deputy editor of CGE, talks with Michael Wernick about Canada's response to COVID-19 and the challenges that lie ahead on rebuilding and opening the economy.

Michael retired in 2019 after a 38-year career as one of the key leaders of Canada's world-class Federal public service, culminating in his appointment in 2016 as the 23rd Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet. He is currently working with MNP as a Strategic Advisor Associate on their Ottawa Federal Government Consulting team.

Hear more about how the lessons learned from SARS and H1N1 will help the government to deal with the current pandemic. What will happen if there is no vaccine in the next few months? How will this affect government and citizens? The burnout question, how people are viewing the challenges of self-isolation. The different approaches of provinces to COVID-19 and the interoperability of information. The shift to digital and how much will remain. Online learning and remote work. Will there be a hybrid model in how we take care of our daily activities like work and school? All this and more on CGE Radio.


For decades, Canadian Government Executive has been the essential print and digital publication for those navigating the complex machinery of the public service. Canadian Government Executive Radio extends that legacy into audio, creating a direct channel for conversation about the policies, technologies, and leadership shaping governance from town halls to Parliament Hill. This podcast moves beyond press releases and official statements to explore the real-world implementation of ideas. Each episode features candid discussions with deputy ministers, city managers, IT directors, and frontline innovators who are tasked with turning legislation into action. You’ll hear about the challenges of digital transformation, the intersection of cybersecurity and citizen services, and the evolving nature of public sector leadership in a time of rapid change. It’s a forum for the people who build, manage, and protect the programs that define Canadian society. By focusing on the practical expertise of senior officials and the technologists enabling modern government, this series provides context and clarity that you won’t find in daily news coverage. Tune in for a nuanced perspective on how decisions are made, how technology is adopted, and how public service executives are steering their organizations toward the future. This is where policy meets practice, offering listeners an insider’s understanding of the forces that govern.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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