Michael Wernick
Michael Wernick is a former clerk of the Privy Council in Canada, known for his extensive experience in public service and governance. He has been a vocal advocate for reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Canadian bureaucracy. Wernick's insights into the challenges facing ministerial responsibility and the role of civil servants have contributed to the ongoing dialogue about the future of governance in Canada.
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Recent news mentions
Michael Wernick, former clerk of the privy council, has suggested a 2-per-cent 'defence and security' consumption tax.
What will you sacrifice for Carney and country?
Canada· 2025-11-17
Michael Wernick, a former clerk of the Privy Council, said he’s pleased to see the government is offering buyouts for older workers.
Federal budget 2025: Ottawa to cut 40,000 public service jobs as part of $60-billion internal savings planCanada· 2025-11-04
Former clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick has raised concerns that Ottawa’s 'pyramid of executives' are slowing decision making.
Ottawa’s bureaucracy has too many managers who are busy managing their own bloatCanada· 2025-11-03
Michael Wernick, a former Clerk of the Privy Council, suggested that hiring freezes are an easier option than laying off senior workers.
Public service braces for billions in spending cuts ahead of Tuesday’s budgetCanada· 2025-11-01
Michael Wernick, a former head of Canada’s public service, said the magnitude of the defence obligations should not be underestimated.
Canada should consider hiking consumption taxes to pay for defence-spending boost: analystsCanada· 2025-07-05
Michael Wernick, who retired as the public service’s top bureaucrat in 2019, called the government’s final report 'tepid and incrementalist.'
Federal review of access to information law ‘doesn’t have credibility,’ expert saysCanada· 2025-06-21
Mr. Wernick, who is now with the University of Ottawa, explained the role of cabinet committees.
Carney’s new cabinet committee on quality of life and well-being to focus on social issuesCanada· 2025-05-19
Michael Wernick, a former clerk of the Privy Council, explained the role of a secretary of state.
What is a secretary of state? A guide to Mark Carney’s two-tiered cabinetCanada· 2025-05-14
Michael Wernick, a former clerk of the Privy Council, said in an interview that Mr. Carney has to walk a very fine line between doing it fast and doing it right.
Why Carney’s rush to ‘build, baby, build’ won’t be easyCanada· 2025-05-03
Former Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick commented on the vagueness of the Liberal platform commitments regarding public service reform.
Public-service unions seek clarity on Liberal government’s pledge to cap number of federal employeesCanada· 2025-05-02
Michael Wernick first met Mr. Hurley in 1991 after joining the Constitutional Affairs Secretariat at the PCO and stayed until 1996.
Federal government adviser James Hurley influenced generations of internsCanada· 2025-04-07
Michael Wernick is a former clerk of the Privy Council who advises prime ministers.
The federal government is in ‘caretaker mode’. What does that mean?Canada· 2025-03-24
Michael Wernick, former clerk of the Privy Council, has detailed changes to address matters in the federal civil service.
Opinion: Musk’s DOGE and Canada’s puffed-up, overpowered bureaucracyCanada· 2025-03-04
