Task force aims to make federal government faster and less risk-averse on major decisions
A new federally funded initiative led by former executives is advising Prime Minister Mark Carney on streamlining government delivery in infrastructure, Arctic sovereignty, and digital innovation.
Sources · local media reports
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A new task force of former high-level public service executives and private-sector CEOs is advising the federal government on how to execute Prime Minister Mark Carney's priorities faster and with less bureaucratic caution.
The Task Force on Modernizing Government, launched last week by executive director David McLaughlin, is focused on a longstanding challenge: federal delivery. "It's uniquely focused on how the federal government can improve its capabilities to implement, to get things done," McLaughlin said.
The task force identified three priority areas: major projects and infrastructure, Arctic and Northern Sovereignty, and digital government and artificial intelligence. Rather than producing a lengthy report, the group plans to issue short recommendations as the year progresses. "I'll call it the speed of need," McLaughlin said. "We're trying to get in, give some practical, actionable advice that is focused, that works, and then move on."
Other members include Ian Anderson, former president and CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation; Jody Thomas, former deputy minister of National Defence; and Daniel Quon-Watson, former deputy minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. The task force is funded through one-time grants from three foundations: the Ivey Foundation, Jarislowsky Foundation, and Hewitt Foundation. It is set to complete its work within one year.
When will the task force deliver its key recommendations, and how will the government be held accountable for acting on them?
How many staff members are on this task force, and what is the total budget?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
What are the three priority areas the Task Force on Modernizing Government is focusing on?
The Task Force on Modernizing Government is prioritizing major projects and infrastructure, Arctic and Northern Sovereignty, and digital government and artificial intelligence.
When does the Task Force on Modernizing Government plan to complete its work?
The Task Force on Modernizing Government is set to complete its work within one year of its launch in late July 2026.
