His mandate will include research, the expansion of executive courses, and the development and implementation of best practices in public sector management. The Chair will foster interdisciplinary work across faculties at the University of Ottawa and throughout the country and look at all aspects of public management including governance, human resources, policymaking, service standards, and the like.
“Michael’s deep background and expertise in policy and administration make him the perfect candidate for this position where strong thought-leadership is required.”
Victoria Barham
— Dean of the faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa
“Michael’s deep background and expertise in policy and administration make him the perfect candidate for this position where strong thought-leadership is required,” explained Victoria Barham, Dean of the faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa. “He is one of Canada’s most experienced and influential public sector leaders, and I look forward to seeing how he will help us address the challenges now facing the Canadian public sector.”
Mr. Wernick served for 28 years as an executive in the federal public service, including 17 years in the community of Deputy Ministers, and three as Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada. When he was in the public service, he often worked closely with universities and think tanks to advance issues of policy and management.
The Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management was created thanks to the generosity of Stephen Jarislowsky one of Canada’s most successful mutual fund managers and the former chairman and CEO of the investment firm Jarislowsky, Fraser Limited. As co- founder of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, he has been a champion for good governance and management in Canada and has created numerous research chairs to effect change and promote good governance practices.
With the nomination of Michael Wernick as the Jarislowsky Chair in Public Management, the University of Ottawa is well positioned to contribute to a much-needed discussion on good governance and on strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion in the public sector.
The Gazette: A Q&A with Michael Wernick: uOttawa Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management
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