The Ontario Government is struggling with a 24 Billion dollar deficit...and they are looking at a 5% solution for cutbacks, but are not quite sure how to attain this.
Having worked in the public sector at one time and knowing others who do today, I will honestly tell you that there is way more than 5% the government could be saving without affecting services.
Firstly, let's get rid of "March Madness". This is still occurring in all areas of the public service, whereby if budget monie
s have not been spent, there is a mad rush to do so prior to the end of the fiscal year of March 31st. I have lived this first hand, having all sorts of ludicrous purchases made just to spend the money...because if you don't spend it, you won't ever see it again...such is the mentality of many in the public sector. It would be interesting to see what would happen if starting February, all government purchases would have to be scrutinized for "worthiness" prior to purchases being made.
Secondarily, some of the processes within the government are so arduous (like issuing 164 page RFPs) that you need a small army to executive. If these were simplified, then you would be able to implement solutions faster and moreover reduce the number of personnel required....which is where most of the dollars are spent today.
But you know that this would actually require some planning and thought. Not something that is in high supply these days when dealing with politicians.
Having worked in the public sector at one time and knowing others who do today, I will honestly tell you that there is way more than 5% the government could be saving without affecting services.
Firstly, let's get rid of "March Madness". This is still occurring in all areas of the public service, whereby if budget monie
s have not been spent, there is a mad rush to do so prior to the end of the fiscal year of March 31st. I have lived this first hand, having all sorts of ludicrous purchases made just to spend the money...because if you don't spend it, you won't ever see it again...such is the mentality of many in the public sector. It would be interesting to see what would happen if starting February, all government purchases would have to be scrutinized for "worthiness" prior to purchases being made.Secondarily, some of the processes within the government are so arduous (like issuing 164 page RFPs) that you need a small army to executive. If these were simplified, then you would be able to implement solutions faster and moreover reduce the number of personnel required....which is where most of the dollars are spent today.
But you know that this would actually require some planning and thought. Not something that is in high supply these days when dealing with politicians.
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