Thank you very much.
It’s quite an occasion, not only to receive this fellowship, but to accept the honour from a woman who herself excelled in public journalism. Your Excellency, I thank you.
As we all know, the news world has changed – spot news, breaking news, feeding the hungry 24-hour news cycle is now the norm.
So to be given four months to devote to an issue is a real luxury and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
In many ways, the federal public service is the glue that holds this country together – the worker bees behind the politics that unfold on parliament hill.
A government ignores the management and redevelopment of its public service at its peril. These jobs and people are vital to keep Canada working properly and efficiently.
Yet, the federal public service is currently in a state of flux. The workforce is aging, hiring practices are being questioned. And with five per cent budget cuts coming to 13 government departments, it’s a system that won’t likely be fixed any time soon.
Since the announcement of this fellowship was made public, I’ve received several calls and emails from people inside the bureaucracy – individuals ready and willing to share their experiences. I look forward to telling their stories.
Thank you for this opportunity. Thanks to CBC for allowing me the time and the venue to expose the information. And thank-you to my husband Pete for his unwavering support.
Julie Ireton
2010 Michener-Deacon Fellowship recipient
Michener Awards ceremony
Rideau Hall
May 27, 2010