Interview with Michael Wernick

Canadian Government Executive Radio

In this episode of CGE Radio, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Michael Wernick, senior strategic advisor at MNP and adjunct Professor at Carleton University. Of course, Michael is no stranger to our listeners; he was Clerk of the Privy Council from 2016-2019 and, before that, held a number of leadership positions during his 38-year public service career.

Michael talks to us about his recent book, Governing Canada: A Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics. In its pages, Michael offers strategic advice to future prime ministers, ministers, and deputy ministers, based on his observations from a most unique vantage point as the Clerk. He expands on this work in his conversation with us, and talks to us about how the role of the Clerk, the budget process, and expectations of government have evolved over time. He also shares some thoughts about what he might write next. Please give it a listen!