In response to OBJ publisher Michael Curran’s argument that Ottawa needs to brace itself for a potential reduction in the size of the public service under a new federal government, I agree that we as a city should be prepared for what could be harsh job cuts.
It is always difficult having these discussions when we are talking about the livelihood of our citizens – all of whom contribute to our city.
There has been a concern that such cuts could have a disproportionate impact on Ottawa given the concentration of federal workers here.
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If these cuts are to come, I would advocate to our next government that there is a good way and a bad way to effect these changes.
The bad way to implement these cuts would be to play the “numbers game”, whereby cuts are made with the sole purpose of reducing a numerical head count and achieving a certain budgetary target.
With this type of action, there is no view to improving operational efficiency, nor reintegrating the federal workforce into the city’s day-to-day flow.
A more positive way to implement change would revolve around a restructuring of the workforce alongside a fully functional accommodation strategy.
Right now, the federal workforce is disjointed; there appears to be no real strategy as it relates to the management of people. This lack of strategy has several significant consequences, ranging from an inefficient and demoralized workforce to a workforce whose impact on the city’s economy is diluted given the geographical fragmentation of people.
If, as a part of any potential cuts, the federal government can reintegrate its workforce into the downtown, then there might be an opportunity to mitigate the overall negative impact on the city.
In fact, if done properly, the reintegration of the federal government into our core (during times of cuts) could augment vibrancy, resulting in growth during a time of contraction.
A successful reintegration should and could stimulate:
- Downtown leasing as the federal government looks to secure suitable space for its workforce (recognizing that much of the federally owned inventory is currently uninhabitable)
- Economic concentration in our downtown core to align with North American norms
- Increased use of and reliance on our public transit system (yes, the city needs to do its part to make sure the system is operational!)
Some may call these arguments a self-serving way to attempt to force a return to the office. Maybe those people are right. In my heart of hearts, however, I view this as a defensive plan designed to minimize any deleterious effects from federal downsizing, while at the same time attempting to add to the quality of the work environment provided to our local civil servants.
An engaged workforce in our core would have a positive economic impact for all. At the same time, a renewed and engaged workforce could limit the depth of any cuts required – creating the ultimate win-win scenario for Ottawa and its workforce.
Shawn Hamilton is a principal at Proveras Commercial Realty.
