Political Acumen and the Public Service Professional Development Workshop with Dr. Jared Wesley (University of Alberta) (#SCSS014)

Public servants have faced immense challenges over the last five years. From the global pandemic to economic downturns and rising inequality, their role in navigating crises has been both critical and controversial. While governments expanded their reach with new policies, public servants were tasked with offering fearless advice and implementing difficult decisions. This workshop examines the evolving role of public servants in Canadian democracy, exploring how they balance expertise, loyalty to elected officials, and the public interest. Drawing on experience and tailored to the specific needs and desires of the participating organization, the discussion will focus on how public servants can effectively support government decision-making while maintaining non-partisan professionalism. Dr. Jared Wesley is an expert in Canadian public administration, known for his ability to bridge academic theory with real-world practice. With extensive experience as a public servant and a political scientist, his work focuses on public trust, governance, and the intersection of politics and policy. His engaging workshops draw from a wealth of case studies, helping public servants navigate their evolving responsibilities in Canada’s ever-changing political landscape. His research on governance, populism, and public service ethics includes Inside Canadian Politics (Oxford University Press) and The Public Servant’s Guide to Government in Canada (University of Toronto Press).

The item is a professional workshop on ‘Political Acumen and the Public Service’ donated by Dr. Jared Wesley of the University of Alberta. Dr. Wesley can accommodate a wide range of options for the size of this workshop and the successful bidder(s) will be able to work with Dr. Wesley to schedule a date and time for a workshop that accommodates 5 to 100 persons.  Note, the in-person workshop will take place in Edmonton.