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Today, public servants are swamped with information and face competition from lobbyists, think tanks, and advocacy groups vying for the ear of ministers. Wouters said public servants can brief a minister on an issue in the afternoon and be challenged the next morning by political staff who found new studies on the Internet.

In future, he said public servants have to collaborate with think tanks and other groups. They have to network — inside and outside of government — to tap into the best ideas. The job will shift from sole advisors to analysts who can “integrate” information and “connect the dots” and adapt policies for the Canadian situation.

“The advantage we have is we put the Canadian context on it,” Wouters told MPs. “We live here and understand Canada and can take whatever policy issue we have and bring it back to the Canadian context.”

But some opposition MPs questioned how Wouters could reform the public service without addressing the growing trust gap and lack of respect between ministers, their staff and public servants. Public servants have complained they aren’t asked for advice and ministers have complained the bureaucracy is too slow in delivering it.

NDP MP Mathieu Ravignat accused Wouters of “glossing over” the lack of respect the Conservative government has shown the public servants in its attacks on their reputation, work ethic, pensions and sick leave benefits.

“What I find distressing about your report is how it glosses over these challenges. You have a role to speak truth to power and tell the Treasury Board president and the government that all is not rosy in the public service,” said Ravignat.