Article contentThe first months should reflect the campaign’s three key planks of lower taxes, better health care and safer communities. Initial legislation, the inaugural budget and the first Council of the Federation meeting are opportunities to display that focus.Article content2.) Majority Governments Control a Lot – Not Everything:Article contentMajority governments can change laws, regulations, and funding decisions with remarkable speed; they can’t always control the implementation timelines.Article contentFor example, Wakeham’s platform includes an increase of the province’s personal income tax exemption to $15,000, making that the highest of any Atlantic province. However, provincial taxes are still administered by the CRA and those changes take effect every Jan. 1. To implement changes in time for the next tax year, the CRA often requires notice from provinces by mid-summer.Article contentArticle contentKnowing this, the government must manage expectations when it comes to communicating their implementation timeline. Similarly, there are tuition changes in the platform that normally need to be communicated to post-secondary institutions by early winter and education promises that follow similar timelines.Article contentKnowing these external timelines is crucial. Use these early days to understand the complexities of implementing scores of promises at once, build a proper rollout plan, and don’t create false expectations.Article content3.) Build a Culture of Ministerial AccountabilityArticle contentWhether it’s mandate letters or verbal directions, Wakeham’s priorities for his ministers should contain measurable goals. Don’t just ask the Minister of Jobs to fix high unemployment rates, challenge him or her to make that rate one of the three lowest in Canada. Measurable goals make performance evaluation easier and drive real action.Article contentArticle contentWhen you reach government, you’re bombarded with files of growing concern. Perhaps a program is trending over budget, or an infrastructure project is facing delays. Wakeham can push ministers to explore new options for programs facing such issues and report back by a deadline.Article contentMinisters will need time and flexibility to do this, but exploratory items are welcome – so long as there is a stated reason for it and a deadline for final decision. Ministers don’t have to be told how, just why and by when.Article contentAs mentioned, early days of government are like being on a treadmill that keeps speeding up. Proper planning and focus is like stretching beforehand.Article contentIt’s not just a good idea, it’s mission critical.Article contentDavid Tarrant and Mitch Davidson both served in Office of the Premier of Ontario, as executive director of strategic communications (Tarrant) and head of policy (Davidson). Tarrant currently serves as Enterprise Canada’s Vice-President, National Strategic Communications & Atlantic Canada lead, while Davidson serves as Vice-President, Policy.Article content
OP-ED: Early advice for Premier Tony Wakeham
