Chris Selley: ‘Soft Corruption’ from Bloated Public Sector Holds Back Public Progress
October 12, 2024
In his latest commentary, Chris Selley raises concerns about the “soft corruption” permeating the Canadian public sector, attributing it to an over-bloated bureaucracy that, in his view, hampers meaningful progress on critical public services and infrastructure. Selley argues that the growth in government workers—both at the federal and provincial levels—has led to inefficiencies, a lack of accountability, and an inflated sense of entitlement that detracts from the public good.
Selley’s key point is that Canada is increasingly spending more on its public workforce while seeing little to no improvement in essential services. He cites high salaries, benefits, and a deeply ingrained culture of self-preservation as contributing factors that slow down the implementation of impactful policies and projects. According to him, the rise of government jobs, combined with a tendency to avoid tough reforms or cuts, has created a situation where resources are misallocated, preventing Canadians from enjoying better healthcare, improved infrastructure, or more effective social programs.
Calling this phenomenon “soft corruption,” Selley emphasizes that it’s not about overt scandals or illegal activities, but a more insidious issue. The public sector, he suggests, often prioritizes its own interests over the needs of taxpayers. This results in stagnation, where innovative ideas or ambitious projects are delayed, shelved, or watered down to preserve the status quo.
He contrasts this with private-sector efficiency, where there is often more incentive to improve performance, reduce costs, and deliver results quickly. Selley calls on policymakers to take a hard look at the size and influence of the public sector and consider reforms that could lead to leaner, more accountable governance.
The piece has sparked debate, with some agreeing that the public sector is overdue for reform, while others argue that a strong government workforce is essential to maintaining public services. Regardless of where one stands, Selley’s article has reignited the conversation around how public resources are managed in Canada—and whether taxpayers are truly getting value for their money.
