Canadians are living through uncertain times. Our country faces interconnected challenges including a new geopolitical world order, economic headwinds, climate change, technological disruptions, shifting demographics and deepening inequality.

Futureproofing Canada brings you conversations with the people who are thinking boldly about how to solve these challenges. Each biweekly episode features a frank, in-depth discussion between IRPP president and CEO Jennifer Ditchburn and the leaders who envision a Canada that’s confident and ready to seize opportunities.

In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, we’re sharing a recent IRPP panel discussion that explores “mission-driven” government and whether it can work in Canada. 

In his single mandate letter to cabinet, Prime Minister Mark Carney described “new approaches to governing” and laid out seven overarching priorities for ministers and public servants to pursue. He notably referred to “missions” – a nod to the “mission-driven” style of government the U.K.’s Labour government recently adopted.

What has been the experience so far in the U.K., and are there lessons for Canada? Can this approach work with the structure and culture of our federal public service? Sarah Doyle of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, Jack Pannell of the U.K.’s Institute for Government, and Dan Honig of University College London School of Public Policy share their insights.