Within Mark Carney's PMO, ministers face scrutiny, punctuality is crucial

Within Mark Carney's PMO, ministers face scrutiny, punctuality is crucial, and patience is limited.

In Mark Carney's Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the atmosphere is one of high expectations and a strong sense of urgency. The current and former PMO officials, senior bureaucrats, and caucus members who spoke with the National Post described a workplace where punctuality is paramount and patience is a rare commodity. Carney, who served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England before becoming the Finance Minister's top economic advisor, is known for his sharp intellect and direct communication style.

Under his leadership, the PMO operates with a level of discipline and efficiency that reflects his background in the financial sector. Meetings are scheduled with precision, often starting exactly on time and ending when they are supposed to. This approach can be a stark contrast to the more flexible scheduling that is typical in political offices, and it has earned Carney a reputation for being a stickler for punctuality. Those who are late are not tolerated, and it is not uncommon for him to call out offenders, regardless of their rank or position.

The PMO under Carney is also known for its intense work ethic. Staff members are expected to be fully prepared for meetings, with detailed briefing notes and a clear understanding of the issues at hand. The former central banker's deep knowledge of economics and finance means that he is not afraid to challenge those who are not up to speed. This has led to an environment where officials are on their toes, eager to impress and avoid being on the receiving end of his scrutiny.

Carney's no-nonsense style extends to his dealings with ministers and officials. He is not known for suffering fools gladly and is unafraid to voice his opinions, even if they differ from those of his colleagues or the Prime Minister. This has sometimes led to tension within the government, particularly when he is pushing for policies that require significant change or when his recommendations are not immediately embraced by those who may be more politically minded.

One senior bureaucrat described the PMO under Carney as a "well-oiled machine" that operates with a clear sense of purpose and direction. The focus is on results and getting things done, rather than on political posturing or managing egos. This can be refreshing for some who are used to a more political environment, but it can also be daunting for those who are not accustomed to the high-pressure atmosphere.

Some have criticized the PMO under Carney for being too controlling and not adequately considering the political implications of economic decisions. However, others argue that his approach is necessary in the current economic climate, where swift and decisive action is required to navigate the country through the challenges of the pandemic and the recovery that follows.

In terms of his relationship with the Prime Minister, sources say that Carney is seen as a valuable asset. His credibility and experience in international finance lend weight to the government's economic decisions and provide a counterbalance to the political considerations that often drive policy. While there have been reports of tension between the two men, they are said to have a good working relationship and a mutual respect for each other's roles.

Overall, the PMO under Mark Carney is a place where the stakes are high, the pace is fast, and the pressure is on to deliver. It is an environment that is not for the faint of heart, but for those who can thrive under such conditions, it offers the opportunity to be part of a team that is working to shape Canada's economic future.