More than 50 Brock alumni gathered at the Rideau Club in Ottawa on May 10 to hear well-respected professor emeritus Kenneth Kernaghan speak on the topic of “Public Servants: bashable bureaucrats or citizen servers?”
Kernaghan — a Member of the Order of Canada, and author or editor of more than 20 books or monographs and more than 80 articles on Canadian and comparative public administration — described how improved service leads to more positive view of the public service.
Kernaghan explained that governments are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to meeting specific needs of individuals. “Citizens want the same level of personalized service they receive from business,” said Kernaghan.
He cited changes to the delivery of services, including utilizing new web and social media technologies, mobile government programs and the 211 and 311 telephone call centres. These phone numbers and websites provide information and referral to non-emergency human and municipal services, respectively, in Ontario.
Brock grad Colleen Swords (BA ’72), Associate Deputy Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, introduced Kernaghan and commented about her experience as a Brock student and alumna.
After the formal presentation, grads enjoyed each other’s company and hors d’oeuvres.
“I had a great time reconnecting with my former professors Kernaghan and Burton, as well as meeting fellow alumni in the Ottawa area,” said Shreedat Phulesar (BA ’00). “It was an evening of great conversation, great discussion and great memories.”
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