The changing and enduring priorities of Deputy Ministers through the IPAC survey

Abstract

AbstractSince 1994, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) has conducted a survey among Canadian Deputy Ministers (DM) to measure what administrative issues they considered the most important. Carried out in varying methods, the IPAC surveys present a unique longitudinal dataset that can shed light on the core focus of top administrative executives over the past 25 years. The results show a consistency in DM priorities. The tasks of preparing to respond strategically to improve service delivery and accountability are always present. The mission of managing human resources emerged in 1998 and has been a top priority ever since.