Ferries, P3s and 'Poster Gate': A Deputy Minister Tells All | H&H Ep. 42

You know, we were all set to end this podcast on time, and then I just felt compelled to completely disagree with both of you, particularly Andrew's premise.

And I can't leave this one unsaid.

You know, Newfoundland and Labrador has more people in the public service than any other province.

And I think for that reason, at the top of the ladder in the senior executive roles, you find a lot of talents, as you're both speaking to.

But and Corey, you touched on this.

We don't have a very diverse private sector, right? There's some there's a few big industries and then a lot of really, really small ones are nonexistent ones compared to other provinces.

So the private, you know, the competition for private jobs is tougher.

Incentives are tougher.

I mean, where do you see a defined benefit pension plan anymore outside of the public service? So while I agree that I think it's a very, very difficult job right now to attract people to run for public office and to get quality candidates to put their names forward as MHAs.

And I agree that there is a downside of being a senior person in the public service because you've got to wear that too.

And the public is unforgiving.

Those assholes in the media are unforgiving.

But, you know, I tend to think we have the opposite problem in that we There's not enough incentive for people to maybe take risks or move out into the private sector, especially in rural Newfoundland in this province.

And that is a whole other topic.

But I just come on to this particular point from a very different perspective.

So I just wanted to throw out the contrarian view before we close.

Very

important.

And listen, I'm glad to hear because me and Alex get accused of agreeing too often, I think.

So it's nice that we're on opposite sides here.

And it could lead to debate.

But as you said, brother, I think we're at the point now, I think we've gone over time and we've taken a lot of Corey's Time here, but I think it may lead to I got a feeling people are going to be interested in the stuff that you've had to say, Corey, because not often do they get a chance to hear from someone who's been at the most senior of the civil service level, someone who's been there for a lot of decisions over the last decade and beyond.

And I'm just appreciative that you took the time to come on and talk about it.

It says a lot.

And again, very, very happy.