Kathryn May

Kathryn May reports on the federal public service for Policy Options and writes The Functionary newsletter. She is the Accenture Editorial Fellow on the Future of the Public Service. Her coverage of the complex issues facing the public service has been recognized with a National Newspaper Award and a Canadian Online Publishing Award.

Articles by this author

Illustration of a pie chart in blues and orange, divided into five slices, two of which are being taken out by two hands.

Carney’s 15-per-cent challenge: Cutting and rewiring Canada’s public service

What will be the fate of the budget watchdog? “I think I would know by now”

What will be the fate of the budget watchdog? “I think I would know by now”

Carney stands before a podium with his hands clasped in front of him. Five cabinet ministers are slightly out of focus in the background.

Carney’s quiet public service revolution

Jocelyne Bourgon tient le texte du serment devant le ministre, qui tient la Bible. Le gouverneur général Roméo LeBlanc et le premier ministre Jean Chrétien observent la scène, sous un portrait de la reine Elizabeth.

Former top bureaucrat Jocelyne Bourgon calls for bold public service reform to match Carney’s economic plan

Mark Carney standing behind a bed of tulips without blooms on the sidewalk in front of his office. Parliament is in the background.

Could ‘mission government’ solve Ottawa’s delivery problems?

Pierre Poilievre traverse une scène avec un drapeau canadien en arrière-plan.

Public servants running in record numbers flip partisan assumptions

Can Canada afford to cut the public service while Trump moves the goalposts?

Une foule de personnes brandissent des pancartes devant un édifice du gouvernement aux États-Unis. En arrière-plan, on aperçoit l’édifice du Capitole.

Is the public service ready for a big Trump policy shift?

The heritage Confederation building is blurred in the reflection of a modern glass tower. 

Former top bureaucrat calls for major overhaul of the federal government

Chrystia Freeland’s resignation points to final breakdown of cabinet government

Anand is standing with one arm out, pointing to something. She is wearing a red blazer, white shirt and a scarf that is blue, red and white.

A $9.3-billion pension surplus could be the cushion Ottawa will need

A surplus in the federal public-service pension plan presents the government with many options

Anita Anand is viewed speaking in a slim space break between two people.

Public service job cuts loom as Ottawa misses spending and deficit targets

Federal public servants are to report back to the office again. Their bosses say they mean it this time

Illustration of a small plant whose flower is a dollar coin. A pair of hands is holding it and another coin.

Acting pay is a complication that runs deep in the public service

Judge orders full hearing for union’s case against public service return to office order

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