The last Quebec budget included several measures to support the economy and achieve a balanced budget soon. As it should be, the merits of the budget will be debated on the political stage. Our view is intended to be neutral and oriented towards a successful operationalization of the management of the State and its projects for the benefit of the citizens.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
The current situation is unprecedented and represents a colossal challenge for public administrations. Never have so many disruptive economic events interacted. The pandemic sent economic activity plunging in 2020 before it rebounded dramatically in 2021. Governments engaged in massive spending to cushion the blow, causing major deficits and ballooning debt. Private companies, governments and public services are under great pressure which is increased by labor shortages.
In this unpredictable context, Québec has several advantages. Dynamic entrepreneurs. Experienced managers in strong institutions. A diversified economy. Cutting-edge sectors. political stability. However, the needs are great and the resources are limited. The government should seek to maintain an economic environment that is as favorable as possible to the creation of wealth.
Excellence and agility in project management
One of the keys to the success of government administration in achieving a balanced budget in these circumstances will be to get the most out of every public dollar spent. It is therefore a question of generating efficiency gains and ensuring agility in planning. Yet these aspects are absent from public discussion. This must be a priority, especially in the face of high inflation. Doing the most with every dollar must become an obsession of our leaders to preserve the quality of services and protect the standard of living of citizens.
The government has adopted a framework policy for its major projects which requires a project manager. However, too many projects still escape it. Good practices, however, allow significant efficiency gains when planning projects, selecting contributors, scheduling work or allocating funds.
Quebec, as we know too little, is an internationally recognized center of excellence in project management: 14 research chairs and observatories are dedicated to it. PMI-Montréal is the main branch in Quebec of the world’s largest group of experts, trainers and researchers in project management.
We invite the government to take advantage of this expertise and allow citizens to benefit from the best practices in project management and innovation. Thus, in addition to the application of the Directive on the management of major public infrastructure projects, we hope that a culture of project management will be established within all departments.
The potential savings are very significant. Based on the budget allocated annually to the PQI (Quebec Infrastructure Plan) in 2021-2022, adopting the best ways of doing things would save $13 billion. That’s the price of 86 new high schools, 60 seniors’ homes, or 121 new bypasses, depending on current costs!
Cutting-edge expertise in project management applies to all spheres of activity and can benefit all walks of life, businesses, NPOs, governments and public bodies. Of course, excellence in project management is not a panacea. The context will remain volatile and unpredictable. But it’s an essential way to get the most value out of every dollar and strengthen Quebec’s ability to navigate this rough sea.
* Co-signatories, former presidents of PMI-Montréal: Chantal SorelDirector and Infrastructure and Energy Advisor, Aéroport de Montréal; Henri-Jean BonnisFounding Partner and Managing Director, Adsum Consulting Group; Benoit Lalondesenior partner and project management consultant, GPBL Penser Projet; Carl M. Gilbertdirector of certification and training programs, PMI-Montréal; Kashimoto Mpingadirector of development of the MIL campus, University of Montreal; Michael KamelPartner, Transactions, PwC Canada