Executive decision-making during the COVID-19 emergency period

Area of Science:

• Public Administration
• Political Science
• Emergency Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered governmental functions and decision-making processes globally.
• Westminster parliamentary democracies, like Canada, possess executive agility suited for emergency response.
• Expedited decision-making in emergencies can involve higher initial risk tolerance, necessitating later problem-solving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the Canadian government's decision-making approach during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To analyze modifications in governmental processes between March and August 2020.
• To assess the role and performance of the federal public service during this crisis.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of governmental decision-making frameworks.
• Examination of policy adjustments and operational shifts.
• Review of public service performance during the specified period.

Main Results:

• Governmental decision-making processes were significantly truncated and adapted.
• The federal public service demonstrated remarkable nimbleness and responsiveness.
• The expedited approach, while effective, potentially increased later problem-solving needs.

Conclusions:

• The Canadian federal government successfully adapted its decision-making to the COVID-19 crisis.
• The public service's adaptability was crucial to the governmental response.
• The study highlights the trade-offs between rapid emergency response and long-term risk management.