Senior Policy Adviser (1993 to 2003) and Chief of Staff (2003) to former prime minister Jean Chrétien

Jean-Marc Carisse

What surprised you the most about your time in government?

My biggest surprise in the Prime Minister's Office was the amount of time a prime minister spends in meetings or telephone calls with foreign heads of government.

What are you most proud of in terms of your contributions there?

I am most proud of my contribution to the post-secondary education agenda of the Chrétien government, and most particularly the creation of the Canada Research Chairs, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Millennium Scholarship Foundation. These achievements will have a major impact on the country for years to come.

What issue/situation do you wish you could have had another crack at?

I wish we could have had the opportunity to do far more than we did to address the problems of aboriginal Canadians.

Who is your political hero?

My political hero is Mackenzie King, who kept Canada united in the most difficult circumstances, helped oversee the transformation of the country from its traditional agricultural base to an industrial base, and who introduced the foundations of a social safety net, while succeeding in winning election after election.

What did you admire the most about the Prime Minister you worked with?

I worked many years for Jean Chrétien. I most admired his willingness to make really tough decisions such as restoring the fiscal integrity of the country, introducing the Clarity Act, and saying no to the war in Iraq, regardless of the political risks involved in each case. I admired his administrative ability to focus only on the big issues while delegating the rest. I marveled at his uncanny understanding of the sentiments of Canadians and his disdain for political correctness.

What do you say to people who are cynical about politicians and their motivations?

For those who question whether politics really matters and whether all politicians are the same, I hold up the example of Canada's decision not to participate in the war in Iraq as a convincing argument that it matters very much who is in office, and that young people should take an interest in participating in politics and public service because they can make a difference. People who are cynical about politicians and their the motivations haven't had the experience I was fortunate enough to have over many years of watching politicians of all parties up close. I observed that whether we agree or disagree with their policies, by and large, they are extraordinarily dedicated, work long hours, sacrifice family time, and do what they think will make this a better country.

What is your favourite movie/TV show about politics?

My two favourite TV shows about politics are Yes Minister and The West Wing.

What current issue do you think politicians should spend more time focusing on?

I believe the great domestic challenge of public policy and politicians today in Canada is to face up to the fact that for Canada to be competitive in the 21st century requires large public investments, particularly in physical infrastructure and human capital, in the environment and climate change, in reducing child poverty and in addressing aboriginal issues. This will require the courage to stop promising never to increase taxes, and to remind Canadians of what Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said about taxes being the price we pay to live in a civilized society.

Did your time at McGill prepare you in any way for life in government?

I was fortunate to take one graduate course from Professor Frank Scott, the great Canadian civil libertarian, crusader for social justice, and poet, and to attend some of his guest lectures. They helped to whet my appetite for public service. As for the rest of my courses at McGill, I cannot honestly say that they prepared me for a life in government.

Eddie Goldenberg is a partner in the law firm of Bennett Jones, LLP and the author of The Way It Works: Inside Ottawa.