IV  Conclusion

As head of government, the Prime Minister provides leadership and cohesion to the Ministry. To carry out these fundamental responsibilities, the Prime Minister requires a broad base of support. In choosing the principal ministerial and official office-holders, in establishing and balancing ministerial mandates, in providing the machinery that the Cabinet requires to serve the process of collective decision-making, in providing management for the public service, in managing intergovernmental affairs, and in giving general direction to government policy, the Prime Minister is supported by the Privy Council Office, under the leadership of the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.

To fulfil its responsibilities for ensuring the smooth functioning of the decision-making process and the overall machinery of government, the PCO provides secretariat support to the Cabinet, monitors developments across the government as a whole, provides advice to the Prime Minister and to his colleagues in Cabinet, and acts as a broker to resolve problems within government. The effective exercise of these responsibilities requires close and continuous contact with other federal departments and agencies to support their ability to carry out their responsibilities effectively and to ensure overall consultation and coordination.

The challenges facing the Prime Minister in providing the foundation for stable and effective government have multiplied enormously in recent years. Such challenges will continue to require flexibility and adaptability to maintain effective support to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in ensuring the continuity, coherence and effectiveness of overall government operations in a rapidly changing environment.

[Previous Page] [Table of contents]