What senior leaders in government are reading in 2022
Not everyone makes New Year’s resolutions -- but those who do often aim to spend a bit more time reading books. Before you go and restock your shelves or kindles, we thought we’d ask leaders from across government to share some of the books they look forward to reading or revisiting in the weeks and months ahead.
Government of Nova Scotia - Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Ava Czapalay
Deputy Minister
I read every evening and I usually have several books queued up and ready to enjoy. I’m currently reading Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi, a talented Canadian author, originally from Nigeria, who is based in Halifax. This beautifully written novel tells the interwoven stories of a mother and her twin daughters. I can hardly put it down! It was long listed for the Scotiabank Giller prize and one of the top selections for Canada Reads 2021.
Waiting in the wings, I have:
Governing Canada A Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics by Michael Wernick. A dear colleague gave me the book following [Matt’s] interview with the author; and
Permanent Astonishment, a memoir by Tomson Highway, a Cree author who shares his family, culture, and experience in the residential school system.
I was recently travelling and enjoyed reading State of Terror co-written by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penney. I heard the authors interviewed on CBC radio and, being a Louise Penney fan, I couldn’t resist getting the book. It is described as a “geopolitical thriller” with lots of plot twists and action. I quickly decided to stop trying to connect the dots and to really just enjoy that these two authors were having fun with this book especially with certain world leaders, who may or may not be represented in this entertaining read. It was perfect for passing time in airports and for hunkering down in an airplane and helping pass the hours quickly. Highly recommend for a snowy weekend at home!
Government of Nova Scotia - Service Nova Scotia & Internal Services
Natasha Clarke
Chief Digital Officer AND ADM
So I am too much of a book nerd to narrow down to three.
The Agile Comms Handbook – How to clearly, creatively work in the open by Giles Turnbull
One of the fundamental principles of internet era ways of working is “make things open; it makes things better”, but getting started can feel daunting. Agile Communications is one of the methods to support working in the open, Giles is a global expert and this book is one I am excited to finish as I can hear him pushing me on to ‘just get that blog post written and posted’ with his cup of tea in hand.
Kill It With Fire – Managing Aging Computer Systems (and Future Proof Modern Ones) by Marianne Bellotti
Managing legacy, aging tech and making sure you don’t build more of it are critical activities of any modern day technology leader…. Kill It With Fire comes with loads of practical and lived experiences in both private and public sector on how to tackle these challenges.
White Tears/Brown Scars – How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color by Ruby Hamad
I feel strongly about doing my own continuous learning to help tackle my conscious and unconscious beliefs and perspectives on my journey of becoming an anti-racist and a good ancestor. White Tears/Brown Scars is another book on this journey. This book of history and cultural criticism argues that white feminism has been a weapon of white supremacy and patriarchy deployed against Black and Indigenous women.
Team Topologies – Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow by Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais
In Digital Government we know that Teams are the Unit of Delivery. Team Topologies is a clear, easy-to-follow approach to modern software delivery with an emphasis on optimizing team interactions for flow. A practical and adaptive model for organizational design and team interaction, where team structures and communication pathways are able to evolve with technological and organizational maturity to enable the continuous and sustainable delivery of value.
Remote Work Revolution – Succeeding From Anywhere by Tsedal Neeley
COVID-19 has accelerated a transition to remote working, leaving managers and employees scrambling to adjust. Having experienced the benefits of remote working many companies plan to permanently incorporate remote days or give employees the option to work from home full-time. But virtual work has its challenges. Remote Work Revolution is filled with actionable steps and based on nearly two decades of the authors work with virtual and global teams.
Taste – My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
I have been a fan of Stanley Tucci’s for some time, but watching his new show ‘Searching for Italy’ during travel restricted COVID times was a much needed respite, allowing for dreams of travel, Italian cities and countrysides, and the FOOD. So when he released his memoir filled with stories about his life paired with recipes, I couldn’t resist adding this book to my must reads this year. And yes, it has his Instagram famous Negroni recipe as well!
Government of Canada - Environment and Climate Change Canada
Geoffrey Mercer
Regional Director General, Atlantic & Quebec Region
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari. After I listened to Harari’s audiobook “Sapiens” while exercising, I lost over 20lbs – it was that good! This one is very thought provoking, so I read a chapter and then have to take some time to think about it.
How to Avoid A Climate Disaster by Bill Gates. Best “plain language” climate change book I’ve read to date.
Hope in the Balance by Andrew Furey (NL’s Premier). Response to Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake to form Team Broken Earth. To read but may get through it this weekend if this snow storm continues into tomorrow!
Efficiency One
Stephen MacDonald
CEO
A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency by Seth Klein. This book was recently given to me by a member of our team, Sarah Buckle. The book explores how to align our politics and economy to address the climate crisis, and is structured around lessons from the Second World War – the last time Canada faced an existential threat.
The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet by Michael E Mann. I began reading this book in 2021, but I didn’t finish it, so it’s on my list for 2022. It examines how fossil fuel companies have waged a thirty-year campaign to deflect blame and responsibility and delay action on climate change, and offers a plan for how we can save the planet. Fun fact: the author was the inspiration for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the film Don’t Look Up.
We Were Not the Savages: Collision Between European and Native American Civilizations by Daniel N Paul (Third Edition). I’m trying to learn more about Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples so that I can better understand how I can contribute to reconciliation. The book is a history of the Mi'kmaq people during the period of European colonization. The book was not recommended to me, but during Mi’kmaq History Month I saw a number of people on social media recommending it, so I decided to pick up a copy at Open Book Coffee.
Nova Scotia Health
Derek Spinney
VP Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer
Just read or reading…
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek (2014)
Talking to Canadians: A memoir by Rick Mercer (2021)
Science and the God Elusion by Robin Arthur (2019)
Christmas at the Vinyl Café by Stuart McLean (1997)
Government of Nova Scotia - Fisheries & Aquaculture
April Howe
Deputy Minister
Lately I’ve been reading for more entertainment. These books have been interesting and are a mix of fiction and non fiction. Currently I’m reading The President’s Daughter by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.
Two books I want to read this year:
Inside the Montreal Mafia by Fèlix Sèguin and Èric Thibault
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F%^# - A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
Municipality of Halifax
Jacques Dubé
CAO
The book I am currently reading is novel entitled A Gentlemen in Moscow by Amor Towles (who also wrote Rules of Civility).
Next up will be We The Possibility by Mitchell Weiss, a Harvard professor.
Thirdly, I am looking forward to reading Dancing with Disruption by Mike Lipkin, President of Environics/Lipkin who immigrated to Canada in 2001 from South Africa.
Government of Nova Scotia - sENIORS & lONG-tERM cARE
Tracey Barbrick
adm
Here is what’s on my nightstand right now (I just ran up and grabbed them):
Turning the Mind Into An Ally by Sakyong Mipham
Nova Scotia Politics 1945-2020 by Graham Steele
Five Little Indians – Michelle Good
Girl, Woman, Other (2019) by Bernardine Evaristo
Municipality of Halifax
John Traves
MUNICIPAL SOLICITOR, DIRECTOR of Legal and Legislative Services
I have stacks of books on my to do list but three near or at the top for this year would be:
Endurance by Alfred Lansing detailing Shackleton’s incredible voyage.
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway, and,
Sailing away from Winter by Silver Donald Cameron about his sailing from NS to Florida and beyond. It has been on my bookshelf for 25 years and it’s time to think about doing it myself.
Government of Canada - Canada Border Services Agency
Johanne Charest
Regional Director General (Atlantic)
Between the world and me, Ta-Nehisi Coates. Our region has continued its journey of self-awareness and self-education as it pertains to racism in our country and around the world. We publish a monthly anti-racism learning tool and have monthly coffee hours where our folks are invited to reflect and discuss various chosen resources (books, TED talks, movies…etc). Part of my own journey through the last number of years has been to expand my own knowledge and awareness of the world I live in, so this book is certainly one that is top on my list for this year.
Dare to lead, Brené Brown. The region is launching a leadership development program focused on our entry-level positions this year in order to prepare folks for when and if they take one leadership roles in our organization. Part of the curriculum will be for participants to read this book and I have committed to read it with them and be part of their discussions throughout the year. The book examines vulnerability, courage and empathy as strengths of leadership; characters that I aspire to have in my own leadership.
Hark! A Vagrant, Kate Beaton. Kate Beaton is from Nova Scotia (Cape Breton) and provides us with a funny historical and literary comic. This book was recommend to me by Jennifer Fowler. The comics are excellent and the book should provide some very welcomed laughter…
Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Juanita Spencer
CEO
Transformative Incrementalism: A journey to sustainability by Robert Buchan
The Genius of Athletes by Noel Brick and Scott Douglas
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Government of Canada - Employment and Social Development Canada
Christine McDowell
Assistant Deputy Minister, Atlantic Region
I read the Dutch House recently… wonderful book.
I am presently reading The Spirituality of Imperfection – Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham. I have several others on the go, but this is the one that has captured my attention.
Government of Nova Scotia - Government House
Christopher McCreery Executive Director
Flora! A Woman in a Man's World by Flora MacDonald and Geoffrey Stevens, McGill Queen's University Press
Judicializing Everything? The Clash of Constitutionalisms in Canada, New Zealand and the UK by Mark Harding, UofT Press
From War to Peace: the Conversion of Naval Vessels after Two World Wars by Nick Robins, Pen and Sword Books Ltd
Editor’s note: Christopher just published a new book last week entitled Canada’s Deep Crown: Beyond Elizabeth II, The Crown’s Continuing Canadian Complexion.
Municipality of Chester
Dan McDougall
CAO
I’ve started all three - perhaps a little focus is in order!
A Good War - Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency by Seth Klein. I heard Seth Klein speak recently and his advice was convincing, compelling, and it is clear that serious and meaningful action plans are required in our lives and in the work we do in our organizations.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I picked this one because good story telling and humour will be spirit lifting.
Advanced Marathoning (Third Edition) by Pete Pfitzinger & Scott Douglas. I have had different editions of this book sitting around home for ten years or more but l keep giving this book away to friends or colleagues that have a running goal on their to do list. I am looking forward to reading the latest information. The training plans/schedules have also helped me achieve personal goals and it contains good advice on nutrition, and aging and performance!
Government of Nova Scotia - Finance & tREASURY bOARD
Lilani Kumaranayake
Executive Director, Fiscal Policy, Economics and Budgetary Planning
So in the past two years, I found I have been re-reading books I enjoyed – probably comfort mode during the COVID era. But in terms of my list:
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro - this one I have been circling on whether to read, as it is not in my comfort zone --- the thought of advanced IT and robots/artificial intelligence as companions has a disquieting feeling.
The Unlikely Spy by Daniel Silva – one of my re-reads… I like books which send me to searching about whether events actually happened. This was set in World War II and draws on the inner workings of the British and German intelligence agencies… all big bureaucracies really! This focuses on Operation Mulberry and the intelligence double-cross that was behind D-Day.
Reversing Time by Charlotte Mendel – one of my personal must reads … written by a Nova Scotian (and my sister-in-law) – this is a young adult novel focusing on climate change and the environment. There is a bit of sci-fi including time travel along your life line.
Government of Canada - Public Services and Procurement Canada
Robert Armstrong
Regional Manager, HR Programs
As for me, my bedside reading stack is huge… lots of starts but many unfinished. So here are a couple:
I had a great opportunity to record a conversation with Stephen Shedletzky (Rethinking Leadership GC episode 2: Embracing an Infinite Mindset to Thrive During Change - CSPS) who works with Simon Sinek, so I’m still working my way through his older stuff. One of them is Start with Why (Portfolio / Penguin, 2009).
My wife got a wonderful gift from a colleague at Christmas and it is an absolute delight – heartwarming – that I hadn’t yet come across on Instagram. It’s a short illustrated book called The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (HarperOne, 2019) and I’ve already shared a few of the good quotes with friends.
And for a real cerebral read, I’m aiming this year to finish a gift from a Christmas past; namely Capital and Ideology by Thomas Piketty (trans. Arthur Goldhammer) (The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2020). It’s a tome but it’s enlightening and thought-provoking in all the best ways.
Government of Canada - Canadian Heritage
David Burton
Regional Director General, Atlantic
We purchased one book for each regional employee of Canadian Heritage this past fall to help them better their understanding of the Indigenous community and history. I’m currently reading The Inconvenient Indian (endorsed by CBC Books as the 2015 Canada Reads selection), and would recommend it. The full list is as follows:
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
Out Of The Depths: Experiences Of Mi’kmaq Children At The Indian Residential School At Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia by Isabelle Knockwood
Government of Canada - Health Canada
Krista Locke
Director General,
Consumer Products and Controlled Substances,
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price - light reading on having fun. She is Canadian and was actually featured on The Current this morning.
Mental Fitness - The Game Changer by haligonian Dr. J Kinley. It’s about building and maintaining resiliency during COVID.
I belong to a monthly book club (now virtual) to stay connected and have fun :). Recently read The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.
Next one up is The Last Bookstore in London by Madeline Martin.
Dalhousie School of Public Administration
Dr. Sara Filbee
Public Servant in residence
I always find it challenging to just pick 3 books as there are so many wonderful ones out there. But I did enjoy the following this past year and can recommend them to you wholeheartedly.
The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World by Wade Davis - one of the CBC Massey Lectures series. Absolutely fascinating. I was particularly taken by the second chapter which the book is named after which talks about the navigational capabilities of seafarers from Polynesia. To someone born and brought up on the coast who has spent a great deal of time on and around boats - and the very expensive electronics that are now considered necessary for navigation, this is absolutely fascinating.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Dr. Kimmerer is a PhD botanist member of the Anishinabekwe First Nation and in her words: “This braid is woven from three strands: Indigenous ways of knowing, scientific knowledge, and the story of an Anishinabekwe scientist trying to bring them together in service to what matters most.” Loving, respectful and brilliantly insightful all at the same time.
(I am cheating here) - Two books by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett: The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone and The Inner Level: How More Equal Societies Reduce Stress, Restore Sanity and Improve Everyone’s Well-Being. I think of these two books as volumes 1 and 2 in a well researched and reasoned exploration of the societal damage caused by the significantly increasing income disparities in today’s world. A significant piece of work which we disregard at our peril.
Dalhousie School of Public Administration
Dr. Isabelle Caron
Assistant professor
My top-three books on my list of readings for 2022 are:
Howlett, Ramesh & Perl (2020) Studying Public Policy – Principles and Processes, Oxford (4th edition)
Bourgault (2021) Enjeux contemporains de gouvernance pour les sous-ministres du gouvernement du Canada, JFD Editions
Kahneman (2011) Thinking, Fast and Slow, Anchor Canada
Dalhousie School of Public Administration
Kevin Quigley
professor & Director, MacEachen Institute for Public Policy & Governance
Global Health Security by Lawrence Gostin
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
And I’m on sabbatical and would like to reread The Diviners by Margaret Laurence before I’m through.
Dalhousie School of Public Administration (Professor Emeritus)
Dr. Paul Pross
IPAC Vanier Medal Winner
Being retired I have the luxury of picking up whatever books I happen to fancy. No obligation to 'improve' my mind or keep abreast of developments in a particular field. Here is a sample from my idiosyncratic, eclectic list:
Silver Donald Cameron, Blood on the Water: A True Story of Revenge in the Maritime Provinces Penguin Canada, 2020. I'm no fan of true crime books so when it turned up at Christmas I was a bit reluctant to read it, but it came with a strong recommendation so I started it, and found it hard to put down. Cameron tells the story of Philip Brodeurs murder with great sensitivity.
Irene Gammel, I Can Only Paint: The Story of Battlefield Artist Mary Ritter Hamilton, 2020. Mary Ritter Hamilton was refused a place in the WW I team of war artists. So in 1919 she paid her own way and endured considerable hardships to paint the battlefields where Canadian troops had fought. It was an impressive feat that has been largely forgotten. McGill-Queen's has done a great job with numerous colour reproductions and a well-designed text .
Jodi Wilson-Raybould, Indian in the Cabinet: Speaking Truth to Power Harper-Collins, 2021.
It's not all serious reading. I don't care for true crime, but I do enjoy mysteries. I've got several of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles's Bill Slider series lined up.
New Brunswick Commission on Systemic Racism (secondment from ACOA)
Manju Varma
Commissioner on Systemic Racism
I'm reading: The Boat People (Sharon Bala), Son of a Critch: A childish Newfoundland Memoir (Mark Critch) and the Complete Works of Shakespeare. Working in the area of Anti-racism, I read and hear so much that is traumatic that I want to read things completely different from my day job. The Boat People does not fit this bill but the other two do.
The Boat People is inspired by a real story of a real ship that arrived on the west coast of Canada in 2010 called the MV Sun Sea. That ship carried a group of Tamil refugees who were fleeing Sri Lanka at the end of the civil war. This book is beautifully written and works well as a book and as an audio listen. Great story of a part of the Canadian experience.
Son of a Critch is an autobiography of Mark Critch of This Hour Has 22 Minutes fame. The book covers his misadventures while in grade school and is really a collection of funny adventures. It recently was turned into a show on CBC. Great Atlantic Canadian read.
The Complete Works of Shakespeare. I recently heard that Shakespeare added over 1700 words to the English language and this enticed me to go back to his works. He invented words like “elbow” and “bedroom” and sayings such as “green eyed monster.” I’m surprised by how familiar his stories are and am appreciating his impact on the English language.
Want to share your 2022 reading list with the public administration community?
Send us a note at novascotia@ipac.ca and we’ll add our favourites to this list.
Compiled by Matt Campbell.
IPAC member contributions
Government of Nova Scotia - Premier’s Office
Dan O’Connor
Chief of Staff (2009-13)
NOISE A Flaw in Human Judgement 2021 (Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R. Sunstein) Kahneman takes his Nobel-winning insights from the sphere of individual behaviour to the level of organizational behaviour. I find fresh insight on every page about how wrong-headed even the best corporate body can be and how difficult it is to fix an largely invisible problem.
The Mystery of Right and Wrong 2021 (Wayne Johnston) A new book by an acclaimed Newfoundland writer, that my wife found to be an astounding read.
The Iliad (Homer) Egged on by a window display at Bookmark in Halifax, I bought and read The Odyssey a couple of years ago, and enjoyed every page of it as well as the narrative arc. If left me hungry for The Iliad as a further opportunity to hear directly the ancient Greeks.