Fire Fighting in Canada

Industry news News
Fire chief co-authors evidence-based decision-making book

Feb. 2, 2016, Surrey, B.C. - The City of Surrey, B.C., in partnerships with the University of the Fraser Valley, has published a third book in a series about evidence-based decision making for public-service professionals.

The Right Decision: Evidence-based Decision Making for Government manual and companion workbook are the third installments in the Right Decision series. The book brings evidence-based decision making down to the basics, providing government professionals with an effective tool to help them validate a particular approach or choice.

Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis, an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, co-authored the manual and workbook with Paul Maxim, professor in the department of economics and Balsillie School of International Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University, Darryl Plecas, professor emeritus and former head of the UFV's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Mona Davies, a legal analyst with a background in the public and private sector.

"These publications have great potential to help all levels of government serve the public better through effective decision making based on critical thinking," said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. "This project speaks directly to Surrey's culture of innovation, excellence and in helping to advance the public service in general."

Participants in the City of Surrey's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) contributed to the development of both the manual and workbook. ELP participants provided feedback and helped developed content and case studies for the workbook.

"Every day, government professionals make decisions that determine if the public is getting the best value for its tax dollars," said Surrey city manager Vincent Lalonde. "Effective decision making is the key to ensuring that we are doing the right things, in the right ways."

Dr. Adrienne Chan, associate vice-president of research, engagement and graduate studies at UFV, said the university is pleased to work with the city and proud of its faculty members' work to help benefit public administration.

"The expertise inherent in this publication will help leaders make decisions that are practical and benefit their organizations and the public sector," Chan said.

All of the Right Decision manuals and companion workbooks may be downloaded for free from http://cjr.ufv.ca

February 2, 2016 
By City of Surrey University of the Fraser Valley




Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below