John Robson: Note to Anand: To Cut Spending on Consultants, Just Quit Hiring Them

Commentary If you were going to tackle a leaky bathroom tap you’d make sure you understood wrenches and silicone tape, find a buddy who did, hire a pro, or watch a plumbing video. Before roasting a turkey you’d scrutinize your culinary skills, Google “spatchcock,” or dust off grandma’s paper “cookbook.” But if seized by a whimsical urge to run a major nation, you wouldn’t waste time studying governing. How hard can it be? Let’s ask Anita Anand, currently athwart the Treasury Board hot seat where she confronts the baffling task of ceasing to spend ludicrous sums on consultants. Especially as the gummint was just caught paying $669,500 to a consultant for advice on… how to spend less on consultants....