A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) is requesting the government to provide a list of potential candidates in the search for a new permanent parliamentary budget officer (PBO) following concerns raised by the current interim fiscal watchdog about Canada’s financial situation.
The House government operations committee passed a motion on Thursday, also seeking permission for a subcommittee to conduct private interviews with the candidates and recommend suitable individuals for the permanent PBO position to the government.
Conservative MP Kelly Block, who initiated the motion, emphasized the importance of appointing a full-time PBO vetted by parliamentarians to ensure accountability.
The motion received support from Conservative and Bloc members but faced opposition from the Liberals during the committee vote.
The PBO serves as an independent officer of Parliament, offering impartial economic and financial analysis to the Senate and the House of Commons.
Currently, the PBO is appointed by the government after consulting with the leaders of recognized parties and groups in both parliamentary chambers. The appointment process must be approved by both the Senate and the House, as stated in the Parliament of Canada Act.
Block suggested that the interview procedure she proposed aligns with the consultation process outlined in the act.
The motion comes on the heels of the government appointing Jason Jacques as the interim PBO earlier this autumn.
In his initial appearance before the committee in September, Jacques criticized the government’s spending as “stupefying,” “shocking,” and “unsustainable.”
Following the release of the Liberal government’s budget last week, Jacques issued a new report slightly adjusting his previous comments, indicating that although deficit targets may not be met, federal finances remain sustainable in the long term.
The government issued a job posting for a permanent PBO after the budget release, emphasizing the need for candidates with “tact and discretion.”
During the committee meeting, Conservative MP Tamara Jansen questioned Jacques about the wording in the job posting, suggesting that the government may seek someone less inclined to criticize its financial stance.
Jacques clarified that the requirement for “tact and discretion” pertains to confidential meetings with all parliamentarians to maintain confidentiality.
The Conservatives have urged the Liberals to appoint Jacques for a full term, expressing concerns that the current interim period could enable Ottawa to dismiss him due to his criticisms. However, a spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Jacques is eligible to apply for the permanent position.
A PBO can serve up to seven years with the possibility of renewal.