A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) is urging the government to provide a list of potential candidates for the position of a new permanent parliamentary budget officer (PBO) following concerns raised by the current interim fiscal watchdog about Canada’s financial situation.
During a meeting at the House government operations committee, a motion was passed requesting a shortlist of candidates and permission for a subcommittee to conduct closed-door interviews with them. The subcommittee would then recommend suitable candidates for the permanent role to the government.
Conservative MP Kelly Block, who put forth the motion, emphasized the importance of appointing a full-time PBO approved by parliamentarians. The motion received support from Conservative and Bloc members, while Liberals opposed it.
The PBO serves as an impartial officer of Parliament, offering independent economic and financial analysis to the Senate and House of Commons. Currently, the PBO is appointed by the government after consulting with leaders of recognized parties and groups in both parliamentary houses, with final approval needed from both chambers as per the Parliament of Canada Act.
Block suggested that the interview process she proposed aligns with the consultation process outlined in the act. The motion comes after Jason Jacques was appointed as the interim PBO by the government earlier this year.
In his initial appearance before a committee in September, Jacques criticized the government’s spending as “stupefying,” “shocking,” and “unsustainable.” However, after the release of the budget by the Liberal government, Jacques issued a report indicating that while deficit targets might not be met, federal finances remain sustainable in the long run.
Following the budget release, a job posting for a permanent PBO was published, emphasizing the need for candidates with “tact and discretion.” During the committee meeting, Conservative MP Tamara Jansen questioned whether this wording implied a desire for a less critical stance towards the government’s fiscal position.
Jacques clarified that the requirement for tact and discretion pertains to private meetings with all parliamentarians, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality. The Conservatives have urged the Liberals to appoint Jacques for a full term, as they believe the interim period gives the government the ability to dismiss him over his criticisms. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Jacques is eligible to apply for the permanent position, which can be held for up to seven years with the option for renewal.