A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) has requested a list of potential candidates from the government in the quest for a new permanent parliamentary budget officer (PBO) after the acting fiscal watchdog expressed concerns about Canada’s financial situation. The House government operations committee passed a motion on Thursday seeking a shortlist of candidates and proposing that a subcommittee be allowed to conduct confidential interviews with the candidates and recommend suitable individuals for the permanent role.
Conservative MP Kelly Block, who introduced the motion, emphasized the importance of appointing a full-time PBO approved by parliamentarians. The motion received support from Conservative and Bloc members, while the Liberals opposed it.
The PBO is an impartial officer of Parliament responsible for providing independent economic and financial analyses to both the Senate and the House of Commons. Currently, the PBO is appointed by the government following consultations with the leaders of recognized parties and groups in Parliament, and the appointment must be endorsed by both chambers, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act.
The motion comes following the appointment of Jason Jacques as the interim PBO earlier this autumn, during which he raised concerns about the government’s spending practices. Jacques recently released a report suggesting that while the government may not achieve its deficit targets, the federal finances are sustainable in the long run.
In response to the budget release, the government posted a job listing for a permanent PBO, emphasizing the need for candidates with “tact and discretion.” During the committee meeting, Conservative MP Tamara Jansen questioned whether the government aimed to select a candidate less inclined to criticize its fiscal decisions.
Jacques clarified that the requirement for tact and discretion pertains to confidential meetings with parliamentarians and their staff, highlighting the importance of maintaining confidentiality. The Conservatives have urged the Liberals to appoint Jacques for a full term, expressing concerns over the potential for his dismissal due to his criticisms during the interim period. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Jacques is eligible to apply for the permanent position, which carries a term of up to seven years with the possibility of renewal.