A group of Members of Parliament is seeking a list of potential candidates from the government to fill the role of a new permanent Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) following concerns raised by the interim fiscal watchdog regarding Canada’s financial situation. The House government operations committee approved a motion on Thursday, requesting permission for a subcommittee to conduct private interviews with the candidates and provide recommendations to the government for the permanent appointment.
Conservative MP Kelly Block, who put forth the motion, emphasized the importance of appointing a full-time PBO who has undergone scrutiny by parliamentarians. The motion received support from Conservative and Bloc members, while the Liberals opposed it.
The PBO serves as a neutral officer of Parliament, offering independent economic and financial analyses to the Senate and House of Commons. Currently, the government appoints the PBO after consulting with leaders of recognized parties and groups in both parliamentary chambers, as mandated by the Parliament of Canada Act.
Block suggested that the interview process she proposed should be considered part of the consultation process outlined in the act. The motion comes in the aftermath of Jason Jacques being appointed as the interim PBO earlier this autumn.
During a committee appearance in September, Jacques criticized the government’s spending as “stupefying,” “shocking,” and “unsustainable.” However, following the release of the federal budget by the Liberal government, Jacques issued a new report indicating that while deficit targets may not be met, federal finances remain sustainable in the long run.
In response to the budget release, a permanent PBO position posting was made public, emphasizing the need for candidates with “tact and discretion.” Conservative MP Tamara Jansen raised concerns during the committee meeting about the wording in the job posting, suggesting that the government may seek a less critical individual regarding its fiscal stance.
Jacques clarified that the requirement for “tact and discretion” applies to meetings he would have with all parliamentarians, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism. The Conservatives have urged the Liberals to appoint Jacques for a full term, arguing that the interim period of six months grants Ottawa the authority to dismiss him due to his criticisms. A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Jacques is eligible to apply for the permanent position, which can last up to seven years with the possibility of renewal.
