A group of Members of Parliament are 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 regarding Canada’s financial situation. The House government operations committee passed a motion on Thursday requesting a shortlist of candidates and proposing that a subcommittee conduct closed-door interviews with these candidates to recommend the government’s selection for the permanent role. Conservative MP Kelly Block, who initiated the motion, emphasized the importance of appointing a full-time PBO vetted by parliamentarians.
The motion was supported by Conservative and Bloc members, while the Liberals opposed it. The PBO, an impartial officer of Parliament, offers independent economic and financial analysis to both the Senate and the House of Commons. Currently, the PBO is appointed by the government after consultations with leaders of recognized parties and groups in Parliament, with approval required from both chambers as per the Parliament of Canada Act.
Block suggested that the interview process proposed should be part of the consultation process outlined in the act. The motion follows the recent appointment of Jason Jacques as the interim PBO. In his initial committee appearance, Jacques criticized government spending as “stupefying,” “shocking,” and “unsustainable.” However, a subsequent report by Jacques, released after the government’s budget announcement, indicated that while deficit targets may not be met, federal finances are sustainable in the long run.
The government issued a call for applications for a permanent PBO, emphasizing the need for candidates with “tact and discretion.” During the committee meeting, Conservative MP Tamara Jansen questioned the wording of the job posting, implying that the government may prefer a less critical stance on fiscal matters from the incoming officer. Jacques clarified that the requirement for discretion applies to private meetings with parliamentarians and their staff.
There have been calls from the Conservative party to appoint Jacques to a full term, alleging that the interim period gives the government the ability 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. The term for a PBO can extend up to seven years, with the possibility of renewal.