A group of Members of Parliament is urging the government to provide a list of potential candidates for the new permanent parliamentary budget officer (PBO) position. This request comes after the current interim fiscal watchdog expressed concerns regarding Canada’s financial situation.
During a session of the House government operations committee, a motion was passed to allow a subcommittee to conduct private interviews with the prospective candidates and recommend suitable individuals for the permanent role. Conservative MP Kelly Block, who put forward the motion, emphasized the importance of having a PBO who is appointed to the position full-time and endorsed by parliamentarians.
The motion received support from Conservative and Bloc members, while the Liberals opposed it. The PBO operates as a nonpartisan officer of Parliament, offering independent economic and financial analysis to both the Senate and the House of Commons.
Currently, the PBO is appointed by the government following consultations with leaders from recognized parties and groups in Parliament. The appointment process also requires approval from both chambers of Parliament. Block suggested that the interview process she proposed should be considered a part of the consultation process outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act.
The motion was passed following the appointment of Jason Jacques as the interim PBO earlier this year. In his initial committee appearance, Jacques criticized government spending as “stupefying,” “shocking,” and “unsustainable.” However, in a recent report following the release of the federal budget, he stated that while the government may not meet deficit targets, the country’s finances are sustainable in the long run.
After 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 the wording of the job posting, suggesting that the government may seek a candidate less inclined to critique its fiscal position.
Jacques clarified that the requirement for discretion applies to meetings he would have with all parliamentarians, stressing the importance of confidentiality in those interactions. The Conservatives have advocated for Jacques to be appointed for a full term, expressing concerns that the interim period could lead to his dismissal over criticisms. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Jacques is eligible to apply for the permanent position, which has a term of up to seven years with the possibility of renewal.
