The report prepared by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates paints a sad picture of a Parliament that is essentially derelict in its duty as scrutinizer of government spending. Our tax dollars go in, and then a confluence of poor planning, antiquated rules and a crushing lack of resources and time sees them go back out again, in 10-figure quantities, with zero oversight. Some might wish for a radical overhaul, but this is the Canadian Parliament we are talking about. The committee’s report is wisely cognizant of this; its 16 recommendations are measured and sensible.
For example, the report defers from calling for the elimination of the so-called “deeming rule,” under which spending estimates that have not been scrutinized by a standing committee by a certain deadline are deemed to have been scrutinized, even if the exact opposite is true. As undemocratic as the rule may seem, it keeps our government running by protecting it from, as one person testified to the committee, “bloody-minded” filibustering. Instead, the report proposes that standing committees be required under Parliament’s Standing Orders to spend a minimum amount of time going over the spending estimates referred to them and to report back by a firm deadline.
The report also contains wise and workable suggestions for giving MPs better and more timely information, and for simplifying and streamlining the annual budget process. Plus, there is a somewhat more daring recommendation to give the Parliamentary Budget Officer, a position created by the Harper government (sometimes to its consternation), more resources and perhaps more authority. Mostly, though, the report demonstrates a clear yearning by MPs from all parties to do a better job of overseeing the government’s spending. This is something a Conservative government cannot ignore.
Original Article
Source: the globe and mail
Author: editorial
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