Book Description
Some parliamentarians feel that they lack adequate information and support or expertise to hold the government to account effectively. Of the many concerns, the volume and complexity of information provided, and the limited time available to fully understand the documents and "connect the dots" are only the tip of the iceberg. Members of this Committee hope that the government will make the process more coherent, provide clearer, more consistent and reliable information, and ensure that any member of Parliament can have a good understanding and a common reference point to better study the government's spending plans. This report is based on the testimony heard over several months from various witnesses, including former members of Parliament, departmental officials, academics, international experts, the Auditor General of Canada, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, a former Clerk of the House of Commons and other knowledgeable observers. After presenting a brief history of the Business of Supply in Canada, this report sets out the Committee's findings and recommendations in light of this testimony.
