The relationships between parliament and the agents of parliament.

• Author: Stos, Will
• Position: Canadian Study of Parliament Group - Conference notes

Working relationships can be quite challenging at the best of times. But when there is debate or disagreement over the nature of work roles and who answers to whom, this relationship has the potential to be especially tense. A recent seminar (March 31, 2017) organized by the Canadian Study of Parliament Group explored this dynamic by asking stakeholders and observers to come together to discuss the roles played by agents of parliament and the parliamentarians they may variously serve, guide, guard, investigate and answer to.

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Session 1: Servants? Masters? Guardians?: How Agents of Parliament View Their Role

In a first session moderated by Michael Ricco, the parliamentary relations advisor at the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada, three agents of parliament were asked how they view their role and responsibilities.

Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson noted that "agents of parliament" are not a homogeneous group. There are eight federal commissioners and some are considered officers of parliament. She explained that she views her role as one where she scrutinizes parliament in order to hold the executive to account. Dawson said she is focused on the idea of independence in her role, but is also cognizant that she must also be "seen to be independent." It is essential for MPs to know she is fair and independent. She wondered if her position's seven-year term should be non-renewable, explaining that if she or another office holder were to be re-appointed to additional terms it could create the impression of favouritism to the current government. She concluded herpresentation by stressing the key feature of her office is that it is "accountable to parliament," not the executive or government. Unlike other agent offices, hers is considered an entity of parliament, is part of the parliamentary precinct, and is covered under parliamentary privilege.

Michael Ferguson, the Auditor General of Canada, introduced his office by highlighting its 530 employees. Because some crown corporations have headquarters in different provinces and the office also acts as the Auditor General Office for the three territories these employees are spread across five separate locations in Canada. The office audits financial statements of departments and crown corporations and conducts special audits to examine whether government programs are achieving their objectives. Ferguson says he views his office as a source of objective, non-partisan information that he hopes will be used to improve services for Canadians. Like Dawson, he viewed his independence as key. "One of the best parts of this job is that I have no boss," he told the audience, noting that while he reports to parliament and the territories, no one can tell him what to do. Legislation also gives his office access to any information it requires. Unlike Dawson, Ferguson's 10year term is non-renewable. He supports a prohibition of reappointment because it underscores an office's independence. Moreover, there is...