The 8-Point Action Plan Next Steps

June 11, 2002

In addition to the new ministerial guidelines released today, the Prime Minister also released further, substantive details on the other elements of the Eight-Point Action Plan outlined in the House of Commons on May 23, 2002.

The Prime Minister has asked responsible ministers to ensure that the various legislative elements of these agenda items are introduced soon after the House resumes in September. And he reaffirmed that all parliamentarians will have a role to play in making progress on this agenda.

Code of Conduct for MPs and Senators

Drawing inspiration from the 1997 Milliken-Oliver Report, the government will seek the support of Senators and Members of Parliament for a code of conduct for all parliamentarians that will include an officer reporting to Parliament who will advise MPs and Senators on ethical matters. The government will ask that Parliament begin the development of such a code in the autumn.

Lobbyists Registration Act

Building on the work of the Industry Committee, in the fall the government will bring forward changes to the Lobbyists Registration Act, with the objective of improving its clarity, transparency and enforceability, and ensuring that the Government of Canada has one of the most rigorous regimes in the world.

Important elements of this regime will include a clearer definition of lobbying and the need to register, stronger enforcement provisions, and simplified registration and strengthened deregistration procedures. In addition, measures will be brought forward to prohibit lobbying by former public office holders for a period of two years after leaving office.

Financing of Political Parties and Candidates

The government will introduce strengthened legislation governing the financing of political parties and candidates to enhance fairness and transparency. Changes will be proposed to set specific limits on donations from corporations, unions and individuals, and to introduce enhanced tax measures facilitating individual contributions. All Members of Parliament will be required to disclose all contributions on a regular basis. As well, financing of political parties' leadership campaigns will be regulated by law.

Strengthening Public Service Management and Accountability for Public Funds

To promote propriety and due diligence in the management of public funds and building on the framework established in the Financial Administration Act, the President of the Treasury Board will bring forward recommendations to enhance accountability for the expenditure of public funds, including mechanisms for more explicit accounting of departmental affairs by deputy ministers.