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Accountable Government
A Guide for Ministers - 2006
Accountable Government: A Guide for Ministers sets out core principles
regarding the role and responsibilities of Ministers in Canada's system of
responsible parliamentary government. This includes the central tenet of
ministerial responsibility, both individual and collective, as well as Ministers'
relations with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, their portfolios, and Parliament.
It outlines standards of conduct expected of Ministers as well as addressing a
range of administrative, procedural and institutional matters. On the critical
issue of ethical conduct, Ministers should ensure that they are thoroughly
familiar with the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public
Office Holders.
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Canada
[Accountable Government (Online)]
Accountable Government [electronic resource] : a guide for ministers.
Annual (irregular)
Began with 2004? issue.
Electronic serial in HTML and PDF formats.
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
Issued also in French : Pour un gouvernement responsable : un guide à
l'intention des ministres.
Issued also in printed form.
ISBN 0-662-42419-0
ISSN: 1717-760X
Cat. no.: CP22-73/2006E-PDF
1. Cabinet ministers--Canada--Periodicals. 2. Cabinet
system--Canada--Periodicals. 3. Ministerial
responsibility--Canada--Periodicals. 4. Executive
power--Canada--Periodicals. 5. Executive
departments--Canada--Management--Periodicals. I. Canada. Privy Council
Office II. Canada. Privy Council Office. Machinery of Government
Secretariat III. Title. I. Canada. Privy Council Office
II. Title.
JL95 352.2'93'097105 C2005-980355-X
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2006
Table of Contents
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
A Message to Ministers
Introduction
I - Ministerial Responsibility and Accountability
- Individual Ministerial Responsibility
- Collective Ministerial Responsibility
- Ministerial Accountability and Answerability
II - Portfolio Responsibilities and Support
- Powers, Duties and Functions
- Integrated Portfolio Management
- Equality of Ministers and Duties Across Portfolios
- Parliamentary Secretaries
- Deputy Ministers
- Departmental Officials
- Non-Departmental Bodies
- Acting Ministers
III - Ministerial Relations with Parliament
- Ministerial House Duties
- Ministerial Senate Duties
- Parliamentary Committees and the Role of Departmental Officials
IV - Consultation and Coordination
- Central Agencies
- Privy Council Office
- Department of Finance
- Treasury Board Secretariat
- Other Departments
- The Prime Minister's Office
- Federal-Provincial-Territorial Relations and Regional Coordination
- Appointments
- Communications and Public Announcements
V - Standards of Conduct
- Ministerial Conduct
- Conflict of Interest
- Relations with the Judiciary and Government Agencies
- Invitations
VI Administrative Matters
- Ministers' Offices and Exempt Staff
- Security
- Cabinet, Institutional and Personal Records
- Public Access to Information and Privacy
- Financial and Resource Management
- Ministerial Travel Coordination
- Foreign Honours
Annex A - Federal Government Institutions: The Executive
- The Crown, the Governor General and the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
- The Prime Minister's Functions and Powers
- The Ministry, the Cabinet and the Governor in Council
- Ministers and the Law
Annex B - Cabinet Decision Making
- Basic Rules for Cabinet Business
- Decision-Making Process and Procedures
- The Policy and Fiscal Frameworks
- The Process
- Legislative Program
- The Cabinet and Cabinet Committees
- Orders in Council
- Financial Procedure
Annex C - Appointments
Annex D - Cabinet, Institutional and Personal Records
Annex E - Dealings with Quasi-Judicial Tribunals
Annex F - The Ministry and Crown Corporations Guidelines
A Message to Ministers
Canadians have entrusted our government with ensuring that the institutions
and individuals by whom they are governed are fully accountable for the policies
they adopt and the actions they take. This means that we must uphold the highest
standards of probity and ethical conduct. But it also entails a transformation
in the culture of government to reflect the evolving expectations of Canadians.
If Canadians are to have confidence in their political institutions and
representatives, and be truly engaged in the nation's political life,
government must recognize that accountability is not a concession it makes or a
set of technical rules to be complied with, but rather the very essence of its
role as an instrument by which Canadians govern themselves.
In Canada's system of government, the principles of accountability have no
greater expression than in Parliament, whose foremost task is to hold government
to account. A Minister's central consideration must therefore be his or her
responsibility and accountability to Parliament, demonstrated through respect
and support for the parliamentary process.
As Ministers, you are expected to strengthen the effectiveness of Parliament
through close attention to your parliamentary duties. Your participation in
Parliament must be characterized by constructiveness and the utmost integrity in
order to earn the cooperation of your colleagues and the respect of all
Canadians.
A further goal of our government, one that will also strengthen transparency
and accountability to Parliament, is to streamline and simplify the executive,
beginning with the Ministry. We will have a smaller Cabinet, in which all
members are equal. All members of the Ministry will be members of Cabinet and
have full ministerial status. Parliamentary Secretaries will focus on their
parliamentary responsibilities and will not be members of the Queen's Privy
Council for Canada. Further, we have strengthened the Conflict of Interest
and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. We have also
strengthened this Guide, for example, by providing greater detail and clarity on
the relationship between exempt staff and public servants, and on ministerial
responsibility for non-departmental organizations in a Minister's portfolio.
Accountable Government: A Guide for Ministers sets out the fundamental
principles of our system of responsible government, with its core tenet of
ministerial responsibility, and provides practical guidance for the conduct of
your official duties. The conduct of Ministers should be characterized by the
following principles:
- Ministers must act with integrity. To ensure public trust and confidence,
not only in our government but in government generally, Ministers must uphold
the highest standards of honesty and impartiality. Both the performance of your
official duties and the arrangement of your private affairs should bear the
closest public scrutiny.
- Ministers are responsible for ensuring that their departments are managed
soundly and with complete integrity. They must discharge their portfolio
responsibilities with careful regard to the particular powers, duties and
functions assigned to them by statute and convention.
- Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the use of all powers vested
in them. This demands constant attention to their parliamentary duties,
including being present in Parliament to answer honestly and accurately about
their areas of responsibility, and taking corrective action, as appropriate and
within their authority, to address any problems that may arise within their
portfolios. Should Ministers make any inadvertent error in answering to
Parliament, they must take steps to correct it at the earliest opportunity.
- Ministers are bound by their oath as Privy Councillors. This oath
reflects parliamentary government's core convention of Cabinet solidarity, by
which Ministers share collective responsibility for the actions of government
and speak to Parliament and Canadians with a single voice. This requires frank
discussion in Cabinet and confidentiality in Cabinet decision making.
- Ministers must respect the non-partisanship of the Public Service of Canada
and not seek to engage public servants in work that is outside their appropriate
role. In this way, successive governments can have confidence that the Public
Service will provide the support they need to fulfill their ministerial
functions and mandate without regard to political partisanship.
This Guide will serve as an important reference as we work to promote a
culture of accountability in everything we do. You will also have other
important sources of support, including your deputy ministers. In the final
analysis, however, no document or rules can supplant the need to approach your
responsibilities with the utmost judgment and accountability.
Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
Introduction
This Guide sets out the duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister and
of Ministers and outlines key principles of responsible government in Canada.
This essential information will help members of the Ministry individually and
collectively support the Prime Minister in managing the business of the
Government of Canada. The Guide also covers the duties and responsibilities of
Parliamentary Secretaries.
Ministers who want further information or advice about the subject matters of
this document may consult the Clerk of the Privy Council or their deputy
minister. This document has been prepared by the Machinery of Government
Secretariat in the Privy Council Office, which is responsible for supporting the
Clerk of the Privy Council and deputy ministers by advising them on matters
contained in this Guide.
I - Ministerial Responsibility and Accountability
Ministers of the Crown are chosen by the Prime Minister, who may ask for
their resignation at any time. The Ministry together helps carry out the mandate
of the government. Government policy is established by the Cabinet, which
includes all members of the Ministry.
Ministers of the Crown are responsible and accountable to the Prime Minister
and Parliament in two fundamental ways:
- Individually, for their performance in carrying out the responsibilities
of the portfolio assigned to them by the Prime Minister.
- Collectively, in support of the Cabinet team and its decisions.
Ministers' individual and collective responsibility is an essential
principle guiding the rule of Cabinet government in Canada, and is at the core
of the standards for ministerial behaviour.1
I.1. Individual Ministerial Responsibility
Parliament confers power on a Minister through parliamentary statutes that
set out the duties and functions for which the Minister is individually
responsible. In addition to these enabling statutes, there are
"unwritten" conventions or precedents governing the ways in which
Ministers fulfill their responsibilities and account for their actions in
exercising their statutory authority.
In addition to statutory powers conferred on them by Parliament, Ministers
may also have other responsibilities assigned to them by the Prime Minister.
Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the exercise of their
responsibilities whether they are assigned by statute or otherwise.
I.2. Collective Ministerial Responsibility
All members of the Ministry are collectively responsible for carrying out the
government's policies as established by the Cabinet. They are therefore
expected to work in close consultation with their ministerial colleagues. This
principle is the foundation of a key unwritten constitutional convention known
as Cabinet solidarity. Coordinated and consistent communication with Parliament
and the public is another essential requirement of Cabinet government.
Policies presented to Parliament and to the public must be the agreed
policies of the Cabinet. Ministers cannot dissociate themselves from or
repudiate the decisions of their Cabinet colleagues unless they resign from the
Cabinet.
Cabinet solidarity is further reinforced by the Privy Councillor's oath
requiring Ministers to declare their opinion as decisions are being made, and to
strictly uphold the confidentiality of Cabinet decision making.
Ministers also make decisions collectively for practical reasons. In working
toward achieving government objectives, ministerial responsibilities may overlap
or have implications for other Ministers. The increasing complexity of issues
means that, if the government's objectives are to be achieved, policies and
programs must be reviewed in relation to each other. Ministers also have
responsibilities for representing the different perspectives and interests of
their regions, and these inevitably cut across the departmental division of
government activities.
Ministers also share two limited assets: parliamentary time and financial
resources of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Only a relatively small number of
major initiatives can be handled at one time. Thus, the government's overall
policy agenda necessarily impinges on the portfolio goals of individual
Ministers. Ministers therefore need to work closely together to ensure their
goals are considered in the broader objectives of the government's agenda.
I.3. Ministerial Accountability and Answerability
In providing good government for the people of Canada, Ministers are
responsible and accountable to Parliament for the use of the powers
vested in them by statute or otherwise. Ministers must be present in Parliament
to respond to questions on the use of those powers, as well as to accept
responsibility and account for that use. Whether a Minister has used the powers
appropriately is a matter of political judgment by Parliament. The Prime
Minister has the prerogative to evaluate the consequences and to reaffirm
support for that Minister or to ask for his or her resignation.
Ministers are also required to answer to Parliament by providing
information to Parliament on the use of powers by bodies that report to
Parliament through them. In providing the information, Ministers must take into
account all implications, including the lawful protection of privacy and the
Minister's statutory authority over the organization. The Public Service
supports Ministers by providing information that assists them in answering to
Parliament.
II - Portfolio Responsibilities and Support
In appointing a Minister to a portfolio, the Prime Minister may assign a
broad range of responsibilities, from their immediate departmental powers,
duties and functions to other special assignments or roles. In exercising the
powers conferred by Parliament and in implementing Cabinet decisions, Ministers
are supported by a deputy minister and departmental officials. They are also
provided with resources for exempt staff,2 whom they personally
appoint to assist them in constituency and political work.
Given his role as head of government, the Prime Minister has a responsibility
for the effective operation of the whole of government and often has to answer
in the House for the operation of all departments and agencies. This may mean
that, in carrying out this overarching responsibility, the Prime Minister will
be involved in matters within the responsibility of individual Ministers.
This chapter provides information on the framework and management of
ministerial portfolios and on the Public Service resources that provide support
to Ministers.
II.1. Powers, Duties and Functions
Departmental powers, duties and functions are vested in Ministers
through statute. Many of these powers are normally delegated to deputy ministers
and departmental officials, who act on their behalf. Ministers are individually
responsible to Parliament and the Prime Minister for their own actions and
those of their department, including the actions of all officials under their
management and direction, whether or not the Ministers had prior knowledge. In
practice, when errors or wrongdoing is committed by officials under their
direction, Ministers are responsible for promptly taking the necessary remedial
steps and for providing assurances to Parliament that appropriate corrective
action has been taken to prevent reoccurrence.
Ministers' responsibilities may include a variety of non-departmental
bodies such as Crown corporations or tribunals. In accordance with the enabling
legislation, Ministers exercise varying degrees of control and responsibility
for the agencies that are part of their portfolio.
The Prime Minister may assign additional responsibilities to a Minister,
either through an Order in Council3 or as a result of a designation
by the Prime Minister (for example, political regional responsibilities).
Consequently, ministerial responsibilities can encompass a range of diverse
activities, some based on statute, others on specific direction provided by the
Prime Minister.
II.2. Integrated Portfolio Management
Quality programs and services in keeping with the government's objectives
depend strongly upon Ministers' ability to manage their respective portfolios
in an integrated way. Portfolios are organized to bring together bodies that
share common purposes. Ministers must ensure that all actors and organizations
within the portfolio work together in a coherent fashion, while respecting any
necessary degrees of independence.
In certain instances, the Prime Minister may appoint a Minister to additional
duties in the portfolio of another Minister. In such cases, the portfolio
Minister is accountable for the entire portfolio, and any arrangements made with
respect to portfolio management must fully respect any statutory
responsibilities and accountabilities vested in Ministers. One or more
Parliamentary Secretaries may also be appointed to assist the Minister or
Ministers in the portfolio. These Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries must
all work together to ensure coordinated and integrated functioning of the
portfolio.
The portfolio, the actors in it and its organizations should function as a
team. Portfolios are varied, and the organizational bodies can include:
- a department that has a role in shaping future policies and laws, and, in
some cases, delivering services;
- service agencies that provide services within the government's policy and
legislative framework and on the basis of a Business Plan;
- administrative tribunals that make decisions and hear appeals at arm's
length from the government and on an independent basis; and
- Crown corporations that provide specific services on a commercial basis.
Each organization is different. They all have different mandates, a variety
of organizational structures, and a different relationship to the Minister that
reflects their purpose. However, they all provide services to Canadians and
report to Ministers, or through Ministers to Parliament.
Building on existing statutory roles under a Minister's authority and his
or her leadership role as assigned by the Prime Minister, the goal of
integrated portfolio management is to ensure all actors and organizations work
together in the most effective fashion. The Minister must captain the portfolio
in order to achieve good governance, coherent coordination of policy,
legislation and programs, excellence in delivery of programs and services, and
meaningful accountability to the public, through Parliament, for the activities
of the full portfolio.
The deputy minister, as the Minister's principal source of Public Service
support and policy advice, will be expected to advise the Minister on all
matters under the Minister's responsibility and authority. He or she will have
a key role in promoting appropriate policy coordination, and building coherence
in the activities and reporting of the portfolio bodies. Deputies can provide
advice to Ministers on the appropriate means to ensure integration in the
undertakings of their portfolio, while respecting any accountability
requirements and mandates set out by legislation. Depending on the portfolio,
the deputy may also be assigned certain specific responsibilities by the
Minister. In those cases, it is important that the Minister provide clear
guidance to all agency heads on his or her expectation of the portfolio
integration role of the deputy.
Agency and Crown corporation heads–while maintaining the necessary arm's-length
relationship and managerial autonomy required for their bodies–should seek out
opportunities to contribute to the overall functioning of the portfolio.
Ministers need to make sure that the perspectives of these bodies are brought to
bear in the policy development process within the portfolio.
II.3. Equality of Ministers and Duties Across Portfolios
All members of the Ministry are members of Cabinet and have full ministerial
status. In certain instances, the Prime Minister may appoint a Minister to
additional duties in the portfolio of another Minister, and in such cases the
portfolio Minister is accountable for the entire portfolio.
II.4. Parliamentary Secretaries
Parliamentary Secretaries are chosenby the Prime Minister, and are assigned
to assist Ministers. They are key resources in a Minister's portfolio, and
full participants in the government's work. Parliamentary Secretaries receive
a mandate letter from the Prime Minister, and their responsibilities are
carried out within the policy and program frameworks set out by their Minister.
They may also be called upon to support other Ministers in the portfolio.
Parliamentary Secretaries are expected generally to support a Minister with
respect to House and public duties as well as department-related duties, as
discussed below:
House and Public Duties
- Parliamentary Secretaries are a fundamental link between Ministers and
Parliament. They help Ministers maintain contacts with Senators and other
members of the House of Commons in order to promote effective parliamentary
decision making and to assist in the development of the legislative agenda. They
play a necessary liaison role within the caucus and throughout the House of
Commons and its committees. In committees, they help in sharing departmental
information, and can work with committee chairs to plan appearances of Ministers
and departmental officials to ensure productive dialogue. They are expected to
facilitate departmental appearances by representing the Minister's views and
addressing political issues which may arise. On Private Members' business,
Parliamentary Secretaries are a link between the caucus and the Minister, and
can also facilitate interaction with departments in the development of Private
Members' business which the government chooses to support. Parliamentary
Secretaries may also be called upon to answer policy questions during Question
Period in the Minister's absence, although acting Ministers may respond to
particularly sensitive questions. Given that they work under the direction of a
Minister, Parliamentary Secretaries do not introduce their own Private Member's
bills or motions.
Department-Related Duties
- Parliamentary Secretaries may have specific policy-related priorities to
pursue, as set out in a mandate letter from the Prime Minister, and are expected
to be engaged as key players in making strategic contributions to policy
development. A Minister may delegate to a Parliamentary Secretary specific
duties for policy development initiatives. Overall responsibility and
accountability remains with the Minister, who also remains responsible for the
direction of public servants and departmental resources, and authority to
initiate departmental actions. Parliamentary Secretaries must also assist in
ensuring liaison between parliamentary committees and the Public Service.
Parliamentary Secretaries are subject to the Conflict of Interest and
Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. Further information on the
Code can be obtained from the Ethics Commissioner or the Privy Council Office.
They are also subject to the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the
House of Commons in their capacity as members of the House of Commons.
Further information on the House Code can be obtained from the
Ethics Commissioner.
II.5. Deputy Ministers
Deputy ministers are professional, non-partisan public servants. They are
chosen and assigned by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Clerk of the
Privy Council and are appointed by the Governor in Council.4 Their
role is to provide their Minister with the broadest possible expert advice and
support needed for the Minister's portfolio responsibilities, and to undertake
the day-to-day management of the department on behalf of their Minister.
However, deputy ministers do not exercise direct authority over non-departmental
bodies within the portfolio. Deputy ministers are required to manage a complex
set of multiple accountabilities which arise out of various powers, authorities
and responsibilities attached to the position.
Deputy ministers are responsible and accountable for a wide range of duties
including policy advice, program delivery, internal departmental management, and
interdepartmental coordination. In performing these duties, deputy ministers
have a fundamental responsibility to support both the individual and collective
responsibilities of their Minister. They are accountable on a day-to-day basis
to their Minister, and a cooperative relationship between the two is critical.
The advice that deputy ministers provide should be objective and must respect
the law. If conflict occurs between the Minister's instructions and the law,
the law prevails.
The Prime Minister is responsible for the unity and direction of the Ministry
and the government's policies. As a result of their role in the collective
management of the government, deputy ministers are also accountable to the Prime
Minister for responding to the policies of the Ministry as a whole and to the
requirements of the Treasury Board and the Public Service Commission. This
includes ensuring that appropriate interdepartmental consultation occurs on any
matter that may touch upon broader ministerial responsibilities. In this
capacity, deputy ministers are required to keep the Clerk of the Privy Council
informed of any matter they consider significant enough to affect their
responsibilities or those of their Minister. If the issue is of sufficient
concern, the Clerk of the Privy Council will inform the Prime Minister.
Deputy ministers also carry a general obligation of accountability to the
Treasury Board for the overall management capacity and performance of the
department. In order to assist in managing this accountability, and to ensure
performance is subject to regular review, deputy ministers are required to
implement the Treasury Board Secretariat's Management Accountability
Framework. The Comptroller General of Canada also sets reporting requirements on
departmental spending, and deputy ministers and departmental comptrollers must
ensure that all requirements for expenditure planning, control and oversight are
met, including in the development of policy proposals.
Further details on the accountability and duties of deputy ministers are
included in Guidance for Deputy Ministers, a companion to this Guide.
II.6. Departmental Officials
The department reports to the Minister through the deputy minister in a clear
chain of command. Deputy ministers are chosen by the Prime Minister,
whereas assistant deputy ministers, other executives and departmental officials
are appointed according to conditions set out by the Public Service Commission.
The accountability of departmental officials is to the Minister through the
deputy minister, but it is the Minister who is accountable to Parliament.
Federal officials must work within the laws of Canada, and are expected to
maintain the tradition of the political neutrality of the Public Service. This
ensures their continuing ability to provide professional, candid and frank
advice. In no circumstances should departmental officials be asked to
participate in partisan political activities. The Treasury Board's Values
and Ethics Code for the Public Service notes that Ministers are responsible
for preserving public confidence in the integrity of management and operations
within their departments, and for maintaining the tradition of political
neutrality of the Public Service and its continuing ability to provide
professional, candid and frank advice.
II.7. Non-Departmental Bodies
Most Ministers are responsible for several non-departmental bodies such as
Crown or departmental corporations, agencies, commissions, tribunals or boards.
A Minister's degree of control and responsibility for a non-departmental body
is defined in the Act that establishes that body. While a Minister's
relationship with a non-departmental body is at arm's length, the Minister
must still provide the organization with general guidance on the government's
objectives and expectations. Ministers need to know the details of their
responsibilities, as well as the limits of their powers, for those bodies.
Deputy ministers can provide advice to Ministers on these issues, particularly
in the context of integrated portfolio management.
The nature of the relationship between a Minister and an administrative
tribunal with independent decision-making or quasi-judicial functions is a
particularly sensitive issue. Ministers must not intervene in specific decisions
of those bodies. Specific guidance governing Ministers' dealings with
quasi-judicial tribunals is included in Annex E, as are guidelines on Crown
corporations in Annex F.
Heads of non-departmental bodies are appointed by the Governor in Council, on
the recommendation of the responsible Minister, after consultation with the
Prime Minister. Their responsibilities and duties, and those of the designated
Minister, vary with each governing statute. The responsible Minister is
accountable for the overall effectiveness of Crown corporations in his or her
portfolio, as opposed to their day-to-day operations. But while their degree of
independence from the portfolio Minister may vary, all non-departmental bodies
have a responsibility to answer to Parliament. Heads of non-departmental bodies
and their officials appear before parliamentary committees and do so in
accordance with the principles of ministerial responsibility and the political
neutrality of public servants. Many non-departmental bodies are required to
report annually to Parliament, through their designated Minister, on their
performance and planning.
II.8. Acting Ministers
The Prime Minister establishes a standing roster of acting and alternate
Ministers who assume additional duties when their colleagues are unable to
perform their duties. The roster is formalized by an Order in Council. The Prime
Minister can act for any Minister, but normally does so only when the designated
acting Minister or the alternate Minister is not available.
Ministers acting on behalf of their colleagues may exercise the full powers
of the Minister, but are advised not to make major decisions in the Minister's
temporary absence. In urgent cases, they traditionally consult the Minister, the
Prime Minister or other Cabinet colleagues as appropriate.
III - Ministerial Relations with Parliament
In our system of government, Parliament is the pre-eminent institution of
democratic accountability. Clear ministerial accountability to Parliament is
fundamental to responsible government,5 and to ensuring that
Canadians have confidence that their government is acting in an open, honest and
transparent manner. A Parliament that makes real decisions requires
parliamentarians who have and can use information and tools to promote the
interests of the regions they live in, and to hold the government to account for
its decisions. The Prime Minister expects Ministers to demonstrate respect and
support for the parliamentary process. They should place a high priority on
ensuring that Parliament and its committees are informed of departmental policy
priorities, spending plans, and management challenges, including by appearing
before parliamentary committees whenever appropriate. Ministers are expected to
seek the views of parliamentarians and parliamentary committees on future plans
and priorities, and to dedicate time to consulting and engaging their colleagues
in Parliament in order to earn their support. These elements are key to bringing
the public will and the purpose of a government into productive alignment.
Under the convention of responsible government, Parliament confers executive
authority on Ministers on the condition that they, and through them the
officials under their management and direction, be accountable to Parliament for
their actions. Parliamentary review of spending is a key element of this
accountability. A Minister's sphere of responsibility is generally set out in
the statutes establishing the departments and organizations within a Minister's
portfolio.
III.1. Ministerial House Duties
The daily proceedings in the House of Commons are key to the government's
effectiveness. Consequently, the Prime Minister expects Ministers to place
a very high priority on their House duties. These duties include the following
activities:
- Daily attendance at Question Period. Any proposed absences must be
cleared with the Prime Minister's Office before other commitments are made.
When a Minister is absent, a designated Minister or Parliamentary Secretary
answers for him or her.
- Attendance. Attendance at other specified times is required
according to a mandatory schedule of House duties prepared by the Leader
of the Government in the House of Commons. Ministers are personally responsible
for arranging replacements if they have to be absent and for notifying the
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and the Chief Government Whip
of the arrangements.
- Piloting legislation. The Prime Minister expects Ministers to
pilot their own legislation through the House and to appear before parliamentary
committees of both Houses as required. The government will be pursuing its
legislative agenda by requiring that government MPs vote with the government on
matters of confidence, which include matters of fundamental importance to the
government, including the Main and Supplementary Estimates, the Budget, and
priority items in the government's agenda. On other matters, the government
will take a position, and recommend a preferred outcome to the government
caucus.
- Private Members' business. Under the Standing Orders of the
House of Commons, all Private Members' Business items are votable. The
government determines its position on all Private Members' items. If an item
specifically opposes government policy, Ministers who are responsible for the
policy should ensure that Members of Parliament, including caucus members, are
informed about the government's position, and should seek the support of
caucus members for the government's position.
- Committee relations. The government will look to parliamentary
committees to play an active role in policy and legislative issues, and
Ministers should place a high priority on developing good relationships with
parliamentary committee chairs and members, and supporting the essential work of
the committee. This includes appearing before committees whenever appropriate.
- Other House duties. The Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons assigns and coordinates other House duties to Ministers, such as
attendance at votes and leading the government's response to Opposition Day
motions.
The Constitution Act, 1867 sets out the principles underlying the
sovereignty of Parliament in the raising and spending of public money. Revenue
can only be raised and moneys spent or borrowed by the government with the
authority of Parliament. Regular, ongoing parliamentary spending reviews are
part of ensuring that taxpayer dollars are aligned with the priorities set by
Canadians, and that the government's management of the public purse is
credible and avoids waste. Ministers must be prepared to respond to questions on
spending for which they are responsible, and to regular parliamentary review of
departmental expenditures.
Ministers' duties and relations with Parliament are very demanding and
require significant support, particularly for Question Period and committee
work. They require careful daily and long-term coordination with the Prime
Minister and the government's Leaders in the Senate and the House. Ministers
normally assign a senior member of their exempt staff to support their relations
with Parliament. This person ensures ongoing liaison with the Whip's Office
and the Office of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons regarding
House business, and acts as a key contact to obtain information from
departmental staff for Question Period. Ministers who are assigned a
Parliamentary Secretary are expected to make full use of this valuable resource
to support them in the House of Commons and before parliamentary committees.
In the context of their accountability to the House of Commons, Ministers are
required to answer parliamentary questions within their areas of authority as
clearly and fully as possible. It is of paramount importance for Ministers to
give accurate and truthful information to Parliament, and to correct any error
at the earliest opportunity. Parliamentary questions cannot be directed to a
former Minister concerning policies or transactions in a portfolio he or she no
longer holds. However, current Ministers must account to the House for taking
any corrective action required to address problems that may have occurred prior
to their appointment.
Parliamentary accountability recognizes that only the person to whom
responsibility and authority are assigned can take action. Ministers cannot be
accountable for matters over which they have no authority. The statutes
governing many non-departmental bodies such as regulatory commissions or
tribunals may assign only limited ministerial responsibility for internal
management and operations. In these cases, Ministers' accountability is
limited, consistent with their direct responsibilities. Where Ministers do not
have direct responsibility for addressing issues raised by Parliament, they must
nevertheless answer to Parliament (i.e., provide the necessary information and
explanations) and ensure that the non-departmental body concerned does address
those issues, as appropriate.
III.2. Ministerial Senate Duties
The Leader of the Government in the Senate is responsible for managing the
government's agenda in the Senate, and Ministers are expected to work with the
Leader of the Government in the Senate on legislation and Private Members'
bills for which they are responsible. In carrying out these duties, the Leader
of the Government in the Senate is supported by political staff and the Privy
Council Office. Ministers are responsible for ensuring that their legislation is
piloted through the Senate and that questions related to their portfolio are
answered in the Senate.
III.3. Parliamentary Committees and the Role of Departmental Officials
Appearances before House and Senate committees by Ministers and their
officials are an essential part of informing Parliament, enabling
parliamentarians to represent the views of their constituents in the development
of policy and legislation, and to hold the government to account for its
management and policies. Ministers should promote an ongoing dialogue with
parliamentary committees on their department's policy priorities, legislative
and spending issues, and management challenges. Ministers, supported by the
Public Service, should appear regularly before their respective parliamentary
committee to seek the committee's input into policy and spending priorities,
and to discuss departmental performance and results. Ministers are expected to
provide, consistent with Treasury Board guidelines, informative and balanced
reports to Parliament, most importantly the Estimates, the Report on Plans and
Priorities, and Departmental Performance Reports. Ministers and their officials
must cooperate with the committees in their work and seek the views of
parliamentarians and committees on future plans and priorities.
The principles of ministerial accountability and responsibility guide
Ministers and their officials appearing before parliamentary committees.
Ministers are responsible for providing answers to Parliament on questions
regarding the government's policies, programs and activities, and for
providing as much information as possible about the use of powers assigned to
them or delegated by them to others.
Ministers are also responsible for deciding which questions they
should answer personally and which questions may be answered by officials
speaking on their behalf. Officials can assist Ministers by factually answering
questions at parliamentary committees, but they are to explain rather than
defend or debate policies. When appearing before a parliamentary committee,
officials maintain the traditional impartiality of the Public Service. The
authoritative political presence of either the Minister or his or her political
representative is required if politically controversial matters are likely to
arise. As members of parliamentary committees, Parliamentary Secretaries are
essential resources and play a key role by representing their Ministers before
committees. Ministers should ask their Parliamentary Secretaries to address
partisan issues raised during departmental appearances, and to act as a liaison
between the committee and the Minister and the department.
Ministers should ensure that appearances by their officials before
parliamentary committees are fully consistent with the ministerial
responsibility assigned by Parliament in statute. Public servants are ultimately
accountable to Ministers and not directly to Parliament.6
Consequently, departmental officials do not appear before committees without
clear guidance from their Minister.
In appearing on behalf of their Minister before committees, departmental
officials are often able to provide more detailed information on departmental
plans and performance than Ministers can. The deputy minister and other
officials must be prepared to describe in detail the plans, activities and
performance of the department in areas such as financial management, program and
service delivery, and human resources management.
Officials also have a duty and specific legal responsibility to hold in
confidence information that may have come into their possession in the course of
their duties. Therefore, when appearing before parliamentary committees, they
are bound by these legal obligations, as well as an obligation to the Minister
and to the government, not to disclose information that is confidential for
reasons of national security or privacy, or because it consists of advice to
Ministers. In practice, officials should endeavour to work with Members of
Parliament, in cooperation with Ministers and their offices, to find ways to
respond to legitimate requests for information from Members of Parliament,
within the limitations placed on them. In the context of a committee hearing,
information that is not in the public domain can only be made available on the
specific authorization of the Minister, and within the context of statutory
obligations.
Through their own initiative or in response to a request from a parliamentary
caucus, Ministers can also inform Parliament by directing departmental officials
to provide factual briefings to parliamentary caucuses. Briefings organized for
one caucus are made available to other caucuses and, accordingly, House Leaders
or Leaders of each party are kept informed of such briefings. It is never
appropriate for the deputy minister or departmental officials to act in a
partisan manner. Any questions of a political nature or expressions of
disagreement with government policy should be referred to the Minister.
IV - Consultation and Coordination
This chapter provides information on the roles of central agencies to support
the Prime Minister and the work of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister expects
Ministers and their departments to work closely with all central agencies to
coordinate issues and to establish an overall program supported by the Cabinet.
IV.1. Central Agencies
a) Privy Council Office
The Privy Council Office provides the Prime Minister with Public Service
support and directly assists the Prime Minister in performing all of his or her
duties and responsibilities as head of government. It is also the Cabinet
secretariat. Through ongoing consultation with departments and agencies, the
Privy Council Office provides the Prime Minister with comprehensive information
and analysis on contemplated policies and priorities. Specifically, it provides
information on organization of the government and its relations with Parliament
and the Crown, appointment of holders of senior offices, overall spending
program of the government, functioning of the Cabinet decision-making system,
development of major policies, management of intergovernmental relations and
other specific issues.
The Privy Council Office also provides the necessary support to other
Ministers in the Prime Minister's portfolio.
The Privy Council Office is headed by the Clerk of the Privy Council,
whose role in the Government of Canada is combined with that of Secretary to the
Cabinet. The Clerk is a non-partisan public servant selected by the
Prime Minister. The Clerk of the Privy Council acts as the Prime
Minister's deputy minister and is also the custodian of the records of the
current and previous Ministries. In addition, this person is also Head of the
Public Service, as designated by statute. In that capacity, he or she is
responsible for the quality of expert, professional and non-partisan advice and
service provided by the Public Service to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. He
or she reports annually to the Prime Minister on the state of the Public
Service.
b) Department of Finance
The Department of Finance is responsible for the government's
macro-economic policy, including tax policy and tax expenditures, as well as the
overall fiscal framework, and for analysing the economic and fiscal impact of
proposals by any Minister. The Department of Finance supports its Minister and
maintains a broad socio-economic analytical capacity.
c) Treasury Board Secretariat
The Treasury Board Secretariat supports the President of the Treasury Board.
As the administrative agency of the Treasury Board, the Secretariat
supports the Board, which is a committee of the Queen's Privy Council for
Canada, and assumes its legal responsibilities under the Financial
Administration Act and other statutes. It has a central oversight role to
play in government-wide management practices and ensuring value for money. The
Comptroller General ensures improved financial management government-wide.
The Treasury Board Secretariat submits recommendations and provides advice to
the Treasury Board on all matters relating to general administrative policy and
organization in the Public Service of Canada, financial and asset management
policies and procedures, review of annual and long-term expenditure plans and
programs, and determination of related priorities.
d) Other Departments
In addition to the central agencies described above, there are two other
departments that exercise certain central agency functions. The Department of
Justice makes available legal services and advice to all Ministers and their
departments. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade provides
government-wide coordination of activities and issues that involve foreign
policy.
IV.2. The Prime Minister's Office
The Prime Minister's Office consists of the Prime Minister's political
staff. The Office serves the Prime Minister and is fully accountable to him or
her.
The Prime Minister's Office supports the Prime Minister in exercising his
or her duties as head of government, leader of a political party and Member of
Parliament. The political staff in the Prime Minister's Office provide advice
on policy development and appointments, discuss House of Commons proceedings
with him or her, and facilitate the Prime Minister's relations with Ministers,
the caucus and the party as a whole. In addition, the Prime Minister's Office
schedules the Prime Minister's time, organizes his or her public statements
and relations with the media, and handles his or her correspondence.
In general, the Prime Minister's Office plays an important role in enabling
the Prime Minister to guide the political strategy of the government and is the
central point of communication and coordination with Ministers, Parliamentary
Secretaries and Members of Parliament. It also works closely with the Privy
Council Office. Together, these two organizations provide advice and support
from different perspectives on the issues of daily concern to the
Prime Minister.
IV.3. Federal-Provincial-Territorial Relations and Regional Coordination
The Prime Minister is responsible for the overall management of
federal-provincial-territorial relations, since they touch on virtually all
areas of the federal government's activities. The Prime Minister is assisted
by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in coordinating intergovernmental
relations. The Privy Council Office is the Public Service department that
advises and assists the Prime Minister and the Minister in carrying out
their responsibilities related to intergovernmental affairs.
In general, the Prime Minister expects each Minister to be responsible for
the federal-provincial-territorial aspects of policies and programs within his
or her own portfolio, and to ensure coordination with other intergovernmental
initiatives.
The Prime Minister may also designate Regional Ministers for each
province or major area, who play an important role in coordinating regional or
provincial issues with the federal government's activities. However, the
administration of departmental programs in every region remains the individual
responsibility of departmental Ministers.
IV.4. Appointments
Governor in Council appointments are made to a wide range of positions, from
deputy ministers and heads of agencies to chief executive officers and directors
of Crown corporations. Many of these positions are very demanding, requiring
extensive work and difficult decisions. It is essential for appointees to be
well qualified, and senior government appointments must be chosen through a
process that ensures broad and open consideration of proposed candidates. The
government will establish a Public Appointments Commission to ensure that
competitions for posts are widely publicized and fairly conducted.
By legislation or under Standing Orders of the House of Commons, some
appointments–including those of Agents of Parliament–are subject to
parliamentary review and resolution prior to being made final. Under government
policy, appointments to key positions, including chairpersons and heads of Crown
corporations and heads of agencies, are also subject to prior parliamentary
review. In addition, other Governor in Council appointments (except judicial
positions) are tabled in the House of Commons after each appointment is made in
order to give the appropriate standing committee the opportunity to call the
appointee and examine his or her qualifications.
The appointment process for Supreme Court of Canada judges includes extensive
consultation (including Chief Justices, the provinces and the legal community)
and assessment of candidates by an advisory committee (including nominees of the
recognized parties, the provinces and the legal community).
IV.5. Communications and Public Announcements
Communicating with the public is an important responsibility of the
government. Communications must be timely and clear. All government
communications must therefore be coordinated to ensure they are consistent with
overall government objectives and decisions, including Treasury Board policies.
The communications implications of an announcement are among the issues
considered by the Cabinet when it decides on a policy. The content and timing of
each public statement of a policy or the announcement of some government action
(including appointments, new programs, or financial commitments and agreements)
are coordinated by the responsible Minister, acting with the Minister's office
and department, the Prime Minister's Office and the Privy Council Office.
The Prime Minister expects Ministers to consult as well with Regional
Ministers and affected caucus members on impending announcements and to work
with their own deputy ministers.
V - Standards of Conduct
Full accountability to Canadians is a central objective of our government.
The Prime Minister holds Ministers to the highest standards of conduct for all
their actions, including those that are not directly related to their official
functions. Ministers are therefore expected to adhere to the following standards
in all circumstances, whether they are acting as a Minister, a member of the
House of Commons, a Senator or a private citizen. This chapter outlines key
areas where established government standards of conduct apply to Ministers.
Moreover, as the government has committed to introduce additional mechanisms
of accountability, the Prime Minister expects Ministers to conduct themselves
not only in strict conformity with the rules as they currently stand, but also
with regard to the spirit and intent of the measures that the government has
committed to introduce.
V.1. Ministerial Conduct
Ministers must act with honesty and must uphold the highest ethical standards
so that public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and
impartiality of government are maintained and enhanced. Ministers, in
particular, have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange
their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny.
This obligation is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law.
V.2. Conflict of Interest
Ministers and persons working on their behalf are subject to the requirements
of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office
Holders.7 Ministers are also subject to the Conflict of
Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons in their capacity as
members of the House of Commons. The Ethics Commissioner is responsible for
administering both Codes, investigating allegations against Ministers and other
senior officials involving conflicts of interest, applying compliance measures
and briefing Ministers on their responsibilities under the Codes. The
obligations of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public
Office Holders apply to Ministers, their exempt staff and Parliamentary
Secretaries as well as Governor in Council appointees, and some provisions apply
to their families. The Code does not apply to other Senators or Members of
Parliament.
Ministers are held accountable by the Prime Minister for their adherence to
the provisions of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for
Public Office Holders. In general, the Code addresses basic principles of
conduct. In addition, the Code:
- requires Ministers to provide a confidential report to the Ethics
Commissioner on their assets and liabilities, their former and current
activities and those of their spouse and dependent children;
- outlines rules regarding which assets may or may not continue to be
directly managed, and gives direction on how to divest of assets;
- sets limitations on outside activities, acceptance of gifts,
invitations to special events and hospitality, and post-employment activities;
and
- sets out a recusal mechanism to assist Ministers in avoiding
conflicts of interest in the performance of their official duties and functions.
Ministers' adherence to the provisions of the Conflict of Interest and
Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders is essential to enhancing
confidence in our system of government.
Ministers are also held accountable by the House of Commons (or in the case
of Ministers who are Senators, by the Senate) for their adherence to the
provisions of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of
Commons (or any similar rules established by the Senate) in their capacity
as Members of Parliament.
V.3. Relations with the Judiciary and Other Government Agencies
As Members of Parliament, Ministers have responsibilities to their
constituents. However, there are limitations on their ability to act on behalf
of constituents or others, including themselves, when dealing with certain
government agencies.
The Prime Minister expects Ministers and their staff not to intervene, or
appear to intervene, on behalf of anyone, including constituents, with the judiciary
concerning any matter before the courts. The Minister of Justice can provide
detailed information on relations with the judiciary.
Ministers and their staff are also expected not to intervene, or appear to
intervene, on behalf of anyone, including constituents, with federal
quasi-judicial tribunals on any matter before them that requires a decision
in their quasi-judicial capacity, unless otherwise authorized by law.8
Ministers are therefore responsible for ensuring that they and their staff
understand and respect the need for non-interference and an arm's-length
relationship with these organizations.
While Ministers need to be in contact with the agencies within their own
portfolios on a broad range of matters, governing statutes give some bodies such
as Crown corporations a degree of independence from ministerial direction. A
Minister's degree of control and responsibility for these organizations is
defined in the Act that establishes them. Ministers need to know both the
details of their responsibilities and the limits of their powers for these
organizations. They must also understand and respect their arm's-length
relationship with them.9
In matters regarding another Minister's portfolio, a Cabinet convention
precludes a Minister from speaking about or otherwise becoming involved in a
colleague's portfolio without first gaining the colleague's approval. This
does not preclude the Minister from speaking directly to the Minister
responsible. Nor does it prevent the Minister's staff from raising the
concerns of constituents either with the staff of the Minister or through
channels in the departments or agencies that are specifically intended for
dealing with matters of constituents.
There are situations when the office of a Minister can expect requests for
assistance from other members of the Ministry on behalf of their constituents.
When such an intervention with an agency is not appropriate because the request
concerns a quasi-judicial matter, the office should indicate that an
intervention is not possible by any Minister and suggest that the constituent
deal directly with the agency.
However, Ministers and their staff may seek information that is available to
the public. Guidance can be obtained from the Ethics Commissioner, who provides
detailed briefings on this subject to Ministers, their Chiefs of Staff and other
members of their staff, including those dealing with constituency issues.
V.4. Invitations
Ministers often receive invitations to participate in or endorse events,
community initiatives or publications, to meet with people or to travel to
various countries. Ministers must be aware that some invitations may come from
individuals or groups who have links to terrorism, crime, or violent or
unsavoury foreign regimes.
Ministers are expected to exercise discretion at all times. They are
responsible for ensuring the bona fides of those with whom they have
dealings. When there is any doubt about accepting an invitation, inquiries
should be directed to the Director of Security Operations in the Privy Council
Office. The Director will make inquiries, offer general advice to the Minister
and arrange briefings as necessary.
VI - Administrative Matters
Ministers have direct administrative responsibilities flowing from their
ministerial duties. This chapter provides information on administrative matters
concerning Ministers and their offices. Detailed requirements are also set out
in Treasury Board Secretariat's Guidelines for Ministers' Offices.
VI.1. Ministers' Offices and Exempt Staff
Ministers are personally responsible for the conduct and operation of their
office. They hire their own office staff, who are known as "political"
or "exempt" staff. The staff are outside the official Public Service
and are exempt from Public Service Commission staffing and other controls. They
are nevertheless subject to a broad range of terms and conditions set by the
Treasury Board for the government as a whole.
The purpose of establishing a Minister's office is to provide Ministers
with advisers and assistants who are not departmental public servants, who share
their political commitment, and who can complement the professional, expert and
non-partisan advice and support of the Public Service. Consequently, they
contribute a particular expertise or point of view that the Public Service
cannot provide. The exempt staff do not have the authority to give direction to
public servants, but they can ask for information or transmit the Minister's
instructions, normally through the deputy minister.
Good working relations between the Minister's office and the department,
characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and the sharing of information
where it is relevant or needed for their respective work, are essential in
assisting the Minister and deputy minister in managing departmental work. Such a
relationship requires that exempt staff in the Minister's office respect the
non-partisanship of public servants and not seek to engage them in work that is
outside their appropriate role.
In meeting their responsibility to respect the non-partisanship of public
servants, exempt staff have an obligation to inform themselves about the
appropriate parameters of Public Service conduct, including Public Service
values and ethics, and to actively assess their own conduct and any requests
they make to departmental officials in the light of those parameters. Ministers
and deputy ministers should be vigilant in ensuring that the appropriate
parameters of interaction between officials and exempt staff are observed.
To the extent practicable, relations between officials and exempt staff
should be conducted through the deputy minister's office. The deputy minister's
office should be informed about contact between exempt staff and public servants
in the department.
A Minister's office may also include a limited number of Public Service departmental
assistants. Departmental staff are public servants in the employ of their
departments who are assigned to the Minister's office and who are expected to
carry out their duties in a non-partisan manner. Their role is to liaise with
the department as well as to provide administrative support and general
assistance to the Minister on departmental or other government matters.
As Members of Parliament, Ministers receive other support provided by the
House of Commons or the Senate. Such support is provided and used only in
accordance with established House of Commons and Senate rules.
VI.2. Security
The Prime Minister holds Ministers personally accountable for the security of
their staff and offices, as well as of "Confidences of the Queen's Privy
Council for Canada" (commonly referred to as Cabinet confidences) and other
sensitive information in their custody. The Privy Council Office briefs
Ministers on applicable security requirements.
Confidences of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada are defined in section
69 of the Access to Information Act and section 70 of the Privacy Act.
They include Cabinet documents and other information related to Cabinet decision
making.
Deputy ministers are accountable to their Ministers for the security of
departmental personnel, information, facilities and other assets. All
individuals who work in or for Ministers' offices (e.g., employees,
contractors, students and persons on loan, assignment or secondment),
irrespective of their work location, require Level 2-Secret security
clearances, as a minimum, prior to appointment. They must also comply
with other security requirements for the safeguarding of government information
and assets. Clearances and security briefings are arranged by the deputy
minister.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provide material to Ministers on
security precautions they can take to ensure their safety. A 24-hour, 7-day
emergency contact number is provided to Ministers by the RCMP. In the case of a
specific threat, the RCMP can offer additional assistance (e.g., could include
driver, vehicle and bodyguard).
Ministers are required to notify their deputy minister immediately of any
potential compromise of Cabinet confidences or other security incident. Deputy
ministers or the Clerk of the Privy Council can provide Ministers with
further information on security matters.
VI.3. Cabinet, Institutional and Personal Records
Records kept in the offices of Ministers must be broken down into four
categories: Cabinet documents, institutional records, ministerial records, and
personal and political records.10 Records in these categories are
filed separately, for reasons of operating efficiency and confidentiality and to
facilitate compliance with statutory requirements. Each category of documents
may be subject to different provisions and treatment under some of the relevant
laws, such as the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Security
of Information Act, the Canada Evidence Act and the National
Archives Act.
Ministers are expected to ensure that the provisions for handling the four
categories of records are met. For the most part, however, Ministers delegate
this responsibility, relying on their staff to manage and control the documents.
Deputy ministers and Library and Archives Canada can provide advice on the
procedures.
VI.4. Public Access to Information and Privacy
The Access to Information Act provides a right of public access to
information in records under the control of government institutions, subject
only to certain necessary exceptions limited and specified in law. Ministers,
their deputy ministers and heads of agencies are ultimately responsible for the
application of the Act in their respective institutions and within the overall
ministerial portfolio. Under the Act, decisions can be reviewed by the
Information Commissioner and, ultimately, by the Federal Court.
Ministers are expected to operate entirely in accordance with theletter and
the spirit of the law when dealing with requests from the public for
information. Ministers are responsible for ensuring that necessary actions are
taken with respect to departments meeting deadlines and consulting other
departments.
The Privacy Act imposes conditions that protect personal information
held by government institutions. Under the Act, decisions can be reviewed by the
Privacy Commissioner and, ultimately, by the Federal Court. In accordance with
the legislation, Ministers may delegate these matters to their deputy minister
or other senior officials, but may wish to be advised of particularly important
files.
The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act do not apply
to Confidences of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. However, a decision of
the Federal Court of Appeal has made accessible, subject to exemptions in the
Acts, background explanations, analysis of problems or policy options contained
in Cabinet documents once a Cabinet decision has been made public, or, if the
decision has not been made public, four years after the decision was made.
Government policy requires that government institutions consult with the Privy
Council Office in all instances where information that may qualify as a Cabinet
Confidence has been identified in response to a request under the Act.
When producing papers in Parliament, Ministers are expected to ensure
that requests for information (for example, in response to a Notice of Motion)
are met. Matters related to the production of papers in Parliament are
coordinated with the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
VI.5. Financial and Resource Management
Ministers' expenditures are subject to statutory and Treasury Board
policies governing the use of public moneys. These conditions are set out in
Treasury Board Secretariat's Guidelines for Ministers' Offices, and
cover matters such as:
- security clearance requirements;
- exempt staff and hiring by contract;
- salary rates and employee benefits;
- departmental staff assigned to Ministers' offices;
- contracting policies and procedures;
- budgets, expenditure authorization, and accounting for expenditures charged
to Ministers' budgets;
- office accommodation and supplies; and
- travel and use of government aircraft and ministerial vehicles.
Ministerial responsibilities include ensuring that all expenditures in
Ministers' offices are properly and prudently managed and are related to the
conduct of official business. Deputy ministers and the Treasury Board
Secretariat can provide further information.
Expenditures by Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are subject to
scrutiny by Parliament. Ministers, Ministers' exempt staff and Parliamentary
Secretaries are required to disclose publicly, by posting on their departmental
Web-sites, all hospitality and travel expenses incurred during program-related
business. Reports cover the financial quarter, and are posted on departmental
Web-sites within 30 calendar days following the last day of the quarter.
Ministers should be aware that high standards are expected of them. This policy
also applies to Parliamentary Secretaries, and to deputy ministers and other
senior government officials.
VI.6. Ministerial Travel Coordination
All proposed ministerial travel is coordinated with the Prime Minister's
Office well in advance and before making commitments. Ministers are also
expected to consult the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons or the
Chief Government Whip and to ensure the availability of acting Ministers. When
making use of government aircraft, Ministers should make every effort to ensure
joint travel in the interests of efficient use of government resources. However,
for security purposes, no more than eight Ministers of the Crown may travel on
the same aircraft at the same time.
Generally speaking, Ministers should limit travel abroad, especially while
Parliament is in session. They should inform their deputy minister and the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police of their travel plans in order to be advised of any
particular security concerns and suggested protection measures. The actual
arrangements for official foreign travel are coordinated by the Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Ministers planning private travel abroad also need to inform the
Minister of Foreign Affairs well in advance, since security or policy
considerations may be involved. All goods acquired by Ministers abroad are
subject to normal customs requirements and examination, and must be declared on
arrival.
Ministers must not accept travel on non-commercial chartered or private
aircraft for any purpose except in exceptional circumstances, and only with the
prior approval of the Ethics Commissioner and public disclosure of the use of
such aircraft. Any hospitality accepted must strictly adhere to the requirements
of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office
Holders.
VI.7. Foreign Honours
Long-standing government policy requires Ministers not to seek the offer of,
nor to accept, a foreign order or decoration, either personally or on behalf of
a colleague.
Annex A - Federal Government Institutions: The Executive
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a democracy with a system of
responsible parliamentary government based on the British Westminster model. As
such, the structures and conduct of executive authority are governed both by
Canada's "written" constitution (the Constitution Acts, 1867-1982)
and by an "unwritten" constitution composed of conventions and customs
that have been established and have evolved over the history of responsible
government in Canada.
The unwritten constitution establishes key elements of Canadian democracy
regarding executive authority in government as exercised by the Prime Minister
and the Cabinet, who are responsible to the House of Commons, which is made up
of the elected representatives of the people of Canada. This Annex outlines the
basic roles and responsibilities of executive authority in that system.
A.1. The Crown, the Governor General and the Queen's Privy Council for
Canada
In formal terms, executive government in Canada is vested by the Constitution
Act, 1867 in the Queen of Canada, who is the head of state. The Governor
General is the representative of the Queen, and exercises the power and
functions of the Crown on her behalf.
In Canada's democratic system of government, the Governor General is
almost always bound to act only on the advice of the elected representatives who
belong to the party that has the confidence of the House of Commons. Advice is
offered directly by the Prime Minister on some matters, or is provided formally
by the Ministry or government as a whole. It is the personal prerogative of the
Prime Minister to convey the view of the government to the Governor General. The
Governor General's consent must be obtained, when required, before decisions
can take legal effect or be announced.
In constitutional terms, the chief advisory body to the sovereign is the
Queen's Privy Council for Canada,11 composed of all those sworn in
as Privy Councillors. It is exceedingly rare for the full Privy Council to meet
as a body and, even then, it does so only for ceremonial purposes.
A.2. The Prime Minister's Functions and Powers
The Prime Minister, as the leader of the political party that has the
confidence of the House of Commons (usually by holding a majority of the seats),
is commissioned by the Governor General to form a government.
The Prime Minister is, above all, responsible for organizing the Cabinet and
for providing the direction necessary to maintain the unity of the Ministry.
This unity is essential if the government is to retain the confidence of the
House of Commons.
The following principal functions and exclusive powers of the Prime Minister
are essential in making Cabinet government work:
- The Prime Minister leads the process of setting the general direction
of government policy. The Prime Minister is responsible for arranging
and managing the processes that determine how decisions in government are made,
and for reconciling differences among Ministers. The Prime Minister
establishes the government's position before Parliament by recommending to the
Governor General the summoning and dissolution of Parliament, by preparing
the Speech from the Throne outlining the broad policy agenda for each new
parliamentary session and by determining whether proposed government legislation
approved by the Cabinet is subsequently put before Parliament. The
Prime Minister approves the Budget presented by the Minister of Finance.
- The Prime Minister chooses the principal holders of public office.
The Prime Minister selects Ministers and may ask for their resignation at
any time. The Prime Minister also recommends senior public sector
appointments to the Governor General. The government will establish a Public
Appointments Commission to ensure that competitions for posts are widely
publicized and fairly conducted.
- The Prime Minister decides on the organization, procedures and
composition of the Cabinet. This includes establishing Cabinet committees,
selecting their membership and convening the Cabinet itself. In practical terms,
the Prime Minister forms a team, decides on the process for collective
decision making, and builds and adapts the machinery of government in which the
team will operate.
- The Prime Minister determines the broad organization and structure of
the government in order to meet its objectives. The Prime Minister is
responsible for allocating Ministers' portfolios, establishing their mandates,
clarifying the relationships among them and identifying the priorities for their
portfolios through mandate letters. The Prime Minister's approval is
required for the creation of new institutions and the elimination of existing
organizations, some of which may also be subject to parliamentary decisions. Any
proposals made by Ministers for significant organizational change or for
altering their own mandates or those of other Ministers must first be approved
by the Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister has the overall responsibility for the government's
relations with Parliament and the Sovereign.
- The Prime Minister establishes standards of conduct for Ministers.
- As head of government, the Prime Minister has special responsibilities
for national security, federal-provincial-territorial relations and the
conduct of international affairs. The Prime Minister may also take a special
interest in any other area of a portfolio responsibility as circumstances
require. Ministers should pay special attention to activities within their own
portfolio that touch on these special responsibilities or otherwise involve the
Prime Minister.
A.3. The Ministry, the Cabinet and the Governor in Council
Cabinet is composed of all members of the Ministry. Members of the Ministry
are appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister's
recommendation. Before taking up their responsibilities, they are sworn in as
Privy Councillors by the Clerk of the Privy Council at a ceremony presided
over by the Governor General. In this ceremony, Privy Councillors swear the
oath of allegiance, the Privy Councillor's oath and the oath of office for
their respective portfolio. The Privy Councillor's oath includes the
undertaking to maintain Cabinet secrecy. Privy Councillors are entitled to be
styled "The Honourable" and to use the initials "P.C." after
their names for life.
Unlike the Privy Council, the Cabinet has no standing in statute. In
practice, the Cabinet is the fundamental and final forum for reaching a
politically authoritative consensus on government issues under the Prime
Minister's leadership.
The Governor in Council is the term for the Cabinet acting in a legal
capacity. Formally, it is the Governor General acting on the advice of the
Cabinet. Parliament does not assign powers to the Cabinet or to Ministers
collectively, but rather to the Governor in Council.
A.4. Ministers and the Law
Legal requirements form part of the framework that establishes daily
practices and sets parameters on how decisions are made in government. Whether
acting individually or collectively, the Prime Minister and Ministers act
pursuant to parliamentary authority and within limits laid down by Parliament.
All government activity must take place in accordance with the law. Ministers
having any doubts on the legality of a particular action should ask their deputy
minister and obtain the view of the Department of Justice. The following key
constitutional provisions or statutes impact on decisions and their
implementation:
- The Constitution Act, 1867, formerly called the British North
America Act, 1867.
- The Constitution Act, 1982, which includes the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms.
- Acts of Parliament (principally departmental Acts) create the
offices and responsibilities of Ministers, establish the departments over which
they preside, and provide a basic framework of powers, duties and functions for
which Ministers are accountable.
- The Public Service Employment Act establishes a continuing,
professional and non-partisan Public Service of Canada.
- The Financial Administration Act shapes virtually all aspects of
government management through the powers it grants to the Treasury Board to
oversee departments and other organizations. The Treasury Board is the Cabinet
committee responsible for managing the Public Service of Canada and for
approving expenditures of departments and agencies. Many of its decisions have
the force of law, limiting Ministers' discretion to manage and direct their
departments.
- The Access to Information Act establishes a public right to access
general information contained in government documents. Under its provisions, the
government may withhold material only if disclosing the information could
adversely affect the public interest. The Privacy Act protects personal
information held by the government from unauthorized disclosure.
- Other important Acts include the Official Languages Act, the Canadian
Human Rights Act and the federal Employment Equity Act.
Annex B - Cabinet Decision Making
The Cabinet is the political forum where Ministers reach a consensus and
decide on issues. It is the setting in which they bring political and strategic
considerations to bear on proposed ministerial and governmental actions. These
considerations must necessarily reflect the views and concerns expressed by
Canadians, caucus colleagues, and other Parliamentarians. Once a consensus is
reached, Ministers can fulfill their collective responsibility to Parliament.
This Annex addresses the main elements of the organization and conduct of
decision making in the Cabinet.
B.1. Basic Rules for Cabinet Business
A number of basic ground rules for the conduct of Cabinet business are
essential to maintain Cabinet solidarity and enhance its practical
effectiveness.
Decision making is led by the Prime Minister. Through the Cabinet and
its committees, the Prime Minister provides Ministers with the principal forum
in which they can resolve different perspectives. The Prime Minister organizes
Cabinet and Cabinet committee decision making, determines the agenda for Cabinet
business and chooses committee chairpersons to act on his or her behalf. The
Privy Council Office is the Cabinet's secretariat and administers the Cabinet
decision-making process on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet government works through a process of compromise and consensus
building, which culminates in a Cabinet decision. The Cabinet and Cabinet
committees do not vote on issues before them. Rather, the Prime Minister (or
committee chairperson) "calls" for the consensus after Ministers have
expressed their views. As the Cabinet secretariat, the Privy Council Office
records and communicates the decision.
Consultation among the Ministers, departments and portfolios involved must
precede the submission of a proposal to the Cabinet by the responsible
Minister or Ministers. Ministerial discussions in the Cabinet or Cabinet
committee focus on the decisions required and provide Ministers with an
opportunity to participate in and influence those decisions.
Ministers have the right to seek their colleagues' consideration of
proposals for government action in their area of responsibility. This is, of
course, subject to the agenda set by the Prime Minister for government
priorities. Cabinet committee agendas are set by the committee chairpersons
acting on the Prime Minister's behalf.
Confidences of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, more commonly referred
to as "Cabinet confidences," must be appropriately safeguarded from
unauthorized disclosure or other compromise. The Cabinet's collective
decision-making process has traditionally been protected by the rule of
confidentiality, which enhances Cabinet solidarity and collective ministerial
responsibility. Confidentiality ensures that Ministers can frankly express their
views before a final decision is made. The Prime Minister expects Ministers to
announce policies only after Cabinet decisions are taken, in consultation with
the Prime Minister's Office and the Privy Council Office.
Cabinet business is extensive, and Cabinet consensus at times is difficult to
achieve. Given the limited time available to Ministers and given the importance
of clear decisions to government operations, Cabinet business must be conducted
efficiently and according to accepted ground rules that are fully understood and
respected. Cabinet discussion is not used to air introductory or preliminary
discussions of issues. Deputy ministers are expected to ensure that other
affected departments are adequately informed in advance and that coordination
across portfolios is pursued so that other Ministers are prepared for Cabinet
discussion and government decisions are coherent and aligned with overall
objectives. When departments directly involved differ on a matter, the dispute
should not be referred to the Cabinet until all other means of resolving it have
been exhausted.
B.2. Decision-Making Process and Procedures
a) The Policy and Fiscal Frameworks
Cabinet decision making is steered by certain key statements of government
policy and priorities as well as by electoral commitments. The Speech from the
Throne, delivered by the Governor General at the beginning of each session of
Parliament, outlines the government's program for Parliament. As a reflection
of the overall priorities of the government and the Prime Minister, the Speech
provides a general policy framework for the upcoming parliamentary
session.
The Minister of Finance presents the government's annual Budget which
reflects the fiscal framework agreed to by the Cabinet. The President of
the Treasury Board subsequently tables the Main Estimates.
These frameworks provide for the overall direction of the government. They
both shape and reflect the ongoing work of Cabinet committees.
b) The Process
The Cabinet process begins when an issue is raised by a Minister in the form
of a Cabinet document or through general discussion at a meeting. The supporting
documents are normally circulated to all Ministers by the Privy Council Office
before the issue is discussed at the appropriate Cabinet committee. As well,
Ministers may take the opportunity to update their colleagues on the progress of
certain key initiatives being developed or implemented in their departments.
The Cabinet committee's report is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet.
Records of final decisions are circulated to all Ministers and their deputy
ministers for action under Ministers' individual authority. Policy
announcements are made after a Cabinet decision and after the Treasury Board's
approval of any resources required to implement the decision.
B.3. Legislative Program
The content of the government's legislative program is ultimately the
responsibility of the Prime Minister, assisted by the Government House and
Senate Leaders. The main thrusts of the program are determined by the Cabinet.
The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons coordinates the process of
translating the Cabinet's policy decisions into bills to be placed before the
House of Commons.
The first stage in this process is Cabinet approval of a Minister's policy
proposal. After Cabinet has approved a Minister's policy proposal, a bill is
then drafted by the Department of Justice to reflect the Cabinet decision.
Priorities in drafting are established by the Leader of the Government in the
House of Commons, who also undertakes final scrutiny of a bill before it is
approved by the Cabinet for introduction in Parliament on his or her
recommendation.12 The Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons has flexibility in establishing priorities for consideration of bills by
the House, although Cabinet discussions of House business provide the overall
direction for the government's legislative program. The Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons is supported in this regard by his or her own
exempt staff, the Privy Council Office, and the Deputy House Leader and
Chief Government Whip.
B.4. The Cabinet and Cabinet Committees
Cabinet committees are an extension of the Cabinet itself. The
Prime Minister establishes both standing and temporary (or special purpose)
committees, chooses their membership, prescribes their procedures and changes
them as he or she sees fit. The Privy Council Office provides Ministers with
information on the Prime Minister's decisions regarding the structure and
operations of Cabinet committees.
Currently, most collective ministerial deliberations take place in Cabinet
committees. Committee chairpersons act for the Prime Minister with his or
her authority, including setting the committee agenda. For the most part,
decisions are taken by the appropriate committee, subject to confirmation by the
Cabinet. This system settles as many questions as possible at the committee
stage in order to lessen the workload of the Cabinet and to allow it to
concentrate on priority issues and broad political concerns.
The Treasury Board is established by law as a committee of the Queen's
Privy Council for Canada, and many of its decisions have force of law. It
provides oversight of the government's financial management and spending, as
well as oversight on human resources issues. The Treasury Board may act as the
Cabinet committee for the Public Service and expenditure management (under the Financial
Administration Act). The Board is the employer for the Public Service, and
establishes policies and common standards for administrative, personnel,
financial and organizational practices across government. It also controls the
allocation of financial resources to departments and programs. The Treasury
Board also fulfills the role of the Special Committee of Council (SCC) in
approving regulatory policies and regulations, and all Orders in Council,
excluding appointments.
Ministers may be invited by the committee chair to attend any meeting of a
Cabinet committee, whether or not they are a member of the committee. The Prime
Minister designates certain Ministers as ongoing members of each committee, and
they are expected to attend these regularly. If Ministers are not able to attend
a meeting, they should inform the chair of their views on agenda items by
letter.
Meetings are conducted as informally as possible in both official languages.
Most Cabinet committees meet on a regular schedule. This allows for effective
planning and ensures that meetings and decisions can proceed without delay. As
the Cabinet secretariat, the Privy Council Office provides the Cabinet and its
committees with the support required to prepare for and conduct meetings,
including arranging meetings, circulating agendas, distributing documents,
providing advice to the chairperson of each committee on agenda items and
recording Cabinet minutes and decisions.
B.5. Orders in Council
Some actions of the executive require a more formal process. Orders in
Council are legal instruments made by the Governor in Council pursuant to
statutory authority (or, infrequently, royal prerogative). Recommendations to
the Governor in Council are signed by the responsible Minister. They take legal
effect only when signed by the Governor General.
B.6. Financial Procedure
According to the Constitution, revenue can be raised and moneys can be spent
or borrowed by the government only with the authority of Parliament. A money
bill, for the raising or spending of revenue, must originate in the House of
Commons, as the House is the custodian of the public purse. The Constitution
Act, 1867 also requires money bills to be recommended to the House by the
Governor General in the form of a Royal Recommendation. This ensures executive
control over revenue raising and spending initiatives, and is obtained by the
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
Parliament exercises its authority over government financial administration
by means of a package of instruments comprising enabling legislation such as the
Appropriations Act, financial documentation such as the Main Estimates
(Parts I, II and III and the Public Accounts), and a review process by the House
of Commons, the Senate and the Auditor General.13
Annex C - Appointments
The government will establish a Public Appointments Commission to ensure that
competitions for posts are widely publicized and fairly conducted.
The Prime Minister has the following key responsibilities regarding
appointments:
- All appointment recommendations are subject to the Prime Minister's
approval before they go forward to the Governor in Council.
- Remuneration for most Governor in Council appointments, both
full-time and part-time, is set or approved by the Governor in Council on the
recommendation of the Prime Minister. On this matter, the Prime Minister is
supported by the Privy Council Office. Remuneration for some Governor in
Council appointments is set by Crown corporations' by-laws or other means.
In addition, the following are important aspects of the appointment process:
- To open the process and identify candidates, vacancies for full-time,
fixed-term Governor in Council positions are generally advertised in the Canada
Gazette.
- Representational criteria, such as regional considerations, are taken
into account when recommending appointments. Another relevant factor is
employment equity, to better represent women, visible minorities, Aboriginal
peoples and people with disabilities.
- Governor in Council appointees must meet the requirements of the Conflict
of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. The Ethics
Commissioner administers the Code and provides advice to office holders and
potential appointees. Part-time appointees are subject to the principles of the
Code.
- All Governor in Council appointees are subject to rigorous background
checks prior to appointment.
- Announcements of appointments are coordinated by the
Prime Minister's Office, after they have been given legal effect when
signed by the Governor General.
- By legislation, under Standing Orders of the House of Commons and
pursuant to Government policy, key appointments are subject to parliamentary
review and resolution prior to being made final.
Annex D - Cabinet, Institutional and Personal Records
This Annex describes the four categories of ministerial papers and the access
to document rules that apply to former Ministers.
Cabinet documents belong to the Prime Minister. Cabinet documents are
formal records designated by the Privy Council Office as belonging to the
Cabinet Paper System. They include Memoranda to Cabinet (MCs), decks, Cabinet
Committee Reports (CRs), records of decisions (RDs), agendas, aides-mémoire and
documents prepared for Ad Hoc Cabinet Committees or Reference Groups of
Ministers. This category also includes formal Cabinet documents related to the
Treasury Board and any sub-committees of Treasury Board, including submissions,
précis, agendas, schedules, minutes of meetings and letters of decision.
The efficient operation of the Cabinet and the necessary confidentiality of
ministerial discussions depend, in part, on the proper handling of Cabinet
documents. Ministers must ensure that Cabinet documents provided to them are
always safeguarded in accordance with the security requirements set by the Privy
Council Office or, for Cabinet documents related to the Treasury Board, to the
Treasury Board Secretariat. Parliamentary Secretaries must also respect this
protocol when they are given access to such documents. Ministers must assign
members of their staff with specific responsibility for controlling the flow and
ensuring the security of these documents. When a Cabinet item has been dealt
with, the associated Cabinet documents must be returned to the Privy Council
Office or the Treasury Board Secretariat, as appropriate.
Certain Cabinet documents that are clearly marked for Ministers' eyes only
cannot be reviewed by exempt staff. Some Cabinet documents must remain in the
Cabinet room. Cabinet documents must not be photocopied, electronically scanned
or sent by facsimile, and they must be carried in a secure briefcase. A record
containing Cabinet confidences that is not a Cabinet document is either an
institutional record (if it originated with the institution), or a ministerial
record (if it originated with the office of the Minister, e.g., a briefing note
containing political advice to a Minister regarding a Cabinet matter).
Institutional Records relate to the business (policies, programs,
activities and services) of the department and associated agencies, and are kept
in a separate registry.
Ministerial records include official records pertaining to the office
of the Minister, other than records that fall into the categories of personal or
political records, institutional records or Cabinet documents.
Personal and political records are personal, as opposed to official,
in nature (e.g., a Minister's constituency business, party political matters,
private and personal life) and are kept in separate ministerial files. Like
ministerial records, personal and political records are normally excluded from
the application of the Access to Information Act, provided that they are
maintained separately from institutional records.
When a Minister leaves office, Cabinet documents must be returned to the
Privy Council Office or Treasury Board Secretariat, institutional records must
be left with the department, and ministerial records must be transferred
directly to Library and Archives Canada. Ministers may remove only their
personal and political papers. However, to ensure the security of sensitive
documents in personal and political papers, Ministers should use storage
facilities and archival services offered by Library and Archives Canada.
Former Prime Ministers have control over the confidences of the government
they headed. When a change of government occurs, the outgoing Prime Minister
traditionally leaves the Cabinet records of the government in the custody of the
Clerk of the Privy Council. The Clerk of the Privy Council plays a central
role in administering the convention governing access to Cabinet and ministerial
papers.
Subject to any arrangements a former Prime Minister may make with his or her
successor, former Ministers may have access to Cabinet papers for the period of
time when they held office, but only for that period, and only to papers
relating to that office or to which they would normally have had access.
Requests for access are addressed to the Clerk of the Privy Council and
Secretary of the Cabinet or, for requests concerning Treasury Board documents,
to the Secretary of the Treasury Board. Cabinet papers to which access is
provided may be read on the premises of the Privy Council Office or the
Treasury Board Secretariat as appropriate.
Former Ministers may have access to ministerial records that are transferred
to Library and Archives Canada on the premises of Library and Archives Canada.
They may also have access to institutional records that were prepared in their
departments during the period of time when they held office. For access to
institutional records, they can contact the deputy minister and arrange to
review them on departmental premises.
Former Ministers are bound for life to respect their oath as Privy
Councillors, including maintaining the secrecy of Confidences of the Queen's
Privy Council for Canada, and remain subject to the Security of Information
Act. They must also honour their commitments to other Ministers and
colleagues. When talking or writing about their experience in government, former
Ministers must consult their former department's Access to Information Office
to ensure that they do not disclose matters that remain confidential. Any
questions should be addressed to the Clerk of the Privy Council.
Annex E - Dealings with Quasi-Judicial Tribunals
Basic Principle
Ministers shall not intervene, or appear to intervene, on behalf of any
person or entity, with federal quasi-judicial tribunals on any matter before
them that requires a decision in their quasi-judicial capacity, unless otherwise
authorized by law.
Dealings with Quasi-Judicial Tribunals within the Portfolio
Ministers need to be in contact with agencies in their portfolio on a broad
range of administrative, policy and regulatory matters when authorized to do so
by legislation. For instance, the Minister may communicate with the chair of a
tribunal on its budget.
Ministers and their deputies should work with the agencies in their portfolio
to clarify mutually agreed limits on the information that may flow to and from
each agency and the appropriate procedures for communication.
The Minister's office can expect requests for assistance from other
Ministers on behalf of their constituents. Where such an intervention with an
agency is not appropriate because the request concerns a quasi-judicial case,
the Minister's office should indicate that an intervention is not possible by
any Minister and suggest that the constituent deal directly with that agency.
Dealings with Quasi-Judicial Tribunals on Behalf of Constituents
There are limitations on the ability of a Minister to act on behalf of
constituents as far as quasi-judicial bodies are concerned.
Ministers and their staff cannot intervene on behalf of any person or entity
with a federal quasi-judicial agency on any matter before it that requires a
decision in its quasi-judicial capacity.
By convention, a Minister should not speak about or otherwise become involved
in a colleague's portfolio without first consulting the colleague and gaining
his or her approval. The practice has evolved whereby Ministers and their
offices do not deal directly with public servants, but go through the office of
the responsible Minister.
However, Ministers and their staff may seek information on the status of a
matter. Further, several departments have set out specific instructions on how
Ministers' offices, usually in the constituency, can deal with inquiries
regarding such matters as disability benefits, employment insurance, old age
security, or citizenship and immigration.
Annex F - The Ministry and Crown Corporations Guidelines
The Minister who is the appropriate Minister for a Crown corporation must
have dealings with the corporation on a variety of matters. While the precise
responsibilities of a Minister with respect to a particular Crown corporation
may vary with the governing statute, the Minister is in all cases ultimately
accountable to Parliament for the overall effectiveness of the Crown
corporation. Accordingly, the Minister has direct responsibility for such broad
orientations as framework legislation and recommendation of appointments, as
applicable; for review and approval of corporate plans; for assessing the
ongoing relevance of the corporation's mandate and its effectiveness as a
policy instrument; for providing broad policy direction to the corporation; and
for dealing with appropriations and recommending these to Cabinet. These
guidelines do not affect such dealings.
However, the Minister does not become involved in day-to-day operations of a
Crown corporation, nor does his or her staff. Because of the wide range of
activities carried out by individual Crown corporations, the appropriate role of
the Minister must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The following guidelines will assist Ministers in fulfilling their
representative duties, while preserving the managerial autonomy of Crown
corporations within their portfolio.
- No Minister should personally promote the private interests of any
individual, corporation or non-governmental organization, including a
constituent, with any Crown corporation.
- It is always appropriate for a Minister to raise the concerns of a
constituent directly with the Minister responsible for a Crown corporation.
- The staff of a Minister when dealing with constituency matters may,
however, make representations to a Crown corporation.
- The staff of the responsible Minister, because of their special
responsibilities in support of their Minister, may not make representations, on
behalf of a constituent, to any Crown corporation that falls within their
Minister's portfolio of responsibilities.
- It is recommended that the office of the Minister responsible for a Crown
corporation establish a procedure, in cooperation with the corporation, to
enable the Minister's office to pass on as a referral, for the corporation's
appropriate action, representations or inquiries that the Minister or his or her
office receives from parliamentarians, other Ministers or their offices, the
Minister's own constituents or, more generally, the public. The Office of the
Ethics Commissioner will work with Ministe's offices and Crown corporations
in establishing these procedures.
- More broadly, these guidelines do not prevent any Minister or his or her
political staff from social contact with the officers and staff of Crown
corporations, nor from participating in briefing sessions initiated by the
corporation.
- Details may be found in Responsibility in the Constitution, Privy
Council Office, 1993.
- See Chapter VI, section 1 regarding exempt staff.
- See Annex B, section 5 regarding Orders in Council.
- See Annex A, section 3 for a definition of Governor in Council.
- See Chapter 1 and Annex A for more information about responsible
government.
- See Notes on the Responsibilities of Public Servants in Relation to
Parliamentary Committees, available from the Privy Council Office.
- Available from the Ethics Commissioner, deputy ministers or the Privy
Council Office.
- See Annex E for additional information on dealings with
quasi-judicial tribunals.
- See Annex F for additional guidance on Crown corporations.
- Annex D provides a detailed description of the four categories of
documents.
- This institution differs from the Privy Council Office, which is a
department in the Public Service.
- See Cabinet Directive on Law Making, available from the Privy
Council Office.
- For more details, see Robert Marleau and Camille Montpetit, House
of Commons Procedure and Practice, House of Commons, Ottawa, 2000, chap. 18.
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