Government Operations and Estimates

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss supplementary spending requests from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Shared Services Canada (SSC), as well as the government's Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). PSPC requested additional funds for advertising, pension services, defense procurement reform, and the public lands for homes plan. SSC sought more money for cybersecurity and increased demand for digital services, particularly from the Department of National Defence. Witnesses from public sector unions expressed concerns about the impact of the CER on public services, including potential cuts to frontline services and loss of expertise. Arianne Reza, Deputy Minister at PSPC, detailed the department's funding requests and efforts to streamline processes. Scott Jones, President of SSC, outlined the department's role in digital modernization and cybersecurity. Gregory Harlow, President of the Association of Justice Counsel, raised concerns about cuts to the Bureau of Pensions Advocates, which represents veterans. Sean O'Reilly, President of The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), warned about the risks of cutting expertise in areas like food inspection and rail safety. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the rationale for the spending requests and the potential impact of the CER. Some members expressed concern about the government's reliance on external consultants and the lack of consultation with unions. The committee voted on the supplementary estimates, with most votes passing on division, indicating disagreement among committee members. The committee agreed to reschedule a witness from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) due to technical difficulties.

The Government Operations and Estimates Committee met to discuss the impact of budget cuts on Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The main focus was on the Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA), which helps veterans appeal decisions about their benefits. Toufic El-Daher, National President of the Union of Veterans' Affairs Employees, testified that the BPA is facing a significant workforce reduction due to the end of temporary funding, which will negatively affect services for veterans. He emphasized that the demand for veterans' services is increasing, and cutting funding would be counterproductive. He requested that the committee help get $9.5 million in funding to extend the contracts of term employees. Committee members expressed concerns about the potential impact on veterans, including longer wait times and reduced access to justice. Some members questioned whether the cuts were consistent with the government's commitment to supporting veterans. Mr. El-Daher stated that the cuts would result in veterans waiting three to five years for their cases to be heard. He also noted that senior management at Veterans Affairs Canada did not submit a request to Treasury Board to extend contracts, despite the growing backlog of cases. Liberal committee members highlighted investments in Veterans Affairs Canada and questioned whether the cuts would affect programs and services. Mr. El-Daher acknowledged that programs and services would remain the same, but there would be fewer employees to help veterans, resulting in longer wait times. The committee also heard from Treasury Board officials regarding the comprehensive expenditure review and its impact on government departments. They stated that the goal was to reduce spending in some areas to invest more in others, and that departments were instructed to minimize the impact on services to Canadians. Treasury Board officials stated that departments were given criteria to follow when making cuts, including avoiding impacts on service delivery, health, safety, or legal obligations. They also mentioned that the government is aiming to reduce the size of the public service through attrition and voluntary departures. Committee members raised concerns about the potential impact of the cuts on rural areas, young people, and institutional knowledge. Treasury Board officials stated that they were taking steps to preserve youth and diversity in the workforce, as well as to maintain institutional knowledge through information management. Ultimately, the committee voted on a motion to recommend Jason Jacques as the permanent Parliamentary Budget Officer for a full seven-year term. The motion passed with a vote of 5 to 4.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss supplementary budget estimates and a review of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). Jason Jacques, the Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer, presented a report on supplementary estimates, which outlined $4 billion in new budgetary spending. He also discussed an OECD review that ranked the PBO as a top institution and provided recommendations for improvement. Committee members questioned Jacques about the OECD's recommendations, particularly regarding parliamentary involvement in interim PBO appointments. Jacques agreed with the OECD's suggestion that legislative changes could improve the stability and perception of impartiality in the PBO. Members also discussed concerns about transparency in government spending, specifically regarding frozen allotments and a $1 billion loan to Canada Post. Some committee members expressed worry that the government was not providing enough detail on how funds would be spent, especially in areas like defense. The committee also heard from Scherie Nicol from the OECD, who presented the findings of their review of the PBO. Nicol highlighted the PBO's strengths and areas for improvement, including leadership appointments, access to information, and communication strategies. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the PBO's independence and ensuring its continued effectiveness in a complex fiscal environment. The committee agreed to request the new PBO follow up on a request regarding defense spending.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) held a meeting to discuss Canada Post's financial situation and transformation plans. Carrie Chisholm, Vice-President of Product Management and Customer Experience at Canada Post, presented information about the proposed changes to letter mail pricing and the need for additional government funding. Committee members questioned Chisholm about the impact of these changes on rural post offices, services for blind Canadians and libraries, and the overall sustainability of Canada Post. The committee also discussed the absence of Minister Lightbound to discuss supplementary estimates, with some members expressing disappointment and concern. Carrie Chisholm explained that Canada Post has been facing significant financial challenges due to declining letter mail volumes and increasing delivery costs. She highlighted the need for greater flexibility in letter mail pricing to align with modern needs and reduce reliance on taxpayer support. Chisholm also reassured the committee that Canada Post is committed to maintaining preferential rates for blind Canadians and libraries, regardless of proposed law changes. She emphasized the importance of consultations with municipalities and communities before implementing any changes to rural post offices or services. Committee members raised concerns about the potential closure of rural post offices and the impact on essential services for remote communities. Chisholm stated that Canada Post's transformation plan includes modernization of post offices to better reflect where Canadians live and shop, with a focus on prioritizing and protecting access to vital services in rural areas. She also mentioned the importance of the delivery accommodation program for people with reduced mobility and seniors. Members also questioned the timeline for implementing the transformation plan and the reasons for delays in government approval. The committee also discussed the Kaplan report, which described Canada Post as being in an "existential crisis" and "effectively insolvent." Members questioned Chisholm about the repayment of government loans and the measures being taken to ensure the financial sustainability of Canada Post. Chisholm stated that Canada Post is working closely with the government to implement a transformation plan that will address the corporation's financial challenges and reduce reliance on taxpayer funding. The committee requested that Canada Post provide additional information on the loan agreement and the details of the transformation plan. Ultimately, the committee expressed concerns about the absence of Minister Lightbound to discuss supplementary estimates, with some members expressing disappointment and concern. It was clarified that the Minister was on paternity leave. The committee agreed to reach out to the minister to see if a virtual option was available to engage with the committee.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss parts of a proposed law related to the budget. The main topics were "regulatory sandboxes" and early retirement options for public servants. Regulatory sandboxes let the government test new rules for innovation before making them permanent. The early retirement plan would allow some public servants, like firefighters and border officers, to retire earlier with their full pension. The President of the Treasury Board, Shafqat Ali, explained the details of the proposed law. He said regulatory sandboxes could help Canada keep up with innovation and that the early retirement plan would help reduce the size of the public service without hurting employees. Other speakers included committee members Stephanie Kusie, who questioned the cost savings, and Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, who raised concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest with the regulatory sandboxes. Committee members discussed how the early retirement plan would work and how many public servants might take it. They also talked about how regulatory sandboxes would be used and what safeguards would be in place to protect the public interest. Some committee members expressed concerns about the lack of detail and potential for misuse of the regulatory sandboxes. The committee also discussed the process for submitting recommendations and amendments to the proposed law to the finance committee. The committee agreed on timelines for submitting recommendations on the proposed law. Analysts will provide a summary of evidence and recommendations, and members will submit their proposed recommendations to the clerk. The committee also heard from legislative experts about how to propose amendments to the proposed law at the finance committee.

The Canadian parliamentary committee met to discuss proposed changes to how the government buys things and how Canada Post works. Minister Lightbound explained that the proposed law, C-15, would help modernize government operations, support Canadian workers and businesses, and make important investments for the future. A key part of the discussion was about giving Canada Post more freedom to set postage rates, which they hope will make the postal service more financially stable. The committee also discussed how the government plans to buy more goods and services from Canadian companies. Committee members questioned Minister Lightbound about loans to Canada Post and the timeline for approving Canada Post's plan to improve its operations. Some members were concerned about whether the proposed changes would affect services for libraries and people who are blind. Minister Lightbound assured them that these services would not be impacted. There was also discussion about making sure small and medium-sized businesses benefit from government programs and contracts. The committee also heard from Secretary of State Fuhr and Mr. Guzman about the new Defence Investment Agency, which aims to make buying military equipment faster and more efficient. Mr. Guzman, the CEO of the agency, talked about his background in finance and how he plans to use his experience to improve the procurement process. Committee members asked about how the agency will work with other departments and whether it will prioritize Canadian companies when making purchases. Members raised concerns about the selection process of the CEO, potential conflicts of interest, and the due diligence process for awarding contracts. Secretary Fuhr explained that the agency is working to involve small and medium-sized businesses in the defence industry and to make sure Canadian companies benefit from government spending. The committee also discussed how the agency will work with international allies to buy equipment and support the Canadian defence industry. Overall, the meeting covered a range of topics related to government spending, procurement, and the operations of Canada Post and the Defence Investment Agency. Committee members raised important questions about accountability, transparency, and making sure that government programs benefit Canadians and Canadian businesses.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss access to information and the role of the Information Commissioner. Commissioner Caroline Maynard spoke about her role in overseeing the federal access to information system, emphasizing its importance for transparency and accountability. She highlighted the need to protect the public's right to know, especially with government spending reviews and the spread of misinformation. Maynard also discussed the impact of a legislative amendment that gave her office the power to order institutions to comply with the Access to Information Act, noting that it has been used sparingly but effectively. She expressed concern about any measures that would weaken this power. Committee members questioned Maynard on various issues, including the deletion of electronic messages by government employees, the management of information, and the efficiency of the access to information process. Some members expressed concern about a policy allowing deletion of in-house chat posts within 15 days, fearing it could hinder transparency. Maynard acknowledged the importance of proper information management and the need for clear guidelines for employees. She also mentioned that her office has referred cases of intentional deletion of documents to the Attorney General. Maynard addressed questions about the ArriveCAN investigation, noting its complexity and ongoing nature. She also discussed the use of artificial intelligence in managing information and the need for a cultural shift towards greater openness within government. Several committee members raised concerns about delays in accessing information from the Privy Council Office and the potential for restrictions on citizens' rights to access information. The committee discussed the balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive information, particularly in the context of national security.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss proposed changes to regulations and early retirement options for public servants. The first part of the meeting focused on proposed law C-15, which would allow ministers to create "regulatory sandboxes." These sandboxes would let companies test new products or services with temporary exemptions from existing rules. Jenelle Power and Brennen Young from the Treasury Board explained that this would help regulators adapt to new technologies while protecting public safety. Committee members raised concerns about transparency and whether these sandboxes could be used to bypass important regulations. The second part of the meeting involved hearing from Sharon DeSousa and Liam McCarthy from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). They discussed the proposed early retirement incentive (ERI) for public servants and changes to pension rules for public safety workers. PSAC expressed concerns about potential job losses and the impact on public services. They also worried that the ERI might not be as good for workers as existing agreements. Committee members questioned how these changes would affect frontline services and whether there had been enough consultation with unions. Committee members voiced concerns about the lack of a clear definition of "public interest" in the proposed law, and how ministers would make decisions about exemptions. There were also questions about the potential for conflicts of interest. PSAC representatives highlighted the importance of consulting with workers and stakeholders before making changes to public services. They also shared concerns about the impact of job cuts on morale and service delivery. The committee plans to continue studying the proposed law C-15 and will also discuss ethical and transparency issues related to it at a future meeting. They will also hear from other witnesses, including the Information Commissioner of Canada, the President of the Treasury Board, and representatives from Canada Post. Committee members agreed to submit names for witnesses related to ethical concerns by February 5th.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss the Parliamentary Budget Officer's (PBO) recent analysis of the government's spending plans and fiscal outlook. The PBO, Jason Jacques, presented findings on reports related to Budget 2025, including an assessment of planned spending reductions and the $1 trillion investment commitment. Jacques also provided an administrative update, mentioning an upcoming OECD review of the PBO and a new policy on report revisions. He reiterated concerns about the government's debt-to-GDP fiscal anchor and definition of "capital". Committee members questioned Jacques and his team about the $1 trillion investment figure, with Conservative members expressing skepticism about how much of it was truly new investment. They also questioned the government's definition of capital investment, particularly the inclusion of corporate income tax credits. Liberal members defended the government's approach, citing the IMF's positive assessment of the Canadian economy and the importance of infrastructure investments. The Bloc Québécois raised concerns about the vagueness of the $1 trillion investment plan and its potential impact on voters' trust. The committee discussed the government's comprehensive expenditure review (CER) and its impact on service levels. There was debate about whether the government was being transparent about the cuts, with some members expressing concern that departments were not providing enough information to the PBO. The committee agreed to invite the President of the Treasury Board and the Red Tape Reduction Office to a future meeting to discuss the CER and related issues. Ultimately, the committee agreed to have the PBO provide quarterly updates on the government's progress and execution of its savings plans. They also requested the PBO to publish a report with all non-confidential information related to the government's savings plans. A motion was put forward to study clauses of proposed law C-15 and invite various ministers and organizations to speak on the matter, which was agreed to by the committee.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss the future of Canada Post. Doug Ettinger, the President and CEO, along with Alexandre Brisson and Rindala El-Hage, explained Canada Post's proposed transformation plan to modernize the postal service and return it to financial stability. The plan includes increasing community mailboxes, modernizing post offices, and updating service standards for letter mail. They emphasized protecting postal services in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Ettinger stated that Canada Post is working to finalize agreements with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and cannot disclose details until finalized. Committee members questioned Ettinger about the details of the plan, its impact on rural communities, and the timeline for government approval. Kelly Block asked about the status of a $1 billion loan and whether additional funding would be needed. Jenna Sudds inquired about the relevance of Canada Post's mandate in the digital age and how it plans to maintain services in remote communities. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau raised concerns about potential post office closures in Quebec and the impact on local communities. Ettinger responded that the plan aims to balance modernization with maintaining essential services. He stated that Canada Post will consult with municipalities and unions on changes and that the company is working to reduce its workforce primarily through attrition. He also mentioned that the plan aims for Canada Post to break even by 2030. Several committee members voiced concerns about the impact of the proposed changes on rural communities and vulnerable populations. The committee also discussed the possibility of privatization, which Mr. Ettinger denied. He stated that the plan is to adjust to the needs of today's consumers and customers, and that Canada Post is trying to become a preferred provider to Canadian business and small business. The committee adjourned to resume in January.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss a contract with Stellantis, a car company, and why some parts of the contract were hidden from the public. The main person speaking was Philip Jennings, a Deputy Minister from the Department of Industry. Committee members wanted to know why his story about who wanted to hide parts of the contract changed. They felt he wasn't being honest and was protecting Stellantis more than being open with the government. Mr. Jennings said he made a mistake and didn't mean to mislead anyone. He explained that his department tried to balance sharing information with the committee and protecting Stellantis's private business details. He said his department thought Stellantis wanted some things hidden, so they hid them first to save time. But committee members were not happy with this explanation. They thought the department should have been more open from the start. Some committee members brought up a legal opinion that said Parliament has the right to see any documents, even if they are supposed to be secret. They voted to make the hidden parts of the contract public. The committee also talked about the contract's job guarantees and whether they were normal for these types of deals. Mr. Jennings confirmed that job guarantees are typical and that the government can take action if companies don't meet their promises. During the meeting, a motion was put forward to release the redacted version of the Stellantis contract to the public. After some debate, the motion passed with a vote of 8 in favor and 0 against. This means that the version of the contract with certain information blacked out will now be made available for public viewing. The committee will meet again to discuss Canada Post, but the meeting with the president of Canada Post will still occur on Thursday even if the House is not in session.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss a few key issues. First, they examined the government's response to a request for documents related to contracts with Stellantis, a major auto company. Teresa Piruzza, a director at Stellantis, answered questions about why some parts of the contract were kept secret and whether Stellantis was meeting its promises to Canada. Committee members questioned Piruzza on conflicting testimony from previous witnesses, and whether Stellantis was prioritizing American investments over Canadian jobs. The committee also discussed whether Stellantis was in breach of contract, with some members suggesting the government should take legal action. Later, the committee shifted focus to the supplementary budget estimates for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Shared Services Canada (SSC). Michael Hammond from PSPC discussed how the department is working to spend less money while still supporting important government programs. Scott Davis from SSC talked about how his department is helping the government use technology better and save money. The committee questioned the witnesses on topics such as fraud detection, supporting Canadian businesses, and improving internet services in rural areas. During the meeting, committee members raised concerns about potential discrepancies in testimony regarding redactions to the Stellantis contract. A motion was passed to invite officials from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) back to the committee to clarify these issues. Additionally, discussions took place regarding Canada Post's financial situation and the need for a reform plan. The committee also addressed the importance of supporting Canadian suppliers in government procurement projects.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss supplementary budget estimates. A key point of discussion was the absence of two invited witnesses: Mr. Guzman from the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), who was reportedly ill, and Minister Lightbound, who refused to appear without Mr. Guzman. Committee members expressed frustration over the witnesses' failure to appear and the impact on their ability to review the estimates. Some members suggested re-inviting the witnesses and, if necessary, issuing a summons. A motion was put forward to compel the production of documents requested from several departments by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO).

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss supplementary budget estimates for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali presented the proposed spending of $10.8 billion, highlighting investments in dental care, Indigenous support, and defense. He also mentioned plans to reduce operational spending by $13 billion annually by 2028-29 through a comprehensive expenditure review and voluntary early retirement incentives for public servants. Committee members questioned the Treasury Board President and officials on various aspects of the proposed spending and the planned reductions. Conservative MP Pat Kelly questioned Minister Ali about the refusal to provide the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) with information on planned personnel reductions. Minister Ali explained that the details were not finalized and it would be unfair to communicate with the PBO before informing public service employees. This led to a heated exchange, with Kelly accusing the minister of denying information to which the PBO is entitled by law. Other committee members raised concerns about the effectiveness of government spending, the impact of spending cuts on bilingual services and rural communities, and the lack of transparency in government contracts. Liberal MP Vince Gasparro inquired about investments in the RCMP and the coordination of regional economic growth programs. Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau questioned the government's definition of "investment" and the rising costs of public service salaries despite planned job cuts. Conservative MP Jeremy Patzer questioned the Treasury Board President on funding for the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada Post. The committee also discussed the early retirement incentive program for public servants, with members questioning its cost and necessity. The Treasury Board officials clarified that the program aims to allow eligible employees to retire without penalty and is part of the government's plan to reduce the size of the public service through attrition and voluntary departures. The committee agreed to continue its study of the supplementary estimates at future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss contracts between the Canadian government and Stellantis, specifically regarding the Brampton assembly plant. The committee wanted to understand the details of these agreements, especially how taxpayer money is being used and what commitments Stellantis has made regarding jobs and investments in Canada. However, the committee received redacted documents, with the government citing the need to protect commercially sensitive information. Key speakers included Philip Jennings, Deputy Minister of the Department of Industry, and various committee members who questioned the extent and consistency of the redactions. Jennings defended the redactions, stating they were necessary to protect Stellantis's competitive position and that the company agreed with what was removed from the documents. Committee members expressed frustration that Stellantis representatives were unable to attend the meeting due to technical issues.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss the Parliamentary Budget Officer's (PBO) analysis of budget 2025. Jason Jacques, the Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer, along with his team, presented their report, highlighting key issues such as the government's new budgeting framework and fiscal anchors. Mr. Jacques mentioned the PBO is focusing more on serving parliamentarians and less on media engagement. He also noted a plan to reduce the office's budget by 5% and an ongoing OECD review of the office. Committee members questioned Mr. Jacques and his team on various aspects of the budget. Philip Lawrence (Conservative) challenged the likelihood of the government meeting its fiscal promises, while Vince Gasparro (Liberal) questioned the PBO's agreement with the government's plan and the sustainability of the debt-to-GDP ratio. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Bloc Québécois) focused on the definition of "investment" in the budget and sought clarity on how investments are categorized. Kelly Block (Conservative) raised concerns about the government's ability to meet its goals and the transparency of information provided to the PBO. Pauline Rochefort (Liberal) questioned whether the PBO considered the broader global context in its analysis, and Karim Bardeesy (Liberal) inquired about the separation of operating and capital budgets. The committee then debated a motion regarding the process for selecting a permanent Parliamentary Budget Officer. After amendments and votes, the committee agreed to recommend a process involving a subcommittee reviewing a shortlist of candidates and seeking unanimous agreement on a nominee. Ultimately, the committee voted to recommend that the Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Office submit a shortlist of candidates for the permanent Parliamentary Budget Officer position to the committee's subcommittee for review. The subcommittee would then conduct interviews and seek unanimous agreement on a nominee, reporting their selection to the House of Commons.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss access to documents related to a proposed law with Stellantis, a car company. The committee wanted to understand why some parts of the contracts were being kept secret, or redacted. Michel Bédard, a legal advisor, was there to answer questions about the committee's power to get these documents. Kelly Block, a committee member, asked about the limits to the committee's power to demand documents and what could be done if a department didn't share them. Mr. Bédard explained that the committee has significant power, but if an organization refuses to provide documents, the committee has to report it to the House of Commons. Iqra Khalid introduced a motion to invite representatives from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Stellantis to explain why parts of the contracts were redacted. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau expressed frustration, wanting to ensure taxpayers' money is well-managed and jobs are protected. She questioned how much information the committee would actually get, even with witnesses present. Other committee members discussed the importance of getting all the facts before making decisions and the need to balance transparency with protecting sensitive information. The committee agreed to invite officials from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Stellantis to a meeting on November 25 to discuss the redactions. The committee members will receive the redacted documents beforehand to review.

The Government Operations and Estimates Committee met to discuss the creation and planning of the Defence Investment Agency (DIA). The DIA is a new part of the government that aims to make buying military equipment faster and easier, while also helping Canadian companies. Dominique Blanchard from the Treasury Board Secretariat explained that the DIA will have more power to approve contracts without needing Treasury Board approval, especially for lower-risk projects. However, the Treasury Board will still oversee high-risk projects and make sure the DIA is transparent about its spending. Committee members asked questions about how the DIA will work, how it will decide which projects are high-risk, and how it will support Canadian businesses. Some members were concerned about the high salary of the DIA's new leader, Mr. Guzman, and whether he has the right experience. Ms. McClymont from the Privy Council Office defended the salary, saying it's normal to pay more to attract talented people from outside the government. She also said that Mr. Guzman's background in finance will be helpful for managing large projects. The committee also discussed a request for documents related to Stellantis, a car company. The Department of Industry provided some documents, but they were not complete. The committee's legal advisor, Mr. Bédard, explained that Parliament has the power to demand any documents it needs, even if they are confidential. He suggested that the committee could insist on getting the full documents and take steps to protect any sensitive information. The committee agreed to continue discussing the Stellantis documents and the role of the DIA at a future meeting. They also talked about a letter from the RCMP and whether to ask them for more information. The meeting ended with some disagreement about how the committee should work together and share information.