Evidence of meeting #57 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was investigations.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Director, Corporate Management, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
For next year, we have our strategic plan. We really want to improve customer service. When it comes to our website, we want to update the information. The rest of it really has more to do with internal operations. We are trying to figure out how we can do more with less. I must say that, with our current budget, we don't have a lot of flexibility. We have to distribute the budget. We establish our strategic plan and carry out our projects over a three-year period.
Liberal
Emmanuel Dubourg Liberal Bourassa, QC
Thank you.
I have one last question, Ms. Dawson.
As you have been in this position since the very beginning, the transition—when it does take place—will be the first one.
What would you recommend to your successor?
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
I don't know. I think I am doing a pretty good job, and I think that the work will continue to be well done. I have a very good team.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
I have made many decisions. We record each of them, so we have accumulated plenty of precedents.
Every individual will have new ideas, I assume, but I cannot know what they will be.
Liberal
Emmanuel Dubourg Liberal Bourassa, QC
You led all those investigations or all those requests.
Do you think the team's procedures are well implanted, so that future decisions will be similar? Will they be in line with your philosophy?
The office is steeped in your way of doing things. Do you think that way of doing things will continue with the next person?
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
I hope so. I think that I have done a good job.
We have Internet guides. All my annual reports also contain a lot of information on our procedures. I hope that the person who replaces me will learn about that. That is all I can tell you.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Blaine Calkins
Thank you, Mr. Dubourg.
We now move to Mr. Kelly for up to five minutes.
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'll continue somewhat in the same vein as Monsieur Dubourg and ask about the experience with the short-term renewals that have occurred. I heard in your answer to Mr. Jeneroux's question that you would very much like to see the work through if you can. It sounded like you weren't shutting the door to further extensions, but it may well be the last time we have you here at committee. Perhaps you could comment on the process of the short-term renewals and whether or not your office ought to perhaps have a longer one-time term. Would that be a way to deal with questions about renewal and handing off current files to a new person?
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
My first appointment was for seven years. That was a good length. Then I was reappointed for two, and then there was a new system instituted for appointments. I can make a few comments about the new system, I suppose.
I find the requirement for the incumbent to apply a bit unusual. I think it's unfortunate, because it's always up to the government to decide whether they want to retain the person or whether they are fed up with them and want to look for a new person. There's nothing to stop searches going on a little in advance of the termination of the time. So I think it's unnecessary to require an application from the incumbent. It's an awkward situation.
With respect to the interim appointments, I think they're necessary because sometimes they simply need a bit of time. But I think it's unfortunate when there's a series of them, which raises a bunch of questions from people about legitimacy and whatnot. I'm sorry that it has taken this long for the system to get ironed out, because there are a number of cases where interim appointments are being made. I think they do raise questions because the interim appointment is at pleasure, as opposed to being for a specific term where you have to be removed by Parliament.
Are those the kinds of comments you're looking for?
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Yes, and I guess the concern might be the appearance of a conflict of interest around when the applicant is asked to apply, and when you're in the midst of an investigation.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
Yes, but you know when you consider it, anybody who is an interim appointment, whether it's me or some new person, is still an interim appointment under the same uncertainty. Interim appointments aren't great, but I recognize that they need to be made sometimes.
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Indeed. You're not concerned that the process itself also interferes with your budget planning if the new appointee eventually is picked, and that in the process of getting up to speed and perhaps being able to fill your place, there might be an issue around resources?
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
I don't think there's a budgetary issue there at all. I think the systems are in good shape and the budget is there, but every transition is a period of some confusion and getting used to people. When I came in, it took me a year or two to get the office in the shape I thought it should be in, but I think it's in much better shape now. I don't think there's a real problem.
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
I'm pleased to hear that. The new appointee may want to do things their own way, too.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
Who knows?
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
I certainly hope that we will end up with a smooth transition and that you will be able to have an opportunity to complete the work that's under way and not be put in a position where there's an awkward transition, especially with the current investigation.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
Well, I've said that I'd be willing to help in any way I can.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Blaine Calkins
You have about 10 seconds. I think we're good.
I'll now move to Mr. Saini for five minutes, please.
Liberal
Raj Saini Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON
Good afternoon, Ms. Dawson. Thank you very much for coming to this committee. Your comments are always well taken.
I have a few questions. I want to go back to your earlier point about the $600,000 surplus you had. I see that the internal services component of your budget has gone down by $300,000, or close to that. Can you just explain where the difference is compared to last year?
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
Which services?
Liberal
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner
The budget for that has gone down.