Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Clause 468 of the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act will repeal section 1.1 of the Salaries Act, which provides for the establishment of the Public Appointments Commission, including its mandate and appointment provisions for the commissioners.
In 2006, authority to constitute the Public Appointments Commission was added to the Federal Accountability Act to take action on the commitment made by the government to increase the rigour and transparency of the Governor in Council appointments process.
Over the past five years, the government has significantly improved the rigour and transparency of the Governor in Council appointments process, particularly with respect to full-time and leadership positions. Dissolution of the commission and its secretariat would generate savings of approximately $1.1 million under the fiscal framework during this period of fiscal restraint.
Given the progress the government has made in improving and strengthening the appointments system, it was determined that a separate body to review appointment processes was not the best use of public funds at a time when savings are being sought across the public sector.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.