Mr. Chair, as Mr. Blaney said, the President of the Treasury Board, Mr. Brison, announced a new government communications policy on May 12. If I’m not mistaken, this one replaces the old policy from 2006. The policy includes some key elements such as a definition of non-partisan activities.
The oversight of advertising is being undertaken on an interim basis by Advertising Standards Canada. In addition, that will be supported by a review by the Auditor General in regard to that oversight of advertising.
The policy also confirmed that deputy heads are responsible for approving public opinion research and that the government intends to move ahead on its mandate commitment in regard to engaging parliamentarians on the oversight of advertising.