Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics

The committee dealt with two items of business. First, it addressed the scheduling of witnesses for a study on the Minister of Finance and National Revenue’s connection to Alto and his claims of recusal. The minister had declined to appear during the week of May 25, as originally ordered by the committee, and proposed June 11 instead. Conservative members expressed disappointment, arguing the delay undermined committee authority and accountability. Liberal members noted the minister had other parliamentary commitments, including a four-hour appearance at committee of the whole. The committee agreed to reschedule both the minister and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner to appear together on June 11.

Second, the committee resumed debate on a motion requiring the Privy Council Office to provide quarterly reports on the application of the Prime Minister’s conflict of interest screen. A subamendment by Mr. Barrett to include instances where the screen was not applied after an assessment was debated. Conservative members argued this was essential for transparency, given the Prime Minister’s conflicts. Liberal members countered that reporting only when the screen is applied is workable and consistent with existing regimes, and that requiring reports on non-application would be unworkable. The subamendment was defeated on a vote of 5 nays to 4 yeas. Debate on the main amendment by Ms. Church remained unresolved.