Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics

The committee continued debate on a subamendment to a motion concerning the Prime Minister’s conflict of interest screen. The main motion, moved by Michael Barrett, would require the Privy Council Office to provide quarterly reports detailing each time an assessment was undertaken relating to the screen, including summaries, outcomes, and related records. An amendment by Ms. Chagger proposed replacing the detailed reporting requirements with a requirement to share decisions after they are finalized and made public, subject to limitations, and to require PCO to provide updates to the assessment process as necessary. Mr. Barrett’s subamendment sought to add the words “or not applied following an assessment” to the amendment.

Conservative members argued the screen is essential for transparency, noting the Prime Minister holds shares in many companies, and that the screen is administered by officials who report to him. They contended the subamendment would ensure the committee knows when the screen was triggered or not applied, preventing the Prime Minister from being involved in decisions where he has a conflict. Liberal members countered that the amended motion already provides sufficient reporting and that the subamendment creates an unnecessary parallel process. They urged the committee to move on to other studies, such as artificial intelligence and pricing algorithms. The committee did not conclude debate or vote on the subamendment, leaving the matter unresolved.