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A unique insider's account of the Harper government so damning that it cannot be ignored. Kevin Page was appointed by the federal Conservatives to be the country's first parliamentary budget officer in March 2008. The move fulfilled a Tory campaign promise to deliver greater government transparency and accountability. He was later denounced by the same people who had appointed him to scrutinize their spending. When he challenged the government on several issues--most notably about the true costs of the F-35 fighter planes--and publicly claimed the government was misleading Canadians, Page was vilified. Later, he was called "unbelievable, unreliable and incredible" by then-Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. Page's term was not extended. Page's assessment of the F-35 procurement was proven right, a major embarrassment to the Harper government. But his overriding concern is that Parliament does not get the information and analysis it needs to hold the executive--the prime minister and cabinet--to account. Parliament, he argues, is broken, with power centralized in the PMO. The civil service appears cowed, and members of parliament almost never see enough financial analysis to support the policy decisions they make. That was true of the tough-on-crime legislation and military procurement as well as recent changes to the Canada Health Transfer and Old Age Security. In this shocking insider's account, Page argues forcefully that elected officials need accurate, independently verified data to support the implementation of policies and programs. Unaccountable is an urgent call to action for all Canadians.… (más)
Canada's Conservative government came into power in 2006 in the wake of a Liberal government spending scandal. The new government promised better accountability, as as part of that promise, established a Parliamentary Budget Officer responsible for ensuring all parliamentarians had reliable financial information on government policies and programs. This is the story of Canada's first PBO, Kevin Page.
Mr. Page explains how the office was established and how it did its work. He details the challenges he faced as the government now in power was less keen on facing the kinds of checks and balances it demanded when in opposition. This is a thoughtful work, looking at implications of the current state of Canadian government on the public service and on broader accountability to citizens in a democracy. Well worth reading if you are interested in Canadian politics or in public sector management more broadly.
I think he may have been a bit hard on the public servants who are working in a challenging environment. However, I congratulate Mr. Page on his honesty and the ongoing concern he displays for Canada's future governance. ( )
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
I dedicate this book to my wife, Julia. Her love and personal courage during the most difficult times that any parent could ever have to endure were, and still remain, an inspiration to me. I love you. // I dedicate this book to my children, Jesse and Chelsey, two wonderful people who make their parents so very proud. // I dedicate this book to every member of my family, as well as to my extended family of friends. In these relationships I continue to find great strength and purpose. // And lastly, and very specifically, I dedicate this book to my late son, Tyler. I owe him for giving me the courage to try. In the struggle, I foundnew meaning.
Primeras palabras
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
It was early on the afternoon of May 3, 2012, when I walked into a meeting room on Parliament Hill to confer with members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Citas
Últimas palabras
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
And most importantly, I am especially grateful to my wonderful staff that set a high bar for every public service employee in the country through their efforts at the PBO.
A unique insider's account of the Harper government so damning that it cannot be ignored. Kevin Page was appointed by the federal Conservatives to be the country's first parliamentary budget officer in March 2008. The move fulfilled a Tory campaign promise to deliver greater government transparency and accountability. He was later denounced by the same people who had appointed him to scrutinize their spending. When he challenged the government on several issues--most notably about the true costs of the F-35 fighter planes--and publicly claimed the government was misleading Canadians, Page was vilified. Later, he was called "unbelievable, unreliable and incredible" by then-Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. Page's term was not extended. Page's assessment of the F-35 procurement was proven right, a major embarrassment to the Harper government. But his overriding concern is that Parliament does not get the information and analysis it needs to hold the executive--the prime minister and cabinet--to account. Parliament, he argues, is broken, with power centralized in the PMO. The civil service appears cowed, and members of parliament almost never see enough financial analysis to support the policy decisions they make. That was true of the tough-on-crime legislation and military procurement as well as recent changes to the Canada Health Transfer and Old Age Security. In this shocking insider's account, Page argues forcefully that elected officials need accurate, independently verified data to support the implementation of policies and programs. Unaccountable is an urgent call to action for all Canadians.
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(4.5)
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Mr. Page explains how the office was established and how it did its work. He details the challenges he faced as the government now in power was less keen on facing the kinds of checks and balances it demanded when in opposition. This is a thoughtful work, looking at implications of the current state of Canadian government on the public service and on broader accountability to citizens in a democracy. Well worth reading if you are interested in Canadian politics or in public sector management more broadly.
I think he may have been a bit hard on the public servants who are working in a challenging environment. However, I congratulate Mr. Page on his honesty and the ongoing concern he displays for Canada's future governance. (