Updated: 01/13/07
About the Federal Accountability Act:
The Federal Accountability Act is the cornerstone of the Conservative government's promise to clean up government after the political and administrative scandals of the previous Liberal government. The omnibus bill includes a wide range of measures to help make the Canadian federal government more accountable and to increase transparency and oversight in government operations.
Introduction of the Federal Accountability Act:
April 11, 2006
Official Title of the Federal Accountability Act:
An Act providing for conflict of interest rules, restrictions on election financing and measures respecting administrative transparency, oversight and accountability
Minister Responsible for the Federal Accountability Act:
President of the Treasury Board
Status of the Federal Accountability Act:
- The Senate proposed about 150 amendments, 90 of which were eventually accepted.
- The Federal Accountability Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2006.
- Different sections of the Federal Accountability Act will come into force at different times.
Summary of the Federal Accountability Act:
- Political Financing Reform - reform financing of political parties and ban secret donations to political candidates to ensure influence cannot be bought by political donations and to level the playing field for individual contributors
- Expanding the Role of the Ethics Commissioner - create a new Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner to administer a new Conflict of Interest Act. The Commissioner will have a judicial or quasi-judicial background and have powers to fine violators and consider public complaints. The Senate Ethics Officer position remains separate.
- Toughening the Lobbyists Registration Act - establish a new Commissioner of Lobbying with increased investigative and compliance powers to report directly to Parliament, ban contingency fees, and increase penalties for non-compliance
- Creation of Parliamentary Budget Officer - create a position in the Library of Parliament to provide parliamentary committees with to independent analysis on economic and fiscal issues.
- Improving the Federal Appointments Process - create a Public Appointments Commission in the Prime Minister's portfolio to oversee, monitor, and report on the selection process for appointments to federal government agencies
- Improving the Federal Government Procurement Process - ensure the procurement process is free of political interference, that a clear complaints process is in place, and provide more opportunities for small vendors and vendors in all regions of Canada
- Improving Protection for Whistleblowers - expand the mandate of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner and give public-sector whistleblowers financial rewards
- Strengthening the Power of the Auditor General - give the Auditor General the authority to "follow the money," require all funding recipients to keep records and co-operate with the Auditor General, and require federal departments and agencies to review their grants and contributions programs every five years
- Strengthening Auditing and Accounting in Departments - clarify the responsibilities of deputy ministers, create a stronger internal audit capacity in federal government departments, and make fraud involving public funds committed by officials an offence with associated maximum prison terms and automatic dismissal for those convicted
- Creation of the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions - outside the Department of Justice, this office would have the independence to conduct prosecutions of offences under federal jurisdiction, including the new fraud provisions.
The federal government has also produced an accompanying Federal Accountability Action Plan with supporting policy and other non-legislative measures, and a draft bill to amend the Access to Information Act.
Text of the Federal Accountability Act (Royal Assent Version)
