MPs to question federal budget watchdog nominee as role remains unfilled

The Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer scrutinizes federal spending decisions and helps to cost out campaign proposals during elections.

Ottawa’s nominee for federal fiscal watchdog will face questions from members of Parliament on Monday after a turbulent period for the budget office.

Annette Ryan, a longtime public servant and currently a deputy director at Canada’s financial intelligence agency, Fintrac, was named as cabinet’s pick to be the next parliamentary budget officer earlier this month.

Ryan’s nomination, which must be approved by the House of Commons and Senate, was referred to the parliamentary finance committee, where she’ll testify on Monday afternoon.

The Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer scrutinizes federal spending decisions and helps to cost out campaign proposals during elections.

There’s currently no PBO in place because interim officer Jason Jacques’ six-month term expired at the start of the month with no successor named. The office is unable to publish reports or take on new requests from parliamentarians until someone is named to the role.

Ryan said that, out of respect for the process, she would not sit for an interview ahead of Monday’s committee appearance.

She said in a brief message that she is honoured to be nominated.

“There is nothing more fundamental to parliamentary democracy than the scrutiny of the public taxation and spending choices on behalf of the people,” Ryan said.