The International Monetary Fund has given high marks to Kevin Page for his work as Canada’s first parliamentary budget officer, but has judiciously avoided taking sides in the office’s ongoing feud with the government.
A review of budget overseers around the world devotes nine pages to Page’s efforts over five years to shine the light on the Canadian process and it notes the toxic responses he got from government ministers.
“Despite the controversy that has often surrounded the PBO (Parliamentary Budget Officer), the office has built up a good reputation, both domestically and internationally, and gain(ed) credibility,” the report states.
The new PBO will face “a number of challenges” continues the report.
In fact, Sonia L’Heureux replacement for Page has complained that numerous federal departments failed to meet the deadline for information on budget cuts despite a court ruling that found her office was entitled to the data.
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