Today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer referred questions to the Federal Court which seek the Court’s guidance as to whether work requested by the Leader of the Official Opposition is within the PBO’s jurisdiction. The work requested asks the PBO to analyze the Government’s Estimates to determine if the savings contemplated are achievable and/or have longer term fiscal implications.
The PBO is hopeful that a decision from the Federal Court will clarify the scope of his mandate, which some have disputed. The PBO is committed to providing the Senate and the House of Commons with analyses on the state of the nation’s finances, the estimates of the government and trends in the national economy to the full extent he is able within his jurisdiction.
