Week 5 Readings

Question 1

PM’s power enhanced by what two institutions?

Answer 1

1. Prime Minister’s Office
2. Privy Council Office

Question 2

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

Answer 2

• PMO staff in each Cabinet minister’s office
• PMO directs the political staffs of the ministers on all matters of priority to the PM
• Intense micro-management and political control over public policy issues, administration, communication

Question 3

Privy Council Office (PCO)

Answer 3

• provides logistical support: organizes meetings, prepares agendas, writes and distributes background material, talking and circulating minutes, communicates Cabnet decisions
• coordination of government policy
• head of PCO is Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet: meets daily with PM to review problems and render nonpartisan advice.

Question 4

Office of the Auditor General

Answer 4

• checks on PM’s power to control information about financial and administration practices and behaviour
• audits and reports to the House of Commons of financial accounts of the government as well as the financial and management practices
• only has the power to publish and publicize audits and reviws (can’t make demands for change)

Question 5

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)

Answer 5

• 1920 reform in the election administration
• has the authority to administer elections
• independent of government, CEO is appointed by resolution from the House of Commons
• heads Elections Canada